Monday, April 6, 2026

Join our email blast

Posted July 03, 2019in Center Stage

Young performers take center stage in July musicals

Newspaper tycoon Pulitzer versus paperboys in historically based musical The Des Moines Community Playhouse has developed a strong reputation for delivering lavish Broadway musicals. In this centennial year, it will roll out an eagerly anticipated one: “Disney’s Newsies The Broadway Musical.” This smash hit show, based on the 1992 film,

Read More →
Posted June 04, 2019in Center Stage

A tribute to one of our community’s theatrical finest

Theater legend Jeanne Hopson takes her final bow. The adage goes that it’s the “-” connecting a person’s birth and death that counts. Jeanne Marie (Ferris) Hopson’s “dash” was a super microchip filled with enough achievements and contributions to fill several lives. Her passing leaves a vibrant legacy in its

Read More →
Posted May 01, 2019in Center Stage

Theatre Midwest enters central Iowa theater scene

Iowa debut of poignant comedy begins this company’s journey. Written minutes from a women’s social club formed in rural South Dakota in 1934. A family connection to those notes. A writer who sees the theatrical magic to be drawn from those historical pages. Tom Jacobson is the writer, and “The

Read More →
Posted April 03, 2019in Center Stage

‘Hello, Dolly!’

“Bridges” world premiere performer returns to Des Moines to star in multiple Tony Award-winning hit show. The shifting sands of a Broadway touring show will give Des Moines audiences the opportunity to welcome back a performer who was part of the world premiere of the Iowa-centric 2015 musical, “The Bridges

Read More →
Posted March 06, 2019in Center Stage

Pyramid Theatre Company expands, brings in star to headline summer production

A creative and cultural incubator for the region’s top theatrical talent. This columnist believes in the power of importing new ideas, inspiration and collaborators to better build a strong Greater Des Moines community. One group that has exceled in this is Pyramid Theatre Company. Founded by Arkansas native and Drake

Read More →
Posted February 06, 2019in Center Stage

‘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 live theatre arts. Six-time Tony Winner graces Civic Center stage “Dear Evan Hansen” opens Feb. 5 for a week, part

Read More →
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 production numbers filling the stage and rafter-rattling musical numbers. The past few decades have ushered in a counter-appeal to the

Read More →
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 for us to consider. Live performances are sprinkled on the calendar like candy confectionary on sugar cookies, giving us delicious

Read More →
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 scene where cups of caffeinated beverages took center stage. Like its namesake, however, “Triple Espresso” is an experience to be

Read More →
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 Des Moines Community Playhouse christens its new performing hall with an ambitious show, “Billy Elliott The Musical.” Des Moines Performing

Read More →
House - Rack Locations