Plenty of stage action in April

4/5/2023

Just like how Iowa’s landscape seems to burst with springtime growth, the performing arts scene is bursting with a diverse range of tantalizing offerings in April. From national touring shows at Des Moines Performing Arts, to powerful locally produced shows from Tallgrass Theatre Company, Iowa Stage Theatre Company, Ankeny Community Theatre, and Des Moines Community Theatre, to new festival-format performances at Simpson College and Iowa State University, many evenings can be filled with the benefits and allure of live theatre. Consider this month’s column your invitation to be a cultural adventurer and explore the options awaiting you. 

Public demand produces extended run at Civic Center

“The Lion King” reigns on Broadway’s throne as one of most appealing musical experiences of all time. Rightfully billed as “the show of a lifetime,” the vision of Julie Taymor (director, costume/mask/puppet designer) and Garth Fagan (choreographer), with the rest of their creative team, conjured a sweeping masterpiece of storytelling through musical theatre arts. The accolades support the numbers: “There is simply nothing else like it” (The New York Times). More than 100 million worldwide audience members have seen the show, which has won 70 major theatre awards (including five Tony Awards, and eight Drama Desk Awards). 

“The Lion King” returns to Des Moines through April 16. An audience favorite is Timon, the feisty meerkat who befriends Simba and is pal to Pumba. This role is played by uber-talented Nick Cordileone, who continues his artistic journey, having first been to Des Moines during the 2015 national tour stop. 

When asked about the forced hiatus of live theatre from the pandemic, Cordileone replied, “It brought into sharp focus the privilege of telling that story (“The Lion King”) and telling it to a packed house. It (forced me to) hit reset, and this is something to not be taken for granted. We’re all amped and recharged, returning from the desert of creativity. We found our way back, and it’s great.

“It (“The Lion King” story) is as old as Shakespeare. Usurping the throne, brotherly fratricide, young man coming into his own to reclaim his spot. (The creative team) took that familiar story and took ancient storytelling elements — puppetry, masks, silks, kites, shadow puppets — all of these from every culture that you can imagine, and we’re going to tell this timeless story in a new/old way and see what happens. It was lightning in a bottle, and still is. I’ve been performing this show since 2010, and I still get goosebumps when I hear that opening call.” 

His passion in this show is as fresh as ever and one delightful reason of many to travel to grasslands and wonders of a magical Africa.

Two new festivals to consider

Iowa State University and Simpson College present two theatre events: ISU’s Student Fringe Festival and Simpson’s Festival of Short Plays. In Ames, encouraging and inspiring the students to create their own works within the usually edgy, funny and often stimulating fringe festival format brings a special zest to the creative process. While the public is invited, note that adult language and content will be presented in these shows. 

In Indianola, Simpson’s Festival of Short Plays brings a classic theme this year. This student-run production will focus on 15th-century Italian commedia dell’arte and the later theatre it influenced, with performances presented during a three-day run. 

Under program director’s mindful development, Carl Lindberg at the Ankeny DMACC campus continues their ascension with stronger productions. His programming should be watched, as he has transformed the program into one that guides students on career paths in theatre arts. “No Such Thing” is a world premiere on April 7, with free tickets. 

But wait — there’s more

Adding to the wealth of theatre options this month is Tallgrass Theatre Company, Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre, the Temple Theater, Iowa Stage Theatre Company and Ankeny Community Theatre. “Wonder of the World” (Tallgrass) brings the whimsical wit of playwright David Lindsay-Abaire to vibrant life onstage. “How to Be a Pirate” will delight younger audiences at the Kate Goldman. Des Moines Performing Arts’ Temple Theater welcomes the return of Second City, this time with “Second City Swipes Right.” Iowa Stage, a skilled presenter of powerful drama, delivers “Trouble in Mind,” the brilliant Alice Childress play that focuses on racism and sexism in American theatre. “Marjorie Prime” is Ankeny’s thought-provoking Pulitzer Prize finalist exploration in the age of artificial intelligence. 

April is a month filled with a wide range of shows, and the cultural adventurer will be able to experience a marvelous number of options. Sally forth, indulge and enjoy. 

John Busbee is a creative project developer, critic, playwright, author, producer and media professional. He has produced his weekly show, The Culture Buzz, on KFMG since 2007.