Posted August 04, 2021in Center Stage
Local producers plan for live shows in 2021-2022. With the irrepressible determination of fresh flora emerging from the devastation of a forest fire, the cultural landscape is sprouting new theatrical blossoms. Companies discovered virtual ways to keep producing content to audiences. Some were by Zoom, others more polished. All offered
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Posted June 30, 2021in Center Stage
Broadway shows back to Des Moines. With the exuberance of an oxygen-starved swimmer gulping in a huge breath of air, many of the region’s best musical theatre performers are expanding their lungs to sing to the rafters. Musical theatre takes center stage in July. Musicals have proven to be the
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Posted June 02, 2021in Center Stage
There are sunnier days ahead for the live arts scene. The performing arts landscape has been like an Iowa springtime. Patrons impatiently endure an extended winter of desolation, waiting and waiting. A crocus of a show pops through the snow as one company finds a way to present live theatre.
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Posted May 05, 2021in Center Stage
As the refrain proclaims, “Tra-la! It’s May! The lusty month of May!” (from “Camelot”) promises performances to engage, entertain and inspire. As venues open, led by the Des Moines Playhouse’s “Some Enchanted Evening” through May 9, outdoor theater options abound as invitingly as the bursting of springtime buds. One popular
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Posted March 31, 2021in Center Stage
Performances persist. Creativity will find a way to release, fulfilling the needs of both the creators and the consumers. Central Iowa’s producers have proven to be resolute in their commitment to share new shows and offerings to their patrons. The overall results are that central Iowans can be proud of
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Posted March 03, 2021in Center Stage
This month marks the one-year anniversary of when stages across central Iowa went dark. As local producers mourn the loss, they remain resolved to adapt and find ways to overcome the situation. A key ingredient has been the support from patrons and the government. Each of these sources is a
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Posted February 03, 2021in Center Stage
One truth always seems to emerge from cultural chaos: creativity will find a way to adapt, overcome and continue to engage the public. Central Iowa is showing its mettle during these challenging times, and some wonderful offerings are arising, phoenix-like, from the pandemic fires. The end of COVID-19 is not
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Posted January 06, 2021in Center Stage
One thing that we’ve learned about a pandemic such as this is that this virus has no concept of calendars, seasons, economics or aesthetics. This relentless Covid-19 invasion doesn’t care a whit about booking the next great Broadway show, the intricate interplay of crew, cast and volunteers to create an
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Posted December 02, 2020in Center Stage
Creatives often have to embrace patience. This contradicts their strong “take charge” mindset during the creative process. The patience side of performing artists’ yin-yang is currently being tested. They thrive in the live performance environment. They feed off of audience response, while elevating their performances from that stimulation. Many performers,
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Posted November 04, 2020in Center Stage
Two-hundred-and-nine days. That is how long it has been since the Des Moines Community Playhouse has presented live theater in its mainstage performing hall. It was the last of the local producers to do so. While they created an outdoors experiment with their drive-in theater in the parking lot, theater,
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