Posted March 04, 2026in Center Stage
While climate traditions are being tested, Des Moines Performing Arts assures us that their March theatrical offerings come in roaring like a lion, and continue to roar. Whatever the swings of nature, a marvelous bounty of performing arts awaits cultural consumers. Also, nothing helps dispel the winter blues like pondering
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Posted February 04, 2026in Center Stage
We’re past the January scarcity of performing arts opportunities, finally pushing into a February filled with a variety of alluring options. From a classic murder mystery to a sassy re-interpretation princess musical to Pooh and Oliver. Add an internet-based twist on Jane Austen and the national touring hit, “Kimberly Akimbo,”
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Posted December 31, 2025in Center Stage
Iowa Stage Theatre Company is central Iowa’s successful professional theatre company, an evolving, dynamic amalgam of predecessor companies. That creative DNA has delivered a steady series of top-notch stage works featuring some of the best regional actors. At the ISTC core is the Resident Artists Company (RAC), with auditioning filling
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Posted December 03, 2025in Center Stage
The holiday performing arts options are a bounty on which to feast. Like a cultural Whitman’s Sampler, there is variety and appeal to attract anyone. The diversity this year is enticing from classical like “The Nutcracker,” the Des Moines Symphony and Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, to classics like “A Christmas
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Posted November 05, 2025in Center Stage
Liza Minelli belted the signature song of this musical in the film version of “Cabaret,” and its seductive allure continues to resonate. Michael Howland has accepted the invitation and has been producing a series of themed cabaret shows in central Iowa. Dans and performers alike are packing the house to
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Posted October 01, 2025in Center Stage
A trio of diverse shows anchor the October performing arts scene in central Iowa. From fairy tale endings with many a twist to an introspective juke box musical to a richly textured story of coping with family trauma, the offerings promise rewarding live theatre experiences. For anyone who has aged
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Posted September 03, 2025in Center Stage
As summer slips into fall, central Iowa will be offering two distinctly different, yet delightfully appealing, shows set back in time. The 1920s and the 1940s America are the settings for “Bright Star” while the late 1930s provides the historic backdrop for “Blithe Spirit.” This one-two theatrical punch of a
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Posted August 06, 2025in Center Stage
From the Des Moines Community Playhouse, continually producing work since 1919, to the About Time Theatre Company, just launched this year, participating theatre companies in the Bravo Greater Des Moines footprint gather for a shared celebration of their previous year’s work. The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards reaches
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Posted July 02, 2025in Center Stage
The Des Moines Playhouse has developed a strong tradition of a summer musical, adding a roster of collegiate talent home for the summer to their shows. Their summer musical tradition continues with “Waitress,” the multiple 2016 Tony Award nominee in a year when it was up against a rich pool
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Posted June 04, 2025in Center Stage
Thanks to its strategic development, Des Moines Performing Arts is able to accommodate the needs of Broadway’s biggest national touring shows. “Hamilton” is such a show and returns after its inaugural three-week run in 2018 for an eagerly anticipated two-week run in June. A tradition of being able to
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