DMPA Conversations

Jason Robert Brown, Composer and Lyricist of Parade

Join PARADE Composer and Lyricist Jason Robert Brown in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig. Brown recounts the development of this production’s sweeping score which won him a Tony Award in 1999. He talks about its award-winning 2023 return to Broadway and its relevance on tour now in 2025.

Andy Blankenbuehler, Tony Award-Winning Choreographer of Hamilton

Join HAMILTON Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as he shares personal stories about what it took to get the choreography just right for this ground-breaking blockbuster. This three-time Tony Award-winning dance genius takes us back to where it all began.

Susanna Wolk, Associate Director of & JULIET

Join & JULIET Associate Director Susanna Wolk in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as she explains what it’s like taking one of Broadway’s most popular shows from New York to national tour. Wolk describes the larger-than-life fun and the empowering message behind this playful retelling of Juliet’s story.

Dominic Moore-Dunson, Director/Choreographer of The Remember Balloons

Join director and choreographer of the stage adaptation of The Remember Balloons, Dominic Moore-Dunson, in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts Director of Education, Karoline Myers. Moore-Dunson talks about bringing this popular children’s book about memory loss to the stage as well as the developmental residency that DMPA supported. See this incredible show on March 29 [https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/family-series/remember-balloons] as part of the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

Composer and Lyricist Marc Shaiman and Lyricist Scott Wittman - Some Like it Hot

Join Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman and Tony and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Scott Wittman as they converse with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig about the writing process for the score of SOME LIKE IT HOT. The genius musical duo who also brought us catchy tunes from Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can and soon to come, Smash, share a few laughs and talk about the making of this HOT, HOT show!