Des Moines Performing Arts Announces the 2026/2027 Broadway Season

Leonardo Reyna, seated at piano, and the company of Buena Vista Social Club, photo Matthew Murphy

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) today unveiled a powerhouse 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series, bringing a can’t-miss lineup of Broadway’s biggest hits and bold new productions to the Des Moines Civic Center.

The 2026-27 season is highlighted by the much-anticipated return of The Phantom of the Opera for a two-week engagement, marking its fifth time at the Civic Center since 1997 and will be in Des Moines for two weeks.

2026-2027 Season
Show
Dates
SpamalotOctober 20-25, 2026
Maybe Happy EndingDecember 1-6, 2026
Waitress *December 18-20, 2026
Buena Vista Social ClubJanuary 19-24, 2027
Legally Blonde *February 12-14, 2027
Mark Twain Tonight! *February 20, 2027
The Phantom of the OperaMarch 3-14, 2027
The Sound of Music *March 30–April 4, 2027
Mamma Mia! *May 4-9, 2027
Hell’s KitchenJuly 27–August 1, 2027
Just In TimeAugust 24-29, 2027

* Season add-on for subscribers

DMPA’s unwavering commitment to bringing the very best of Broadway to central Iowa is supported by its investments in Broadway productions through membership in the Independent Presenters Network (IPN), a consortium of 40 leading Broadway presenters, theaters, and performing arts centers. The 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series season includes two DMPA-invested shows: the five-time Tony Award-winning Buena Vista Social Club™ and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Helen J Shen and Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending. Photo Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

The only way to guarantee seats to all six shows in the Willis Broadway Series is by becoming a season ticket holder. Season tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. at DMPA.org, at the Civic Center Ticket Office (221 Walnut Street), or by phone at (515) 246-2300. Groups of 10+ can also reserve seats now. On-sale dates for tickets to individual shows will be announced at a later date.

About Des Moines Performing Arts

For more than 45 years, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has been one of Iowa’s premier not-for-profit arts organizations – engaging, entertaining and inspiring more than 350,000 people each year. From the Des Moines Civic Center to the Temple Theater, Cowles Commons, and the Stoner Theater, DMPA strengthens communities through world-class performances, arts-inspired education and shared cultural experiences. Beyond its stages, DMPA brings Broadway, dance and family programming into schools and neighborhoods, ensuring access for students and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. 

DMPA proudly acknowledges support from its premier partners: Willis Automotive Campus, EMC Insurance, Prairie Meadows, Hy-Vee, and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

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