Sound Of Music
Des Moines

About The Sound of Music and the New National Tour

The Sound of Music debuted on Broadway in 1959 with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It was the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein and became one of the most successful musicals ever written. The original production won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, and the 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Songs like Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things, Climb Every Mountain, Edelweiss, and the soaring title number have become part of the cultural fabric, recognized and loved by audiences of every generation.

This new national touring production is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, whose credits include Hairspray, The Full Monty, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The creative team brings a fresh visual approach to the classic material, with scenic design by Douglas Schmidt, Tony Award-winning costumes by Jane Greenwood, lighting by Natasha Katz, choreography by Danny Mefford, and sound design by Jonathan Deans. Musical supervisor Andy Einhorn ensures the iconic score sounds as lush and moving as ever.

The cast is led by Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria Rainer, bringing warmth and spirit to the role of the young woman who transforms the von Trapp family. Kevin Earley plays Captain Georg von Trapp, Tony nominee Christiane Noll brings her Broadway pedigree to Mother Abbess, Nicholas Rodriguez takes on the role of Max Detweiler, and Kate Loprest plays Elsa Schraeder. The production also features Ariana Ferch as Liesl and Ian Coursey as Rolf, along with a talented ensemble of young performers as the von Trapp children.

The Des Moines Civic Center engagement runs from March 30 through April 4, 2027, with eight scheduled performances including evening shows and matinees. The 2,735-seat venue in downtown Des Moines has been one of Iowa's premier performing arts destinations for decades, and its excellent acoustics and sightlines make it an ideal home for a production that depends on both intimate emotional moments and sweeping musical numbers.

Verified resale tickets for all performances are available through BigStub, where fans have trusted the marketplace for over 20 years. Every purchase comes with a 100% buyer guarantee and no hidden fees. Secure your seats now for one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the season in central Iowa.

How to Buy Sound of Music Des Moines Tickets

Where can I buy Sound of Music tickets for Des Moines?

Primary tickets may be available through Des Moines Performing Arts and the Civic Center box office at (515) 246-2300. Season ticket holders for the Willis Broadway Series have early access to seats. For fans seeking individual tickets or premium seating options, verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee.

When does The Sound of Music play in Des Moines?

The production runs from March 30 through April 4, 2027, at the Des Moines Civic Center. Eight performances are scheduled over six days, including evening shows and matinees. Check the event listings on this page for specific dates and showtimes.

What should I know about the Des Moines Civic Center?

The Des Moines Civic Center is located at 221 Walnut Street in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The 2,735-seat theater offers excellent sightlines and acoustics. On-street and garage parking is available nearby, with the Civic Center Parking Ramp being the closest option. Several downtown restaurants and hotels are within walking distance, making it easy to plan a full evening out.

Are resale tickets for The Sound of Music legitimate?

Yes. BigStub is a verified resale marketplace with over 20 years in the ticket business and the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry. Every purchase is backed by a buyer guarantee, meaning your seats are verified and your transaction is fully protected.

Is The Sound of Music appropriate for children?

The Sound of Music is one of the most family-friendly musicals ever written. Children of all ages can enjoy the story, the songs, and the spectacle. The show runs approximately two hours and 45 minutes with one intermission, so plan accordingly for younger audience members. Many families consider this an ideal introduction to live Broadway theater.

Sound of Music Des Moines -- Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sound of Music about?

The Sound of Music tells the true-inspired story of Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves an Austrian abbey to become governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain von Trapp. Set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps on the eve of World War II, the story follows Maria as she brings music and joy back into the von Trapp household and ultimately helps the family escape the Nazi annexation of Austria.

Who wrote The Sound of Music?

The Sound of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It was the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein before Hammerstein passed away in 1960, just nine months after the show opened on Broadway.

Who stars in this touring production?

The national tour stars Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria, Kevin Earley as Captain von Trapp, Tony nominee Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Nicholas Rodriguez as Max Detweiler, Kate Loprest as Elsa Schraeder, Ariana Ferch as Liesl, and Ian Coursey as Rolf.

What are the most famous songs in The Sound of Music?

The score includes some of the most beloved songs in musical theater: Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things, Climb Every Mountain, Edelweiss, The Sound of Music, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, and So Long Farewell. The songs are woven into the story so naturally that many have become standalone classics.

How long is The Sound of Music?

The show runs approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. Plan to be at the theater for about three hours total.

How many performances are there in Des Moines?

The Des Moines engagement includes eight performances from March 30 through April 4, 2027, with a mix of evening shows and matinees. Check the listings for specific dates and times.

Who directed this production?

The tour is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, known for directing Hairspray, The Full Monty, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway. The creative team includes scenic designer Douglas Schmidt, Tony-winning costume designer Jane Greenwood, and lighting designer Natasha Katz.

Is this the same as the Julie Andrews movie?

The stage musical and the 1965 film share the same story, characters, and songs, but the stage version differs in some ways. A few songs appear in a different order, and the stage show includes numbers not in the film. Fans of the movie will recognize the core story while discovering some fresh theatrical moments.

What is the best seating for The Sound of Music at Des Moines Civic Center?

Orchestra center seats provide the most immersive experience, with clear views of the full stage and excellent sound. The mezzanine offers a broader perspective of the scenic design and ensemble numbers. Both levels provide strong sightlines at the Civic Center.

Where should I park for a show at the Civic Center?

The Civic Center Parking Ramp and nearby surface lots are the closest options. Metered street parking on Walnut Street is also available. Arrive at least 30 minutes early on show nights, as parking fills quickly for popular Broadway engagements.

What is BigStub and why should I buy tickets there?

BigStub is a verified third-party ticket resale marketplace that has connected fans with live entertainment for over 20 years. Every order is backed by a 100% buyer guarantee, and BigStub holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry. There are no hidden fees on any purchase.

Can I buy group tickets for The Sound of Music in Des Moines?

For group purchases of 10 or more, contact Des Moines Performing Arts directly for group rates and availability. For smaller quantities or specific seating preferences, BigStub offers verified resale options at a range of price points.