The Joffrey Ballet’s new Nutcracker premieres on Dec. 1 at the Hancher and runs through Dec. 4. Tickets are $20–75. There is also a gala reception on Dec. 3. In addition to Selznick, the all-star design team assembled by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon includes puppeteer Basil Twist, who was in town this September, and scenic designer Julian Crouch (Shockhead Peter, Hedwig and the Angry Inch). Selznick answered questions for us via email recently while in London.
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Little Village - Tuesday, November 15, 2016
KCCK - Friday, November 11, 2016
Bob Stewart chatted with Joe Lovano prior to his appearance Nov. 11 with Chucho Valdes at Hancher Auditorium.
Iowa City Press Citizen - Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Cuban jazz pianist Chuco Valdés is a Grammy winner, as is American saxophonist Joe Lovano. With the other members of their quintet, the duo guide a lively combination of classic jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Hancher Auditorium. Tickets are $10-$50.
Iowa City Press Citizen - Friday, November 4, 2016
It’s safe to say the Iowa City area and the University of Iowa are nothing short of thrilled to have the new Hancher Auditorium open for the 2016 season. After the devastating 2008 flood and destruction of the former building, Hancher has operated without a real home for several years. But this new, spectacular, state-of-the-art structure will house some of the world’s best performances here in Iowa City.
Daily Iowan - Thursday, November 3, 2016
Way back when, people filled theaters and packed halls to hear the music we now call classical. Over the course of centuries, though, with music-making becoming a more common ability, new genres and musical forms have pulled listeners away from the classic sound.
The Czechoslovakia-born, Canada-raised clown and solo performer Tomáš Kubínek is attempting to get the same results by adding a little vaudeville to the classical-music scene.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Hancher, Kubínek will perform in Pomp, Brass, and Lunacy.
Hoopla - Wednesday, November 2, 2016
The last time jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon performed at Hancher, his audience was sporting hard hats and bright vests.
That was May 21, 2014, and he and zany physical comedian Tomas Kubinek were performing for construction workers dining outdoors, in the shadow of Hancher’s massive, emerging shell.
Gordon hasn’t seen the building since that day.“I’ve seen renderings. I know it’s going to be a beautiful building,” Gordon, 49, said by phone from his home in Augusta, Ga. “I’m sure it’s a wonderful space.” He’ll not only get to see it, but he and Kubinek are returning for “Pomp, Brass and Lunacy!” on Saturday night, a massive indoor concert collaboration with Orchestra Iowa and University Choirs.
KCCK - Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Rob Cline from Hancher Auditorium says don’t even try to pick from the two upcoming shows in the next week. You really need to see both.
Czech Master of Mirth Tomas Kubinek returns to perform with his old friend Tim Hankewich and Orchestra Iowa Nov. 5. But if that wasn’t enough, jazz trombone master (and friend of KCCK as well as Hancher) Wycliffe Gordon makes this a triple bill. Wycliffe will premiere a brand-new composition written in tribute to Hancher, adding a poignant note to an evening of fun.
Then on Nov. 11, jazz masters Chucho Valdes and Joe Lovano bring an all-new Latin Jazz show to the new Hancher. This is an early stop on what will certainly be one of the most important jazz tours of the year.
Time - Thursday, October 27, 2016
(Slide 11 of 18) Like most of our top retirement destinations, Iowa City punches above its weight in arts, entertainment, and sports offerings. Unlike some others, it has a relatively hefty state income tax, but low property taxes and breaks on Social Security and pension income help offset it, making this one of the tax-friendliest places in the Midwest. Massive flooding of the Iowa River in 2008 did devastating damage throughout the city, but the rebuilding has brought some major upgrades, including the new Hancher Auditorium a world-class performance venue with seating for 1,800 people.
Iowa City Press Citizen - Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Maya Beiser, who has recorded with musical luminaries like Phillip Glass and Brian Eno, has been the featured cello soloist for soundtracks of movies like "Blood Diamond" and "Snow White and the Huntsman" and has been called "the queen of contemporary cello" by the San Francisco Chronicle. Beiser will bring her mesmerizing cello skills to Hancher as she performs music written by Pulitzer Prize winner, and UI alumnus, David Lang. Her performance of "The Day" features a narrative story, electronics and projected images. Tickets to her 7:30 p.m. Thursday performance are $10 to $35.
Travel Iowa - Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Iowa floods returned to several parts of the state this year, and although water levels did not reach those of the 2008 flood, the major effects of high water were close to mind. The historic 2008 flood affected more than 20 buildings consisting of 2.5 million square feet of the University of Iowa – nearly one-sixth of campus. Five major buildings were permanently closed. The majority of the facilities affected were reopened later in 2008, a handful re-opened their doors in 2009, and one in 2012. This year, a solid eight years from that summer, has excitedly welcomed beautiful, brand new spaces.