Top 5 Shows to See This Season!

As a performing arts enthusiast I am always wondering what shows are coming to a theater or performing arts center in my area of the country.  Whether they are new shows from Broadway or classic shows that have traveled for years, it is always tough to decide which shows if any to see.  So, I decided to make a list of the must see shows for this season in the state of Iowa.  I used the two main performing arts centers that I frequent that have a good variety of shows, they are, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) in Cedar Falls and Des Moines Performing Arts Center in Des Moines.

5. Hello, Dolly! (At Gallagher Bluedorn: January 24-25, 2014)

A classic musical based in the late 1800's in the New York City area. This show is a mix of laughter and magical musical numbers. The beautiful costumes help set the time and the music makes the show a joy to watch. With Sally Struthers staring as Dolly Gallagher Levi there is more than enough talent to make the show shine. Although this show has been around sense the 1960's it still holds its charm and magic that is Hello, Dolly!

4. Phantom of the Opera (At Des Moines Performing Arts Center: September 10-21, 2014)

Out on a New North American Tour the critics say this show is, "bigger and better than ever before." The Sunday Express says its,"stunning, intense and spectacular." The Phantom of the Opera is a story about a man who lives under a Paris Opera House who is a musical genius.  He lives in the shadows ashamed of his physical appearance and is feared by all who see him. But the love for his protegee makes it hard for her to resist his disfigured form.

3. Avenue Q (At Des Moines Performing Arts Center: 

June 6-22, 2014)

The winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. Avenue Q is a "autobiographical and biographical" coming-of-age story, covering the issues and anxieties of entering adulthood. The hilarious show follows Princeton a recent college graduate who moves to a New York apartment on Avenue Q and his story of becoming an adult. What makes this show so special is that it uses puppets to tell the story which are controlled by visible human actors. This show is not like one you have ever seen before!

2. Blue Man Group (At Des Moines Performing Arts Center: February 18-23, 2014)

Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology in order to create completely unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as “One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged.”  

1. Wicked (At Des Moines Performing Arts Center: 

Oct 30- Nov 10, 2013)

Back by “Popular” demand.  Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon!” Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times).  The Prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this is the story of two girls and how the become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.  This is one of the top grossing musicals of all time.  If you have not seen it yet or even if you have, it is a must see!

Thanks for Reading!

-PerformingArtsPatron