dsmWeekly: October 10, 2017

We were delighted to get a tantalizing taste of things to come at the new-issue party last week for our statewide magazine, ia.

BALLET DES MOINES CONTINUES TO STRETCH

Ballet Des Moines jetés into its new season Oct. 20-22 with the premiere of “Triple Bill: Redefined,” presenting three short works—-one classical and two contemporary—by three choreographers:

Ma Cong, world-renowned choreographer most recently acclaimed for her work on the Broadway revival of "M. Butterfly."
Ryan Nye, Kansas City’s recently retired principal dancer.
Lori Grooters, ballet mistress of the Des Moines company.

If you haven't been to Ballet Des Moines' signature fall performance, you just need to do so (and if you have attended one, then go again). The high-caliber professional dancers consistently deliver a world-class performance with stunning choreography.

“We are fortunate to be able to produce the ballets of these amazing choreographers,” says Laurel Knox, the ballet’s executive director. "Our talented artists bring the artistry and grace and athleticism necessary to transport these pieces and give them life.”

The performances at Hoyt Sherman Place will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Tickets, starting at $28, are available at the box office or online here.

House-rolled meatballs tossed in honey Sriracha sauce and topped with cilantro, paired with a nearby mule at Court Avenue's CABCo.

MORE WAYS TO LIVE LARGE FOR A SMALL CHARGE

By Wini Moranville

One of my favorite projects for dsm magazine in recent months was writing the “Living Large on a Dime” article, in which I outlined some great night-of-the-week or happy hour food-and-drink specials. Of course, once the story ran, I caught wind of a couple more that are well worth the food-loving bargain-hunter’s attention:

• 3-4-5 Happy Hour at Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company (CABCo): Monday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m., enjoy $3 drafts of CABCo beer, $4 mule-style cocktails (made with a ginger beer crafted in-house) and half-price appetizers. The latter includes any appetizer on the regular menu, with easily enough options to make a varied and filling meal: wings, spinach-and-artichoke dip, honey-Sriracha meatballs, Southwestern spring rolls, a hummus plate and more. (309 Court Ave.; 515-282-2739; courtavebrew.com)

• The Continental Lounge: Daily from 3 to 6 p.m. (except on Sundays, when the restaurant is closed), you can enjoy $4 classic mojitos or glasses of sangria. In addition, small plates that normally cost $5.95 to $9.95 can be had for $2.95 to $6.95. These include tomato bruschetta, truffled mushrooms, chicken and chorizo skewers, cheese and olive empanadillas and albondigas (spicy meatballs—a personal favorite). (428 E. Locust St.; 515-244-5845; continental-lounge.com).

Is there another Happy Hour special we should know about? Tell us about it on my Facebook page.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm. Follow her at All Things Food DSM-Wini Moranville.

The flagship of a newly energized Iowa City, Hancher Auditorium has fulfilled its mission to be more than a performance venue.

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT A FAVORITE DESTINATION

Whether you're traveling for a ballgame, theater or nightlife, Iowa City is gaining stature as a destination. Wini Moranville made the trip for our statewide magazine, ia, which came out last week. From Hancher Auditorium to the Englert Theatre and remarkable dining opportunities everywhere, you can see her complete report here.

There's a good reason Maggie Lakis and Rob McClure portray such a convincing couple on stage. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.

SOMETHING SWEET AMID 'SOMETHING ROTTEN!'

We're looking forward to the opening of the musical comedy "Something Rotten!" this evening at the Civic Center. And we'll be watching the interaction of two characters in particular. Actors Rob McClure and Maggie Lakis play a married couple in the show. They've had quite a rehearsal: They're married in real life.

By the way, McClure was a Tony nominee for his work in "Something Rotten!" on Broadway.

Another nice touch in this evening's production: Des Moines Performing Arts has done some very careful counting and calculating to determine that this show, the first in this season's Broadway Series, will lift the Civic Center's total attendance to over 10 million since it opened in 1979. Someone in the audience this evening will be recognized as the honorary 10 millionth attendee. That seems applause-worthy. Way to go, DMPA.

Arizona State professor Devoney Looser will speak at Drake Wednesday on the enduring cultural influence of Jane Austen.

JANE AUSTEN NEVER GETS OLD

You love Jane Austen, don't you? It's a safe guess. Who doesn't love the writer whose novels have sold millions of copies and inspired dozens of movies?

Devoney Looser may love Austen even more. Looser, the author of "The Making of Jane Austen," will discuss her book as well as popular culture’s fascination with all things Austeneque during a free public lecture at Drake University tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 11) at 5:30 p.m.in the Cowles Library Reading Room, 2725 University Ave. Her presentation is part of Drake’s Susan Glaspell Writers and Critics Series.

In addition to extensive writings on Austen, Looser is a professor of English at Arizona State University and she occasionally unleashes her roller-derby alter-ego, Stone Cold Jane Austen.

Immigrants go through a lot to get to Iowa. On Saturday, you can help make them feel glad they came.

TRIBUTES TO AMAZING IMMIGRANTS SATURDAY

The Iowa International Center presents the 2017 Passport to Prosperity Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct.14. We readily admit it's one of our favorite events on Des Moines' list of galas. Each year, it honors inspiring people who have come here from distant countries and cultures to begin life anew as Americans. This year's honorees are Sadagat Aliyeva, Nancy Mwirotsi and Sanjita Pradhan. These people's backgrounds are very different, but they share strength, resilience, determination and compassion. You can join in celebrating these global Iowans Saturday at Drake's Olmsted Center. 2875 University Ave. Admission is $30. Get tickets and more info here. Read more about Mwirotsi in this story from the dsm archives.