Unless you went into deep winter hibernation after the holidays, you know what a big month it is for the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. For starters, “The Book of Mormon,” arguably the most eagerly anticipated show of Des Moines’ entire arts season, runs through Feb. 3. Winner of nine 2011 Tony Awards and still one of the hottest tickets on Broadway, the musical satirizes both organized religion and musical theater, telling the story of two young, naïve and optimistic Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda.
If you’ve been putting off getting your tickets, there are still some available. And if you’re feeling particularly lucky, you can take your chances on a pre-show lottery, for which a limited number of tickets will be available for $25 each. Here’s how it works: Entries will be accepted at the Civic Center’s ticket office beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance. You’ll print your name and the number of tickets (one or two) you wish to purchase on a card. Two hours before the show, names will be drawn at random to win the $25 tickets. Only one entry is allowed per person. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show a valid ID to purchase the tickets (cash only). There’s a limit of two tickets per winner.
In other news, the Civic Center earlier this month announced that it has a new name and new visual brand. The nonprofit umbrella organization–which operates the Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater and Nollen Plaza–now is called Des Moines Performing Arts (the venue names stay the same). The change is a result of a two-year research process and reflects the organization’s “tremendous growth over the years,” Jeff Chelesvig, president and CEO, said in a statement. “We felt it was time to develop a new name and identity that better reflected our position on the national stage.”
