Posted June 08, 2020in Center Stage
When last we convened, I shared observations from leaders in our theater community. The world of live performing arts was immediately plunged into a foggy realm of uncertainty. Shows were cancelled, then seasons. Audience participation evaporated. The Des Moines Playhouse (Playhouse) was forced to furlough, then lay off, almost its
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Posted April 01, 2020in Center Stage
This month’s column was going to cover the opening of three metro stage shows — “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (DMYAT); “Pippi Longstocking” (DMP-Kate Goldman); and “That Golden Girl Show” (DMPA-Temple). COVID-19 changed those plans, along with the plans of countless businesses, cultural events and personal lives. David
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Posted March 04, 2020in Center Stage
Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire dips his pen into his wickedly witty ink for “Wonder of the World.” The beauty of living in a land of rugged winters is finding the indoor options that beckon to sweep us into compelling stories, rollicking comedies or even interactive experiences. February is filled with plenty
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Posted February 05, 2020in Center Stage
With a show… or two…or more. The beauty of living in a land of rugged winters is finding the indoor options that beckon to sweep us into compelling stories, rollicking comedies or even interactive experiences. February is filled with plenty of options, from national touring productions on the Civic Center
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Posted January 01, 2020in Center Stage
50th anniversary tour visits Des Moines. Anyone who has followed the world of musical theater for any length of time recalls the opening rock guitar riff that signaled a dynamically different spin on the Jesus story. “Jesus Christ Superstar” is celebrating its 50th anniversary, rejuvenating memories of those who have
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Posted December 04, 2019in Center Stage
“The Four Days of xMas” gives one of the metro’s newest venues its holiday christening. A variety of Christmas-themed shows dominate the performance scene in our market this December. The Des Moines Community Playhouse, Ankeny Community Theatre, xBk Live, and Iowa Stage Theatre Company each have a show with “Christmas
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Posted November 06, 2019in Center Stage
Two shows feature the talents of about 60 students. “Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr” and “Seussical Jr.” will be featured productions in the Greater Des Moines theater scene during November, thanks to Class Act Productions (CAP) Community Theatre in Altoona and Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre, respectively. Combined, these two shows
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Posted October 02, 2019in Center Stage
“Mean Girls” provides different twists to the familiar odd fish in an established hierarchal pool storyline. “Mean Girls” soon will spill onto the Des Moines Performing Arts stage like students packing the hallways at final bell. The Civic Center will be filled with a sensory, bombastic assault of music, comedy
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Posted September 04, 2019in Center Stage
September marks the start of Greater Des Moines’ 2019-2020 theater season. A promising array of musicals, comedies, family theater and drama await the cultural consumer. More than a dozen companies will present about 50 productions, beckoning patrons from near and far to join in the unique communal experience that only
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Posted July 31, 2019in Center Stage
The evening will include musical theatre performances, fun and an energetic mix of central Iowa’s lovers of the stage. Late summer of 2014, right when the 2014-2015 local theatre season was starting, a small group of advocates for the local theatre scene gathered. The subject was a community recognition awards
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