Former Urbandale Mayor a Touring Broadway Star

From a news release:

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) board member E.J. Giovannetti is a recipient of the Broadway League’s 2013 Star of Touring Broadway Award. Jeff Chelesvig, DMPA’s President and CEO, presented the award to Giovannetti on behalf of the Broadway League during DMPA’s annual board meeting on Thursday, June 20.

The Star of Touring Broadway Award, which is part of the annual Broadway League Awards, honors board members, government officials, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns.

“For many years, E.J. Giovannetti has played an important role in Des Moines Performing Arts’ success,” said Chelesvig. “He is a vocal and passionate supporter of the Willis Broadway Series and our other programming.”

Giovannetti joined the Des Moines Performing Arts’ board of directors in 1982. He served in many capacities during his tenure: treasurer in 1988 and 1989; board chair from 1990 to 1994; and search committee chair that led to Chelesvig’s hiring in 1995. Giovannetti currently serves on the board’s executive committee.

About the Annual Broadway League Awards

The annual Broadway League Awards honors excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft. The annual Broadway League Awards were announced on May 15 during the Broadway League’s 2013 Spring Road Conference in New York, NY.

The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. For more information about the Broadway League, visit www.BroadwayLeague.com.

About Des Moines Performing Arts

Des Moines Performing Arts is a private not-for-profit organization celebrating 34 years of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states on three stages in Des Moines – the Civic Center, Stoner Theater and the Temple Theater. The organization also operates Cowles Commons (formerly Nollen Plaza), a longtime Des Moines landmark currently under redesign and renovation.

Des Moines Performing Arts is a presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is home to many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest. All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Willis Auto Campus. 

All performances at the Temple Theater are supported by Prairie Meadows. All performances of the Family Series are supported by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For more information, visit DesMoinesPerformingArts.org.