BWW Review: HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED at Pyramid Theatre: An Evening of Reflection
by DC Felton - June 09, 2019
Have you ever taken the time to look back at the people who have influenced your life? What has those influences taught us? They teach us what to do and what not to do. Pyramid Theatre's production of "How I Learned What I Learned," which opened on June 8, ask us to do just that. But they ask in a unique way, by letting us look at a playwright telling the stories that influenced the plays he wrote. That playwright is one of America's most prolific playwrights, August Wilson.
by DC Felton - June 09, 2019
Have you ever taken the time to look back at the people who have influenced your life? What has those influences taught us? They teach us what to do and what not to do. Pyramid Theatre's production of "How I Learned What I Learned," which opened on June 8, ask us to do just that. But they ask in a unique way, by letting us look at a playwright telling the stories that influenced the plays he wrote. That playwright is one of America's most prolific playwrights, August Wilson.
BWW Review: STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE: IN CONCERT at Des Moines Symphony: A Galaxy Far, Far Away comes to Iowa!
by DC Felton - June 08, 2019
Over the last few years, the Des Moines Symphony has done an amazing job of starting and growing a pops series. About a year and a half ago, the brought in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: In Concert. It was originally slated for two evening performances and had to be extended to a third performance as a matinee. This year they continued by bringing "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" in January and have added "Star Wars A New Hope: In Concert" to their growing list of films in concert. With "Star Wars" they again started with two performances and due to popularity had to have a third performance matinee. I attended the matinee performance on June 6 and found myself having just as much fun as I did with the "Harry Potter" concert.
by DC Felton - June 08, 2019
Over the last few years, the Des Moines Symphony has done an amazing job of starting and growing a pops series. About a year and a half ago, the brought in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: In Concert. It was originally slated for two evening performances and had to be extended to a third performance as a matinee. This year they continued by bringing "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" in January and have added "Star Wars A New Hope: In Concert" to their growing list of films in concert. With "Star Wars" they again started with two performances and due to popularity had to have a third performance matinee. I attended the matinee performance on June 6 and found myself having just as much fun as I did with the "Harry Potter" concert.
BWW Review: TOO HEAVY FOR YOUR POCKET at Pyramid Theatre: Looking Towards a Better Future
by DC Felton - June 08, 2019
As the theatre season starts coming to an end, I find myself reflecting on the amazing stories I have been able to see told on stage and the amazing theatre companies that are telling these stories. Going into the summer, there are a few theatre companies who tend to tell their stories exclusively during the summer months. Pyramid Theatre is one of those Theatres.
by DC Felton - June 08, 2019
As the theatre season starts coming to an end, I find myself reflecting on the amazing stories I have been able to see told on stage and the amazing theatre companies that are telling these stories. Going into the summer, there are a few theatre companies who tend to tell their stories exclusively during the summer months. Pyramid Theatre is one of those Theatres.
BWW Review: IOWA HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS at Des Moines Performing Arts: Theatre Inspires!
by DC Felton - June 04, 2019
Coming into downtown Des Moines on June 3, I saw a parade of students in black heading towards the heart of downtown. Where were these students going? They were heading to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Showcase. An event that brings talented students from all corners of the state to celebrate the musicals they had put on through the year.
by DC Felton - June 04, 2019
Coming into downtown Des Moines on June 3, I saw a parade of students in black heading towards the heart of downtown. Where were these students going? They were heading to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Showcase. An event that brings talented students from all corners of the state to celebrate the musicals they had put on through the year.
