About Tom
Hello!
I have been a working theatrical professional for the past 45 years, working as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer. Originally from Des Moines, companies credited to my resume include Charlie's Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop, The Old Creamery Theatre, The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as well as many other arts groups around the state.
In 2014, my wife, Deb Kennedy, and I realized entertainment needs were changing; therefore we established TKM PRODUCTIONS. Our mission is to provide affordable entertainment that is as individual and unique as you. Whether you are planning a corporate event, or a family gathering, we can provide entertainment designed for your needs. Options range from dinner theatre productions, comedies, live music, or children's plays and workshops.
Tom Milligan and Humanities Iowa
I joined Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau 18 years ago with my one man show "GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel". Since then, I have added two more offerings -- "American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace", and most recently, "CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling" If you would like to book one of these presentations for your corporation, or non-profit group, you can do so at https://www.humanitiesiowa.org/speakers-bureau
ABOUT TKM THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Tom Milligan has been a working theatrical professional for the past 45+ years, working as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer. Originally from Des Moines, companies credited to his resume include Charlie's Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop, The Old Creamery Theatre Company, The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as well as many other arts groups around the state.
Deb Kennedy has been working professionally for the past 25 years, working throughout the Midwest onstage, offstage, touring, and occasionally onscreen. Deb & Tom’s career paths crossed in 2005, where they quickly realized they were a great creative team, and the production Team of Kennedy & Milligan (TKM THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS) was established in 2014.
Our mission is simple. We desire to provide affordable entertainment to the Amana Colonies and the surrounding rural communities of Iowa. We strive to provide diverse entertainment, and life enriching projects, with offerings ranging from dinner theatre productions, comedies, live music, or children's plays and workshops.
Basically, our goal is to bring FUN to our community!
Events & Testimonials
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
In 2016, Humanities Iowa partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to appoint Tom to write and produce a show about Pulitzer Prize winner and national conservationist, Jay N. D'ing Darling. This one act play was premiered at the 2016 Iowa State Fair, and has been in great demand ever since!
In this hour long presentation, Jay N. "Ding" Darling visits with the audience in his 11th floor office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City, where he became aware of the natural world around him, as well as his developing skills as an editorial cartoonist, he reflects upon his remarkable life journey. His story continues to include 2 Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoons for The Register, and a remarkable career as a nationally known conservationist. From the introduction of The Duck Stamp to the creation of the Natiional Wildlife Federation, Darling's influence was felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions as well. Considered by many to be one of the most influencial members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today.
Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Grant Wood chats with the audience in this 45 minute, one man show, as if talking to an old friend across the backyard fence, or maybe at his home at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids. He tells us about his life and how he changed the art world forever with his work. It is the man behind American Gothic that we hear and see, and the story of how he took the moments, the memories, and the people of our state, and showed the whole world the specialness of this place, Iowa. After the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions about Grant Wood and his life.
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
In this one act play based on the award-winning book of the same name by Senator John C. Culver and John Hyde, Tom portrays Henry A Wallace, the agricultural innovator and founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Corn Company, who also became US Secretary of Agriculture, and later Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt. Admired by many and later branded as a Socialist during his controversial 1948 campaign for the presidency, Wallace always held out a vision for the future.
Testimonals
Booking Information
American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
"His passion for both history and theatre is very evident during his presentations!"
"I learned more today from Tom's portrayal and performance than I did from any history class!"
"Outstanding. Professional. Captivating."
"Tom was very easy to work with, and very knowledgeable about his character. I loved talking to him after his performance."
"If you ever get a chance to hear Tom -- GO! You will be inspired!!! I was! I highly recommend it!"
"THANK YOU!!!....for all you do in delivering living history and conservation messages! Needed now more than ever!"
Upcoming Events
Booking Information
Booking Information
September 16, 2023 @ 9:30 am
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Grace United Methodist Church
3700 Cottage Grove Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
November 14, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
AMERICAN DREAMER: The Life & Times of Henry A. Wallace
Tabor Public Library
805 Main Street
Tabor, IA 51653
November 14, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
AMERICAN DREAMER: The Life & Times of Henry A. Wallace
Malvern Public Library
502 Main Street
Malvern, IA 51551
January 2, 2024 @ 11:00 am
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
11407 NW Jester Park Dr
Granger, IA 50109-9675
February 24, 2024 @ 10:00 am
GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel
111 Front St.
Stuart, IA 50250
February 27, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
AMERICAN DREAMER: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
12556 Caves Rd.
Maquoketa, IA 52060
Booking Information
Booking Information
Booking Information
If you would like to book a presentation for your organization, contact me at least 2 months prior to your event, to make sure I am available for that date and for your location.
You can also do bookings thru Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau, and find more information at: www.humanitiesiowa.org
I hope to hear from you soon!
TKM Theatrical Productions Events
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
We're gonna rock this town with an evening of SWINGIN' BIG BAND!
October 7th, The Rod Pierson Big Band featuring Craig Boche, will be at The Amana Performing Arts Center!
This carefully built 13-member Big Band combines world class musicians (players/educators/professors) with a legendary music library of swing, big band, jump, ballad, and contemporary charts. We take pride in bringing a certain Rat Pack sound, swagger, and feel to our performances. Our chart list includes songs & arrangements made popular by Sinatra, Darin, Martin, Cole, Prima, Connick, Basie, Buble, Miller, Setzer, Davis, and so many more. We provide instumentation, vocals, and entertainment of the highest quality for concerts, stage shows, weddings, dances, private parties, community celebrations, or any type of event.
Visit www.rpbigband.com for more information.
