Audience Comments

Gizmo Guys

On Sunday afternoon, May 20, the Gizmo Guys ended the Hancher 2011-12 season. Some of our audience member responded to our invitation to tell us about their experience. Here is what we heard back:

•
They were Awesome. We laughed the whole time.
 Mary Ellen Saltzman

•
The Gizmo Guys put on an enjoyable show. However, it was disappointing that their 60 minute show at City High was an exact repetition of their 30 minute show at the Farmer's Market, stretched out by inviting kids on stage.  For $28 a ticket, I expected they would have more prepared material to draw upon.

Rob

•
Another great Spot program!  My grandchildren, their parents and I all thoroughly enjoyed those two goofy, but very talented guys.  They very quickly developed great rapport with the audience and kept them engaged for over an hour. I have never been disappointed in the Hancher’s offerings for children.  Thank you for another very entertaining experience.

Sue Martin

•
Al and Barry were FANTASTIC! They were funny, their juggling was AMAZING and their chemistry both with each other and the audience was also wonderful! My children were so intrigued (as was I) at how Barry could juggle FIVE BALLS with his mouth!  It was great to see their team work and they related to the audience very well!  They were also so very gracious after the show to sign some autographs and were very pleasant! They were some of the most down to earth performers that I have seen!  Too bad all people who are famous could not be that down to Earth!
 
I am so very glad that the University and Hancher are able to bring in such quality family acts at an affordable price! I am also so very, very thankful that you offer payroll deduction, because for people like me whose families are on a budget, we would not be able to expose our children to wonderful performances such as this and the Boston Pops (whom we saw at Christmas time and LOVED)!
 
Finally I also wanted to say while it was heartbreaking seeing Hancher be devastated and ultimately become unusable because of the flood of 2008 (I had my high school commencement ceremony there, as did my sister and brother, so we as a family had a lot of memories there), there was one advantage to it.  Without Hancher having been damaged, me, nor my family would have been exposed to some of the neat venues that we have been exposed to for performances.  I had not been in Opsted Auditorium since I was a student at City High back in the early 1990’s, so going there brought back A LOT of good memories and I was thrilled that my children were able to experience this show in that theatre!  That was a really great place to have the Gizmo Guys!
 
Thanks again for a great show and we look forward to bigger name, family friendly, affordable performances in the upcoming season!
 
Best,
Jennifer Montgomery

•
Was not pleased.  Terrible value for price of admission. Definitely below Hancher standards.

I think they need to hang up their act - it was lazy and subpar.  Not to mention only 1 tiny hour, less the using of the audience to fill time at beginning as well. So really only about 50 minutes. For that we drove 45 minutes up and back from Cedar Rapids? Next time I will do some Internet research on the show before buying.

Lori


•
I really enjoyed the show.  Both were very talented jugglers and performed tricks that I had never seen before.  I would recommend seeing them to others.
 
Marcy Musser


•
Kewwl way to end the Hancher season with things up in the air!
Sherwood

Enso String Quartet

On May 4, Hancher presented the Enso String Quartet. Here are the overwhelmingly positive comments from some of our audience members who wrote to tell us about the experience.

*
High quality. I appreciated their variety and willingness to share why they selected each piece.
They were personable and approachable and truly interested in enjoying their experience in Iowa.

Great choice for sharing musical talent in the heartland.

Jim Torner

*
Excellent.  The Britten was brilliant.
Kenn Hubel

*
I was strung out.
Sherwood

•
We thoroughly enjoyed this quartette.  They would be a nice replacement for the Mia.
Bill and Sharon

*
We thoroughly the Enso's superb performance and look forward to hearing this group again.

Norman Williams
Olivia Atcherson

•
The Enso is a stunningly good quartet, and the program they presented was striking.     The audience reaction was -- appropriately -- wildly enthusiastic.    There are obviously many of us hungry for this type of music.   Let's have more of it!