BWW Review: SILENT SKY at Des Moines Playhouse: Keep Looking Up
by DC Felton - June 01, 2019
Growing up, I was fascinated with space. I loved looking up and learning about the stars. I still find myself occasionally looking up at the beauty of the stars. Watching Lauren Gunderson's 'Silent Sky' at the Des Moines Playhouse, reminded me of that fascination I had as a kid. The show did that by telling an amazing story, and accenting it with beautiful music and images.
by DC Felton - June 01, 2019
Growing up, I was fascinated with space. I loved looking up and learning about the stars. I still find myself occasionally looking up at the beauty of the stars. Watching Lauren Gunderson's 'Silent Sky' at the Des Moines Playhouse, reminded me of that fascination I had as a kid. The show did that by telling an amazing story, and accenting it with beautiful music and images.
World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Tickets Now On Sale At Coralville Center
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2019
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is coming Thursday, August 8 to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale now.
by BWW News Desk - May 31, 2019
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is coming Thursday, August 8 to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale now.
Disney's NEWSIES Takes The Stage At The CCPA
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2019
City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville in collaboration with Nolte Academy produces Disney's NEWSIES on June 14-16 and 21-22 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are June 14, 15, 21 at 7:30 pm and June 16 and 22 at 2:00 pm.
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2019
City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville in collaboration with Nolte Academy produces Disney's NEWSIES on June 14-16 and 21-22 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are June 14, 15, 21 at 7:30 pm and June 16 and 22 at 2:00 pm.
BWW Review: SEASON FINALE: WEST SIDE STORY at Des Moines Symphony: A Beautiful Evening of Storytelling
by DC Felton - May 20, 2019
The season finale for the Des Moines Symphony is always a bittersweet concert. Going into it, there is the joy of seeing the amount of time some of the symphony members have been involved, which this year included a musician celebrating their 50th season. It was also heartwarming seeing Maestro Joseph Giunta's family come and honor his 30th season with the symphony. Then there is the bittersweet part of the night where we say goodbye to musicians who are playing their last concerts with the symphony. My favorite part of the season finale is that it usually features some of the seasons best music, and the concert on May 18 was no different.
by DC Felton - May 20, 2019
The season finale for the Des Moines Symphony is always a bittersweet concert. Going into it, there is the joy of seeing the amount of time some of the symphony members have been involved, which this year included a musician celebrating their 50th season. It was also heartwarming seeing Maestro Joseph Giunta's family come and honor his 30th season with the symphony. Then there is the bittersweet part of the night where we say goodbye to musicians who are playing their last concerts with the symphony. My favorite part of the season finale is that it usually features some of the seasons best music, and the concert on May 18 was no different.
DM Playhouse Presents SILENT SKY
by BWW News Desk - May 20, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the new drama Silent Sky, May 31-June 16, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.
by BWW News Desk - May 20, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the new drama Silent Sky, May 31-June 16, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.
BWW Review: Brian Stokes Mitchell and Megan Hilty in Concert at Des Moines Symphony: A Night I Will Always Remember
by DC Felton - May 12, 2019
Over the last 5 years, Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Performing Arts have come together to present a concert with one of Broadway's brightest stars. It has become a yearly tradition for me as well. Some of the past concerts have included Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Kristin Chenoweth, and Leslie Odem Jr. This year for their collaboration, they gave the audience an extra treat with two artists, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Megan Hilty. They both gave amazing performances that I won't soon forget.
by DC Felton - May 12, 2019
Over the last 5 years, Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Performing Arts have come together to present a concert with one of Broadway's brightest stars. It has become a yearly tradition for me as well. Some of the past concerts have included Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Kristin Chenoweth, and Leslie Odem Jr. This year for their collaboration, they gave the audience an extra treat with two artists, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Megan Hilty. They both gave amazing performances that I won't soon forget.
