Cheryl Clark News

After skipping a year, the seventh (almost) annual Cloris Awards will honor eight local theater companies that produced 33 shows during the 2021-2022 season.

What did our critic think of Cry it Out at Ankeny Community Theatre? Over the last few years of doing reviews, I've had the pleasure of seeing some true gems in our theatre community that are just outside of Des Moines. While these theatres may not have the budget of some of the Des Moines theatres, the heart and creativity they bring is just as strong. One example of this is Ankeny Community Theatre's production of 'Cry it Out' by Molly Smith Metzler, which opened on June 3. Thanks to some of the creative choices they've made with this show, it has stuck with me since seeing it. As I think more about the show, I've found myself appreciating the creativity even more.

Some of the best moments are when a small decision significantly impacts our lives. One of the great parts of being in theatre is how it can tap into those small decisions and deliver a show that can touch on the impact of those decisions. Tallgrass Theatre Company's production of 'Tiny Beautiful Things' touches on how what seems like a small or insignificant moment can make a lasting impact on the people around us and ourselves. This production is based on the book by Chery Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos. The original production at the famous Public Theatre in New York was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

One of the best parts of seeing live theatre is sitting in a show and having it surprise you. Sometimes it can be from a performance in the show, or it could come from a fantastic technical element such as sets or lighting. Then other times, it could be how an amazing script comes to life. While all of those things are great, what makes a show memorable, is when they all come together to give the audience an experience they won't soon forget. Tallgrass Theatre Company's production of Laura Gundersen's 'The Revolutionists' does just that, mixing all the elements that leaves the audience talking long after the show closes. Lucky for you, this show is still playing through February 20, so you still have a chance if you haven't seen it.

How do you spell D-A-N-C-E-R-S O-V-E-R F-O-R-T-Y? (Hint: D-A-N-C-E-R-S-O-V-E-R-4-0!) Well, if you didn't know, you're sure to find out that - and more - by the end of the all-star night of games, clips, and anecdotes that will take place as a benefit for DO40 (easy to spell!) on Monday, May 17th at 7:00 PM EDT.

An all-star night of games, clips, and anecdotes that will take place as a benefit for the Dancers Over 40 organization on Monday, May 17th at 7:00 PM EDT. The event is free to stream on YouTube.

Dancers Over 40 continues to bring together the artistic community with the 12th Annual Legacy Awards Monday, December 14th, 8pm.

If you have been joining us on Broadwayworld the last few weeks, we have been highlighting artists in different productions that have been postponed or cancelled. This week we are starting a new series that talks with members of the boards of local Des Moines Theatres to see the effects of COVID19. We are excited to have spoken with Ankeny Community Theatre President-Elect Cheryl Clark, the difficult decisions they had to make with their productions, as well as an exciting new opportunity they have recently announced.

There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

We're heading into the final week of voting for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just a few weeks left to make your voice heard and submit your votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

Opening two productions of a show in one weekend is rare in the Des Moines theatre scene. What makes this weekend special is that two productions based on the classic movie 'A Christmas Story' are opening this weekend. In this review, we are going to focus on the play version presented at Ankeny Community Theatre, which opened on December 6. This productions audiences to remember their favorite Christmas memories and reminisce as they watch this production.

It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.

Voting is NOW OPEN and the first votes are in for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The nominees are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized!

Revisiting the past can be difficult. Sometimes it's addressing an issue that has come up, while at other times it can be about coming to terms with events or actions from our past. In a?oeA Doll's House: Part 2a??, one of theatres most well know heroine's is doing just that. While a?oeA Doll's Housea?? is known for the door slamming at the end of the show, a?oeA Doll's House: Part 2a??, being presented in rep at Iowa Stage, opens the door for us to revisit these characters, and look at women's roles in the family today.

Sarah Bowden swings by Houston to play the coveted role of 'Cassie' in the Theatre Under the Stars season-opening production of A CHORUS LINE.

As we remember the 75th anniversary of D-day, it is important to remember why D-Day was so important. When the allied forces invaded France, it was a turning point in World War II. When a little girl in hiding found out about the invasion, she had hope that she would one day be able to come out of hiding and live freely again. That little girl's name was Anne Frank. Ankeny Community Theatre is making sure her story is not forgotten with their current production of 'The Diary of Anne Frank.'

FACK and Town close their first productions of the new year, while Trustus kicks off 2019 with a recent Tony-winner!

KINKY BOOTS rolls through town, a Kaufman and Hart classic opens in Camden, and Town continues its run of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE!