VAN METER MS

by DC Felton - August 30, 2024

Another season comes to a close at Des Moines Performing Arts, and they are going out with a big spectacle. On Tuesday, the tour of 'Moulin Rouge' opened at the Civic Center for a two-week run.  Having seen the show in New York in the summer of 2022, I was looking forward to seeing this show again a...

by DC Felton - May 02, 2024

What did our critic If you 'Wanna be Startin' Something,' then check out Des Moines Performing Arts; not only did they recently announce their 2024/2025 season, but they are not stopping there.  This week, they are bringing the hottest show of the 2021/2022 Broadway Season.  'MJ: The Musical' opened...

by DC Felton - March 15, 2024

Hey Des Moines, here she is. A new production of 'Funny Girl' opened on Tuesday evening. When you think of the show 'Funny Girl,' one of the first things you probably think of is the person you saw bringing Fannie Brice to life on stage. For the show to work, you need someone who can deliver an icon...

by DC Felton - March 04, 2024

Over the years, since Des Moines Performing Arts started bringing productions to the Temple Theatre, there have been a few staple productions. One of those staples centers around Dixie Longate, a woman from Mobile, Alabama, who happens to sell Tupperware. While she has returned multiple times to sel...

by DC Felton - March 02, 2024

One of the great things about the Des Moines Performing Arts Broadway series is that it not only introduces us to new productions in their season, but there are also a few shows you can purchase as an add-on that have stood the test of time. This week, they are bringing the musical 'Les Miserables' ...

by DC Felton - February 07, 2024

When Des Moines Performing Arts announces its new season, there is always a show or two I can't help but get excited about. This year, one of those shows for me was 'Company,' which is now playing through February 11. ...

by DC Felton - January 25, 2024

After a cold start to the year, the fever to be able to vacation is already starting to set in. “ABBA” fever has hit Des Moines this last year. It started with concerts with the Des Moines Symphony and is continuing this week. On Tuesday night, the 25th anniversary tour of “Mamma Mia” opened at Des ...

by DC Felton - December 15, 2023

It’s been almost 40 years since the last time “The Wiz” was on Broadway, and the show is currently starting to “Ease on Down the Road” and going on a pre-Broadway national tour. While it’s not scheduled to open on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre until March 29, 2024, you can see it through December ...

by DC Felton - October 05, 2023

All you gotta do is say his name three times, and he will appear on the Civic Center stage. 'Beetlejuice: The Musical' has been summoned to Des Moines Performing Arts as the finale of the 2022-2023 Willis Broadway Series. You may be asking if 'Beetlejuice' is the perfect start to your spooky season....

by DC Felton - June 07, 2023

Dear Broadwayworld Reader. This week is going to be a good week. That is because 'Dear Evan Hansen' is back in Des Moines through June 11. In 2019, Des Moines Performing Arts brought the first national tour of 'Dear Evan Hansen' early in its run. So it's fitting that it is returning to Des Moines th...