News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Des Moines Theatre Newsroom

The latest news on live theatre in Des Moines from Broadway shows on tour to regional theatre.

PLAYSTATION | THE CONCERT is Coming to Des Moines Civic Center
by BWW News Desk - June 17, 2025


The world premiere of the global tour of PlayStation | The Concert launched last month in Dublin, and will make its stop at the Des Moines Civic Center for one show only. Learn more!

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS Comes to the Des Moines Civic Center
by BWW News Desk - June 10, 2025


 A Drag Queen Christmas will return for its 11th year, launching a 38-city national tour this November. The 2025 edition is hosted by fan favorite Nina West.

Des Moines Performing Arts Reveals 2025 - 26 PRAIRIE MEADOWS LIVE AT THE TEMPLE CONCERT SERIES
by BWW News Desk - June 09, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has announced new engagements headed to the Temple Theater as part of the 2025 - 26 Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series.

BODYTRAFFIC Comes to Des Moines Civic Center
by BWW News Desk - June 06, 2025


BODYTRAFFIC is coming to Des Moines later this year. BODYTRAFFIC aims to endorse established and new voices and be a home for an eclectic range of styles and perspectives that tell vital stories. 

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Swings Into Coralville June 12
by BWW News Desk - May 28, 2025


The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will return to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra has been touring since its formation in 1956, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world.

Straight No Chaser to Return to the Des Moines Civic Center Stage With HOLIDAY RADIO TOUR
by BWW News Desk - May 12, 2025


RIAA-certified Gold and holiday favorites a cappella group Straight No Chaser are back for another festive fall with their “Holiday Road Tour.” Learn more!

Review: & JULIET at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - May 11, 2025


On Tuesday, '& Juliet' opened, and the show is a new type of Jukebox musical.  One where the story comes first, and the music is an enhancement of the story. See here for the review!

DMPA Unveils 2025-26 National Geographic Live Presentations
by BWW News Desk - May 05, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts is returning to its partnership with National Geographic Live for the 2025-26 season. DMPA has revealed he three engagements headed to Des Moines as part of this popular series.

WELLMARK FAMILY SERIES Returns To Des Moines Performing Arts This Fall
by BWW News Desk - April 28, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) announced the five engagements headed to Des Moines as part of its 2025-26 Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

National Community Theatre Festivals Head To Des Moines In June
by BWW News Desk - April 21, 2025


This June, Des Moines becomes the center stage for community theatre across the country as the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) will present not one, but two incredible national festivals: YouthFest 2025 (June 22-24) and AACTFest 2025 (June 25-28).

Des Moines Performing Arts 2025-26 Dance Series Presentations Revealed
by BWW News Desk - April 21, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts has announced the two engagements headed to Des Moines as part of its 2025-26 Dance Series – BODYTRAFFIC and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Des Moines Metro Opera Unveils Updated Cast For 2025 Festival Season
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2025


Des Moines Metro Opera has revealed updated casting for the company's 2025 Festival Season. The season features the return of Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman and more.

TWILIGHT IN CONCERT National Tour is Coming to Des Moines This Fall
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2025


The 60-city national tour of the first-ever Twilight In Concert will visit the Des Moines Civic Center this fall. Learn more about the upcoming event and see how to purchase tickets.

Des Moines Performing Arts Announces Free Outdoor Family Events For Spring/Summer 2025
by BWW News Desk - April 08, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts has announced the engagements headed to Des Moines as part of its 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events series. These free presentations are designed to engage new audiences and performing arts enthusiasts alike, while also removing the barrier of cost.

Chicago Tap Theatre Masterclass Comes to Des Moines Civic Center
by BWW News Desk - April 08, 2025


This class will be a multi-level class aimed at sharing the joy, creativity and history of Tap Dance with the students. Learn more about the class here!

KILLERS OF KILL TONY Standup Show Comes To Des Moines
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2025


Regulars and fan favorites from “Kill Tony”, the #1 live podcast in the world, bring their standup show on the road with “Killers of Kill Tony”, coming to the Des Moines Civic Center on June 28, 2025.

SUFFS, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For DMPA 2025-26 Willis Broadway Series Season
by BWW News Desk - March 05, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts announced new engagements headed to the Des Moines Civic Center as part of the 2025 - 26 Willis Broadway Series. Learn more about the season lineup here!

WICKED and More Set for Des Moines Performing Arts 25-26 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 04, 2025


Des Moines Performing Arts has revealed new engagements headed to the Des Moines Civic Center as part of the 2025 - 26 Willis Broadway Series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

EAST MEETS WEST: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO Comes to Des Moines Civic Center
by BWW News Desk - March 04, 2025


East Meets West: In The Footsteps Of Marco Polo is coming to Des Moines Civic Center this month. As part of the Applause Series, the event is on March 11, 2025.

Review: LIFE OF PI at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - March 02, 2025


Stories are not just narratives, they are powerful tools that shape our understanding of the world. They can be about the legacy a person leaves, they can excite us about what is to come, or they can help us process the events in our lives. But most importantly, stories leave us with questions, sparking our curiosity and imagination.

Jeff Chelesvig Will Depart Des Moines Performing Arts
by BWW News Desk - February 28, 2025


The board of directors of Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has announced the planned retirement of Jeff Chelesvig, president and chief executive officer of the organization since 1995.

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Comes to City Circle Theatre Company in May
by Stephi Wild - February 24, 2025


The Mystery of Edwin Drood is coming to City Circle Theatre Company in May. Performances will run May 2-4 and 9-11, 2025. Learn more about the upcoming show here!

Review: SHUCKED at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - January 31, 2025


It's a rare sight to see a giant inflatable ear of corn in the lobby of Des Moines Performing Arts, or to be offered a show-themed drink. But when a musical about corn comes to Iowa, it's time to pull out all the stops. This is exactly what they've done for 'Shucked,' which premiered Tuesday night at the Civic Center. I went in expecting a hilarious show about corn, and I got that. But I also left with a heartwarming story about community and family, a unique blend that's not to be missed.

City Circle Theatre Company Presents Andrew Lippa's THE WILD PARTY: In Concert
by A.A. Cristi - January 29, 2025


City Circle Theatre Company will present Andrew Lippa's WILD PARTY: In Concert at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts February 7–9 & 14–16, 2025.

BILLY THE GOAT Comes to Des Moines Playhouse in February
by Stephi Wild - January 27, 2025


Billy the Goat is headed to Des Moines Playhouse next month. The performances are set for February 14. Find out if Billy can trick the silly old troll and become the Greatest Of All Time.


Videos


AACTFest 2025 in Des Moines AACTFest 2025
Hoyt Sherman Place (6/25 - 6/28)
PHOTOS VIDEOS
Waitress in Des Moines Waitress
Des Moines Playhouse (7/11 - 7/27)
AACT YouthFest 2025 in Des Moines AACT YouthFest 2025
The Des Moines Playhouse (6/22 - 6/24)
PHOTOS
Penguin Project HONK JR in Des Moines Penguin Project HONK JR
Des Moines Playhouse (8/14 - 8/17)
VIEW SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You