Michael Howland

What did our critic think ofIn 2006, I was introduced to a charming musical when I had the opportunity to be in a production at the college I attended. When Ankeny Community theatre announced their 2022/2023 season, I was ecstatic to see it would be included as part of their season. That delightful musical is 'She Loves Me.' Over the last few years, this musical has gained popularity with a revival on Broadway, including a live-streamed performance later shown on PBS as part of the Great Performances series. I can't think of a more fitting show with the holidays coming up. SHE LOVES ME at Ankeny Community Theatre?

Every so often, a show comes out that asks its audience to take a look at something they may feel uncomfortable discussing. When care is taken, it can make for a powerful and thought-provoking production that evokes a dialogue to happen following the show. One of those shows is 'Next to Normal,' which tackles mental illness. The musical by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey is being presented in an intimate production with Carousel Theatre of Indianola.

Children can tell some of the most creative stories. They aren't afraid to let whatever is in their imagination come to life. As we get older, we tend to let go of the imaginative stories we tell and focus more on the reality of what is currently going on in our lives. Des Moines playhouse opened their production of 'The Velveteen Rabbit, by Patrick Flynn, based on the book by Margery Williams, on April 16. Their imaginative telling taps into the power of a child's imagination and leaves audiences with a story that is both timely and heartwarming.

The Des Moines Playhouse will continue to present live theatre with two shows this spring, Some Enchanted Evening – The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Apr. 9-May 9, 2021, and, for families, The Velveteen Rabbit, Apr. 16-May 2, 2021. In-person performances will be presented in repertory, alternating shows by the week, in the John Viars Theatre.

Over the last year, there have been things we've all missed. I especially miss taking my friend's now seven-year-old daughter to see a children's show. Through the Playhouse's Friday Funday program, she was introduced to theatre, so I was excited to take her to a production at Kate Goldman's Children's Theatre. The first one we attended was 'Ella Enchanted,' which was a magical evening. So I was excited to see that the Playhouse was bringing back the Kate Goldman Children's series this winter, with their first show 'Stuart Little, by Joseph Robinette, based on the book by E.B. White, opening this last Friday.

The Des Moines Playhouse follows its successful fall and holiday performances with two shows this winter, Leaving Iowa, Feb. 19-Mar. 21, 2021, and, for families, Stuart Little, Feb. 26-Mar. 14, 2021.

The Playhouse will help ring in the new year with Party in a Box. The Playhouse Party in a Box has all the elements for fun: beverages, snacks, and noisemakers with options for families and for grown-ups. Party in a Box also includes entertainment with an on-demand concert available for viewing whenever your celebration takes place.

Join The Des Moines Playhouse for the 2020 Dionysos Awards at 7:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. This year's awards are virtual, with a video available on The Playhouse's website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

Do you believe in fairies? Or have you grown too old for that belief? Maybe a better question is, do you have a friend? Someone who believes in you, especially when you disagree with each other? Des Moines Playhouse's current production of 'Tinker Bell' by Patrick Flynn, uses everyone's favorite fairy to tell a new but familiar story. She takes the audience on a journey that allows them to reflect on what it means to have a friend. Will this production have you believing in fairies, or friendship by the time you leave?

The Kate Goldman Children's Theatre at The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents Tinker Bell, Feb. 21-Mar. 8, 2020. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515.277.6261, or at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Tinker Bell is sponsored by Nationwide.

Following a record number of nominations and votes, winners have been announced for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix!! The nominees were set, audiences voted, and now we get to recognize local theatres and performers for their outstanding achievement!

There's just one final week to submit votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

We're heading into the final week of voting for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Vote today to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

There's just a few weeks left to make your voice heard and submit your votes for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.

Voting is NOW OPEN and the first votes are in for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The nominees are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized!

The Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Disney's Freaky Friday hits the stage Oct. 18-Nov. 3, 2019. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Freaky Friday is sponsored by Nationwide.

This last weekend, I had the joy of taking a trip to Cherry Tree Lane to see Newton Community Theatre's production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's 'Mary Poppins. It's always fun to take a trip to a theatre that I have never been to before to see how the take and mold a show together. While this production might not have been 'Practically Perfect', it is truly a 'Jolly Holiday' seeing this show.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents 'Ragtime,' Apr. 6-29, 2018. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. 'Ragtime' is sponsored by Des Moines Radio Group.