BWW Review: DISGRACED at Iowa Stage: Theatre at It's Best
by DC Felton - May 11, 2019
When Iowa Stage puts on a production, you can expect a few things going into the show, a strong production with some of the best actors in Des Moines, and a show that challenge the way you may think. The 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner 'Disgraced' by Ayad Akhtar is no different as it looks at issues such as Islamaphobia and the self-identity of Muslim Americans. In the post 9/11 world that we live in, these are very important but tough issues to look at. Shows like this that push the audience to think, are the shows that remind people why we get into theatre, and why it is so important.
by DC Felton - May 11, 2019
When Iowa Stage puts on a production, you can expect a few things going into the show, a strong production with some of the best actors in Des Moines, and a show that challenge the way you may think. The 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner 'Disgraced' by Ayad Akhtar is no different as it looks at issues such as Islamaphobia and the self-identity of Muslim Americans. In the post 9/11 world that we live in, these are very important but tough issues to look at. Shows like this that push the audience to think, are the shows that remind people why we get into theatre, and why it is so important.
BWW Review: THE FRIENDLY HOUR at Theatre Midwest: A Theatre Is Born
by DC Felton - May 10, 2019
As I start my 5th month of reviewing Des Moines Theatre, I can't help but think about how each theatre brings its own unique voice to Des Moines and the surrounding areas. With as many voices as there are, there are still more stories that can be told. A few months ago, I started hearing about a new theatre forming called Theatre Midwest. I was excited to see a new voice come to the Des Moines theatre scene. Last night, May 9th, they officially opened their first show, "The Friendly Hour" by Tom Jacobson.
by DC Felton - May 10, 2019
As I start my 5th month of reviewing Des Moines Theatre, I can't help but think about how each theatre brings its own unique voice to Des Moines and the surrounding areas. With as many voices as there are, there are still more stories that can be told. A few months ago, I started hearing about a new theatre forming called Theatre Midwest. I was excited to see a new voice come to the Des Moines theatre scene. Last night, May 9th, they officially opened their first show, "The Friendly Hour" by Tom Jacobson.
Improvisation Night For Teens Set for May 11
by BWW News Desk - May 03, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse is the home of Second Saturday, an alternative Saturday night entertainment for young adults in grades 6-12. The final date for the current school year is Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 7:30-10:00 PM.
by BWW News Desk - May 03, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse is the home of Second Saturday, an alternative Saturday night entertainment for young adults in grades 6-12. The final date for the current school year is Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 7:30-10:00 PM.
DM Playhouse's Children's Theatre Presents GOLDILOCKS
by BWW News Desk - May 03, 2019
Join the Des Moines Community Playhouse on May 10, 2019, for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This story is part of the 2018-19 season of Friday Funday, a creative participatory story theatre program for children ages 4-6.
by BWW News Desk - May 03, 2019
Join the Des Moines Community Playhouse on May 10, 2019, for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This story is part of the 2018-19 season of Friday Funday, a creative participatory story theatre program for children ages 4-6.
BWW Review: THE SECOND CITY: IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME at Des Moines Performing Arts: An Evening Full of Laughter
by DC Felton - May 02, 2019
The Second City is a premiere improv troupe from Chicago, and they are back in Des Moines for an all-new show. 'It's Not You, it's Me.-The Second City' opened on April 30 at The Temple Theatre as part of the Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series. I had the opportunity to go to the May 1 performance and found myself laughing from beginning to the end.
by DC Felton - May 02, 2019
The Second City is a premiere improv troupe from Chicago, and they are back in Des Moines for an all-new show. 'It's Not You, it's Me.-The Second City' opened on April 30 at The Temple Theatre as part of the Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series. I had the opportunity to go to the May 1 performance and found myself laughing from beginning to the end.
BWW Review: SCHOOL OF ROCK at DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS: Gold Stars All Around
by DC Felton - May 01, 2019
Another school year may be coming to an end, but school is just starting at Des Moines Performing Arts as “School of Rock: The Musical” opened up April 30 for a limited 1 week engagement as part of the Willis Broadway Series. This production is not to be missed, especially if you are wanting to introduce your children to the world of theatre. While the main characters in the show may be adults, it's the kids who are the stars of this show.
by DC Felton - May 01, 2019
Another school year may be coming to an end, but school is just starting at Des Moines Performing Arts as “School of Rock: The Musical” opened up April 30 for a limited 1 week engagement as part of the Willis Broadway Series. This production is not to be missed, especially if you are wanting to introduce your children to the world of theatre. While the main characters in the show may be adults, it's the kids who are the stars of this show.
