2020-21 Playhouse Season
The Des Moines Playhouse announced its 102nd year of live theatre at a party Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. The 2020-21 Season includes musicals, drama, comedy, and shows for the entire family.
Note: The Playhouse will be adjusting its season from what was originally announced. Titles and dates are subject to change as necessitated. Changes will be published by May 29, 2020.
2020-21 John Viars Theatre Season
Chicago
Sponsored by Infomax Office Systems
Sept. 11-Oct. 4, 2020
If you can’t be famous, be infamous.
In Chicago’s Roaring ’20s, merry murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly vie for the same spotlight and the headlines, and ultimately join forces in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune, and all that jazz.
The Sound of Music
Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience
Dec. 4-20, 2020
The hills are alive with the sound of music!
Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this beloved musical captures a personal tale of growth, hope, and family love in a time of impending war. This family favorite features classic Rodgers & Hammerstein songs “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and more.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sponsored by Allied Travel
Feb. 5-21, 2021
From the Queen of Mystery: Suspect Everyone
When a murder occurs on the famed luxury train, passenger and celebrated detective Hercule Poirot must solve the case before the murderer strikes again!
Kinky Boots
Sponsored by Edward Jones
Apr. 9-May 2, 2021
Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his heels!
Charlie Price has inherited his father’s failing shoe company. Enter the flamboyant Lola with an inspirational way to save the factory: create a line of sensuous stilettos. Along the way, the unexpected pair discover that you can change your whole world if you change your mind about someone.
Calendar Girls
Sponsored by MidAmerican Energy
June 4-20, 2021
They dropped everything for a good cause.
After her husband dies, Annie and her best friend Chris decide to raise money for the hospital. Their fundraiser, a calendar with their 50-something-year-old friends posing nude, becomes an international sensation. Will their success put a strain on Annie’s and Chris’s relationship?
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
July 9-Aug. 1, 2021
Be our guest!
A selfish prince has been cursed and lives in the form of a monster. When a beautiful young woman wonders into the castle, the Beast has one chance to learn to love and be loved and end the curse.
2020-21 Kate Goldman Children's Theatre Season
Charlotte’s Web
Sponsored by Nationwide
Oct. 23-Nov. 15, 2020
Radiant! Terrific! Some pig!
Charlotte, a wise spider with a flair for writing saves her best friend, a pig named Wilbur from ending up on the dinner table. Based on the “humble,” “radiant,” and “terrific” book by E.B. White.
Go, Dog. Go!
Sponsored by Nationwide
Jan. 8-24, 2021
You’re invited to a dog party!
P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book comes to the stage! The dogs delve into life with gusto. They snorkel. They howl at the moon. They ride a Ferris wheel. They sing, and dance, and climb trees in this rollicking, free-for-all of doggy fun.
Nate the Great the Musical
Sponsored by Nationwide
March 5-28, 2021
A mystery with music and pancakes!
Nate the Great, the world’s greatest boy detective, has a new case: Annie’s painting is missing! To solve this case, Nate is going to need to rely on the help of his friends… and eat plenty of pancakes.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical
Sponsored by Nationwide
May 7-23, 2021
It’s our difference that make us Awesome!
Lily Polkadot has just moved to Rockaway, a “Squares only” town. Her quest to make a friend seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadots blooms into an unexpected pal-ship.
2020-21 Family Holiday Classic
The Sound of Music
Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience
Dec. 4-20, 2020
The hills are alive with the sound of music!
Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this beloved musical captures a personal tale of growth, hope, and family love in a time of impending war. This family favorite features classic Rodgers & Hammerstein songs “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and more.
2020-21 The Penguin Project
Mar. 16, 2020: The Penguin Project is being postponed until the 2021-22 season.
Annie Jr.
Oct. 9-11, 2020
Everyone’s favorite redhead goes on her first adventure in this 60-minute version of the popular Broadway musical. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Little Orphan Annie is determined to find the parents who left her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually finds a new home and family with billionaire Daddy Warbucks, his secretary Grace, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
The Penguin Project features casts of youths with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and other neurological and developmental disorders. These artists are joined on stage by their peer mentors, youths of similar age without disabilities who have worked side-by-side with the artists through four months of rehearsals.