Posted September 30, 2020in Center Stage
When last we left this fluid situation, the central Iowa theater scene reflected the national and international trends and responses in their art. Each company, with its own unique circumstances, was in seclusion to determine what could be done and when. From Des Moines Performing Arts, a dynamic performing arts
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Posted September 02, 2020in Center Stage
The local theater scene continues to evaluate and evolve, balancing the necessity of safety with the call of the muse to produce performances. Without our traditional focal points in performance arts, the initial shock of what the pandemic has done to life’s routines has been replaced with finding new directions
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Posted August 05, 2020in Center Stage
There has never been anything like the current pandemic’s influence on the live performing arts. Local and regional disasters have stopped theater before, but nothing has had such an insidious and pervasive impact in bringing this multi-billion dollar creative industry to a screeching halt. This pandemic has affected the youngest
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Posted July 01, 2020in Center Stage
The COVID-19 pandemic changed all aspects of our lives as it insidiously swept into every corner the world. The world of live performing arts was immediately plunged into a foggy realm of uncertainty. Shows were canceled, then seasons. Audience participation evaporated. This was a catastrophic blow to live theater. Central
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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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