FALL THEATRE SEASON – Looking Forward
One of the more popular features on the previous version of the Gentle Guide was our quarterly lists of what shows to look forward to in the coming months. Since Labor Day is the traditional beginning of Fall (yes, I know the calendar has an official day, humor me), here’s my list of shows to look forward to. I’ve arranged them by theatre company this year, featuring what I believe will be the biggest show for each group along with mentioning the other shows that company will be presenting during this time period. And, as always, there’s more information on the Guide calendar if you just click on the show listing, or you can go to the actual company website as listed on the Guide’s Theatre Company Links page linked at the top menu. Also, the first six listings are companies that are currently eligible for Cloris Awards next year. Here we go!! Ankeny Community Theatre – SHE LOVES ME – This tuneful Broadway musical comes to the intimate space of Ankeny Community Theatre on December 2. While not strictly a holiday show, SHE LOVES ME has all the elements that a Christmas show should have, except maybe Santa Claus. But the songs are terrific, and the love story is wonderful yet familiar. Other shows: BORROWED BEATS beginning September 30. Carousel Theatre of Indianola – STEEL MAGNOLIAS – Carousel’s fall production is a classic show of female empowerment, brought to you by a cast and crew headed up completely by women. Opening October 21, the story of these six ladies is at turns funny, sad, heartwarming, and always beautiful. Head on down to Indianola and see another awesome production by Carousel! Des Moines Playhouse – CINDERELLA – This is the holiday show for the Playhouse mainstage this year, also beginning December 2. As usual, they’ll hopefully dazzle with costumes, sets, and performances that will make you believe the magic is real. If you’re REALLY a CINDERELLA fan, I would also suggest the young people’s version of the show that Class Act Productions is doing out in Altoona starting in November. Other shows: a lavish production of my favorite classic musical GUYS & DOLLS starts September 9, and HARRIET THE SPY enters the Kate Goldman theatre on October 28. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre – SISTER ACT JR. – On October 7, the rafters will rise at the Stoner Theatre in the Civic Center. Based on the original hit movie, this tale of a singer forced to hide out at a convent and her effect on the rest of the nuns there make for an uproarious, joyful, and just plain fun time for all. We’ve got amazing young talent in this area, and here’s where many of it are featured. Iowa Stage Theatre Company – SWEAT – We’ve been waiting for this one for a while, but it’s sure to be worth it. SWEAT was originally scheduled for Iowa Stage back…