Posted April 03, 2024in Center Stage
Oh, those wicked thespians up north. Ankeny Community Theatre embarks on a classic lethal, suspense-laden romp with “Dial M for Murder.” It’s no secret that influences from “across the pond” have saturated America’s fascination with murder mysteries. Blame Britain’s 19th-century Industrial Revolution, which stimulated its passion to read about murder.
Read More →
Posted March 06, 2024in Center Stage
The evolution of Greater Des Moines theatre companies is fascinating. Exploring these unique purveyors of community engagement gives cultural adventurers a greater understanding of the cultural icebergs beneath the surface. One of the longest continually running community theatres in Amerca is the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Surpassing its centennial producing
Read More →
Posted January 31, 2024in Center Stage
February stages come to vibrant life, enticing winter dwellers from their cozy confines. A tantalizing range of shows spans from classic to comedy to musical to children’s theatre as the region’s talent focuses on a bounty of shows to savor. Ballet Des Moines even brings another world premiere to the
Read More →
Posted January 03, 2024in Center Stage
The term “volunteering” does not begin to cover the gamut of opportunities that await the cultural adventurer. Your time and enthusiasm are desired contributions for cultural organizations. Since you are reading this column, you have an interest in the performing arts scene. Perhaps 2024 can bring a new perspective on
Read More →
Posted December 06, 2023in Center Stage
Like a present-laden tree during the holidays, this December is filled with a bounty of performance arts gifts. When we all likely need an escape from the hustle and bustle of our lives, central Iowa’s entertainment producers deliver escapes to delight, engage and thoroughly enjoy. Take advantage of the wealth
Read More →
Posted November 01, 2023in Center Stage
When it comes to storytelling on stage, great antagonists provide the tension and counterpoints for each story’s righteous path. Tallgrass Theatre Company’s inaugural mainstage Seedlings production, “Wicked Queen,” and CAP (Class Acts Productions) Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition,” are two gems sure to delight young audiences — and
Read More →
Posted October 04, 2023in Center Stage
The Des Moines Community Playhouse is a regional leader when it comes to community theatre programming and engagement. While Des Moines Performing Arts leads the way in bringing the best of Broadway and global entertainment to its stages, the Playhouse continues to forge new paths and alliances that benefit Iowans.
Read More →
Posted September 06, 2023in Center Stage
This column has covered the arduous path that Tallgrass Theatre Company has traveled to replant its creative roots into West Des Moines. Forced to move from its original home in the Rex Mathes school and coping with the pandemic, its diligent search for a new performing space was finally rewarded.
Read More →
Posted August 02, 2023in Center Stage
The Cloris Awards celebrate nine years as the catalyst for central Iowa in recognizing the united excellence of community-produced theatre. Through its annual Awards Program, the Cloris Awards unite the Des Moines theatre community and enhance the visibility of local theatre companies and productions. The arts and cultural economic numbers
Read More →
Posted July 05, 2023in Center Stage
Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) has a sterling reputation not only in its home state, but across the nation and within opera communities globally. Their visionary growth strategy has given Iowans unique bragging rights. Their programming is celebrated each year and draws a significant part of its patronage from outside
Read More →
