Civic Center of Greater Des Moines Announces 2010-2011 Broadway Season

Today the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Central Iowa's premier not-for-profit performing arts center, announced its upcoming 2010-2011 season including the Willis Broadway Series sponsored by the Willis Auto Campus and the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, direct from Broadway, will headline the Willis Broadway Series when it makes its Iowa premiere Thanksgiving weekend 2010. The Series also features four productions which are Iowa premieres and will be included in the 5-show Season Ticket package. These shows are 9 to 5 The Musical, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages and Young Frankenstein. Returning to the Civic Center as an optional add-on to the Season Ticket package is the current Broadway hit Chicago The Musical.

Current Willis Broadway Series Season Ticket holders may begin renewing their season tickets in early May online at CivicCenter.org.

Jeff Chelesvig, Civic Center President & CEO, said the upcoming Willis Broadway Series is an outstanding combination of blockbusters, dramas, and comedies new to Iowa. Chelesvig added, "This will be the sixth year of our partnership with Rich Willis and the Willis Auto Campus. This partnership has seen many programming milestones and brought the finest in touring Broadway to central Iowa. We are grateful for the commitment Willis Auto Campus has made to live theater and look forward to another hugely successful season with the Willis Broadway Series." The 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series represents major Tony Awards® including Best Direction, Best Actor and Actress in a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Original Score, and Best Orchestrations.

The 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series five show season ticket package features:
9 to 5 The Musical - Oct 12-17, 2010
Mary Poppins - Nov. 26 - Dec. 12, 2010
Next to Normal - March 15-20, 2011
Rock of Ages- April 19-24, 2011
Young Frankenstein - May 3-8, 2011

The 2010-2011 Willis Broadway Series also includes a non-package special presentation of:
Chicago The Musical - Feb. 25-27, 2011

The Civic Center also announced Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will again be the title sponsor for the Civic Center's widely popular Family Series, now entering its second season with the addition of a fourth production in its line-up. "Wellmark is proud to continue its support of the Civic Center's Family Series," said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark's sponsorship coordinator. "Providing engaging, family-friendly and affordable entertainment has a positive impact on central Iowa families." Chelesvig added, "We are delighted this series has resonated so positively with our audiences. The inaugural season far exceeded our expectations."

The 2010-2011 Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series lineup consists of:
Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona The Musical - Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011
Leo Lionni's Swimmy, Frederick, and Inch By Inch - Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011
Darwin The Dinosaur - Saturday, April 2, 2011
Sones de Mexico's Fiesta Mexicana - Saturday, April 30, 2011

Said Chelesvig, "The Family Series continues to expand our programming and commitment to young audiences and their families, while making a commitment to be financially accessible to all. Wellmark shares our passion for excellence and contributing to the community in meaningful ways."

Performances in the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series are appropriate for all families of all ages, but enjoyed most by audience members that are 4-10 years old. Family Series performances - all Saturday matinee performances - include access to a free pre-performance Discovery Party and other performance related activities to deepen the theatrical experience.

The easiest way to ensure the best seats in the house is to become a Willis Broadway Series or Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series Season Ticket holder. The Civic Center will begin taking orders for renewals and new Season Ticket packages for either series in early May. Orders may be placed in person at the Civic Center Ticket Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), by mail or online at CivicCenter.org. The Civic Center is encouraging current Season Ticket holders to renew online by waiving the $10 handling fee.

The lineup for the Prairie Meadows Temple Theater Series, including the Live at the Temple concert series, will be announced at a later date.

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