(Some content courtesy: Des Moines Register)
Through April 29
‘Ragtime’
See the sweeping musical about the life of three families in
turn-of-the-century New York, featuring diverse musical styles, from
Harlem ragtime to bold brass marches to delicate waltzes, parlor songs
and anthems. Don’t miss the classic musical that won the 1998 Tony
Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations. 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Des Moines Community Playhouse,
831 42nd St. Tickets are $29-$46 at dmplayhouse.com.
‘ The Second City: Look Both Ways Before Talking’
The satirical revue show that’s launched so many comedic careers in
nearly six decades comes to the Temple Theater with its best and
brightest new talent. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday
and 3 p.m. Sunday. 1011 Locust St. Tickets start at $28 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.
April 26
Papa Roach
Don’t miss rock band Papa Roach, who have sold more than 20 million
albums worldwide, when they perform live at 7 Flags Event Center on
their Crooked Teeth tour, along with special guests Nothing More and
Escape the Fate. 7 p.m. Advanced general admission tickets are $38.50 or
$43 the day of the show. 7 Flags Event Center is located at 2100 N.W.
100th St. in Clive. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com.
History on the Rocks
The next installment of the after-hours series for grown-ups at the
State Historical Museum is a trivia night inspired by the Iowa Test of
Basic Skills. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees must be 18 to attend and 21 to
drink alcohol. $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door.
April 28:
Cabaret and Fundraiser
Celebrate the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble with a grand party at the
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St. Hear DMVAE members
sing cabaret pieces and enjoy libations, snacks, desserts and a silent
auction. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 each, with $55 being tax-deductible.
Learn more and reserve your spot at dmvae.org.
Spirit Seekers Fair
“Inner Awareness, Guidance and Healing” is the theme for the second annual Spirit Seekers Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will feature exhibitors and practitioners from the
healing arts, intuitive readers, oneof- a-kind merchandise and personal
enrichment opportunities. Bring your family and
friends to enjoy massage, energy treatments, children’s activities and
more from central Iowa’s personal growth community. Unity of Des
Moines, 414 31st. Admission is free.
April 28-29
Masterworks 6: Beyond the Score — Elgar’s Enigma Variations
Get a peek at the lives of those closest to Elgar in a special
multimedia presentation created by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and
brought to life by actors and live theatre. After intermission, the Des
Moines Symphony, under the direction of Joseph Giunta, will perform the
complete Enigma Variations. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $15-$65 at
desmoinesperformingarts. org.
Artistry in Wood
The Des Moines Woodworkers, the Des Moines Woodturners Inc., and the
Mid Iowa Wood Carvers will display their finest works from the last
year. Projects include furniture, toys, turnings, wood carvings and
items of original design.
10320 Hickman Road, Clive. Free admission. Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sunday from 11 to 3.
April 29
‘ The Mid-Century Modern Landscape’ lecture
Ethne Clarke, internationally known lecturer and author, will give a
richly illustrated talk about mid-20th century garden design, the
subject of her new book, “The Mid-Century Modern Landscape.” Clarke
explores the origins of mid-century modern garden design, revealing how
architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Cliff May, creator of the now
ubiquitous ranch house, worked with landscape architects to blur the
divisions between indoors and outdoors. 2 p.m., Greater Des Moines
Botanical Garden. Tickets $15, available at Eventbrite.
May 5
Society Celebration
Celebrate the music and culture of Italy and help raise money for the Des
Moines Choral Society. The evening will feature elegant food and drink,
silent and live auctions, entertainment and the legendary Celebrity
Sing-Off. Earlybird tickets are $75 or $125 for VIP seating. Iowa
Events Center, 730 Third St. Learn more and order tickets at dmchoral.org.
Ballet Hispánico
The Ballet Hispánico has performed for more than 3 million people in 11
countries, exploring and celebrating Latino cultures through dance and
community engagement. Don’t miss the opportunity see them perform live
at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.
7:30 p.m. Come an hour early to learn more about Ballet HIspánico from a member of company’s artistic staff. Afterward, participate in a Q& A session with the dancers. Tickets start at $15 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.
May 5 through Oct. 27 (every Saturday)
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Find your handful of happiness from the first Saturday of May through
the last Saturday of October. The Market connects urban and rural
communities while supporting nearly 300 family farmers, bakers, artists
and crafters from around the state.
May 6
Bernstein: An American Celebration
Attend the season finale of the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble with a
tribute to American composers, especially Leonard Bernstein, considered
one of the best. 2 p.m. Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park St. $10
donation suggested.
May 10-20
‘Rapture, Blister, Burn’
Iowa Stage Theatre Company presents “Rapture, Blister, Burn,” the story
of two women who chose polar opposite paths in life and who begin to
cover each other’s lives — with the prize being the husband of one of
them. The comedy is an “unflinching look at gender politics in the wake
of 20th-century feminist ideals.” Kum & Go Theater, 901 Cherry St.
Tickets are $20-$35. Visit iowastage.org for showtimes and to order tickets.
Thursday
Absolute Science Show:
See an incredible science show, featuring sharks flying through the
air and more. 6:15-7 p.m. Clive Public Library, 1900 NW 114th St.,
Clive. Free.
Family Freedom Festival: This family-friendly event connects communities and the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a day of fun and education.
Meet McGruff the Crime Dog and check out vehicles from the police, EMTs
and fire departments. Get your picture taken with President and Mary
Lincoln and learn about flag etiquette, the pledge of allegiance and
programs and services offered by the VFW and Auxiliary.
Enjoy free hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, cookies and pizza. 1-4 p.m. VFW Post 738, 2801 Dean Ave. Free.
That’s Disgusting:
Don’t miss this gross-out exploration of history and science and learn
something new that you won’t want to discuss at the dinner table. Adults
should plan on attending and assisting kids ages 9 and younger. 3-4 p.m. Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St., Urbandale. Register by calling 278-3945.
Monday
Star Wars Movie:
Kick off East Side Library’s Star Wars Read Week by watching “Star
Wars: The Force Awakens” (PG-13). Enjoy Star Wars books, snacks and
activities to work on during the movie. Costumes are welcome, and the
event is for the whole family. 5:30-7:45 p.m.
2559 Hubbell Ave. Free.
