Something old is new again, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeking a way to stage live theater while ensuring patrons safety, the Des Moines Playhouse is putting on productions this spring and summer in a tent pitched in its parking lot.
After a June 4-20 Friday-Sunday run in the main theater of Love Offering, Godspell will take to the tent July 9. It will be staged Thursdays-Sundays in alternating week with Plaza Suite through Aug. 8. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical will be presented on Saturday mornings July 10-Aug. 7.
The idea of tent theater is an old one, even if the Playhouse s material is a bit more contemporary. About a century ago, touring theater companies performing in tents were a staple of warm-weather entertainment in Iowa.