Des Musicals

01/30/2025

Corn musical in the corn state

12/09/2024

As Karen likes to say, we've had a lot of life going on and I feel like we've totally dropped the ball lately. Wicked is out (I have thoughts, but please, if you can, go see it!) and I saw Chicago on Friday night and totally forgot to take the obligatory playbill picture. 🤦‍♀️

Chicago was great (as always), but Des Moines was not that particular night. Parking was bananas (we slid into our seats 2 min before curtain) and I sat next to a few ladies out to have a good time that were unfortunately ruining the evening for others around them. Reminder to theater goers that the other patrons paid to see the performers on stage, not hear your loud rendition of the same songs next to them. The crowd's energy was low Friday night which really showed in the finale as the two leads were dancing their hearts out and the crowd nodded politely.

Casting was great, as was the band and choreography. Chicago is a classic and we got exactly what you expect for this show. Staging seemed as I had remembered from the last viewing in 2018. Short run, but Friday night was well attended.

Beauty and the Beast opened this weekend as well at Des Moines Playhouse! We need to catch up!

11/18/2024

Karen and Ashley checked out the new theater at Des Moines Playhouse and saw The Last Stop on Market Street.

Podcast · Ashley and Karen · Discussion and reviews of musicals and plays performed in the Des Moines area

11/09/2024

Last Stop on Market Street in the new theater Des Moines Playhouse!

11/03/2024

Catching some local theater on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

10/18/2024

We went Back to the Future this week with Des Moines Performing Arts. Very cool show!

Podcast · [object Object] · Discussion and reviews of musicals and plays performed in the Des Moines area

10/17/2024

Back to the Future at Des Moines Performing Arts. Thanks to our manager for the photo. 😆

10/14/2024

A little off cadence lately, but we catch up after seeing Santino Fontana last week. Ashley also recaps the shows she saw in Veags, and somehow went 2 whole weeks without spilling the A-list celebrity she saw to Karen (we were very proud of ourselves for saving it for the episode!). Don't worry, it's the first thing we talk about. 😆

Podcast · [object Object] · Discussion and reviews of musicals and plays performed in the Des Moines area

10/06/2024

At the Des Moines Symphony tonight for the Broadway cross over.

09/29/2024

I'm always amazed at how different performance venues are, often they are as different as the shows that appear on them. The venue can also play a huge part of the production, and tonight have the opportunity to see O in Las Vegas. This theater was created for this show! The curtain is HUGE and beautiful, can't wait for the show!

In contrast, last night's show, Absinthe, was in a circus tent with a center stage with the crowd sitting all around the performers. It felt intimate but also a little grungy which totally added to the ambiance.

09/24/2024

Thanks Des Moines Performing Arts for a fun night behind the scenes!

Realizing as I post how many photo opportunities I missed. Not pictured are the Patron's Lounge, dressing rooms, signature books in the green room, and the cute charcuterie.

09/21/2024

Jersey Boys is playing now at Des Moines Playhouse and we were there opening night. Lots of familiar music, kudos to the great cast and creative team on a nice production!

Added:
We referenced many Four Season song remakes or movie soundtracks. There are now in the comments because the world needs to know!!!

Podcast · [object Object] · Discussion and reviews of musicals and plays performed in the Des Moines area

09/14/2024

Oh What a Night!

09/06/2024

Des Moines Performing Arts brings arts and entertainment at their iconic theater. Here are some tips to enjoy the Des Moines Performing Arts with kids.

08/29/2024

With Karen on her second viewing this evening, I'm releasing the Moulin Rouge episode a few days before our usual Friday. Stay tuned to see if Karen changes her mind (my guess is she won't 😉)!

https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZwILELuQnrb3vNDsHm1CX

08/29/2024

I missed a previous show and traded in my ticket. I should have traded it in for MJ, but nooooo I was worried that I would be disappointed by MJ. Moulin Rouge was supposed to be a sure thing. Listen to the new episode to hear more of my thoughts.

I do feel good about my better composed picture. I do not feel good about remembering to bring my souvenir cup when we're back to see Santino Fontana in a month. - K

08/25/2024

My turn!