Greg Millar

Everyone has a memory of the first musical they were in or saw. For me, it was either 'Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella,' if i remember correctly, at a local high school. For others, their first memories with musical theatre come through local productions of 'Guys and Dolls.' Des Moines Playhouse is opening its 104th season with a bright and colorful production of 'Guys and Dolls' that brings a new take for those who already have memories of the show while introducing it to a new generation of people to the show for the first time.

Sometimes, one of the hardest things we can do take the time to reflect. Taking that time to reminisce can sometimes lead to a fresh perspective for us. A few nights ago, one of my theatre friends Mariah Kerns took the time to reflect on the last year. She shared on Facebook, regarding her and her husband, 'The last 'normal' thing we did before voluntarily going into quarantine on March 15, 2020, was see a live show. Last night, nearly a year later, we went to see another.' The show she referred to was Des Moines Playhouse's preview of 'Leaving Iowa,' which I streamed on opening night, February 19. Since this viewing, the show's performances have been suspended for two weeks due to Covid 19.

The Des Moines Playhouse follows its successful fall and holiday performances with two shows this winter, Leaving Iowa, Feb. 19-Mar. 21, 2021, and, for families, Stuart Little, Feb. 26-Mar. 14, 2021.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the family holiday classic, A Christmas Story, The Musical, Dec. 6-23, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. A Christmas Story, The Musical is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the family holiday classic, Elf - The Musical, Nov. 30-Dec. 23, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Elf - The Musical is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the family holiday classic, Elf - The Musical, Nov. 30-Dec. 23, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Elf - The Musical is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse Performance Academy presents 'Aladdin Kids,' Mar. 16-17, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, and at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

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. This production remains fresh enough to receive that seal of approval and entertains in spite of certain scenes that slow down the action. I will say that I wish Urbandale Community Theatre would sometimes be riskier in its selection of show, but Guys & Dolls convinces me enough that classics are here to stay.

For the past two decades, Urbandale Community Theatre has been entertaining the local community with an annual summer musical theatre production. This tradition continues this year with a new production of Guys and Dolls running July 21 - 30, 2017. Guys and Dolls, the 1950 Frank Loesser production that has been a staple of American musical theatre since its debut, also continues Urbandale Community Theatre's tradition of utilizing a volunteer cast, crew, and orchestra in combination with a professional production team to create a polished theatrical experience that reaches all areas of the Urbandale community.

Epic Stage Productions has announced that ten performances of CAUCUS! THE MUSICAL will be presented now through February 6, 2016 at the Des Moines Performing Arts' Stoner Theater in downtown Des Moines.

Epic Stage Productions has announced that ten performances of CAUCUS! THE MUSICAL will be presented January 23 through February 6, 2016 at the Des Moines Performing Arts' Stoner Theater in downtown Des Moines.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Broadway musical, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2015. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Broadway musical, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2015. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Broadway musical, 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,' Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2015. Tickets may be purchased online atdmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' is sponsored by DuPont Pioneer.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the family holiday classic, 'Mary Poppins,' tonight, Dec. 5-28.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the family holiday classic, 'Mary Poppins,' Dec. 5-28.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the musical, 'Pinkalicious,' today, Apr. 25-May 18. Scroll down for a first look at the show's star Halen Becker in costume!

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the musical, 'Pinkalicious,' Apr. 25-May 18. Scroll down for a first look at the show's star Halen Becker in costume!