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Des Moines Community Playhouse to Present RED, 10/18-11/3

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The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Tony Award-winning play "Red," Oct. 18-Nov. 3. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. "Red" is sponsored by ING.

Mark Rothko, bad boy genius of the modern art world, has a major commission to create murals for New York's famed Four Seasons Restaurant. For two years he works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in a studio in the Bowery. But when Ken challenges the great artist, Rothko rages at the contradiction between art and commercialism, ambition and vulnerability.

But it's not just the story that excites. Playwright John Logan shows the exhilaration and physicality of art as paint and opinions splatter the canvas, live on stage.

Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play, "Red" is clever and at times funny. The New York Times calls it "Intense and exciting," and The New Yorker says "Red" is "smart, eloquent entertainment."

The Playhouse cast, directed by John Viars, features Micheal Davenport as Rothko and Abraham Swee as Ken. Due to language, "Red" is suggested for individuals ages 16 and up. Herbal cigarettes are used during the show.

The Playhouse will host preshow talks in conjunction with "Red." Audiences are encouraged to come to the theatre 30 minutes prior to curtain for a talk with artistic staff.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about The Playhouse and "Red," contact The Playhouse ticket office at515-277-6261.

Ticket prices $30 & $20, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of 15 or more. All orders, whether purchased online, by phone, or at the ticket office, are subject to the same service, ticketing, and processing fees. To purchase tickets: dmplayhouse.com

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lead Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. LJ Benet - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
20.4% of votes
2. Joshua Henry - Ragtime
16% of votes
3. Sam Tutty - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
9.7% of votes

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