Triple Espresso Returns to Des Moines With a Final Round of Nostalgic Laughter

The beloved comedy show Triple Espresso is officially back in Des Moines, giving longtime fans and new audiences a chance to relive a local phenomenon. The production has returned to the newly renovated Temple Theater, marking a full-circle moment for a show that once dominated the city’s entertainment scene.

First staged in Des Moines in 2002, Triple Espresso was originally scheduled for a six- to eight-week run. That run unexpectedly stretched into a remarkable 68-week stay, cementing its reputation as a cultural hit in the city.

The show blends comedy, music, magic tricks and audience interaction, and its unique tone has attracted people of all ages for years. Its quick rise in popularity was fueled by word-of-mouth enthusiasm, turning it into one of Des Moines’ most cherished stage experiences.

Triple Espresso was written in a coffee shop, and that choice inspired both its title and the quirky character names: Buzz Maxwell, Bobby Bean and Hugh Butternut. The cast often highlights how the setting shaped the show’s identity, from its cozy atmosphere to its offbeat humor.

In this revival, familiar cast members return to their iconic roles, including Paul Somers, who once again plays Hugh Butternut. Somers described the experience of returning as feeling like a “home game,” emphasizing the close friendship among the performers and how natural it feels to be back.

The cast also reflected on the early days of the production, including humorous memories like unreliable theater conditions. They noted with excitement that the air conditioning actually works now, a detail that drew laughs during interviews given how often it malfunctioned during the original run.

Performers shared that they had wondered for years whether they’d get another chance to bring the show back to Des Moines. They see this return as an opportunity to properly reconnect with the city that gave their careers a major boost.

This revival gives audiences a chance to enjoy the same magic tricks, including the small dice trick often performed onstage, and the same high-energy chemistry that defined the show’s original success. The cast is also bringing back crowd-favorite moments that longtime fans still remember.

The show’s 2025 run is part of the current Temple Comedy Series, which features several returning comedy acts throughout the season. Triple Espresso continues to stand out due to its strong local history and multigenerational appeal.

According to the official listing from Des Moines Performing Arts, Triple Espresso is running from November 18, 2025, through December 7, 2025. Additional details and tickets can be found through the venue’s official event page.

This final run in Des Moines allows the community to revisit a show that helped define a moment in the city’s performing arts history. The performers describe the experience as simply having fun with their best friends, which has always been the heart of Triple Espresso’s charm.

For longtime fans, this revival is a nostalgic celebration. For newcomers, it’s a chance to experience why Triple Espresso became one of Des Moines’ most talked-about productions.