The latest reviews and critic recommendations from Des Moines.
What do you get when two undercover cops, a clueless mayor, his wife, a security guard, an accountant and the Scottish mob collide in two conjoining motel rooms set somewhere in the middle of America? The answer has to be a poorly thought out joke or the play Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith, w
Redemption is on the mind in Pyramid Theatre Company's The Amen Corner, the classic James Baldwin show that completes Pyramid's summer season.
Although Urbandale Community Theatre's dedication to producing classic shows may be safer than putting on contemporary pieces, a classic must be done in a fresh way in order to convince the audience that the show must be seen.
In times of great distress, fear can make people do terrible things.
This production of The Music Man will lift your spirits and remind you of a great staple of American musical theatre, even if it does need some modern rewrites.
TCR Presents Vinegar Tom in an insanely entertaining manner, audience was kept on the edge of their seats!
It is a known fact that any cold heart can be warmed by a seven foot mute monster in tap shoes singing Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz".
Amidst months of controversy and questioning, Des Moines Playhouse's West Side Story succeeds to be one of the best and emotionally charged shows Des Moines has seen in a while.
Hand to God is good.
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.
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.
There is not a lot to say about We Will Rock You.
54 million people can't be wrong.
Once, the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best musical, is one of the most nontraditional musicals to come along in quite some time.
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.
The musical that flew back to Des Moines last week needs no introduction.
Ballet is not a dance style often featured on a Broadway stage, but Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty may change that.
When Jersey Boys opened on Broadway in 2005 it won numerous Tony awards and was heaped with praise.
Des Moines Performing Arts' Temple Comedy Series has done an excellent job of showcasing small comedy and improv troupes this season.
When Rock of Ages stopped in Des Moines for a limited engagement last week, the beat could be heard for blocks and audiences were on their feet before the last number was over.
Million Dollar Quartet is difficult to categorize.
The Book of Mormon, which opened Thursday at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, anchors the 2012-2013 Broadway series just as it is an anchor on the Great White Way itself.
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Amadeus Des Moines Playhouse (6/20-6/20) |
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Annie Des Moines Playhouse (12/04-12/27) |
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Philip Glass’s ORPHÉE Blank Performing Arts Center (7/21-7/21) |
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Offenbach’s THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Blank Performing Arts Center (7/22-7/22) |
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Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical Des Moines Playhouse (3/05-3/14) |
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Britten’s BILLY BUDD Blank Performing Arts Center (7/15-7/15) |
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Britten’s BILLY BUDD Blank Performing Arts Center (7/18-7/18) |
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Britten’s BILLY BUDD Blank Performing Arts Center (7/10-7/10) |
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Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress Des Moines Playhouse (1/08-1/24) |
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The Lifespan of a Fact Des Moines Playhouse (2/05-2/28) |