Ellen

•
They were outstanding.  The players and the program all were excellent.

Susan

 

 

Mayberry

Hancher partnered with playwright Sean Christopher Lewis and Working Group Theatre to create Mayberry, a new work we presented at the end of April. We asked our audience to comment on the experience and here is what we heard back.

 

•
In my mind a brilliant play really, the more I think about it. It made me aware of a part of Iowa City before which I had no idea existed. The Iowa City I know is a maybe an actually small part of the whole. The play raises the question if... that is how it is with most places we visit and even live. Highly recommended if you get a chance and want to get a perspective of IC from more than the occasional visitor point of view, which is what I am. The questions raised can also be applied to right here in Fairfield, and anywhere else I think. Very good work.

Paul Gandy, Fairfield

 

•
It was superb,timely, well acted and thought provoking.

Phil and Joyce Leff

 

•
My husband and I attended Saturday afternoon.  It was very interesting the way you put together interviews into a dramatic production.  I think I finally “got it” during one of the last scenes when the white woman is complaining about the African Americans on the bus.  The young man just said, “That’s not me.”  To me it made clear that we can’t judge everyone on the basis of what a few do.  I guess we shouldn’t judge at all.  It certainly made me realize some of the problems Iowa City deals with, especially the schools.

We both liked the puppets.  My husband commented that there could have been more humor.

Joanne

•
Outstanding!
Gene

•
I thought it was great.  My husband Doug couldn’t go, so I went with my daughter, Julie.  She was a counselor when she lived in Columbus and the play brought back all of the wonderful and horrible aspects of her job.  She was very moved by the piece, and I was very glad she had a chance to see it.  

 Linda Paul  

•
gangbusters. thought provoking.

David and Judy

 

•
It exceeded my threshold for social commentary.
S

 

•
We really enjoyed the show and would have loved a talk-back. We went on Saturday at 2 PM and I think it was the only session without a talk-back. It would have helped to process the play -- which was really thought provoking and complex.

Thanks for the great theater experience.

Jesse Singerman

 

•
First, I would like to thank the whole crew for adding the extra shows or I wouldn't have seen it. It was a delight to have our towns values held up for examination and then given the privilege to see everyones all together  but no answer to many different questions raised. Whats race? whats class? and how everything changes with changing demographics. It was exciting, truthful, tantalizing, stimulated by causing. many and still ongoing  discussions for Nancy and me. P. Collins

I  thought Mayberry was excellent.  Acting was supberb and message was presented in a very interestng and clever way. I would like to see the play as required for about 6th grade kids with discussions.

Good work.  
Bewinokur

 

•
A Masterpiece!
We would hope that everyone in Johnson County could see this event and then join in the dialogue. 

Bob & Eunice Welsh

 

•
Having engaged in conversations with some blacks who moved from Chicago, I thought the play did an excellent job of presenting the culture clash that occurred from both perspectives: current Iowa City residents visa vis the newcomers. The play cleverly pointed out how the white, liberal culture in Iowa City is not as prepared to assimilate the black urban culture as they think they are. And the people from the black urban culture are not prepared to live in a white, liberal culture. I recommend it to everyone in Iowa City. Well, maybe not everyone. The language is authentic, bur "R" rated.

Mike McKay

•
I was most impressed with the writing and the acting.  It made me smile, and it made me very sad.  Did it change lives and perceptions?  I would like to think so.  However, our prejudices are so ingrained in us that I find it hard to be so optimistic.  It was an eye opener and although it targeted our community, we all know that it represents each community in each part of our country.  I would like to think it could be adapted for audiences from coast to coast and I hope it will be.  There is hope.  My daughter, who is 30, was brought up living in mixed neighborhoods, is a high school counselor in a low income, predominately black high school in Charlotte, NC; has a black roommate; and a large number of black friends.  She doesn’t see race…she sees kids who need love and attention and friends who are friends.  Sadly, she is the exception rather than the rule. 

