Des Moines Metro Opera

Reviews

• KS

  Kirk Stuart

  2 days ago
  5.0
  This production of Carlisle Floyd's "Of Mice and Men" was a completely enthralling experience in every way, drawing the audience deeper and deeper into the doomed conclusion. First, the cast was exceptional in their vocal and dramatic interpretation and execution. The diction was exemplary, such that the need to check the subtitles was unnecessary. The sets and costumes were rustic and simple to help reflect the barrenness of the Depression-era. David Neely led the orchestra in a clean and impactful interpretation of the score, always supporting the cast and enhancing the drama. BRAVO!
• LF

  L Frances

  5 days ago
  5.0
  We traveled from Chicago to see Des Moines Metro Opera’s production of King Roger, and it was well worth the trip. It’s not often performed, so we were eager to experience it live, and the company delivered a thoughtful, beautifully realized production. Szymanowski’s score is lush, mysterious, and unlike much of the standard repertoire. The orchestra captured its rich colors, and the singers met the demanding vocal writing with confidence. The performances felt emotionally honest, especially in the title role, whose journey from certainty to self-discovery unfolded naturally. Visually, the production balanced symbolism and storytelling. It never over-explained the opera’s mysteries, instead allowing the audience to interpret its themes of faith, desire, and transformation. The staging was elegant and the intimate theater made the experience feel especially immediate. One of the things I appreciate most about Des Moines Metro Opera is its willingness to program works that larger companies often overlook. King Roger is challenging, but this production made a strong case for why it deserves to be seen more often. I’m glad we made the trip from Chicago. It was an unforgettable evening of music and theater, and a reminder that some of the most adventurous opera in the country happens in Des Moines.
• JB

  Jud Barr

  5 days ago
  5.0
  As always getting there and parking was easy. Dinner was the usual high quality. But this performance was for me a stand out, well beyond previous (still great) shows. The choral singing, the dancing, the rain, soloists were all wonderful. As usual here the costumes and set were brilliant. I'll have to go listen to the music now because the whole experience was so engrossing I don't remember much of it. Well done.
• TT

  Tom Turnbull

  6 days ago
  5.0
  An amazing production, directed by Joshua Borths, supremely well fit to the unique dimensions of the Blank Performance Center stage.(The orchestra pit us in the middle of the thrust circular stage). It had all the grandeur of a traditional staging without being over the top. Act 3 from Castel Sant’Angelo was especially effective. All of the leads have exceptional vocal and acting skills. Laura Wilde (Tosca) owned the stage but Brian Michael Moore (Cavaradossi) was equally strong and matched her high C for high C with a clarion tenor. Norman Garrett was dark and domineering as Scarpia. The orchestra, led by Christopher Allen, provided a fine reading of this magnificent score. The Act One Te Deum finale filled the theater with Puccini’s majestic music. A top notch evening of “connoisseur” opera.
• JD

  John Devlin

  Jun 29, 2026
  5.0
  This is a treasure that too few know about. The natural gardens, the patio, the lobby draw you in. Then the intimate theater has no bad seats with very easy entrance and exit. The pre-performance talks are a must -- they are better than you could get on TV or in Movies or theater. They prepare the audience to understand these operas more than hours of research prior to attending. Then, The orchestra, singers, and staging is as good as you would find at the MET or La Scala.