Page 3 - John Busbee News Today

While fall’s Iowa landscape is rife with images of harvesting, theatre companies are now planting seeds for successful 2022-2023 seasons. With many an afterglow from a bevy of fine productions from last immersion from the pandemic doldrums, as exhibited by the array of exceptional nominees presented

Central Iowa continues to celebrate a special Oscar-winning actress who continued to maintain a strong relationship with her hometown, Des Moines. Cloris Leachman departed this mortal stage in January of 2021, joining a celestial band of fellow performers and luminaries. One special legacy she left

Central Iowa has an exceptionally high “cultural quotient.” A constant bounty of productions, events and exhibitions await cultural adventurers. Occasionally, one organization elevates itself to a rare pinnacle of presentation and performance. This year, the Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) allows patr

In an interesting pondering of name origins, tallgrass prairie “is capable of supporting significant biodiversity. Parts of the ecoregion are among the top ten ecoregions for reptiles, birds, butterflies, and tree species.” Tallgrass Theatre Company (TTC) draws from that description, having sunke

With an allure that still resonates from its sold-out run at Des Moines Performing Arts in 2018, “Hamilton” returns, expanding from that initial week-long stay to present this Broadway hit for three weeks beginning May 17. It has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and

The forecast calls for occasional rain, sprinkled with lots of song and dance. Definitely something to sing about. This month’s offerings include the eagerly anticipated return of the pandemically thwarted “Singin’ in the Rain” at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Add a diversity of live performan

It’s a piece of cake. Iowa Stage Theatre Company has developed a wonderful recipe for performance success over the years. With a dash of classics, some flavoring with occasional musicals, and bold spicing with modern classics and new works, this company has found its niche in central Iowa’s theatri

As the refrain proclaims, “Tra-la! It’s May! The lusty month of May!” (from “Camelot”) promises performances to engage, entertain and inspire. As venues open, led by the Des Moines Playhouse’s “Some Enchanted Evening” through May 9, outdoor theater options abound as invitingly as the bursting of spr

By John Busbee 3/3/2021 Stuart (Will C. Johnson) is a little mouse on a big adventure in “Stuart Little,” playing through March 14, in repertory with “Leaving Iowa,” at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo Credit: Brent Isenberger This month marks the one-year anniversary of when stages across central Iowa went dark. As local producers mourn the loss, they remain resolved to adapt and find ways to overcome the situation. A key ingredient has been the support from patrons and the ...

By John Busbee Photo by TheatreMidwest One truth always seems to emerge from cultural chaos: creativity will find a way to adapt, overcome and continue to engage the public. Central Iowa is showing its mettle during these challenging times, and some wonderful offerings are arising, phoenix-like, from the pandemic fires. The end of COVID-19 is not known, but the promise of vaccines helps. The economy is fighting back, including the creative economy. Many theatre companies remain publicly dormant...