Holiday Spirit Abounds in Des Moines This December

The holiday season is upon us and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season in a theater this December. Even if you do not want to see a holiday-themed production, you will find plenty of shows that will appeal to the entire family. Read on to find out what is playing in a theater near you.

War Horse, the 2011 Tony Winner for Best Play, rides into Des Moines for a one-week engagement. The play, set during World War I, tells the story of the bond between a young boy and his horse. Originally adapted from a young adult book for the London stage, the play made a splash on Broadway and is embarking on its’ first national tour to rave reviews. Performance dates are December 11-16^th. For more information visit civiccenter.org

Very few stories capture the collective imagination quite like The Wizard of Oz. This month the Des Moines Playhouse presents the stage adaption of the journey of Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow to see the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. Of course, the journey down the yellow brick road would be all fun and games if not for that Wicked Witch of the West. For ticket information visit dmplayhouse.com

The weekend before Christmas presents an opportunity to see a classic holiday story put to stage when the musical Miracle on 34^th Street stops in Des Moines for two performances on December 22^nd. Featuring music by MerEdith Wilson, the classic story of the man claiming to be Santa Claus and how he convinces non-believers to put aside their skepticism will undoubtedly put you in the holiday spirit. For more information visit hoytsherman.org

Repertory Theater of Iowa will present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol December 14-23^rd. While Dickens may be a little darker than other holiday offerings, the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption will ultimately warm your heart. RTI has presented the show multiple times in the past, but this year has moved the production to a larger stage at Grand View University. For ticket information go to rtiowa.org

Tis the season to spend time with family, and what better way to spend time together than seeing a show. From witches and munchkins to Santa Claus, there is a show for everyone this month.

Brooke is a Des Moines native who has been enjoying theater her entire life. She fell in love with writing about theater in college when an extra credit assignment in Theater 106 was to go to a show and review it. After seeing Wicked thirteen times last year, Brooke decided it was time to start making something of her passion.

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