Maxine Brand

 

Dave Pietro

Dave Pietro performed as part of the Hancher season on April 5 after spending several days here throughout the year doing residencies. Here are the audience comments we received.

•
Great concert!  The Iowa residency really made the connection with the audience and enhanced the general satisfaction for the event.

RHC

•
I loved the commissioned piece--I’m looking forward to the CD.  That was
definitely the highlight, but a close second were the guest horn players.
Overall a really enjoyable concert.

Richard Rives Bird


•
Outstanding!
S

•
The night with Dave Pietro was very, very good and I would certainly go see him again.  I hope he will have an IOWA cd soon as the music was very special and I fell in love with it…please bring him back again!!!
Pam

Soweto Gospel Choir

This group performed on the Hancher 2011-12 Season on March 27. We asked the audience for their reaction and here is what we heard back:

•
I got tickets for my Big Brother/Big Sister “little sister” because I thought she would appreciate the gospel music and the show.  We had front row seats right in front of the drummers, and my “little” got to shake hands with one of the performers.  On the way home, she said she really had fun - and that the music and dancing was wonderful.  High praise from a just-turned-13 year old girl who has never been exposed to anything similar.  I can safely say we both enjoyed the evening immensely.  Thank you for the experience.

Joan McCalmant

My guests and I had a great time last night. We didn’t want the night to end. I bought a CD and one of my guest got a DVD so he could share with his family. I saw the group once before many years ago and I see they have evolved and expanded their performance. I do wish the audience had been fuller and more young people in attendance. I hope they come again next year.

Phyllis  Cooper-Besong

•
Thumbs Up!
For the community -Cultural Diversity
As a music lover – great demonstration of other musical instruments that is not common in an orchestra
On a personal level – It took a while… but Iowans ultimately “let loose” and “grooved” to the wonderful music
 
May be a thumb up in the future:
Feel safe during a performance…ceiling falling on the audience…twice
 
Viktoria

•
Fabulous, unlifting, fun, inspirational, entertaining.  I loved it!
Lynne


•
The Soweto Concert was absolutely magnificent.  Haven’t had so much fun at a performance in forever.  The talent, stamina, beautiful costumes and just everything was invigorating.  These events usually fall during my “sleepy time” and no matter how loud or interesting it is, I generally doze off...not a chance last night! Bravo!

Karen

•
Oh, what an excellent concert!  Well done.  It brought back fond memories of our visit to South Africa, an amazing country, in 2008.  I was a bit disappointed that there were empty seats because this was a wonderful opportunity to learn about a culture that is so very different from our own. Thank you, Hancher, for bringing this group to Iowa.  I’d love to see them return.

Suzanne

*
They were great.
Reginald

•
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. They are a very enthusiastic and talented group. We saw them a few years ago in Ames, as I recall, and they have only gotten better since then. We would see them again if they come back.
 
David (and Linda) Cranston

•
My friend and I both enjoyed the evening beyond our wildest dreams.  The energy, the tones, the intonation and feelings were unforgettable.  I needed something like this last evening and it fully met my needs and then some.  I was so excited and pleased with the performance that I had trouble getting to sleep last night.
I recognized one of the gentleman from the last time I saw the group.  He had a wonderfully deep resonating bass voice.  I could listen to this group all night long.
Thank you for the opportunity to see them, once again.

Deb Sedlacek

•
Absolutely one of the best concerts I have ever been to.  The enthusiasm and the music just reached out and grabbed you and did not let go.  Perfect blending of voices,beat,joy.  I am extremely glad I did not miss this concert.

