Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

Morris likes lots of things: doing puzzles, painting pictures, pretending to be an astronaut, and wearing a tangerine dress from his school’s dress-up box because it “reminds him of tigers, the sun, and his mother’s hair.” But some of his classmates think boys can’t wear dresses because, well, they’re boys. With his vivid imagination and space-animal friends, Morris travels the galaxy in search of an answer to the all-important question: “Do astronauts wear dresses?” Morris’ journey is a vibrant celebration of the courage it takes to be your own person and the joy found in staying true to yourself.

Children’s Art Contest: Kids in preschool through Grade 3 are encouraged to enter the Morris Micklewhite art contest for a chance to win tickets to the show and see their artwork on stage! Deadline is Dec. 4, 2026. Click here for complete details.

Suggested reading: Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant

Sensory-friendly performance: The 4:00 PM, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027, performance will be modified to be more accessible and comfortable for audience members who might find the traditional theatre environment overwhelming. The IRIS Sensation Team will provide free audio description. The Playhouse can provide for those who have the need for ASL translations with advance notice. Please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261 as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be made for all requests. Click here to learn more about sensory-friendly performances at The Playhouse.

Save on ticket prices with Family 4-Pack season ticket.

NEW RUSH TICKETS: Save 50% on remaining seats!

Rush tickets go on sale in person, at the ticket office, 90 minutes prior to curtain, on the day of the performance only. Limit 2 tickets per household. Subject to availability. Discount is applied to the current online ticket price for selected seats. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. All sales are final and are not eligible for refunds or exchanges.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please fill out this form. We have Des Moines Community Playhouse donors who have generously supported a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for distribution. Requests should be made prior to opening night.