West Des Moines, Metro Weekend Events: Iowa Playwright Winner at Tallgrass Theatre, Boat and Sports Show, Plus Bike Expo and RAGBRAI Ticket Info

In West Des Moines this Weekend

“Open House”: Tallgrass Theatre Company presents Iowa Playwrights Workshop Winner Craig N. Owens’ “Open House.” John and Mary have moved from Chicago to a rural Iowa college town, where John has secured an endowed professorship. They were drawn not just for the small-town life Iowa offers, but aso to leave behind some troubling history. A surprise visit during their new neighborhood’s historic home open house reveals that history has an uncanny way of following them, and their efforts to escape it have only hastened its pursuit.
Rex Mathes Auditorium, 1401 Vine St.
Jan. 18-19, Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2, 7:30 p.m. each night
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Buy tickets.

Around the Metro

“The Ugly Duckling”: The poor Ugly Duckling, teased by all the other barnyard animals, runs out into the world to discover where he belongs. Eventually, he returns home and they all learn it’s OK to be different in this interactive show for children, ages 4-6.
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 each for adults and children of any age

Carnival of the Animals: Des Moines Symphony with l’Arsenal a Musique of Montreal, Canada. Discover this fantastical work by composer Camille Saint-Saëns, and enter into the marvelous universe of the Carnival of the Animals. Inspired by this piece, which still sounds fresh, we will take you on a fabulous musical journey.
The Civic Center, of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
Jan. 19, 1 p.m.
Cost: $10 Find Tickets

Live At the Temple Concert Series: Susan Werner: Iowa-born Susan Wemer is a genre-busting singer/songwriter traversing pop, folk, blues, country, roots, jazz and gospel with wit and grace.
The Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $162 for the five-concert series

71st Annual Des Moines Boat, Sports and Travel Show: Featured attractions include a live shark encounter, whitetail deer display, The Great American Duck rce, cold stream trout fishing and more. Seminars cover topics like big game hunting, canoeing the Boundary Waters, catfishing basics, Canadian fly-fishing, house boating and others.
Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St., Des Mones
Jan. 18, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $9; Students under 18, $5; Children under 5, free. Tickets available at the door.

Coming Up Around the Metro

“The Book of Mormon”: Nine 2011 Tony Awards say it’s the best musical of the year. Vogue says “it’s the funniest musical of all time.” And the New York Times says “it’s the best musical of the century. It’s “The Book of Mormon,” the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart calls it “so good, it makes me angry.” Contains explicit language.
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
Jan 24-Feb. 3
Cost: $40-$125

Iowa Bike Summit: The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is proud to announce the 2013 Iowa Bike Expo, Iowa Bicycle Summit and RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party. Last year's event attracted over 3,000 attendees, with over 60 exhibitors ranging from bike advocacy organizations like Raccoon River Valley Trail Association to bike shops like Bike World of Des Moines.
Iowa Events Center, 223 Center St., Des Moines
Jan. 25 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $160 Buy Tickets

Iowa Bike Expo and Ragbrai Announcement Party: Make plans the next day, January 26th, 2013 to attend the free Iowa Bike Expo that will also be held at the Iowa Events center. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the best bicycle equipment, optimal riding destinations, and future cycling events.  After the Expo, attendees can relax and kick back their cleats as the Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to host the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party at the Iowa Events Center Vets Auditorium in Des Moines. The evening will feature live music with a special performance by Johnny Holm Band. Other activities include a live auction of amazing cycling equipment, raffles for prizes, and complimentary snacks and refreshments.
Iowa Events Center, 223 Center St., Des Moines
Jan. 26. Expo: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. PM, Party: 8-11 pm
Cost: Expo is free and open to the public.
Announcement Party: $30 before Jan. 15, and $35 after. Buy Tickets

MCC45 Schmauss vs. Dicke: The MCC light heavyweight title is on the line as current champion Will “The Franchise” Dicke faces off against Todd Schmauss.
Wells Fargo Arena, 223 Center St., Des Moines
Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25-$50. Buy tickets.

Winter Jam Tour Spectacular: Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong and presented by World Vision, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular will be headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. The 44-city tour will also feature RED, Matthew West, Jamie Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor, with a message from national speaker Nick Hall. In addition, the Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.
Wells Fargo Arena, 223 Center St., Des Moines
Jan. 26, 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 at the door, with no ticket required.

Comedy Xperiment: Comedy XPeriment is Des Moines' premiere long-form improvisation team. Each show is unique to itself as the genesis for the show is based on suggestions from the audience. Even the performers themselves don't know what could happen in a show.
Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
Jan. 26, 7:30pm
Cost: $10 Find Tickets

February and Beyond

Miranda Lambert: Locked and Re-Loaded tour stops in Ames with Dierks Bentley and Lee Brice.
 Hilton Coliseum in Ames
 7:30 p.m.  Feb. 21
. Tickets on sale

Jon Bon Jovi: The New Jersey rocker and his band will return to Des Moines on April 14 with the "Because We Can" Tour at the Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. Ticket prices start at $19.50; tickets for the Iowa show went on sale Dec. 3 through dahlstickets.com.

Taylor Swift: Country star Taylor Swift returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Aug. 1. No word yet on ticket prices or an on-sale date. The event is listed on Swift's website but is not listed on Ticketmaster or its partner website. In nearby Kansas City, MO tickets range from $30 to $85.

Justin Bieber: Pop star Justin Bieber will also make an appearance at the Wells Fargo Arena on July 7. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets range from $40 to $95.