March 28, 2024

Single ticket on-sale dates announced for Willis Broadway series

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DES MOINES — Des Moines Performing Arts has announced the single ticket on-sale dates for the 2019-2020 Willis Broadway Series shows. Tickets can be purchased at DMPA.org, the Civic Center Ticket Office and by phone at 515-246-2300.

The Broadway shows and single ticket on-sale dates are listed below.

"Mean Girls"

• Oct. 15–20 at Des Moines Civic Center
 
Single Tickets Available: Aug. 21

Direct from Broadway, "Mean Girls" is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas"

• Nov. 19–24 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Aug. 26

This holiday season discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Start with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, fill it with classic Irving Berlin songs, top it off with glorious dancing and lots of snow and head on over to the Des Moines Civic Center to see "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Performances begin Nov. 19 for this must-see classic in a lavish new production that The New York Times says to “put on your wish list.”

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas" tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. Give everyone the gift they’re dreaming of with this merry and bright holiday musical.

"Bandstand"

• Dec. 13–14 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Aug. 26

From three-time Tony winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, comes a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.

It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind.

When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.

"Bandstand" is "both a peppy celebration of can-do spirit and a more somber exploration of what American servicemen experienced when they marched home from World War II. It's a great argument for why theater can sometimes tell a story more boldly and more viscerally" (The New York Times). "The show defies you not to be moved" (Time Out New York).
 
"Jesus Christ Superstar"

• Jan. 14–19, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Aug. 26

"Jesus Christ Superstar" is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winnersAndrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, "Jesus Christ Superstar" is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes, "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Gethsemane" and "Superstar."
 
"Come from Away"

• Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Oct. 28

Broadway’s "Come from Away" is a Best Musical winner all across North America.

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.
 
"Anastasia"

• Feb. 25–March 1, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Oct. 21

Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical "Anastasia" is on a journey to Des Moines at last.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

"Anastasia" features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award-winner Darko Tresnjak.

"My Fair Lady"

• March 17–22, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Oct. 21

From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you "The King & I" and "South Pacific," comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s "My Fair Lady." Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1).

Boasting such classic songs as "I Could Have Danced All Night," "The Rain in Spain," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" and "On the Street Where You Live," "My Fair Lady" tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a "proper lady." But who is really being transformed?
 
Bernadette Peters in Concert with the Des Moines Symphony

• April 4, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Nov. 11

Throughout her illustrious career, Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics with her performances on stage, film and television, in concert, and on recordings.

One of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers, Bernadette recently starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the hit musical, Hello, Dolly! Other recent theater credits include City Center’s Encores! Production, A Bed and a Chair: A New York Love Affair featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim and orchestrations by Wynton Marsalis and on Broadway, Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Musicand Follies.

She also enjoys a career which boasts an impressive list of television credits, including Amazon Prime’s highly popular “Mozart in the Jungle,” which won the 2016 Golden Globe for Best TV Comedy or Musical series. She also appears in the CBS All-Access series, “The Good Fight,” a spin-off of the network’s popular series, “The Good Wife.”

Bernadette has received numerous accolades including three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe, three Emmy and four Grammy Award nominations (as well as performing on four Grammy Award-winning albums), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bernadette has recorded six solo albums, including the Grammy-nominated, I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall, and Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein, in addition to numerous original Broadway cast recordings.

"Riverdance: New 25TH Anniversary Show"

• May 1–3, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Oct. 21

Riverdance, as you’ve never seen or heard it before.

A powerful and stirring re-invention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the excitement, energy and dynamism of its Irish and International Dance.

Twenty-five years on, renowned composer Bill Whelan brings this mesmerizing soundtrack back to life, completely revitalized for the first time since those original orchestral recordings. Producer Moya Doherty and Director John McColgan have produced an amazing new 25th Anniversary production with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, staging and costume design, and an all-new finale number which will blow audiences away.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of music and dance – beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again.

"The Band's Visit"

• May 12–17, 2020 at Des Moines Civic Center

Single Tickets Available: Nov. 11

Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical. 2019 Grammy winner for Best Musical Theater Album.

Spend an evening in the company of unforgettable strangers at "The Band's Visit" — now one of the most celebrated musicals ever. It rejoices in the way music brings us to life, brings us to laughter, brings us to tears and ultimately, brings us together.

In an Israeli desert town where every day feels the same, something different is suddenly in the air. Dina, the local café owner, had long resigned her desires for romance to daydreaming about exotic films and music from her youth. When a band of Egyptian musicians shows up lost at her café, she and her fellow locals take them in for the night. Under the spell of the night sky, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, and this once sleepy town begins to wake up.

"The Band's Visit" features music and lyrics by Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner David Yazbek, and a book by Tony, NY Drama Critics Circle, Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards winner Itamar Moses. It is based on the screenplay by Eran Kolirin, and is directed by Tony, Drama Desk, Lortel and Obie Award winner David Cromer.