Maxwell Schaeffer News

Iowa Stage Theatre Company (ISTC), central Iowa’s home for award-winning theater that inspires, enlightens and entertains, is excited to announce the world premiere of Iowa writer Karen Schaeffer’s Girls’ Weekend 2: The Bachelorette Party at the Stoner Theater of Des Moines Performing Arts.

Winners have been announced for the 2020 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards - which were back bigger than ever, celebrating the best in local theatre of the past decade! 

It is that season again in Iowa. No, I'm talking about winter, I'm talking about caucus season. Candidates are coming to the state vying for something a?' one single nomination. Iowa Stage is taking a look at the candidates and the raucous caucus in their first offering of 2020, Robert Jason Ford's newest parody a?oeAdore Us! Line.a?? With the opening weekend already being sold out, this show is one of the hottest tickets in the area and is only here through February 2.

What do you get when you cross a classic holiday movie with the Oscar, Tony, and Grammy award-winning team of Pasek and Paul? You get ”A Christmas Story: The Musicalal” playing as this year's holiday classic at Des Moines Playhouse. While this may be the second version of ”A Christmas Story” opening this weekend, this review will not be a comparison of the two.

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 honors legends J Michael Kellar, Melissa Kellar, Greg Leavengood, Mark Morrison, and Antonia Nozicka on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. A reception begins at 3:00 PM with a program at 4:00 PM.

Join the Des Moines Community Playhouse for the 2018-19 Dionysos Awards on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. The Dionysos Awards celebrates the contributions of more than 750 individuals, giving 55,000 hours annually as actors, backstage crews, and guest services volunteers.  

Auditions for the holiday show 'Elf - The Musical' will be held at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. Due to construction at the theatre, auditions will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo; an accompanist will be provided as well as the ability to play an accompaniment from an iPhone or a similar device. Questions about auditions should be directed to Robin Spahr, 515-974-5365.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents "Mamma Mia!,' July 13-28, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office trailer in the east parking lot, 831 42nd St.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents "Mamma Mia!,' July 13-28, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office trailer in the east parking lot, 831 42nd St.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse is approaching its 100th anniversary, and has already begun the celebration with a special performances each year leading up to the big day. On Feb. 16-17, the Playhouse will continue the trip down memory lane with 'Countdown to 100: Musicals of the 2000s.' The program celebrates Playhouse and Broadway musical theatre history. 'Countdown to 100' is presented by Hubbell Realty Company with support from Workiva.

It is somewhat of an unspoken rule in community theatre that if it's Disney, it sells. This magic word, in combination with the team that made the Cloris Award-sweeping Young Frankenstein last summer, ought to make the Playhouse's production a surefire hit. Luckily, the math adds up for the Playhouse even if the production lacks cohesion at times and is not the best musical adaptation Disney has created.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse production of 'Disney's the Little Mermaid,' will be presented Dec. 1-23, 2017. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. 'Disney's The Little Mermaid' is sponsored by DuPont Pioneer.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse honors legends Steve Berry, Gina Gedler, Linda Juckette, and Joe Tish today, July 22.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse honors legends Steve Berry, Gina Gedler, Linda Juckette, and Joe Tish on Saturday, July 22.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse is approaching its 100th anniversary, and is starting the celebration early with a special fundraising performance to be held each year leading up to the big day.

It is a known fact that any cold heart can be warmed by a seven foot mute monster in tap shoes singing Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz". If you happen to be a fan of Mel Brooks' film Young Frankenstein, you already know this. But, if you happen to be like me and have never seen the iconic film, you need to go see The Des Moines Playhouse's production of Young Frankenstein immediately.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents "The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein,' Mar. 17-Apr. 9. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.