CIRCA 21 PLAYHOUSE, Rock Island, IL. Newsies. Disney’s Broadway musical tells the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, leader of a ragged band of teenaged newsboys, who dreams of a life off the streets. Jan. 18–Feb. 23.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE, Lower City Park, Iowa City. (319) 338-7672. The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstoy. A rip-roaring historical comedy that traps three of the world’s greatest minds in a box. Jan. 25-Feb. 10. How I Learned What I Learned. From one of the greatest playwrights in American history, August Wilson, comes the story of how a writer emerges. Feb. 22-Mar. 10.
HANCHER AUDITORIUM, 141 E. Park Rd., Iowa City. (800) 426-2437. Jersey Boys. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Feb. 8–10.
GIVING TREE THEATER, Marion. (319) 213-7956.
DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS, Stoner & Temple Theaters, Des Moines. (515) 288-4700. Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man. This romantic comedy is a hilarious and wild ride, where no topic is taboo and the insider tips come straight from the source. Jan. 22–Feb. 10. Dear Evan Hansen. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Winner of six Tony awards. Feb. 5–10.
OLD CREAMERY THEATRE, Price Creek Event Center, Amana. (319) 622-6262.
CITY CIRCLE ACTING COMPANY, Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th St., Coralville. All in a Day Play Festival. January 25-26.
DES MOINES METRO OPERA, Blank Performing Arts Center, 513 North D St., Indianola. DesMoinesMetroOpera.org.
IOWA STAGE THEATRE CO., Kum & Go Theater, Des Moines.
DES MOINES COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE, Des Moines. (515) 277-6261. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s book, this is a story of a very self-centered toy rabbit who finally learns how care for others. Jan. 4–20. Baskerville. Forty quirky characters are played by just five actors. Sherlock Holmes was never more fun. Jan. 25–Feb. 10.
WATERLOO COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE, 224 Commercial St., Waterloo. (319) 235-0367.
DREAMWELL THEATRE, Iowa City. (319) 423-9820. All in a Day Play Festival. January 25-26. In conjunction with City Circle Acting Company. Really. This play by Jackie Sibblies Drury evokes a Freudian love triangle—and a misogynist one at that. Feb. 8-9 & 15-16.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY THEATRE, Johnson Co. Fairgrounds, Iowa City. (319) 338-0443. Is There Life After High School? A charming “memory musical” about classmates reliving the past at a high school reunion. Jan. 11–20.
DES MOINES METRO OPERA, Blank Performing Arts Center, 513 North D St., Indianola. DesMoinesMetroOpera.org.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA THEATRE, David Thayer Theatre, Iowa City. (319) 335-1158.
THEATRE CEDAR RAPIDS, Cedar Rapids. (319) 366-8591.
THE PLAYERS WORKSHOP, Burlington. (319) 753-6623.
ADLER THEATRE, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport. (563) 326-8500.
THEATRE MUSEUM OF REPERTOIRE AMERICANA, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant. (319) 385-9432.