DMPA Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Jason Robert Brown, Composer and Lyricist of Parade Jun 16, 2025

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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 May 21, 2025

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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 Apr 10, 2025

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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 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

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 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 Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

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!

Musician Brandy Clark and Mike Bosner, Producer of Shucked The Musical Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Join Grammy and CMA Award-Winning Songwriter and Musican Brandy Clark, and
Tony Award-Winning and Grammy Nominated Producer Mike Bosner as they chat with
DMPA President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig about what it takes to write an all-original
musical like Shucked. Listen as they talk about the years long process it took to make
Broadway’s corniest musical.

Tim Hatley, Set and Costume Designer for Back to the Future: The Musical Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

Join Tony and Olivier Award-winning production designer, Tim Hatley, and DMPA President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as they discuss Hatley’s amazing career and his approach to design for Back to the Future: The Musical.

Santino Fontana Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Join Tony Award-winning Actor, Santino Fontana, and DMPA President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, as they discuss Santino’s impressive career. From his award-winning performance leading Tootsie on Broadway to voicing the villainous Prince Hans in the Academy Award-winning Disney film Frozen, Fontana shares insights from his life as a performer and how he found success in the entertainment industry. Santino will perform with the Des Moines Symphony for a special collaborative concert on October 5.

Derek McLane, Scenic Designer Moulin Rouge! the Musical Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Join Tony Award-winning scenic designer, Derek McLane, and DMPA President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as they discuss McLane’s incredible career and his approach to design for Moulin Rouge! the Musical.

Natasha Katz, Lighting Designer for MJ Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Join eight-time Tony Award winner and the lighting designer for MJ, Natasha Katz, and DMPA President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, as they discuss Natasha’s incredible career, how she approaches her craft and what it takes to illuminate a show like MJ.

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