Des Moines Playhouse Announces 2017-18 Season

The Des Moines Community Playhouse has the most rootin-tootin', fan-crazed, dreamy, jazzy, gut-wrenching season ever. The theatre's 99th season includes four musicals, plus drama, comedy, and family shows. Playhouse season tickets go on sale Mar. 15 online at dmplayhouse.com and at The Playhouse ticket office.

The 2017-18 Mainstage season opens with an Iowa favorite, "The Music Man," followed by the love letter to Broadway, "A Chorus Line," and the musical story of turn-of-the-century life, "Ragtime." The Mainstage season also features a new stage version of Stephen King's thriller, "Misery," and the world premiere of "Choices," the latest comedy from "Girls' Weekend" playwright Karen Schaeffer.

In its 23rd season, the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre continues its page-to-stage tradition of plays adapted from popular books with "A Little House Christmas," "Elephant & Piggie's: 'We Are in a Play!'," and "Miss Nelson is Missing!" Nationwide is the proud presenter of the 2017-18 children's theatre season.

The Playhouse takes audiences under the sea for the 2017 Family Holiday Classic musical, "Disney's The Little Mermaid."

School matinees will be offered for "A Little House Christmas," "Disney's The Little Mermaid," "Elephant & Piggie's: 'We Are in a Play!'," and "Miss Nelson is Missing!"

The Playhouse is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the US. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For season ticket information, contact the Des Moines Community Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261 or visit The Playhouse website at dmplayhouse.com.

2017-18 Playhouse Season

"The Music Man"
July 14-Aug. 6, 2017
There's trouble in River City! Fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill cons Iowa-stubborn citizens by convincing them to purchase instruments and uniforms for a boys' band. But his plans to skip town with the money are thwarted when he meets Marian, the librarian, and falls in love... first with her, and then with the town. "The Music Man" is Meredith Willson's tribute to his home state, and one of The Playhouse's most-requested musicals.

"A Chorus Line"
Sept. 8-Oct. 1, 2017
Seventeen dancers audition for eight ensemble roles in the next Big Broadway Musical. From tap dance sensation Mike to Cassie, a former featured performer now begging for any role, each one has a story and unique reason for performing. "A Chorus Line" shows what actors do for love of the theatre in a life that is demanding, heartbreaking, and exhilarating. "A Chorus Line" is one singular sensation!

"Choices"
Oct. 13-29, 2017
World Premiere! Liz is a recent widow with a bad dating track record. Her spunky friends each set her up with a different guy, manipulating things along the way, of course. In the hilarious intrigue that follows, Liz finds out just how difficult making choices can be. "Choices," where the women are smart and the humor is sharp, is the latest comedy by Des Moines playwright Karen Schaeffer, author of "Girls' Weekend," a hit in The Playhouse's 2014-15 Season.

"A Little House Christmas"
Presented by Nationwide
Nov. 3-20, 2017
Ma, Pa, Mary, and Laura Ingalls gather the whole family together at their home in Kansas to celebrate the holidays. When a natural disaster strikes, it seems like Santa won't be able to make it! But Christmas is a time for miracles, and Laura and Mary are determined to help ensure Ma and Pa don't have a gift-less holiday. Based on the Little House series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, "A Little House Christmas" is a perfect way for families to kick off the holiday season.

"Disney's The Little Mermaid"
Dec. 1-24, 2017
Ariel may have fins, but she wants nothing more than to leave her kingdom under the sea. After saving Prince Eric from a storm at sea, she knows she's in love and her father will never understand. But when Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, the evil sea witch, to experience the life she's dreamed of, things go terribly wrong. Make "The Little Mermaid" part of your family's world this holiday season!

"Elephant & Piggie's: 'We Are in a Play!'"
Presented by Nationwide
Jan. 5-21, 2018
From the pages of Mo Willem's beloved books comes a musical adventure that will have families rolling with laughter. Gerald, an elephant, and Piggie, a pig, are "bestus" friends. Gerald worries about their friendship, but Piggie is completely confident, especially because they're invited to a party! Through singing and dancing, the pair learns important lessons about the meaning of friendship, and what to wear to a fancy pool party.

"Misery"
Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2018
A horrible automobile accident nearly claims best-selling author Paul Sheldon's life. Luckily, his biggest fan, Annie, is there to save him and nurse him. It doesn't take long, however, for Paul to realize he is living a nightmare. Completely at Annie's psychopathic mercy, he's unsure if he'll make it out alive after all. Based on the book by Stephen King, "Misery" will have audiences on the edges of their seats.

"Miss Nelson is Missing!"
Presented by Nationwide
Feb. 23-Mar. 11, 2018
Miss Nelson's class is the worst in the whole school. Why? She's just too nice. One day, Miss Nelson doesn't show up and the evil substitute teacher Viola Swamp takes her place. Under Swamp's tyranny, the students begin to see the error of their ways. Based on the book by Harry G. Allard Jr. and JameS Marshall.

"Ragtime"
Apr. 6-29, 2018
At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Three families -- embodied by an upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a Harlem musician -- cross paths and their lives intertwine in pursuit of the American Dream. After a tragedy, people discover they have more in common than anyone thought. Based on the best-selling book by E.L. Doctorow with a Tony Award-winning score, "Ragtime" is a powerful and inspiring portrait of America, and musical theatre storytelling at its finest.

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