George Rickey

•
I expect the Soweto Gospel Choir would be very good if it were not for the damn sound system and sound system operator!  As it was, it was a wasted evening spent wishing it would get over.  Even taking out my hearing aids, the sound was too loud, and the system simply mashed the voices together so that individuals were hard to distinguish.  I understand that Hancher has no control over the sound aspects of the performance.  But you might manage some degree of influence.  I really would like to hear a strictly acoustic performance by this group.  But I will not again walk across the street to hear them in such damaged form. My wife was able to tolerate the sound only by putting her fingers in her ears. At least then she could understand the lyrics!

In addition to the sound issues, I object to the forced intimacy of the seating at the casino and the smoke we are forced to walk through entering and leaving--as well as that which infiltrates the performance space when the doors are open.

David Thayer

•
It was a great concert. The group combined excellent choral and solo singing, and superb choreography.

However, we strongly disliked the venue. It was out of town, part of a gambling casino, and reeked of cigarette  smoke.  Hancher should not have another event there.  If it did, we would be unlikely to attend.

Anne and Joe Frankel

•
Fabulous, stellar, the best thing all year!  An evening full of joy and participation!  Thanks.
Kathryn Wallace

•
They definitely have the sound of the south, South Africa that is!
Sherwood

•
We thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Their singing, drumming, movement, and energy were great. Most of all we enjoyed their sharing of their culture in such a winsome way.

Bob & Jo Hoover

Lucky Plush

Lucky Plush performed their piece Punk Yankees at Space Place as part of the Hancher season on March 8. Here are the audience reactions we received:

•
This production was absolutely awesome.  The dancers demonstrated very high levels of skill, energy and strength.  And the very humorous script was incredibly entertaining.  Space Place was the perfect intimate setting for this performance.
 
Gail

•
First, I want to thank the Hancher staff for bringing Lucky Plush to Iowa City.  In my opinion, the Lucky Plush show was a combination of everything that good entertainment should embody.  It was enjoyable, thought-provoking, and interactive.  (The live stream tweet screen was such an innovative and genius addition, on Hancher’s part, to connect our in-theater arts experience with the entire virtual world. Touche!) Not only was the dancing technically, aesthetically, and creatively pleasing, but the experience in it’s entirety was memorable. I think it is safe to say that the Lucky Plush performance has been one of the best shows, if not the best, that Hancher has presented during my four years in Iowa City.

Best,
Kim Chmielewski

•
They were all very talented athletes. However, I especially liked the way in which they introduced themselves. It was quite unique and because it was a bit confusing at first, very, very funny. We even had an audience member ask to have a question repeated. The performer answered in character and just continued on. The blogging was also very amusing to read. My daughter stated that it was the most fun she’d had during intermission. She also asked me if it was odd that she preferred the times when they weren’t dancing….so they could interact with the audience. It was an interesting and unique experience and highly enjoyable! Thank you for bringing them to town.

Gloria

•
More dance less talk. 
Rudy Schulz


•
I left at intermission. It was not nearly as good or entertaining as I was expecting. Not enough dance and too much talking and ad lib.

I also left at intermission last Tuesday at the guitar concert. This might become a habit. Can you sell tickets for just the first half of the performance? LOL. I now have a new appreciation for the Hancher motto “Can’t Contain Us” - for me, it is starting to mean that you can’t make me stay for the second half of disappointing performances…

Thanks for listening,
Randy Kardon

•
Lucky Plus was one of the most refreshing performances Hancher has hosted in the 30+ years I have been in the audience.   I hope they are invited again in the future.  The Twitter feed didn’t add anything to the experience in my opinion.

Carolyn Stewart Dyer

•
We disliked the performance. The quality of the dancing was variable. Two of the dancers were excellent. The others were no better than the average UI dancer who performs at Space Place. This was definitely not a performance that should carry the Hancher label.
 
Some of the choreography was excellent; some adequate; and quite a bit was poor, in our judgment. The filler to allow the dancers to recover from their dancing was ridiculous. The whole thing felt like a high school neighborhood group that said, “Come visit our garage for a show.”
 
