‘Dear Evan Hansen’
The show’s DNA explains its award-winning success. The holidays are behind us, and February continues the ramping up of indoors offerings so Central Iowans can experience the unique thrills of [...]
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Posted February 06, 2019in Center Stage
Posted January 02, 2019in Center Stage
Tallgrass Dream Project showcases Cloris Award-winning talent
Savor the wonderful nuances, modern relevance and lyrical wit imbued in “Ordinary Days” at the Rex Mathes auditorium. Mentioning musical theater to someone often evokes images of lavish costuming, intricate [...]
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Posted December 05, 2018in Center Stage
‘Tis the season
Delicious cultural consumption opportunities While America’s marketing machine ramps up into full force not days or weeks but months before the holiday gift-giving season, regional theatres will offer wonderful escapes [...]
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Posted October 31, 2018in Center Stage
The staying power of a highly caffeinated comedy
“Triple Espresso” is a regular part of central Iowa’s cultural landscape since its original, record-setting run in 2002. Having experienced this laugh-filled show many times, I can’t recall a single [...]
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Posted October 03, 2018in Center Stage
The power of musical theater
Two musicals open in Greater Des Moines with much fanfare. From an English mining town to 1907 Coney Island, two musicals open in Greater Des Moines with much fanfare. The [...]
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Posted September 05, 2018in Center Stage
‘Fun Home’
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 [...]
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Posted August 01, 2018in Center Stage
Celebrating theater, getting ‘Intimate’
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 [...]
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Posted July 04, 2018in Center Stage
A summer of song and dance
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 [...]
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Posted June 06, 2018in Center Stage
Pitch Perfect legacy continues to build
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 [...]
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Posted May 02, 2018in Center Stage
Live performing arts blossom in May
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 [...]
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