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
February 22, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel
Winterset Library
123 N.2nd St.
Winterset, IA 50273
February 24, 2024 @ 10:00 am
GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel
Stuart Public Library
111 Front St.
Stuart, IA 50250
February 27, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
AMERICAN DREAMER: The Life and Times of Henry A. Wallace
Friends of Maquoketa Caves
Clinton Engine Museum
605 E. Maple St.
Maquoketa, IA 52060
March 14, 2024 @ 6:30 pm
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Malvern Public Library
502 Main St.
Malvern, IA 51551
June 4, 2024 @ 11:00 am
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Polk County Conservation Board
11407 NW Jester Park Dr.
Granger, IA 50109-9675
September 3, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Lake City Public Library
110 E. Washington St.
Lake City, IA 51449
October 3, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
CARTOONS & CONSERVATION: A Visit with Ding Darling
Center Point Museum
700 Washington St.
Center Point, IA 52213
October 19, 2024 @ 8:00am
GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel
Iowa State Questers
Iowa State Extension Bldg.
3109 Old Hwy 218 S.
Iowa City, IA 52246
October 26, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
GRANT WOOD: Prairie Rebel
Mulberry Center Church
220 Ohio St.
Webster City, IA 50595
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
JACKSON GREEN MAGICIAN at The Amana Performing Arts Center March 15
JACKSON GREEN MAGICIAN at The Amana Performing Arts Center March 15
JACKSON GREEN MAGICIAN at The Amana Performing Arts Center March 15
Jackson Green is known for his mystifying close-up card magic and is a self-proclaimed "SLEIGHT OF HAND ARTIST". His mind-boggling illusions are so masterful, that the audience is left to wonder if what their eyes have seen is truly possible.
DATE/TIME: March 15th at 7 pm.
LOCATION: The Amana Performing Arts Center
39 38th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
Sponsored by TKM Theatrical Productions
TICKETS - $15
GROUP RATES & Information
Email: deborahkennedy@live.com
A TRICK OF THE LIGHT by Peter Moore MAY 10-12
JACKSON GREEN MAGICIAN at The Amana Performing Arts Center March 15
JACKSON GREEN MAGICIAN at The Amana Performing Arts Center March 15
DATES/TIMES:
May 10-12
Friday 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Saturday: 7:30 pm
Sunday: 3:00 pm
Join us at the Amana Performing Arts Center for this new thought-provoking comedy A TRICK OF THE LIGHT by Peter Moore.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Eddie, a middle-aged guy living a normal life, has just discovered he has the ability to vanish at will. Really! His friends Marty and Darrell are impressed but not much help, and to his bafflement, he can’t vanish at all in the presence of his wife Beth, so she doesn’t believe him. With his life in chaos, he reluctantly consults a young and slightly unorthodox counselor, who may have answers but may also have a few questions; because life, after all, is never tidy. Playing fast and loose with time, place and imagination, A TRICK OF THE LIGHT hilariously explores the ordinariness of the extraordinary and exactly what constitutes a life well lived.
There will be a talkback with the actors immediately following the performance.
*Meet playwright Peter Moore opening night, May 10th!
Produced by TKM Theatrical Productions
SPONSORED BY: Ox Yoke Inn (Thank you!)
LOCATION:
The Amana Performing Arts Center
TICKETS: $25
FUNKDADDIES RETURNS to The Amana Performing Arts Center May 25
FUNKDADDIES RETURNS to The Amana Performing Arts Center May 25
FUNKDADDIES RETURNS to The Amana Performing Arts Center May 25
ABOUT THE SHOW:
FunkDaddies is a funk band playing horn-driven soul, R&B and dance music in an exciting, original style. FunkDaddies was formed with the purpose of bringing the best, funky dance music to the Midwest, performed by highly accomplished musicians. Inspired by Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, and all the great Motown artists, FunkDaddies brings its own irresistible, high-energy sound and first-class stage show to audiences everywhere.
FunkDaddies has performed for thousands at the Midwest's premiere events, including Opening Act for The Beach Boys, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad, Iowa City Jazz Festival, Jass Under the Stars, Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, RAGBRAI, Coralville 4th Fest, and many outdoor events.
THE BAND:
Anthony Hendricks - Lead Vocals
Ken Duncan - Drums, Percussion and Lead Vocals
John Reasoner - Guitars, Synths and Vocals
Ken Fullard - Bass and Vocals
Dave Shawver - Saxophones, Flute and Vocals
Danny Ketelsen - Hammond B3, Keyboards and Lead Vocals
LOCATION:
The Amana Performing Arts Center Courtyard
39 38th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
DATE:
Saturday, May 25th, 6-9pm
SPRONSORED BY: TKM Theatrical Productions
TICKETS:
FREE WILL DONATION
YOUTH THEATRE CAMP "JOHNNY & ME" June 10-14
FUNKDADDIES RETURNS to The Amana Performing Arts Center May 25
FUNKDADDIES RETURNS to The Amana Performing Arts Center May 25
Join us June 10-14 for a week of fun and imagination with our Amana Youth Theatre Camp!
JOHNNY & ME! is an original play by Deb Kennedy (inspired by children's book "Bad Apple") with music by Travis Smith. "Johnny" (a Jonagold apple) befriends "Willy" the Worm. They become the best of friends, but this unusual friendship causes Johnny to be bullied by the other apples in the Orchard, calling him a "Rotten little Apple" because he "has worms". Through love (and song) the other apples learn the error of their ways, and harmony is restored, welcoming their new friends. Told from "Willy's" perspective, this story of friendship teaches kindness and connection thru acceptance.
Students will work with theatrical professionals each day from 9-1 at the Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave, Amana, IA.
At the end of the week the students will act, sing, dance and SHINE as they perform for their families and friends of the community.
Nut free snacks provided.
Camp Hours:
9a - 1p Mon - Fri.
PERFORMANCE: June 14th at 7pm at The Amana Performing Arts Center.
Registration $50 per student
*A portion of the registration fee will be donated to The Amana Community & Elementary Library.