THE BOOK OF MORMON Kicks Off 2013

The New Year is officially underway, and what better way to ring in 2013 than with a theatrical escape into another world. To match a variety of tastes, there is a big name musical and a small drama playing in Des Moines this January. Read on to find out where you'll want to be.

2013 kicks off with a bang, as the Tony-winning musical The Book of Mormon will play the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines starting January 24^th. Mormon, the musical about two young Mormon missionaries sent to Africa, was created by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, the brains behind TV's South Park and Broadway's Avenue Q, respectively. And while it may be known for being lewd and crude, Mormon is a traditional musical at heart and may surprise audiences with its heartwarming spirit. For ticket information visit civiccenter.org

A quieter option this month is the Tallgrass Theatre Company's production of Open House. Winner of the Seventh Annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop, Craig N. Owens' story follows John and Mary, who relocated to rural Iowa from Chicago only to find that the troubles they attempted to leave behind have an uncanny way of tracking them down. Performances run from January 18^th - February 2^nd. For more information visit tallgrasstheatre.org

If January is any indication of what's to come throughout 2013, Des Moines theater lovers will be in heaven all year long.