The intermission was highly confusing. It was not clearly defined when it started or when it was about to end. After the fact, we were told there was a note on the Twitter board announcing the intermission, but this assumes the audience was watching the Twitter board instead of the film on stage. Sandra was almost refused readmission to the theater as a result, and was not allowed to return to her seat, because the second half had resumed. Someone did get her a chair, but she had to stay by the door.
 
Well, you asked.... It is unlikely we will attend another Hancher event soon.
 
John & Sandra


•
Although Punk is more a way of being rather than a style, I don’t think the group did a great disservice in calling the set Punk Yankees.  However, I would imagine that any punks stayed a mile away from this event because they would have co-opted in use of the word to describe a non-existent style.
 
Nonetheless, for us non-punks it was a fun event that busted a few boundaries and was a beauteous display of the way humans can emote intellectually.
 
Rich Clewell  

•
A+ for dancing, C- for whatever the other stuff was!
Sherwood

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Part of the Hancher 2011-12 season, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet played on March 6. Some audience members sent us their comments:

 

•
We loved everything about this concert - even all the tuning!  These talented musicians are very good at presenting a top-notch performance of music they love, and making it feel like they just stopped by to play for you.  The venue is perfect for this small chamber group.  It was a treat to hear such a unique ensemble, whose CD’s we’ve been listening to for years.  Thank you, Hancher!
 
Jim & Barb Reck

•
Great!!
Cheers, Gene

•
The LA Guitar Quartet was amazing!  I feel like I have never seen anything like it!  the four players were so symbiotic and equal in their wondrous contributions to each piece.  The variety of music was really engaging from African to old Spain to Chilean...I loved the rainstorm! Very creative and unique in the way they used the entire guitar to make a grand array of sounds that worked together and stimulated much interest in each piece.  I am so glad I got to see this  extraordinary performance! 

Bev

•
A diverse selection of music along with the artistry of these performers made it one of the outstanding events for us from this year’s season.  More like this please!

Hancher attendees

•
great show!
Eli

•
I enjoyed the concert, it was interesting to hear how American guitar players have evolved, especially since I’m quite familiar with the histories of Spanish, and Brazilian guitar playing.
 
Sincerely,
Maurita Murphy Mead

•
Again, Hancher has presented an excellent and quality program.  Their music, both old and new, was exciting and entertaining.  The piece about the Rain was absolutely wonderful, and my son enjoyed revisiting Carmen.

Dave and Mike Tiffany

•
They were great, charismatic, and enormously talented. It was amazing to watch how they could use every inch of their guitars—and the speed of their hand movements when fingering and strumming was remarkable. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
 
Karen Drake
 

•
They are a Primo bunch of “pickers”.
Sherwood

Tower of Power

Tower of Power performance on March 2 brought these comments from our audience:

•
Tower of Power was a fun night of rocking to their music!  Riverside is not my favorite venue,but it worked for Tower’s performance.  I appreciated most the tunes that did not fit into their kind of “formula” that made much of the music sound alike with a driving beat and a phrase repeated over and over so the audience could join in or be part of a “call and response” format.   Mrs. Jones was so terrific--it was a cover, but they did it soooo well.  I knew a woman named Ms. Jones in the audience and I think that made it even more fun!  It was a walk down memory lane.  So glad I brought my ear plugs to ease the sound coming in. 

Bev

•
this is the third time seeing the band, dating back to 1973 with the Temptations in IC.  the size of the venue at Riverside made this the best of the three times.  Loved it

Melvin

*
They had lots of soul or is it sole!
Sherwood

*
OMG! They were absolutely FAN-FREAKIN’-TASTIC!!!!!!!!!! It was more than the music. It was the experience and the history. The energy, the musicality! I actually purchased a CD in advance of the performance, and we played it all the way down to Riverside.  There were so many songs that took me back to specific moments in my life. Wonderful and very happy moments in my life.
 
