Hancher

Joffrey behind the scene

Dancers: Victoria Jaiani & Jonathan Dummar

Here is some interesting reading from a Joffrey dancer—Fabrice Calmels. His blog is about the Hancher event in Des Moines. It is fun to hear what the artists have to say. Enjoy...

interesting buildings 6 & 7

 

Jacob was telling me about the new Dallas theaters that just opened this week and sent me this review of them. They are roughly the sizes of Hancher and Clapp. The larger one is by Foster + Partners. The smaller one is a collaboration of Rem Koolhaas (I have listed here in an earlier blog) and Joshua Prince-Ramus of REX. Be sure to watch the animation on the REX site showing the new Wyly Theater.

An interesting note in the article on the Wyly is that it was designed to have doors around three sides, the money ran out, so only one side has doors. Hmmm.

Ron

interesting buildings 4 & 5

A comment came in to the blog post Interesting Building 2 suggesting Jean Nouvel. Nouvel designed the Guthrie in Minneapolis.

I recently went to see the new wing of the Art Institute of Chicago designed by Renzo Piano. I loved the spaces and the gallleries. The connection with the outdoors was so refreshing—the walk bridge from Millenium Park, a wonderful little outdoor courtyard, and the incredible ceiling of natural light. On the science side was the ideas built into the building regarding sustainable design. Here is a YouTube video of his building for the California Academy of Arts and Sciences, which is all about sustainable design. This seems like a perfect marriage of art and science for the new Hancher building.

interesting building 3

I started looking at interesting buildings by the top architects, especially performing arts facilities, just for fun. There has been some discussion around that the old Hancher building was a well-known, iconic building by a well-known architect and that there is interest in the architectural world in doing the new building.

I have been so enamored by the UI Art Building West building by Steven Holl. I had been following his choice as the architect for the addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City and then his design and the finished product last year. It was generally acclaimed by architecture watchers as a great solution. I went to school across the street at the Kansas City Art Institute and went to the Nelson almost every day since students got in free. The old beaux arts building was a classic with heavy stone columns, long large entrance staircases, and galleries of marble and soaring ceilings. And so the idea of an addition in the 21st century had to be interesting. And it was. Take a look.

Then low and behold, a Steven Holl building appreared right here in Iowa City. It too was positively received and was also ruined by the flood. But luckily it can and is being restored.

So I checked out Holl buildings and here is one from Princeton that is a performing arts complex.

tapping—an old friend

season pick
by Danielle Wilbanks
Hancher Stage Manager

 As a fan of Gregory Hines and tap dancing in general, it goes without question that I’m looking most forward to Thank You, Gregory this season.

My mom started me in dance classes when I was three years old and I fell in love with tap. It was the one discipline that I continued to study up through college. I even took my turn with a clogging group in the town where I grew up when I was in high school. It was retired senior citizens, my parents and me, a 15 year old high school kid, making noise every week.

My husband and I recently moved and I came across my tap shoes that had been packed away in their little tote bag. I remember taking tap almost every semester in college over and over just so I would have an enjoyable outlet. Imagine, one stage manager in a class with dancers and musical theater majors...it was so much fun! Someday, I’ll find the time and a class and start tapping again.

I am looking forward to this show because I love tap. I love the artistry, the sharp clean sounds and the exceptional gift that goes along with creating those rhythms. An added bonus to this show is that I just found out that one my fellow tap dancers from college is in the cast. I haven’t seen him since college and the last show we worked on together was A Chorus Line. We have kept in touch with each other through Facebook and when he posted that he was off to Thank You, Gregory rehearsals we realized that we would be seeing each other in a few months. It will be a great treat to come back after maternity leave to this show and the chance to catch up with an old friend.

Danielle

vocal music, Christmas time, and cute boys

season pick
by Connie Tipsword
Director of Patron Services

At our staff meeting this week I was presented with a certificate in recognition of 25 years working for Hancher Auditorium. I thought I was only at 23, but it seems that the two years I spent as a half-time graduate assistant counted too. Who knew? At the same meeting we were “gently” reminded that we should blog about what event we’re most looking forward to this season. So I started thinking.

