Posted September 05, 2018in Center Stage
A beguilingly misleading title It’s challenging to find new themes when it comes to creating a Broadway musical. “Fun Home” achieves that status, delivering a breathtaking experience based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic novel, brilliantly adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori. Winner of five 2015 Tony Awards, this new
Read More →
Posted August 01, 2018in Center Stage
Cloris Leachman embraces her namesake awards. Each August, a celebratory event unites the Greater Des Moines theater scene. The final Sunday marks the Greater Des Moines Cloris Leachman Awards for Theatre Excellence, now in its fourth year. Inspired by the pinnacle of theater recognition, the Tony Awards, the Cloris Awards
Read More →
Posted July 04, 2018in Center Stage
Three big musicals rule the stages this season What do a Greek island, a high school and an archaic girls basketball game share? They are the settings for musicals, those magical, out-of-reality performing arts works where actors spontaneously burst into song and dance. Over the next several weeks, beat the
Read More →
Posted June 06, 2018in Center Stage
Des Moines Metro Opera prepares for another stellar summer rep season Perhaps the most difficult ticket to get this summer won’t be for a pop concert or sporting event. It will be to the prime performing nights for the 2018 internationally acclaimed Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) season. Patrons travel
Read More →
Posted May 02, 2018in Center Stage
From enigmatic title to straight forward Broadway belt. The live performance scene in central Iowa has evolved over the last few decades. It has become stronger through this journey. Especially over the last few years, producers are diligent in finding strong material to present, and a strong, diverse pool of
Read More →
Posted April 04, 2018in Center Stage
Second City returns to eager Des Moines fans When it comes to improv comedy and the greatest chain of memorable comedians developed through one program, Second City plays second fiddle to nobody. The collective wit and charisma are music to the ears of most anyone who savors the sweet sounds
Read More →
Posted February 28, 2018in Center Stage
Enhancing Des Moines’ next generations through performing arts opportunities Local youth plays and workshops likely won’t be a fast track to stardom, a short cut to a Tony Award, or the building of an adoring fan base. For the increasing number of youthful participants, however, their reasons for involvement define
Read More →
Posted January 31, 2018in Center Stage
Floatin’ like a butterfly, stingin’ like a bee Theatre cuts a wide swath when it comes to its purpose and effectiveness. Comedies, musicals and dramas expand into areas of history, society and humanity. A performance hall becomes a safe place for new experiences, to learn, then to take an expanded
Read More →
Posted January 03, 2018in Center Stage
Tallgrass Theatre Company produces series A tenacious theatre company continues its steadfast growth, thanks to a solid core of dedicated volunteers, judicious use of resources, and some innovative programming. “Tallgrass Theatre Company was founded in 2002 by me and James Stephenson,” explains Jessie Phillips, the company’s executive director. “Our first
Read More →
Posted December 06, 2017in Center Stage
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” Take a big breath as the Des Moines Playhouse prepares you for a deep dive into Ariel’s world with the “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” This year’s holiday show began its run on Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 23. Based on the beloved tale by Hans
Read More →
