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 before the pandemic, and then rescheduled to earlier this year. Finally, the production is going to debut in the Stoner on September 16, telling the Pulitzer Prize winning tale of workers in the factory town of Reading, Pennsylvania, and what happens when the stability that they’ve always counted on suddenly goes away. Other shows: the Iowa Stage tradition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL starts on December 9, and don’t forget their ScripTease script reading on September 19 of CLUE – THE PLAY, a stage adaptation of the movie version of CLUE.
Tallgrass Theatre Company – MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY is a look at what might have happened after the events of Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Opening November 4, MISS BENNET might be the ultimate fanfic story, continuing the lives of beloved characters in this new emotional adventure. Directed by Megan Helmers, this is sure to be a quality one. Other shows: THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB, playing currently at the Tallgrass Theatre’s new location in West Des Moines; A VERY MERRY TALLGRASS HOLIDAY, featuring the Seedlings children’s theatre group; and don’t forget the monthly BROADWAY KARAOKE, with the next event scheduled for October 1.
Non-Cloris shows
Great events, just not eligible for Cloris Awards due to either being slightly too far away, a college production, or a one-shot cabaret type show. Still more than worth attending, with some special gems coming up….
Pura Social Club – MONTHLY THEMED CABARETS – The host of Tallgrass Theatre’s BROADWAY KARAOKE and a terrific actor for many local organizations, Michael Howland has gathered a large number of his theatre friends for themed Cabaret nights featuring numerous showtune performances. In September, it’s DREAMROLES, in October DISNEY VILLAINS for Halloween, and in November they’re bringing some of the best young talent from high schools and colleges in the area for BROADWAY NEXTGEN. The people at Pura serve delicious small plate food, they’ve got a well-stocked bar, and all ages are welcome. Plus, there’s no cover. So come to Pura, just off the East Village, and check out the beautiful view and the glorious talent.
Road Trips
ACTORS Ames – FIRST DATE – I’ve loved this little musical since it hit Broadway nine years ago, and it’s so nice to finally see a local production of it, beginning November 10. A blind date, and suddenly we get to see into the inner thoughts of the participants and the mental baggage that they might bring into a possible relationship. Comical and brash, we all can identify with those first tentative steps starting out on a relationship… if they can survive their FIRST DATE. Other shows: STEEL MAGNOLIAS starts up September 9.
The Winterset Stage – GET SMART! – Would you believe a play based on the old 1960’s TV show? Maxwell Smart, Agent 99, and all the rest of the spies are back, trying to save the Statue of Liberty from an evil KAOS plot. Grab your shoe phone and join the fun, starting October 20 in Winterset.
Boone Community Theatre – MATILDA: THE MUSICAL – Performed at the DMACC Boone auditorium, this Roald Dahl tale has excellent music from Broadway composer Tim Minchin, and over-the-top characters to surround our title heroine. It starts December 1. Other shows: A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is an underrated little musical. It starts up in Boone on September 22.
College Productions
Drake University Theatre – CARRIE: THE MUSICAL – We’ll start the college slate with Drake and their Halloween production of CARRIE. Based on the Stephen King novel and movie, CARRIE has some strong music, and the performers at Drake really know how to create an outstanding show. Other shows: their fall season includes THE BALD SOPRANO and SILENT SKY.
DMACC Ankeny – FAILURE: A LOVE STORY – Carl Lindberg has grown the DMACC theatre department tremendously over the last few years, and his choice of shows for the organization is challenging and unique. FAILURE fits into that category. Take a chance on their shows, and best of all, they’re typically free to see. Other shows: ELEANOR AND DOLLY.
Iowa State University Theatre – NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE MUSICAL – yes, that’s exactly what it says. They’ve turned the original zombie movie into a stage musical, and you get to see it if you head up to Ames. Oddly, it’s not scheduled as a Halloween production, but opens November 10. Just after Election Day, perhaps that’s the message here…. Other shows: POLAROID STORIES starting October 6; and the 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL at the end of the semester, December 2 and 3.
Simpson Productions – LITTLE WOMEN – A new adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic, join Jo March and her sisters as they both conform and confront society’s perceptions of their roles and their lives. How do you stay true to yourself when the world wants you to become the perfect little woman? Other shows: a double play of one-acts, GALLANTRY: A SOAP OPERA and TROUBLE IN TAHITI, two musicals that turn life on its head, starting October 28.
And finally….
Story Theater Company – THE ADDAMS FAMILY Young@Part edition – Again for Halloween opening October 21, the kids take on THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Shows are at the Ames City Hall auditorium, so get ready to snap your fingers and see the weirdest family around.
There we go. All in all, there’s THIRTY-FIVE different shows and events listed above, plenty of stuff to look forward to with Des Moines area theatre. I hope you find a show (or a dozen) to go see, support the many volunteers and theatre lovers out there, and find a smile, a tear, and a glowing heart. Or maybe even a zombie on Halloween. All brought to you by the wonderful theatre companies in our area. Check out the Gentle Guide calendar for more information and GO SEE A SHOW!!!