Second Annual "AMERICAN ICON SERIES" Returns to the Donna Reed Theater With An Iowa Focus

Spend an evening with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, hear the life story of George Washington Carver, enjoy a live stage version of “It’s A Wonderful Life", relive the Johnny Carson Show, and then celebrate Iowa’s Music and Musicians.

That’s the lineup of shows The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts has in store for you as part of the second annual “American Icon Series – Focus On Iowa”. The series features five “Chautauqua-style” events and runs from September, 2012 to March, 2013. The performances include two concerts, a live radio play, and two living history re-enactments, all featuring icons with Iowa ties. 

 

September 21, 2012 - “The World Famous GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA” in concert.
October 12, 2012 - “The Story of GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER” with Paxton Williams
November 30 and December 1, 2012 - “It’s A Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play”
February 9, 2013 - “HERE'S JOHNNY!” with Jim Malmberg's re-enactment of The Carson Show.

March 23, 2013 - “AN IOWA SONGBOOK” with area entertainers celebrating Iowa's music history.

Each performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Donna Reed Theater, 1305 Broadway, in downtown Denison, Iowa, home of The Donna Reed Foundation and Museum.

Season tickets (all five events) are $65 per person and include a free “Youth Pass”  for ages 18 and under. Season tickets must be purchased prior to the first show on September 21st.

Individual show tickets to the "Glenn Miller Orchestra", "George Washington Carver", and "Here’s Johnny" shows are $15 each for adults and $5 each for youths 18 and under. Tickets for the "It’s A Wonderful Life" play and "An Iowa Songbook" are $10 each for adults and $5 for youths 18 and under.

Tickets can be obtained by calling The Donna Reed Foundation at 712-263-3334, by e-mail at info@donnareed.org or by downloading and mailing the ticket order form.

More about the performances.
More about the artists.
Download a fillable ticket order form to print and mail to the Foundation.

New Exhibit Opens at Donna Reed Heritage Museum

Photo by Librado Romero/New York Times

WW II servicemen write to Donna Reed

A new exhibit entitled, Dear Donna, opened at the Donna Reed Heritage Museum on July 2, 2012. It provides a glimpse into the life of Donna Reed during World War II and features letters written to her by Iowa servicemen.

Visitors will see an issue of the New York Times that announced the discovery of 341 letters Donna had saved in an old trunk; photos and letters relating to her work at the Hollywood USO; an autographed photo she gave to soldier Glenn Peterson of Harlan; a letter to lifelong pen pal, Violet Lindsay, mentioning her desire to support the war effort; excerpts from a letter from her mother referring to Donna’s upcoming visit to promote the sale of war bonds in Denison; and a reference to a Denison appearance of the comedy team of Abbott and Costello.

The exhibit also includes a window display of large format images on loan from the Orpheum Theater Center in Marshalltown, Ia. They were made possible through a partnership established with the Orpheum Theater Center, which has a permanent collection celebrating Iowans of the stage and screen, including Donna Reed.

The exhibit will run through August at the Donna Reed Heritage Museum, 1305 Broadway, Denison, IA. Additional information can by obtained at 712.263.3334 or info@donnareed.org.