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Just Announced at DMPA: Concerts, Comedy, and Can’t-Miss Events Coming Your Way!

Just Announced at DMPA: Concerts, Comedy, and Can’t-Miss Events Coming Your Way!

We’re turning up the volume—and the variety—for the newly announced lineup at Des Moines Performing Arts! From iconic love ballads and killer comedy to candlelit nostalgia and high-energy dance, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to what’s new:

April 24, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK

Join & JULIET Associate Director Susanna Wolk in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as she explains what it’s like taking one of Broadway’s most popular shows from New York to national tour. Wolk describes the larger-than-life fun and the empowering message behind this playful retelling of Juliet’s story.

April 14, 2025
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DMPA’S FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY EVENTS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DMPA’S FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY EVENTS

With summer comes another series of Des Moines Performing Arts’ Free Outdoor Family Programming. But before you go to any of these events, there are a few things to keep in mind.

April 9, 2025
HADESTOWN Returns to Des Moines: Press Highlights

HADESTOWN Returns to Des Moines: Press Highlights

The wait is almost over—Hadestown returns to Des Moines on Friday, and the buzz has been nothing short of electric. This Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon returns to the Civic Center on April 11, and local media has been lighting up with praise, insight, and behind-the-scenes stories that capture why this mythic musical is once again striking a chord with Iowa audiences.

April 9, 2025
Meet Isaac Stauffer: From Rural Iowa to Chicago Tap Theatre’s National Stage

Meet Isaac Stauffer: From Rural Iowa to Chicago Tap Theatre’s National Stage

For Isaac Stauffer, dance has always been about connection—between music and movement, performer and audience, and past and present. That connection started early, on a 2x4 plank in his Iowa farmhouse, and will come full circle when he returns home to perform with Chicago Tap Theatre at the Temple Theater on April 17. We caught up with Isaac ahead of the show to talk about his journey from rural Iowa to the professional stage, and what it means to bring his passion for tap back to the place it all began.

April 8, 2025
DMPA Announces 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events Schedule

DMPA Announces 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events Schedule

Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to share the full schedule for its 2025 Free Outdoor Family Events—returning this spring and summer to parks and public spaces across the metro. From interactive installations and circus acts to storytime and live music, this lineup brings high-quality, family-friendly programming directly to the community—all at no cost.

April 8, 2025

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DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK

Join & JULIET Associate Director Susanna Wolk in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as she explains what it’s like taking one of Broadway’s most popular shows from New York to national tour. Wolk describes the larger-than-life fun and the empowering message behind this playful retelling of Juliet’s story.

April 14, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Dominic Moore-Dunson
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Dominic Moore-Dunson

Join director and choreographer of the stage adaptation of The Remember Balloons, Dominic Moore-Dunson, in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts Director of Education, Karoline Myers. Moore-Dunson talks about bringing this popular children’s book about memory loss to the stage as well as the developmental residency that DMPA supported. See this incredible show on March 29 as part of the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

March 25, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman

Join Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman and Tony and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Scott Wittman as they converse with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig about the writing process for the score of SOME LIKE IT HOT. The genius musical duo who also brought us catchy tunes from Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can and soon to come, Smash, share a few laughs and talk about the making of this HOT, HOT show!

March 18, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: NATASHA KATZ
News

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: NATASHA KATZ

Join eight-time Tony Award winner and the lighting designer for MJ, Natasha Katz, and DMPA President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, as they discuss Natasha’s incredible career, how she approaches her craft and what it takes to illuminate a show like MJ.

April 25, 2024
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: MARTHA REDBONE
News

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: MARTHA REDBONE

Join singer, songwriter, composer, and educator Martha Redbone as she discusses her career and inspiration with Laura Sweet, DMPA’s Vice President and COO.  Martha will perform at the Temple Theater on April 12 as part of the Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series.

April 9, 2024
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: ORIN WOLF
Broadway

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: ORIN WOLF

Join Orin Wolf, Producer and Chief Executive Officer of NETworks - a theatrical production company, and Jeff Chelesvig, President and CEO of DMPA, as they discuss the revival of Funny Girl.

March 11, 2024