If you’re struggling to find constructive ways to spend your time during this new and exciting year, I would suggest taking a day or two in the winter & spring months to come to catch a show through Des Moines Performing Arts. They run shows throughout downtown Des Moines at the Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater, and Cowles Commons.
“[We get to] present world class performances that anyone can enjoy”
I got to speak with Jonathan Brendemuehl the Communications Manager at Des Moines Performing Arts to get his take on the remaining shows in the 2016-2017 season. We spoke about many things, the responsibilities of his role, which shows he is excited to see again, and how Des Moines Performing arts tackles social media. Out of everything he said, one quote resonated with me the most, “[We get to] present world class performances that anyone can enjoy.” Like how cool is that? It slightly gives me goosebumps because Des Moines is lucky enough to have a team of theater professionals who fight for us to be able to enjoy high caliber theatrical productions; not many cities get to say that.
Getting back into the productions, Des Moines Performing Arts offers many types of shows all year long including, but by no means limited to: the Willis Broadway Series which brings you hit Broadway shows to your own backyard, The Dance Series provides captivating stories told through the precise and clean movements of the human body, and Temple Comedy Series caters to your funny bone by exposing you to side-splitting productions.
The shows remaining in these categories this season are as follows:
Willis Broadway Series:
Mamma Mia! January 17-22, 2017
The tale of a bride-to-be on the search of a lifetime before she gets married.
Sound of Music February 7-12, 2017
The spirited and beloved classic story of the Von Trapp family and their governess, Maria as they navigate life in World War II era Austria.
Fun Home (Tony Award Winning Musical of 2015) April 4-9, 2017
Join Alison Bechdel on her discovery of her sexuality, her relationship with her gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Tony Award Winning Play of 2015) May 16-21, 2017
The play adaption of Simon Stephans’ novel of the same name about a 15 year-old boy who sets out to uncover the mystery behind the murder of his neighbor’s dog that he’s been framed of committing.
An American in Paris July 18-23, 2017
A struggling American Painter in Paris, France is discovered by an influential heiress all whilst he’s having the most peculiar luck with is love life.
An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth February 25, 2017
Join acclaimed actress Kristin Chenoweth as she performs with the Des Moines Symphony numbers from “The Art of Elegance” her first album of American Songbook classics.
Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles March 12, 2017
A musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band.
Jersey Boys March 14-19, 2017
A documentary style jukebox musical that highlights the lifecycle of 1960s rock ‘n roll group The Four Seasons.
The Dance Series:
Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion February 1, 2017
The combined forces of hip-hop, ballet, jazz, African forms, and modern dance are used to explore self-identity in relation to personal history.
Beauty and the Beast Performed March 28, 2017
The dramatic retelling of the fairytale about not judging a book by its cover performed by Malandain Ballet Biarritz.
Ballet Jazz of Montreal April 27, 2017
Come see the most recent rousing drama created by Ballet Jazz of Montreal that’s accompanied by powerful music, mass movements, sensuality, and frenzy.
Temple Comedy Series:
I see You Made an Effort February 21-March 12, 2017
A one-woman show about a birthday girl coming to terms with all that arises when turning a certain age.
One Man Star Wars Trilogy April 4-9, 2017
The comedic retelling of the original Star Wars movies in the same amount of time it would take to just watch one of them.
The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? April 25-May 14, 2017
The international critically acclaimed show about marvel advice about how to keep women happy from five male characters who are all…interesting, to say the least.
Admit it, these sound lit right? If any of these productions caught your eye, then mark your calendar and learn more about where to purchase tickets.