Scriptease: It Can't Happen Here
One night only! Join us at The Bank at The Little Book for Iowa Stage’s first Scriptease of the season.
A cautionary dark satire about the fragility of democracy and how fascism can take hold even in the land of liberty. It Can't Happen Here follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States by promising to return the country to greatness. Witnessing the new president’s tyranny from the sidelines is a liberal, middle-class newspaper editor from Vermont who trusts the system will fix itself – until he ends up in a prison camp. Sinclair Lewis’ eerily prescient 1935 novel gets a fresh update in this adaptation that examines what brings a citizenry to the point of sacrificing its own freedom and how a courageous few can prevail to overcome the fall.
Directed by Resident Artist John Robinson, featuring Resident Artists and more!
520 Euclid Ave #103
Des Moines, IA.
BYOB
The Seagull
When dreams take flight, who survives the fall?
In a world where art, love, and ambition collide, a young playwright’s bold experiment spirals into heartbreak and disillusionment. Chekhov’s The Seagull is a haunting exploration of unfulfilled dreams and the fragile line between creation and destruction.
Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, reimagined in a fresh new adaptation by Alex Wendel, brings renewed urgency and emotional depth to this beloved classic. On a quiet country estate, a young playwright stages an experimental work hoping to impress his muse, only to be overshadowed by her infatuation with a celebrated novelist. As artistic ambitions clash with romantic entanglements, the characters spiral into heartbreak, jealousy, and existential despair. Wendel’s adaptation sharpens Chekhov’s timeless exploration of creativity, longing, and the human need to be seen—inviting audiences to experience the raw beauty and tragic humor of one of theatre’s most enduring masterpieces.
Educational Understudy Performance:
Sunday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Presented in partnership with DMACC, this educational understudy performance proudly highlights DMACC students in the roles of Konstantin, Masha, and Nina.
Please note this performance contains simulated gun shots.
Bright Star
Billy Cane, recently returned to the North Carolina from the front lines of World War II, dreams of becoming a writer. He meets editor Alice Murphy, who gives him hope by paying him for one of his stories. However, the most compelling story of Billy’s life brings him and Alice together in unexpected ways. With music by comedian / writer / actor / musician Steve Martin and Edie Brickell of the New Bohemians, this new Broadway musical tells a sweeping tale of love, loss, and hope.
A preshow talk is offered in the West Lobby 30 minutes prior to curtain.
Season tickets are now on sale. Individual tickets will go on sale online, 10:00 AM, Monday, July 28, and at the ticket office at noon, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.
Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays and Saturday, Oct. 4
Theatre:
Signature Series in the John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
TBD
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
A Christmas Carol
The Holiday tradition continues! Bring the entire family for this timeless adventure and follow Scrooge on a night he will never forget when four ghosts take him on a whirlwind journey to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas and change his humbug life forever.
Fifth of July
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Fifth of July
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Fifth of July
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Fifth of July
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Fifth of July
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.