 

I’ve noticed that for many years, when I meet someone and they hear that I work for Hancher, almost always their first comment is along the lines of “Wow, so you get to see all the shows for free!” I then explain that it doesn’t exactly work that way for me because, well, I’m working. About half of us on the Hancher staff do a significant portion of our work during the performance. We do a lot of advance planning and preparation but among our most important functions is “running the show” and making  certain that you can have a great experience. So mostly I see bits and pieces of shows when I can sneak in for a few minutes. There are exceptions, which leads me to one of my favorite stories.

 

Many years ago Hancher presented opera great Leontyne Price. (I should mention perhaps that my background is in vocal music.) In the lobby before the performance I was giving instructions to the usher staff and didn’t notice that someone had wandered in from backstage and was listening. After giving them their directions for the evening, I explained to my staff that I was going to be watching the concert and that if they needed me they could come get me but that someone better be bleeding or on fire. I enjoyed a fabulous concert, undisturbed, and only afterwards, when I got the chance to meet Ms. Price in the greenroom did I discover that those instructions had been overheard by her manager, relayed to her, and much appreciated. Very fun!

 

Now finally, to answer the question I was asked. This year I am really looking forward to Straight No Chaser on December 8. A cappella vocal music, Christmas time, and cute boys: “Who could ask for anything more?” Well, if you could all try not to start bleeding or set anything on fire that would be really great, too!

Connie

 

 

 

 

old friends

There is just something so heartwarming in hearing from people you worked with and loved and don't talk to much anymore. I was really happy to see Kari Schloner comment on favorite picks. Kari was our Stage Manager before Danielle. Thanks for writing, Kari. Keep in touch.

Ron

it's the music

season pick
by Janis Hauenstein
Hancher Administrative Accountant

Geez, it's always so tough to pick just one event but after concentrated deliberation, I must go with Avenue Q this season. A few years ago my generous younger brother gave me this soundtrack. I hadn't heard of the show at that time and so I didn't listen to it until some months later. But once I did, I was hooked.

Exceptionally clever, terrifically irreverent, cheekily thought-provoking, marvelously hilarious, and ultimately human. This show will not be for everyone - indeed it may offend  some folks. But it speaks to an attribute I hold dear - open-mindedness - and I am very much looking forward to seeing a performance, and hearing those catchy tunes, in person!

Janis

mysterious appearance

season pick
by Ron McClellen
Hancher Art Design Director

I have for years been listening to some music that I had no idea where it came from and appeared mysteriously on my iPod but I love it because it is Vivaldi and Corelli. My taste in music is so eclectic that even I can't figure out the rhyme or reason. My second favorite on my playlist at the moment is Sigur Ros. But anyway the cd of Vivaldi and Corelli is Interpreti Veneziani. Low and behold they are coming to Hancher this season. Hooray. Can't wait.

Ron

from a hoofer spouse

season pick
from Rob Cline
Hancher Marketing Director

Since I’m the guy who has asked the staff to pick a favorite among the upcoming shows and to blog about it (um…hey, it’s awfully quiet around here), I should probably submit my pick.

I’m married to a hoofer, so I’m most excited about Thank You, Gregory, a show featuring eight spectacular tap dancers and built around the spirit of the late Gregory Hines. I’m particularly excited to see Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards [and here] (who you may have seen unfairly dismissed from Superstars of Dance a while back after a pretty darn great performance).

Of course, the other great thing about this show is that it marks the return of dance to the Hancher schedule. We were heartbroken when we lost all of our dance shows last season due to the flood. It’s wonderful to have Thank You, Gregory and Luna Negra Dance Theater in the second half of our 2009-2010 season.

Rob

 

about that ramen…

from Rob Cline
Hancher's Marketing Director

A few weeks back, I asked our contact for the Avenue Q tour what we might give away at the Welcome Week information fair to get students excited about the show.

He suggested we purchase a bunch of ramen noodles and label the packages with an Avenue Q sticker.

Given the response of the students at the info fair, I’d have to say that it was a simply brilliant idea. Many of the students who stopped at our table—mounded high with noodles—complimented us on the creative approach to getting their attention.