BWW Review: PROOF at Ankeny Community Theatre: Risks Reeps Rewards
by DC Felton - April 29, 2019
Risk is something that is important for theatre. If theatres never took risks, they never would be able to grow, or know what their audience is comfortable seeing. Ankeny Community Theatre is taking risks with their Studio series. For the final show of their 2018-2019 studio series, the presented 'Proof' by David Auburn. This show closed on 04/28/19 after a planned 1-week run.
by DC Felton - April 29, 2019
Risk is something that is important for theatre. If theatres never took risks, they never would be able to grow, or know what their audience is comfortable seeing. Ankeny Community Theatre is taking risks with their Studio series. For the final show of their 2018-2019 studio series, the presented 'Proof' by David Auburn. This show closed on 04/28/19 after a planned 1-week run.
BWW Review: ELLA ENCHANTED at Kate Goldman Children's Theatre-Des Moines Playhouse: An Enchanting Evening for Children of All Ages
by DC Felton - April 27, 2019
Are you looking for an enchanting evening out with your family? Look no farther than the Kate Goldman's Theatre production of 'Ella Enchanted.' I was fortunate enough to be able to take my friend's 5-year-old daughter to see the show, and the show didn't just enchant her, but it enchanted me as well. This is an example of children's theatre at its best. From the sets to the costumes, to the cast, Ella Enchanted will be an enchanting evening for the entire family.
by DC Felton - April 27, 2019
Are you looking for an enchanting evening out with your family? Look no farther than the Kate Goldman's Theatre production of 'Ella Enchanted.' I was fortunate enough to be able to take my friend's 5-year-old daughter to see the show, and the show didn't just enchant her, but it enchanted me as well. This is an example of children's theatre at its best. From the sets to the costumes, to the cast, Ella Enchanted will be an enchanting evening for the entire family.
BWW Review: TREASURE ISLAND at Des Moines Young Artist Theatre: No Longer Just an Adventure for Boys
by DC Felton - April 22, 2019
One of the things I love about theatre is how it asks us to look at societal norms and challenge them. One of the ways theatre does that is by the people we see onstage. What we don't see is the people behind the stage. When you look behind the scenes, it is sad to see how few women there are designing for shows. Des Moines Young Artist is tackling that with their current production of 'Treasure Island.' They are doing the show with a full female production team. The result was a theatrical experience that those in attendance will remember for a long time.
by DC Felton - April 22, 2019
One of the things I love about theatre is how it asks us to look at societal norms and challenge them. One of the ways theatre does that is by the people we see onstage. What we don't see is the people behind the stage. When you look behind the scenes, it is sad to see how few women there are designing for shows. Des Moines Young Artist is tackling that with their current production of 'Treasure Island.' They are doing the show with a full female production team. The result was a theatrical experience that those in attendance will remember for a long time.
Photo Flash: Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents ELLA ENCHANTED
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the new musical Ella Enchanted, Apr. 26-May 19, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Ella Enchanted is sponsored by Nationwide.
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the new musical Ella Enchanted, Apr. 26-May 19, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Ella Enchanted is sponsored by Nationwide.
Tickets On Sale For Disney's NEWSIES At Coralville Center for the Performing Arts
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
Tickets are now on sale for Disney's NEWSIES presented by City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville in collaboration with Nolte Academy. Directed by Chris Okiishi and Leslie Nolte, Disney's NEWSIES will be performed June 14,15,16, 21 and 22 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
Tickets are now on sale for Disney's NEWSIES presented by City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville in collaboration with Nolte Academy. Directed by Chris Okiishi and Leslie Nolte, Disney's NEWSIES will be performed June 14,15,16, 21 and 22 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.
