When dreams become realities

Arlene McAtee in Tallgrass Theatre Company’s Dream Project production, “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday.” Photo by Dylan Heuer Photography

April is filled with a bounty of performing arts, from musical artists to family fare to several musicals. Enjoy the allure of cultural adventurism that these Greater Des Moines shows have to offer. 

One of the best traditions in regional theatre welcomes its 11th iteration when Tallgrass Theatre Company presents its Sarah Frank and Jack Balcombe Dream Project. In 2013, Tallgrass was approached by two actors with a dream—to perform Sam Shephard’s “True West” as it had been done on Broadway (with the two lead actors switching roles each night). This inaugural dream featured veteran stage performers Micheal Davenport and Shawn Wilso. In a unique, Broadway-style approach, they switched the lead roles of Lee and Austin on alternating nights. It was a risky proposal that took a lot of work, but Tallgrass’ creative gamble paid off. “True West” was a resounding success, and the Dream Project took firm root. 

Anyone with a vision can apply to have their “dream” show produced by Tallgrass. After reviewing applications and discussing details with applicants, the Tallgrass staff selects one project each year to be produced as part of the following season — in tandem with the “dreamers,” of course. 

Honoring legacy support

Sarah Frank and Jack Balcombe were legendary arts supporters in central Iowa, a constant presence at gallery events, symphony performances, student recitals, indie film projects and, of course, a primary love: theatre. Their passion for the arts was matched by their deep knowledge and insatiable thirst to learn and experience. 

In 2019, the union of The Dream Project with the legacy of Sarah Frank and Jack Balcombe, assuring a strong future for this creative initiative. That year’s Seventh Annual Dream Project was “Other Desert Cities,” and was the last Dream Project performed in Tallgrass Theatre’s original performing hall, the Rex Mathes auditorium. 

“Tallgrass Theatre Company is committed to continuing our Dream Projects as they have proven to push local artists and our audiences to new heights in live theatre,” Artistic Director Thomas Perrine said. “Our Dream Projects bring new artists to Tallgrass Theatre Company, expanding our ‘family’ of artists. Over half of all the artists who have been involved with our Dream Projects were new to Tallgrass when they worked on the production, this includes actors, directors and designers. Historically our Dream Projects have not been big financial successes for Tallgrass. Our Dream Projects have tended to be more edgy theatre, with perhaps a more limited audience appeal. It is the goal of Tallgrass Theatre Company to grow our Dream Projects and attract a wider audience as well as more interest from the theatre community. We believe that with this season’s playwright driven Dream Project our ‘Dream’ is taking a huge step towards our goal.”

The 2026 Dreamer is Arlene McAtee, who will perform the title role in “Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday,” written by the uber-talented Sarah Ruhl. McAtee shared some insight into this show’s appeal. 

“What was it that drew me to this lovely story? I love the ensemble nature of the piece portraying the dynamics of family — particularly a family of older individuals with such a long history together. If you grew up in a larger family as I did, you know that there are events that do indeed define individuals in the family but also create the entire family’s identity. It shows how alike family members can be and how we can be so different at the same time.

“And then there was the way Sarah Ruhl captured the many aspects of aging, growing older and facing (or not) your own mortality and those of the people you love. It is rare to see the lives of the more mature set portrayed with such insight and warmth. Actually, it is rare to see a family of older people in depth at all. Sarah captures all this through the interactions of these brothers and sisters and an ending that explores these themes in a fantastical fashion. When I describe it to others, I find myself using the words beautiful, lovely and touching but not without humor and joy.” ♦

John Busbee produces The Culture Buzz, a weekly arts and culture radio show on www.kfmg.org, covering Iowa’s arts scene with an inclusive sweep of the cultural brush. He received the Iowa Governor’s Arts Award for Collaboration and Partnership in the Arts. He has performed in more than 100 musicals, including many leading roles.