Seeing and listening to the founders of such an amazing group was awe-inspiring! It was an amalgamation of tremendous talent. We greatly, greatly pleased and impressed by the performance.
 
Thank you for giving us the opportunity!!!
 
Jerilyn

•
Very nice production, would love to see more soul.

•
What a wonderful performance! ! !  Those guys are what every musician should aspire to play (and sing) like.  A performance like that only comes along, when a group of (talented) musicians have played together for so long they are in perfect sinc with each other.  We really enjoyed the show.

Maria

•
Sound system exceeded capability of venue. Much to loud and poorly blended to effectively hear the ensemble.

Jeffry

•
Tower of Power blew the top of the Riverside Casino!  Luckily, we had front row sheets.  I felt the chairs were too close together and not much room to chair dance was there.  So, I suggest spacing chairs and rows further apart.  The band has so much talent and energy, one cannot help but want to get up and shake your bootie!  How about Earth, Wind and Fire?  Jeff Beck?  Joe Satriani?  Climax Blues Band?  Doobie Brothers?  Excellent sound and presentation by both band and the stage crew.  Thanks for a funkin’ good time! 

Michelle Fountain

•
One of the best concerts I have ever seen.  Two hours of exhilirating energy.  Earlier in the day I feared that the weather would prevent us from traveling from Cedar Rapids. But, fortunately, the gods were kind, the weather cleared out, and we made it to Riverside.  I’m glad we did.  My wife was essentially unacquainted with Tower of Power, but she has become a devoted fan over the last 48 hours.  Thanks for bringing Tower of Power to the U of I.

Dr. Dennis Keith Yergler


•
FANTASTIC!!!!! Excellent show from start to finish.
Dennis Bemboom


•
I’ve loved Tower of Power since the late ‘60’s!  It’s the first time I’ve seen them live, they are everything, and much more, that I’ve imagined for the past 40 years!  I thought the horns were the high, I realize the entire band is the greatest!  Everyone MUST see them live!

Joe

•
This was our first time attending a concert at Riverside Casino, and we were very pleased with the venue.
Having seen Tower of Power over a dozen times, this was perhaps their best sounding performance.
Using 16th Avenue Sound was an excellent choice.  The mix and overall sound and volume were great!
It would be nice to see Hancher book more quality established bands and artists like T.O.P. and Chucho Valdez.
I believe the large attendance for T.O.P. shows the potential support for these shows.
 
Thanks for a great time,
Ken & Linda Duncan

•
Great show! The band overcame the mediocre nature of the venue. Can’t wait until you guys have a real home!

Jim

•
I’ve been listening to TOP for forty years and have seen them live 8 or 9 times.  They just keep getting better!  If the bass and drums were any tighter, you’d need a wrench to get them apart.  Same goes for the horn section. Their music has always really moved me.  I just can’t help myself!
 
Maybe it’s because they’re playing to a somewaht older crowd now (myself included) but I appreciate the early start (7:30) and that they started on time.  But two hours went by so fast - they have so much music to offer.
 
Great show, great band! Thanks,
John Dowers

•
The Tower of Power show was FANTASTIC!!!   I would love the chance to see them again.  Thank you for bringing them to the area!

Steve


•
Smokin’ Hot! Bring ‘em back soon!!
PaulGandy

•
T of P put on a great show.  We’re big fans and had a good time. The Riverside venue is, however, mediocre at best. Chairs all on one level in a hotel “conference” setting. Reduced price at the hotel was a nice surprise. We’re not gamblers, so the casino setting was a non-issue for us. We weren’t expecting Hancher, or even the Englert, but won’t be attending another event there. Hope the U rebuilds quickly!
 
Marc A. McCoy

•
The Tower of Power show was fantastic.  We were happily surprised that four of the original members are still kicking it with the band.  They are as good (or better) than they were 40+ years ago when we first started listening to their brand of funky R&B.  Everyone in the 10-piece band seemed to be a virtuoso.  The lead singer was wonderfully entertaining, the instrumental solos were incredible, and the band as a whole is amazingly tight.  What a “powerful rhythm section and what a “tower”ing horn line!  Once they started, I couldn’t stop moving.  I would see them again in a minute.
 
