See Classic Productions and More in Des Moines This Month

Just as summer is transitioning to fall, September is also the month in which the slower summer theater season shifts into the busier fall and winter season. Several shows will open in September, including a show making its' North American Premiere. Read on to find out what is playing in a theater near you.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse will stage not only a Broadway blockbuster but one of its most requested shows when Fiddler on the Roof opens on September 6th. The classic show tells the story of a Russian-Jewish community facing changing times, where the things they value and the traditions they have established are being challenged. With an identifiable story and memorable tunes, it is no wonder that Fiddler has become one of the most popular shows in American theater history. Performances run September 6th - September 29th, for ticket information visit The Des Moines Community Playhouse

Repertory Theater of Iowa brings to life one of Oscar Wilde's most popular plays with The Importance of Being Earnest. A satirical sendup of the social and moral conventions of Victorian England is full of enough witty language and turns of phrase to keep any audience on their toes. Earnest runs September 13th - 29th, for more information visit Repertory Theater of Iowa.

Des Moines Performing Arts' Broadway series begins this month with the North American premiere of Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty. Subtitled A Gothic Romance and featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, this ballet will surprise audiences who only know the Disney version. Bourne, considered to be one of the best choreographers of his generation, uses not only dance but costume and design to transport theatergoers to another world. Sleeping Beauty will stage three performances September 27-28th. For more information or to purchase tickets go to Des Moines Performing Arts.

StageWest Theater Company opens their second production of the 2013-2014 season with Next to Normal on September 27th. Exploring such topics as grief, psychiatry and mental illness, Next to Normal broke new ground when it premiered on Broadway in 2009. The show is still relevant today and will no doubt leave audiences with more questions than answers. The show runs September 27th - October 13th. For ticket information visit StageWest Theater Company.

September is only the beginning of what will be a great season of theater. You can kick it off right this month with any of these great productions.