City Circle Theatre Company To Present THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville will present the musical The Scarlet Pimpernel on May 3-5 and May 10-12 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are May 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm and May 5 and 12 at 2:00 pm.
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2019
City Circle Theatre Company of Coralville will present the musical The Scarlet Pimpernel on May 3-5 and May 10-12 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are May 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm and May 5 and 12 at 2:00 pm.
BWW Review: CLOSER at Open Door Rep: An Intimate Show in an Intimate Location
by DC Felton - April 13, 2019
If your theatre doesn't have a home base, it can be difficult to find places to perform your shows. Sometimes it means finding a new place to perform. This can be both challenging and exciting at the same time. Now imagine a theatre that does this for every show. That would be Open Door Rep. They find new spaces for each show as their mission is to be accessible both financially and demographically. Their current show 'Closer' by Patrick Marber, which plays through April 20, is both accessible financially with a $12 ticket price, and demographically by being held at Main Frame Studios. One of the great things about this location is that it is an art studio. While at the show, take a look at all the beautiful art that lines the hallways.
by DC Felton - April 13, 2019
If your theatre doesn't have a home base, it can be difficult to find places to perform your shows. Sometimes it means finding a new place to perform. This can be both challenging and exciting at the same time. Now imagine a theatre that does this for every show. That would be Open Door Rep. They find new spaces for each show as their mission is to be accessible both financially and demographically. Their current show 'Closer' by Patrick Marber, which plays through April 20, is both accessible financially with a $12 ticket price, and demographically by being held at Main Frame Studios. One of the great things about this location is that it is an art studio. While at the show, take a look at all the beautiful art that lines the hallways.
CAT Theatre Presents BINGO! THE WINNING MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2019
CAT Theatre presents BINGO! THE WINNING MUSICAL by Ilene Reid, Michael Heitzman, and David Holcenberg, directed by Pat Walker, opening Friday, April 19 and running through Saturday, May 4, 2019.
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2019
CAT Theatre presents BINGO! THE WINNING MUSICAL by Ilene Reid, Michael Heitzman, and David Holcenberg, directed by Pat Walker, opening Friday, April 19 and running through Saturday, May 4, 2019.
BWW Review: HELLO, DOLLY! at Des Moines Performing Arts: Back in Iowa, Where it Belongs!
by DC Felton - April 10, 2019
Hello Des Moines! It's time to put on your Sunday clothes because Hello, Dolly!' is here for one week only at the Civic Center as part of the Des Moines Performing Arts and Willis Broadway Series. If you don't have tickets yet to this show, get one before 'Hello, Dolly!' leaves Des Moines. This production does a beautiful job of paying homage to the original production yet finding ways to make it their own.
by DC Felton - April 10, 2019
Hello Des Moines! It's time to put on your Sunday clothes because Hello, Dolly!' is here for one week only at the Civic Center as part of the Des Moines Performing Arts and Willis Broadway Series. If you don't have tickets yet to this show, get one before 'Hello, Dolly!' leaves Des Moines. This production does a beautiful job of paying homage to the original production yet finding ways to make it their own.
Videos
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Legally Blonde
Des Moines Playhouse (7/10 - 7/26) | |
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Walnut Street Theatre''s 1776 The Musical
Walnut Street Theatre (5/8 - 5/28) | |
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The Lightning Thief
Des Moines Playhouse (3/6 - 3/22) | |
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Black Jacket Symphony: Pink Floyd’s The Wall at Orpheum Theatre
Orpheum Theatre (2/24 - 2/24) | |
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Walnut Street Theatre''s Edward Albee''s A Delicate Balance
Walnut Street Theatre (2/27 - 2/27) | |
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Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical
Des Moines Playhouse (5/8 - 5/24) | |
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Red Riding Hood
Des Moines Playhouse (1/9 - 1/25) | |
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