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Witches Descend on Des Moines Theaters This October

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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.

The Des Moines Playhouse stages its' take on the John Logan play Red. Telling a fictionalized version of a battle of artistic sensibilities between the artist Mark Rothko and his assistant Ken, Red won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. Red is a tight, tense drama featuring a cast of two actors, making it a different flavor of theater than what is typically offered at The Playhouse. Red will run October 18th - November 3rd. For ticket information visit Des Moines Community Playhouse.

StageWest Theater Company continues the run of Next to Normal. The musical explores mental illness and suburban angst with powerful music. The production began last month and will conclude on October 13th. For ticket information visit StageWest Theater Company.

Just in time for Halloween, the witches of Oz fly back to Des Moines. Wicked tells the story of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy arrived in Oz. Wicked has been one of the most popular Broadway shows since its premiere ten years ago and prior Des Moines engagements have broken records. Wicked runs October 30th - November 10th. For ticket information visit Des Moines Performing Arts.

With such variety this month, there is something for kids and adults, music and drama lovers.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Book of a Musical - Top 3
1. David Hornsby, Chris Hoch, David Hornsby, Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys
29% of votes
2. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!
23.5% of votes
3. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
23.3% of votes

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