Sponsored by TKM Theatrical Productions
DATE: October 7th, at 7pm
LOCATION: The Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA
TICKETS - $25
Use TICKET LINK
INQUIRIES: deborahkennedy@live.com
GIRLS' WEEKEND By Karen Schaeffer, Nov 3-5
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
Join us for a night of door-slamming comedic FUN with GIRLS' WEEKEND By Karen Schaeffer!
In this lightning-quick farce, four women travel to Dot’s Northwoods cabin to consume copious amounts of wine, laugh at their lives, trade stories and chat about their book club’s latest selection. However, after the third case of wine comes through the door, it becomes clear there will be more stewing than reviewing. Carol, who is monitoring her temperature for the best “window of opportunity” to get pregnant, gets a ride to the cabin from her husband, Rick, who is hoping the “time is right” for a quick tryst. She sends him home, frustrated, in a snowstorm, only to discover that her temperature shows she IS ready, and calls him to drive back and hide out in a shed until she can sneak him in with a special porchlight signal. Meg, recently widowed, is having a secret affair with Dot’s son, only to find he has shown up at the cabin unexpectedly and wants to further their relationship in stealth. Meg sends him to hide in a boathouse until he sees her special porchlight signal and the coast is clear to rejoin her in the cabin. Ellie, the youngest and Meg’s daughter, would rather not be a part of the weekend with her “elders” and meets a young townie, inviting him to hide out in a barn. When he sees her special porchlight signal, he climbs into her bedroom window and sneaks her out to a local bar after the other ladies retire. The only obstacle to each of the ladies’ secret endeavors is Dot, who wants to stay up all night and party with the girls. So they make sure they ply her with plenty of party favors, and Dot proceeds to pass out. The ladies move Dot’s lifeless body from floor to closet to room, as the bottles tip up, the secrets spill out and the men sneak in. The madcap, door-slamming chaos comes to a head when Dot wakes up and discovers her girls’ weekend is full of men!
This will be part of the fun for Amana's Girls Getaway Weekend!
GIRLS' WEEKEND is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company.
PRESENTED BY: TKM Theatrical Productions
SPONSORED BY: Fireside Winery & Ackerman Winery (Thank you!)
DATES/TIMES: November 3-5
Friday & Saturday – 7:30p
Sunday – 3:00p
LOCATION:
The Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
TICKETS: $25
TICKET LINKS:
Friday, Nov 3 at 7:30 pm TICKET LINK
Saturday, Nov 4 at 7:30 pm TICKET LINK
Sunday, Nov 5 at 3:00 pm TICKET LINK
For Group Rates and information:
email deborahkennedy@live.com
OR call 319-899-3799
TEDDY RETURNS: A Theodore Roosevelt Thanksgiving, Nov 19
ROD PIERSON BIG BAND Featuring Craig Boche at the Mic October 7th at 7pm
AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Tour, Nov 24
November 19th, Join us for a dinner theatre presentation of TEDDY RETURNS:
A Theodore Roosevelt Thanksgiving.
Doors will open at 12:00 pm for a delicious holiday feast with all the fixings, prepared by host, Yana Cutler.
The performance will begin upstairs
at 1:30 pm.
TICKETS: $35
For Information and Reservations:
CALL: (319) 622-5254 l (319)899-3799
LOCATION: Price Creek Event Center, 4709 220th Trail, Amana
ABOUT THE PERFORMER
Performer Joe Wiegand is the world's premiere Theodore Roosevelt reprisor, and as an actor and historian, his portrayals of Theodore Roosevelt have been enjoyed by audiences in all fifty states and internationally.
Joe comes to us from Medora, North Dakota, where he works for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. Joe is a thirty-one-year member of Rotary International and a member of the National Association for Interpretation. Joe’s performance tour is highlighted in summer by a daily matinee in Medora, gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and future home of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Visit www.teddyrooseveltshow.com and www.medora.com
Photo by Mark Glenn Studio
Sponsored by TKM Theatrical Productions.
AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Tour, Nov 24
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry Dec 1-3 & 8-10
AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Tour, Nov 24
Troupe America, Inc., the Producer of the nationally acclaimed musical comedy Church Basement Ladies and Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping,
opens the holiday season with a musical comedy Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas.
This national tour will be coming to The Amana Performing Arts Center for
ONE DAY ONLY!
DATE: November 24, 2023
TIMES: 2 pm & 7 pm
LOCATION:
The Amana Performing Arts Center
39 38th Ave, Amana, IA
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Away in the Basement takes us back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present. Content to do things the way they have always been done yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, several of the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the treat bags filled with apples, peanuts and ribbon candy while the others put the final touches on the nativity pieces. As they mend old bathrobe costumes, discuss the politics of who’s going to play the various roles, little do the ladies know what surprises are in store for them. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day!
PRODUCED BY: Troupe America, Inc.
Brought to you by: TKM Theatrical Productions
TICKETS: $34
HONORING THE AMANA DISCOUNT!
GROUP RATE TICKETS (10 or more): $30
TICKET LINKS:
For Group Rates:
Call 319-899-3799
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry Dec 1-3 & 8-10
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry Dec 1-3 & 8-10
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry Dec 1-3 & 8-10
Join us at The Amana Performing Arts Center for a great classic holiday tradition.
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
*Starring Justin Roberts from KCRG-TV9*
Sponsored by Amana Family Practice PC
Presented by TKM Theatrical Productions.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc.
www.playscripts.com
LOCATION:
The Amana Performing Arts Center
39 38th Ave, Amana, IA
DATES/TIMES:
Dec 1-3, 8-10
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
TICKETS - $25
TICKET LINKS:
Contact deborahkennedy@live.com for Group Rates and Information.