Wellmark Blue Cross And Blue Shield Family Series Gears Up for Fifth Season
Des Moines Performing Arts is gearing up for the fifth season of fun and entertainment for families with the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series. Single tickets to THE FIREBIRD, SPIRIT OF UGANDA, STUART LITTLE, CIRQUE MECHANICS BIRDHOUSE FACTORY and LOVE go on sale Monday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m.
Single tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Civic Center Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at DMPA.org. Season ticket packages starting at $35 are also available.
All Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series productions will be at the Des Moines Civic Center with the exception of LOVE, which will be at the Temple Theater (located in the Temple for Performing Arts).
ABOUT THE PRODUCTIONS
THE FIREBIRD with the Des Moines Symphony and Enchantment Theatre Company
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 at 1 p.m.
Weaving together physical theatre, masks, puppetry, shadow play and magic with the evocative music of Igor Stravinsky's THE FIREBIRD, Enchantment Theatre Co. eloquently tells this captivating tale of Prince Ivan, the wicked magician named Kaschei and the princess with whom Prince Ivan lives "happily ever after."
SPIRIT OF UGANDA
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at 1 p.m.
The vibrant cast of 22 dancers and musicians, ages 8-18, share cultural traditions from East Africa and introduces some of the dynamic music and dance forms that are being created now. Ambassadors of Uganda's 2.7 million orphans, these children personally reflect the resilience and promise of Africa's next generation.
STUART LITTLE by the Dallas Children's Theater on Tour
Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 1 p.m.
Based on the award-winning book by E.B. White and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, STUART LITTLE tells the surprising story of a most unusual mouse who happens to be born into an ordinary New York family. In no time at all, his life becomes a series of adventures and misadventures with a variety of colorful characters, including his best friend Margalo the bird and the not-so-friendly Snowbell the malevolent family cat.
CIRQUE MECHANICS: BIRDHOUSE FACTORY
Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 1 p.m.
BIRDHOUSE FACTORY, a nostalgic tale set in a 1930's depression era widget factory, transformed by the resourcefulness and creativity of the American worker, went on to tour the United States and Europe inspiring and entertaining audiences and critics. The New York Times found Birdhouse Factory "exceptional, evocative, … and engrossingly entertaining."
LOVE by the Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Australia
Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
*Please note that this production is in the Temple Theater.
Oslo Rogers has a very fun mum called Ruthy, and lives in a very fun town called Mellingong. Now a very unfun problem (called a big approaching storm) is forcing everyone to head for The Clondike, the big town hall on the hill, and they can only take a few important things each.
LOVE is brought to life with traditional puppets, digital puppetry, stunning music and Terrapin's trademark silly business. Watch as the set unfolds and puppeteers control the animated images. LOVE is a heartfelt story that is thoroughly entertaining on many levels.
The WELLMARK BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD FAMILY SERIES is a wonderful way to introduce young people to the performing arts, with shows directed especially toward young theater goers. Extend the fun of the experience by attending the Discovery Party held one hour prior to the start of the show in the Nollen Lobby of the Des Moines Civic Center. Parents are encouraged to bring the entire family for arts and crafts, activities, demonstrations and other fun programs. The Discovery Party is free to ticket holders.
About Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Performing Arts is a private not-for-profit organization celebrating 34 years of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states on three stages in Des Moines — the Civic Center, the Stoner Theater and the Temple Theater. The organization also operates Cowles Commons (formerly Nollen Plaza), a longtime Des Moines landmark currently under redesign and renovation. Des Moines Performing Arts is a presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is home to many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest. All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Willis Auto Campus. All performances at the Temple Theater are supported by Prairie Meadows. All performances of the Family Series are supported by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For more information, visit DMPA.org.