And those noodles caught the eye of students who wouldn’t actually touch ramen with a 10-foot pole…vegetarians (though I pointed out that there is no actual meat…), those concerned about salt, etc. So, it even worked when it didn’t.

To give credit where it’s due, it must be said that our intern Erin has a knack for giving away ramen. Not too many people were able to get by our table without taking a package while Erin was on the job.We still have some left, however, and another member of the intern army has had a great idea. Since we have the ramen in a rolling suitcase, Elizabeth suggests a “rolling ramen” campaign that would bring the noodles to various sites around campus. Look for it soon.

Rob

so rooted

season pick
from Jacob Yarrow
Hancher Programming Director

We’ve all been asked us to share what event we’re most looking forward to in our coming season.  I’ve been thinking about it for quite awhile.  I have broad interests in art. I can make a case for every event being equally interesting in its own way.  From the Imani Winds’ world premiere of a piece by Stefon Harris to the Hot 8 Brass Band’s funky beats.  From Herb Alpert’s Spanish Flea to Winard Harper’s masterful drumming to the fascinating collaboration that is Abraham, Inc.  We also have incredible tap dancing and Luna Negra performing a piece by José Limón.  And after meeting with Rinde Eckert twice this week, I am hoping to see every performance of Eye Piece in February.

But this isn’t the game we’re playing.  I have to name one.  So I’ll play by the rules and select Rosanne Cash.  It’s who I am. I’ve spent a lot of time in big cities, have 2 degrees in classical music, and eagerly await the announcement of the dance festival at Jacob’s Pillow each year.  But before all of that I’m a West Virginian who grew up going to fiddle and banjo contests.  Rosanne Cash is country music royalty and she continues to make great music.

Ask me next week and I’ll probably pick something else, but, for today, I’m going back to my roots.

Jacob

Ramen Rob

 

Why is Rob our marketing guru wearing Avenue Q merchandise and pushing what appears to be a boatload of Ramen noodles around and so seriously too? Maybe he will comment on that.

Ron

what's (y)our fav

This time of year, traditionally, the Hancher staff would be called upon to tell the incoming student employees gathering what event from the new season were we most looking forward to. And why. Judy Hurtig used to say it was one her favorite things to do: hear the surprising events that staff often chose.

Rob just asked the staff to write a blog entry about the event they are looking forward to. Since the flood we don't have the big new employee gathering, so until we are back in full force in the new building, we will rely on the trusty blog.

That made me think that we would love to hear from any of you who want to write and tell us what you are most looking forward to. And why. One of the rules was always you could choose only one event, even if you were looking forward to 6 or 8 or more. I guess it might be most interesting to hear about one passionately, but if you really want to say more, go ahead. You can comment to this blog entry or email to me.

Hope to hear.

Ron

it's the new guy

I am thrilled to start working here at Hancher.  In the past month I’ve driven moving trucks from Warm Springs, VA to Iowa City twice.  Our move went about as smoothly as we could hope.  Now that we’re settled in Iowa City, I’m very excited about our upcoming season and all of the great performers we’ll be presenting.

I’ve spent my first few days getting to know my colleagues and how things work at the university.  I’ve just come back from my first visit to our box office in the downtown mall.  They are hard at work getting all of our data and computers in top shape for the season.

I’m starting to get up to speed on countless projects that we’re working on.  Our first events are just a couple weeks away so I’m learning about the details for the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and Des Moines, as well as Stefon Harris and the Imani Winds later in September.  (I’ve known the Imanis for many years and look forward to seeing them again.  They are incredible musicians and very fun people.)

I’m also thinking about artists for our 2010-11 season.  I’ve already set up 6 meetings with artist managers at the Midwest Arts Conference in Saint Paul next month.  There are so many exciting possibilities.  It will be fascinating to see how it all shapes up.

I’m particularly eager to meet all of the people involved with Hancher – like you.  It takes a large and committed community of people to make this work.  I hope that you’ll introduce yourself at a performance or stop by to see me.

Jacob

hot enough

Ranking right up there with "hot enough for you" is "where did the summer go?". But I can't help myself. I just got back from a week on the superior lake and I've noticed things are heating up around here. We have the two Joffrey fundraisers coming along and the start of the new season in the next month. It will be good to be back at the business of presenting great artists.

