Posted July 03, 2019in Center Stage
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,
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Posted June 04, 2019in Center Stage
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
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Posted May 01, 2019in Center Stage
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
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Posted April 03, 2019in Center Stage
“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
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Posted March 06, 2019in Center Stage
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
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Posted February 06, 2019in Center Stage
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
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Posted January 02, 2019in Center Stage
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
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Posted December 05, 2018in Center Stage
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
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Posted October 31, 2018in Center Stage
“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
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Posted October 03, 2018in Center Stage
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
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