FAE Holiday Show

Join the Final Act Ensemble (FAE) for old-time fun this holiday season as the troupe presents four classics from the golden days of radio. First George Burns and Gracie Allen try to solve a mystery to hilarious results. Then Fibber McGee and Molly deal with a bad stomachache. Or is it something worse? After intermission, Jane Ace tries to wheedle a mink coat out of her tightwad husband. The evening ends with the Andersons of Father Knows Best stuck in a mountain blizzard on Christmas Eve. Throughout the evening there will be bantering announcers and a few songs to set your toes tapping.

The Final Act Ensemble’s Holiday Show will be presented in the Kate Goldman Theatre.

Our safety guide has been updated and reflects these main changes.

  1. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 regardless of vaccination status for Final Act Ensemble’s Holiday Show. Volunteers and guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets will be refunded.
  2. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants.
  3. There will be no autographs after the show.

Please note: The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such we are monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of your event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded. Click here to download our full safety guide updated Aug. 31, 2021.

Click here to learn more about the Final Act Ensemble.

Performance Times:
7:00 PM
Run Time:
100 minutes including a 10-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.

Company

  • Ann Barfels

  • Ralph Bowman

  • Sound Effects

    Katie Brooks

    Sound Effects

  • Victoria Christian

  • Shirley Dalby

  • Al Downey

  • Ruth Downey

  • Director

    Jerry Eisenhour

    Director

  • Barb Keck

  • Molly Ketchum

  • Sound Effects

    Melinda Leseney

    Sound Effects

  • Hu Lundberg

  • R.J. Lundgren

  • Music Director / Rehearsal Accompanist / Sound Effects

    Susie McCauley

    Music Director / Rehearsal Accompanist / Sound Effects

  • Mark Pullen

  • Marsha Szymczuk

  • Ed Truslow

  • Vocal Coach

    Phyllis Wolfe

    Vocal Coach
  • Accompanist

    Francine Griffith

    Accompanist

Photos/Video

Press Release

Des Moines Community Playhouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: Dec. 14, 2021
Subject: Playhouse's Final Act Ensemble Presents Annual Holiday Show
Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

Celebrate with the Final Act Ensemble at their annual holiday performance, 7:00 PM, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, in the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre at the Des Moines Playhouse. Tickets are $10 for all ages and are available at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515.277.6261, or at The Playhouse ticket office.

The FAE Holiday Show features popular episodes from vintage radio programs. First George Burns and Gracie Allen try to solve a mystery to hilarious results. Then Fibber McGee and Molly deal with a bad stomachache. Or is it something worse? After intermission, Jane Ace tries to wheedle a mink coat out of her tightwad husband. The evening ends with the Andersons of Father Knows Best stuck in a mountain blizzard on Christmas Eve. The performance includes holiday songs from the period. Get set for an evening of nostalgia and holiday cheer with the Final Act Ensemble!

The cast, under the direction of Jerry Eisenhour, features Ralph Bowman, Katie Brooks, Victoria Christian, Al Downey, Ruth Downey, Barb Keck, Molly Ketchum, Melinda Leseney, Hu Lundberg, R.J. Lundgren, Susie McCauley, Mark Pullen, Marsha Szymczuk, Ed Truslow, and Phyllis Wolf.

The Final Act Ensemble is a troupe of performers ages 55 and older that present classic and original radio plays, including commercials and live and recorded sound effects. In addition to performances at The Playhouse, traveling programs are available for youth, adult, and multi-generational audiences.

Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, for Final Act Ensemble's Holiday Show. Guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets will be refunded. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants. The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such is monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which the theatre is subject.

The Playhouse vision, as Iowa's largest producing theatre, is to be a vital part of a collaborative, energized, and engaged community that values art in its culture, particularly because of the contributions of high-quality avocational, educational, and entertaining theatre experiences. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For up-to-date information and general guidelines, visit The Playhouse website at dmplayhouse.com or contact The Playhouse at 515.974.5354.

Final Act Ensemble Holiday Show Performance: 7:00 PM, Dec. 14, 2021
$10 all ages
To purchase tickets: dmplayhouse.com, 515.277.6261
Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, IA 50312

 

 

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