The 2018–19 season for the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium once again features an array of world-class artists who will engage the campus and community both on the stage and in a variety of other settings.

Hancher’s Embracing Complexity project, which takes a multidisciplinary approach to building understanding of contemporary Islamic cultures and Muslim identity, enters its second year with performances and residencies featuring Kinan Azmeh’s CityBand, Alsarah & the Nubatones, and Rahim AlHaj and string ensemble performing Letters from Iraq. The project is made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals—Building Bridges: Arts, Culture, and Identity, a component of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

Meet Paul Brohan

While much of the 2018–19 Hancher season was in the works when Paul Brohan started as Hancher Auditorium’s programming director in November 2017, planning for the 2019–20 season is well underway. Brohan is maintaining Hancher traditions, but he’s bringing new ideas to the table. Learn what he hopes to do with future programming.

Two Broadway shows, a radio-style production of a theater classic, and a circus are on the schedule. A new production of Les Misérables—a perennial Hancher favorite—and Jersey Boys will thrill Broadway fans. L.A. Theatre Works will perform Steel Magnolias and Cirque Éloize returns with Hotel, a new work co-commissioned by Hancher.

The season opens with three events in September, including a rescheduled lecture by famed journalist Cokie Roberts (in collaboration with the UI College of Law’s Levitt Lecture Series and the UI Lecture Committee), a free outdoor performance by the Steep Canyon Rangers (who helped Steve Martin and Martin Short open the new Hancher in 2016), and a performance by the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

Three holiday events will get audiences into a celebratory spirit. The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 team up for a holiday concert that will also feature the greatest hits of both legendary groups. The Canadian Brass also will spread some cheer with a performance entitled Christmas Time is Here. And on New Year’s Eve, Kristin Chenoweth—vocal powerhouse and star of stage and screen—will help ring in the new year with a black tie-optional gala.

Club Hancher will be enhanced with new amenities this season. The club-style performances in Strauss Hall include the aforementioned CityBand, as well as concerts by vocalist Storm Large, the multi-flavored Banda Magda, and up-and-coming Americana artist Kaia Kater.

The Cashore Marionettes also will perform in Strauss Hall with a family-friendly show called Simple Gifts. Family events in the auditorium include Momix performing Opus Cactus, the Soweto Gospel Choir, and Theatre Lovett’s They Called Her Vivaldi.

The classical music lineup includes concerts by the Emerson String Quartet, Tre Voci, the Russian National Orchestra, opera singers Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens in a shared recital, and the Brentano String Quartet (a collaboration with the UI String Quartet Residency Program).

A highlight of the jazz lineup is Rufus Reid’s Quiet Pride: A Celebration of Elizabeth Catlett. Catlett, a sculptor, printmaker, and social activist, was the first African American woman to receive an MFA from the UI. The university’s newest residence hall is named in her honor.

Other jazz-inflected performances include We Shall Overcome—A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring Damien Sneed, and a concert by the Havana Cuban All-Stars. Meanwhile, Danú will return with the sounds of Ireland.

The season closes with two incomparable dance performances. American Ballet Theatre will perform the whimsical full-length story ballet Whipped Cream, which will feature local dancers and other performers in a story about a young man who overindulges on sweets. Batsheva Dance Company returns to Hancher to perform Ohad Naharin’s newest work, Venezuela.

On Thursdays throughout the season, the Stanley Café in Hancher Auditorium will be open to the public from 5 to 7:30 p.m. These casual events will occur whether or not there is a performance that evening. Appetizers and beverages are available for purchase, and some Thursdays will feature special events in the café.

Hancher again will present four Culinary Arts Experiences throughout the season, featuring unique menus from Saint Burch Tavern/Pullman Diner, Baroncini Ristorante, University Catering, and Trumpet Blossom Cafe. Tickets to the culinary events must be purchased in advance.

Tickets for 2018–19 Hancher events
Hancher donors who gave at least $100 over the last year will soon receive a season brochure with an order form and an opportunity to order tickets early. Donors who gave $1,000 or more over the last year will be seated first, followed by those who gave up to $999. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 1.

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 these programs, please contact the Hancher Box Office in advance at 319-335-1158.