Coming next week is our new online ticketing system. I got to get a glimpse of it (Lisa was kind enough to ask for some design opinion on colors and such) and it is so good. It seems very intuitive and easy to use. It looks really good and I really like the way it will blend into our whole website. The box officers--Richard, Hal, and Lisa--have really been working above and beyond to make this all work. It has literally been in the works for years.

When I started here at Hancher yeeeears ago, I was known as the new Gary for a while. Gary Gnade had been the only designer at Hancher and had been in the position for several years. I didn't mind since he is a great designer and I thought maybe some of that glow would rub off on me for at least a while. So I don't think Jacob will mind if I say the new Judy is now on board. Jacob Yarrow has just started this week as the Programming Director. I think he has a blog entry coming along so keep watch here in the next few days for that.

Also our student interns have been blogging and tweeting. Don't miss them. They really do keep us connected to campus and we love it.

So we hope to see you during the coming year at our events all over town. We will keep you posted on new building information. And you can always comment here or send us your thoughts and ideas.

Ron

our students and social media

Our intern group here at Hancher have been blogging for a year and now they just added a Twitter stream. It is always good for us to have the student view on things and I think the casual nature of Twitter will be fun. And you can count on seeing a different perspective than you might from my Twitter. (I stopped short of saying a more interesting perspective than from mine but...!)

Sign on to both Twitter streams here.

remembering

Note: The following are some memories from Cary J. Hahn, formerly KGAN’s “Iowa Traveler” and currently the news director on KRMY and host of Big Band Memories on KCCK.

I was heartsick last June when I realized Hancher was underwater...or an important part of her was.  And it grieves me to think I'll never see a show there again.
 
I brought my parents up from St. Louis in 2002 for the 35th anniversary opening with Tony Bennett.  I was a paying customer...buying four $75 tix for that.  My folks have now both passed....and I have that memory...which is worth much more than anything that I paid. 
 
I met Gregory Peck at the after party at a board member's house in 1995....and I have my picture with Mr. Peck.  He was my mom's favorite actor and he signed a program for her...which I just retrieved from her house...as we're sorting my parents stuff.  My dad died three years ago...and Alzheimer's finally took my mom at the end of April.
 
I've interviewed so many past Hancher performers....from Gene Kelley, to Steve Allen...and hugged by Peter, Paul AND Mary...had a one on one with Baryshnikov.  Oh my, the memories I have.
 
New Year's Eve 1999-2000....we broadcast live on millennium eve...with the Glenn Miller Orchestra...that whole evening was something like out of a dream.
 
My wife definitely wants to see Herb Alpert and Lani Hall..... We visited Herb's nightclub/jazz club....Vibrato in Bel Air in LA a few years back...what a nice place...in the middle of affluence.  He's quite the patrician art collector, creator, philanthropist...plus he plays great horn.  My wife and I have always loved TJB and Brazil '66...we're old enough to remember when both were high on the charts.
 
Cary J. Hahn
News Director
1450 KMRY Radio

interesting building 2

A comment from Geoff to the entry below (interesting building) agreed that a Rem Koolhaas building in Iowa City  would be very cool. There is the new Steven Holl art building and the Frank Ghery one so...

Here is an interesting one from Daniel Libeskind. It is not a performing arts building but an art museum addition in Toronto.

Libeskind's Denver Art Museum addition is beautiful. I went to the AIGA conference in Denver a couple of years ago. First stop: the Denver Art Museum. It was early before the first event of the day and the museum was almost empty. I was so abosorbed in the great modern pieces there and how they fit into this wonderful structure. I turned a corner and saw someone that looked exactly like Daniel Libeskind. The person with him called him Daniel. Wow, it really is Libeskind. It was his first visit back after the opening and he was speaking later at our conference. I don't even remember what he said but I was so taken by the idea of being in a magnificent building he built at the same time as he was there. Doesn't take much to make me star struck but when it comes to architecture, it takes even less.

interesting building

Here is a performing arts building by Rem Koolhaas. Just to give us some ideas of what is possible. More here.