The University of Iowa
American Ballet Theatre, Whipped Cream
Photo:
Gene Schiavone
Dance

American Ballet Theatre

Whipped Cream

Presented by
Hancher
Tickets
ADULT: $90 | $80 | $65
COLLEGE STUDENT: $81 | $20
YOUTH: $45 | $20
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 1:00 pm
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 6:30 pm

In this full-length story ballet—which will include a bevy of local dancers—a young boy overindulges at a Viennese pastry shop and falls into a delirious dream, filled with sugary heroes who come to his rescue. This dollop of delightful whimsy is a treat for the entire family and features alluringly sweet costumes and sets from the mind of pop surrealist visionary Mark Ryden. Choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky and featuring a score by Richard Strauss performed by Orchestra Iowa, Whipped Cream will satisfy your cravings for fun and fabulous dance.

View cast for matinee performance
View cast for evening performance

Event Sponsors:
Sue and Joan Strauss
Hancher Showcase/Hancher Guild

 

Running time: One hour and 40 minutes (includes one 20-minute intermission)

News

Some sites may require subscription
REVIEW: Whipping up magic at Hancher
The Gazette - Monday, April 8, 2019
IOWA CITY — American Ballet Theatre treated Hancher audiences to the most delectable pairing of artistry and excellence Saturday afternoon and evening with “Whipped Cream.” This sight and sound dreamscape, penned by Richard Strauss in the early 1920s, folded 29 locals dressed as cupcakes, petit fours and more, along with Orchestra Iowa’s magnificent musicians, into the mix with professional dancers of the highest caliber. It’s the venerable troupe helmed by Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1980s and now home to principal dancer extraordinaire Misty Copeland. And no, Copeland wasn’t in this touring production, but ABT soloist Cassandra Trenary danced the lead role of Princess Praline fluidly and flawlessly during Saturday’s matinee, as did principal dancer Devon Teuscher, appearing as Princess Tea Flower. (Soloist Luciana Paris made her debut as Princess Praline in the evening performance.)
'Whipped Cream' ballet making dreams come true at Hancher
The Gazette - Thursday, April 4, 2019
Children will see a magical world of colorful confections dancing across the Hancher stage Saturday (4/6) afternoon and evening. Adults, however, will see through those layers into a more sinister filling as the action leaps through a story re-imagined from “Schlagobers” (“Whipped Cream”), a full-length ballet Richard Strauss penned in the early 1920s. It’s the story of a young boy and his friends, who go to a confectioner’s shop after celebrating their first communion. The Boy becomes ill after eating more than his fill of his favorite sweet: whipped cream. After the children leave, the sweets spring to life in the shop, and the scene fades into the Boy’s whipped cream fantasy world. He awakens, however, in a sinister hospital room, tended by a doctor and his army of nurses. While they are away, Princess Praline arrives with her own procession to rescue the boy and whisk him off to her kingdom.
‘Whipped Cream’ swirls into Hancher with classical ballet made for adults and children
The Daily Iowan - Wednesday, April 3, 2019
After his first communion, a little boy is given sweets and pastries to celebrate the coming-of-age landmark. Following his indulgence of whipped cream, the boy becomes ill and descends into a dreamland-like state in which he believes the doctor and nurses treating him are villains. Presented by the American Ballet Theater, Whipped Cream will leap onto the Hancher stage on Saturday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Whipped Cream is conceived as a theatrical side to ballet, with acting and intricate dancing being balanced by the dancers. “It’s on pointe, classical ballet,” said Kevin McKenzie, the artistic director of American Ballet. “But there’s character built into the steps for a specific reason. It highlights why we have the word, ‘theater’ in our title.”
'Hancher does need a home'
Our Quad Cities - Monday, March 18, 2019
In the studio today, we are joined by Executive Director of Hancher Auditorium Chuck Swanson to tell us a little bit about the new building and events that they have coming up! Listen in as news about American Ballet Theatre is discussed!

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu.