Key Takeaways:
- The Ingersoll, a historic dinner theater in Des Moines, has reopened after a 22-year hiatus with a 216-seat theater and cabaret-style seating.
- The theater features a menu of elevated Midwestern comfort food and a variety of musical performances, with plans to bring in Broadway shows in the future.
- The venue offers a unique dining experience, with dinner or brunch served before each show, and a focus on hospitality and community.
- The theater has a rich history, having first opened in 1939 as a single-screen cinema and transitioning into a dinner theater in 1979.
- The Ingersoll is operated by VenuWorks and offers discounted tickets for the first two months to test audience preferences.
Introduction to The Ingersoll
The Ingersoll, a historic dinner theater in Des Moines, has reopened its doors after a 22-year hiatus. The revived art deco-inspired venue features a 216-seat theater with cabaret-style seating, where guests can enjoy a night of dinner and entertainment. The menu, crafted by executive chef Chase Johanson, focuses on elevated Midwestern comfort food, with options such as brown-butter roasted salmon, braised beef short ribs, and pan-seared seabass. The theater’s initial acts feature a variety of musical performances, including jazz, blues, and American standards, with plans to bring in Broadway shows in the future.
History of The Ingersoll
The Ingersoll first opened in 1939 as a single-screen cinema, built by A.H. Blank. In 1979, it transitioned into a dinner theater, becoming one of the first venues in central Iowa to pair live stage performances with a dining experience. For 25 years, the theater hosted musicals such as "Cinderella," "Meet Me in St. Louis," and "Miracle on 34th Street," serving an audience eager for entertainment and dinner under one roof. The theater’s rich history is still felt today, with many locals eager to see it reopened and thriving once again.
The Revival of The Ingersoll
The revival of The Ingersoll began in 2022, when Delaney Enterprises acquired the property for $550,000 and secured a state historic tax credit of $728,818 to fund a $5 million restoration. VenuWorks, a company that manages over 50 theaters and performing arts centers nationwide, was tapped to operate the theater. The company’s founder and CEO, Steve Peters, has a proven track record of success in the industry, having managed venues such as Iowa State University’s Stephens Auditorium and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. The Ingersoll’s executive director, Renee Crowell, has been instrumental in bringing the theater back to life, working closely with the VenuWorks team to ensure a successful reopening.
Dining Experience at The Ingersoll
The Ingersoll offers a unique dining experience, with dinner or brunch served before each show. The menu is designed to be flexible, with a core seasonal menu that runs into mid-spring, and show-themed specials layered on top. Guests can choose from a variety of options, including paprika and honey-glazed chicken, blistered tomato basil risotto, and roasted salmon. The theater also offers upgrades, such as a wedge salad, loaded potato beignets, or duck confit spring rolls, as well as cocktails, beer, wine, and seltzers. The goal is to provide a welcoming and hospitable environment, where guests can enjoy good food, good music, and community.
Community and Hospitality
The Ingersoll’s cabaret seating is designed to foster connection among guests, with six people sitting at many of the tables. The theater’s marketing manager, Natalie Clement, has noted that it’s not uncommon for guests to make new friends at the table, and the venue has become a hub for community activity. The Ingersoll’s focus on hospitality is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the friendly waitstaff to the attentive service. The theater’s vice president of food and beverage, Chris Carson, has emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, where guests feel like they’re part of a special experience.
Future Plans for The Ingersoll
The Ingersoll has big plans for the future, with a focus on bringing in a variety of acts and shows. The theater is currently testing audience preferences, with discounted tickets for the first two months. The goal is to create a vibrant and dynamic schedule, with something for everyone. The Ingersoll is also planning themed dinners, such as a New Orleans-inspired show, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day. With its rich history, unique dining experience, and focus on community and hospitality, The Ingersoll is sure to become a beloved destination in Des Moines.
