Des Moines Playhouse Goes Around the World in 80 Days
Photo courtesy Steve Gibbons
Des Moines Playhouse is producing my play Around the World in 80 Days. This may be an Iowa premiere but I’m not sure. And it may be the oldest theatre to produce the play.
The Des Moines Playhouse was founded in 1919. You know what also happened in 1919? The Treaty of Versailles; the Weimar Republic came into existence in Germany; Mussolini formed the Fascist Party; Senate passed the Women’s Suffrage bill; the League of Nations was formed; and 2 million gallons of molasses flooded Boston MA, drowning 21 people. I know that last one is tragic but there’s something funny about people drowning in fluid moving as fast as molasses.
And the Des Moines Playhouse came into existence. That a theatre has survived that long is amazing. The theatre has gone from a five-show season to a whopping thirty shows this year.
I don’t know who is in charge of marketing at the theatre but advertising for the show is everywhere. Lots of TV and radio shows. It’s really extraordinary.
The Artists
Photo courtesy Steve Gibbons
The show stars Tyler Kirkholm, Dakota Rachuy, Jason Rainwater, Katie Hanson, and Eric Olson. It’s directed by John Viars.
The Info You Need
What: Around the World in 80 Days
Who: Des Moines Community Playhouse
When: Apr. 10-26, 2015. 7:30 PM Wednesday-Saturday. 2:00 PM Sunday
Where: 831 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
Why: Because my kid needs new shoes.
Price: Tickets start at $23
Check out the Des Moines Playhouse on Facebook.
