Brooke Bridenstine

May is the last full month of spring and it also signals the last big month for theater in Des Moines before a couple of quieter months. All of these productions wrap up on May 17th, so catch them while you can!

Theaters will be packed across Des Moines this month with shows for every kind of audience.

One of the central conflicts in My Name is Asher Lev, now playing at the Des Moines Social Club and presented by StageWest Theatre Company, is that of tradition versus passion. In the play, Asher, a young Jewish painter, is forced to choose between his art and his upbringing. That is, will he follow his passion or will he choose the life dictated by his family and community.

March Madness not your cup of tea? Didn't get a ticket to the big game? Luckily for you, there are several great plays to see in Des Moines this month. And scoring a ticket to these great shows will be easier than nabbing that game ticket but will no doubt prove just as rewarding.

The missionaries of The Book of Mormon have been to Des Moines before and with the reception they received during their return engagement this past week, it seems that they can drop by and say "Hello!" anytime they want.

Joseph is once again traveling the country with his coat of many colors, so how does this reimagining of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat fare in the current musical landscape? The hardworking cast keeps the show lively and entertaining but the musical shows its age in structure and song.

When Evita premiered on Broadway in 1979, it sat in a similar position as it does now: in a medium known for lighter fare, it seeks to tell a fairly unusual tale. And yet, the original Broadway production won multiple Tony awards and its' popularity spurred a 2012 Broadway revival and a current national tour that recently played in Des Moines.

There is not a lot to say about We Will Rock You. The plot is bizarre, the characters and dialogue are weak, and only the great music keeps it afloat.

54 million people can't be wrong. That is the number of people that have seen the worldwide hit musical Mamma Mia since it debuted in 1999. The nearly sold out crowd in Ames this past Sunday night are now counted among those millions of fans.

A variety of theatrical experiences abound in Des Moines this May. Read on to find out more.

Once, the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best musical, is one of the most nontraditional musicals to come along in quite some time. Based on the Academy Award winning film of the same name, Once opened on Broadway in 2012 to strong reviews and the momentum continued to build to a Tony win and the launching of a national tour. Once played in Des Moines last week and, based upon the reception, will be welcome back anytime in the future.

Though spring officially began in March, April feels like the true beginning of a new season. The sun is shining, the weather is warming and April makes up for a slower March with shows of every variety.

Classic books are making a comeback - on stage, that is. From family plays based on books by E.B. White and Judy Blume to an epic musical based on a work by Victor Hugo, all kinds of books are coming to life on stage this month.

The blue, bald headed men of the aptly named Blue Man Group invaded Des Moines last week and proved why they have been leaving their blue prints around the globe for nearly thirty years. Time after time - and with decibels to spare - Blue Man Group brought audiences to their feet.

No matter what the groundhog said on February 2nd, February will kick start an early spring with shows of every variety setting up shop in Des Moines.

Let the theater be your respite from the cold this January. From rock and roll to award-winning plays, there is a show for everyone this month.

Though there is no shortage of cold air in Des Moines this month, there is also no shortage of great theater. Read on to find out what you can't miss this month.

The musical that flew back to Des Moines last week needs no introduction. Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, cast its spell on Des Moines in two prior engagements and this time around new spectators and Wicked veterans alike will be flocking to see the gravity defying musical.

Stages in November will be abuzz with song and dance, laughter and joy. November highlights include Broadway blockbusters, family-friendly musicals, and a classic play.

October will offer a variety of productions for Des Moines theatergoers. From Broadway blockbusters to smaller dramatic plays, there will be something for everyone. Read on to find out how to get involved.