King Roger
Jul 4 – Jul 17, 2026
When an enigmatic Shepherd from the East arrives at the Christian court of King Roger, his presence disrupts the court’s established values and view of the...
Of Mice and Men
Jun 27 – Jul 18, 2026
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice and Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream...
Tosca
Jun 26 – Jul 19, 2026
Returning to our stage for the first time in 17 years, Tosca features Puccini’s most memorable melodies and romantic orchestrations. The opera diva Floria Tosca steadfastly lives for art...
Review: THE NAKED MAGICIANS at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - February 13, 2026
What did our critOne thing you know for sure going into a Temple Comedy Series show at Des Moines Performing Arts is that you are going to have a good time. It could be a one-person show, a small musical, or even a comedic magic show. So when they announced they were bringing back 'The Naked Magicia...
Review: KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - February 05, 2026
February is going to be an exciting month for Des Moines Performing Arts, as not one, but two Tony Award winners for best musical make their debut on the Civic Center stage. They are opening the month with a week-long run of the 2023 winner for Best Musical, 'Kimberly Akimbo.' If the lead-up activit...
Review: SIX at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - January 16, 2026
Every once in a while, a show finds its own path. The US national tour of 'Six' is making its second stop in Des Moines this week at Des Moines Performing Arts, and almost 10 years later, the show still has the same level of excitement it did then....
Review: DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - December 20, 2025
One of my favorite parts of the Holiday season is seeing classic stories brought to the stage. For many people, their first experience in theatre is a production of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol.” This season, we get the opportunity to add a third story to that growing list. On Tues...
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - December 05, 2025
Stories can be one of the most powerful things in the world. We all have different reasons we share a story. Sometimes it's to pass down a lesson we have learned. Other times it's to remind us or someone we know about our story. 'The Notebook: The Musical,' which opened on Tuesday at Des Moines ...
Past Shows
Carmen
Jun 30 – Jul 23, 2023
A rebel with a cause, the free-spirited Carmen lives boldly in her fiery pursuit of freedom. “Born free, she will die free,” Carmen sings, but...
Bluebeard's Castle
Jul 1 – Jul 22, 2023
The mysterious Duke Bluebeard welcomes his new bride Judith into his ominous castle, where rumors have been swirling concerning one question: what happened to his...
The Love for Three Oranges
Jul 8 – Jul 22, 2023
This zesty love story is a fairytale about a sweet young prince, cursed by a sour witch and forced to voyage into distant lands in search...
Porgy and Bess
Jul 1 – Jul 24, 2022
Hailed as the first American opera, Porgy and Bess has garnered critical acclaim and inspired passionate reactions since its premiere. Featuring some of the most...
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Jul 2 – Jul 23, 2022
Benjamin Brittens opera is based on Shakespeares popular comedy, which follows the consequences of a falling-out between the fairy-king Oberon and his queen, Tytania. Mistaken...
A Thousand Acres
Jul 9 – Jul 22, 2022
On July 9, 2022, Des Moines Metro Opera will add a new American work to the operatic canon with its world premiere of A Thousand...
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Jul 2 – Jul 25, 2021
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was the rage of Broadway when it premiered, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best...
The Queen of Spades
Jul 3 – Jul 24, 2021
Tchaikovsky anticipated the 20th century in this brooding, ambitious ghost story set against the backdrop of imperial Russia. In this surreal drama by Pushkin, the...
Platée
Jul 10 – Jul 23, 2021
The vain Plate thinks every man who comes near her will instantly fall in loveand once she's convinced the god Jupiter has fallen victim to...
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