by DC Felton - March 03, 2026
Des Moines has a thriving arts community. One of the amazing organizations that is making this community thrive is Ballet Des Moines. I had the opportunity to attend their performance of “Nothing Holds Still” this last weekend. The show featured world-premiere dances and collaborations with ot...
by DC Felton - February 25, 2026
Watching Tony's every year, I always look forward to the performances and seeing what each show decides to showcase. In 2024, I was captivated by the performance of 'The Outsiders' and looked forward to seeing it live. What was that moment? I'll share more on that later, but after seeing the show in...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyones favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece and a rare modern classic....
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his...
Miguel Cervantes masterpiece was first performed as a ballet in 1869. Filled with humor and gorgeous dancing, the Heartland Ballet will bring this classic to...
Louisa May Alcotts classic novel of the March sisters is beloved by generations of readers. In this stage adaptation, aspiring writer Jo March and her...
Whirling Snowflakes and waltzing Flowers frame this beloved holiday classic. Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker battle the dreadful Mouse King in a nightmare that becomes...
Adapted from the best-selling young adult book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. In...
Take part in the adventure and embrace the endless possibilities of imagination in this action-packed coming-of-age prequel to Peter Pan. The five-time Tony-winning Broadway hit...
This is not another stodgy fundraising dinner, golf outing, or silent auction. This is a knock-down drag-out competition, testing the artists ability to maintain focus...
The classic Sleeping Beauty, with music by Tchaikovsky will be produced by Heartland Ballet, the pre-professional wing of Dubuque City Youth Ballet. For the dances...
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