The only downside for me was the venue.  The seating was not very comfortable, and the chairs were very closely-packed.  The acoustics at the Riverside Event Center leave a lot to be desired – maybe because we are so spoiled by the wonderful sound at Hancher.  We’re glad that there are options for bringing in acts like this while we wait for a new Hancher to be built.  But it will be SO nice when they can perform in an auditorium that can do justice to their work.  Can’t wait!
 
Larry M

 

•
The concert was outstanding!!!
 
Bill

The Rivalry

On February 23, L.A. Theatre Works presented The Rivalry as part of our season. Here are some audience reactions:

•
We actually had seen a production of this play in New York several years ago. This production was fine.

RE Kerber

•
In one word: Excellent.
 Hancher attendees

•
I enjoyed it vary much. I’m a history buff and love Presidential history. Witch means I love Lincoln. My girlfriend who knows nothing of History other then Lincoln was one of our Presidents and freed the slaves like it as well. Oh, and the sound effects were cool!

 Matthew

•
Absolutely fabulous!   A sad reminder of what political debates and relationships could be, in contrast to what we have today --   but a stunning evening of theatre.   Not a surprise, since I remember a similar reaction on my part the first time L A Theatre Works was here.   Do bring them back again.

Ellen

•
I’m in the process of reading “Freedom” by William Safire, a historical novel published in 1987 that covered the Civil War period through the end of 1862.  Safire makes the case Lincoln truly didn’t consider slavery to be the primary issue at the beginning of the war; it was preserving the union.  Only after more than a year of losing battles in the field, fighting political battles with union generals who wished to preserve the status quo, and pressure from abolitionists in the Republican Party did Lincoln decide to issue the emancipation proclamation, and then only in the states where it couldn’t be enforced.
 
In the debates presented in The Rivalry, this view of preserving the union while also displaying a willingness to preserve slavery was not stressed by Lincoln, rather, it was stressed by Douglas.  Lincoln did state that he had no intention of ending slavery in the states where it existed, but the focus in the play for Lincoln’s character was on the evil of slavery itself, using the Declaration of Independence as his moral guide.  The “house divided” theme was stressed, with Lincoln’s character becoming most animated when stating the country could only exist all of one or all of the other.  Of course, over 20 hours of debate were condensed into a 90 minute play.  Not being an expert on the content of the debates, I don’t know if the moral issue of slavery was as predominant in the debates as presented in The Rivalry.
 
I was struck though, by the difference between Lincoln on the stump in 1858 and Lincoln in the White House in 1861-2.  Senatorial candidate Lincoln sought to expose the immorality of an evil practice.  President Lincoln, at least the first two years, focused instead on bringing the southern states back in the fold, virtually no questions asked, in whatever form he could, using any and all means at his disposal.  Perhaps Douglas had an influence on him.
 
The Rivalry was very well written and acted.  I hung on every word.
 
Tim Holman

•
!excellent!
Gloria

•
I get tired of raving about Hancher events. This one was great! I am a history nut. The Rivalry was historically interesting and enjoyable. I couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed.  I would go to see it again, and regret that there was only one performance.  Those who reneged because of the weather missed out on a real historical treat. 

Dave Tiffany

•
I get tired of raving about Hancher events. This one was great! I am a history nut. The Rivalry was historically interesting and enjoyable. I couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed.  I would go to see it again, and regret that there was only one performance.  Those who reneged because of the weather missed out on a real historical treat.  Dave Tiffany

DLMc

•
A marvelous performance. 
Phil and Joyce Leff

•
I missed the original debate. BTW how did the war end?
Sherwood

•
I didn’t love it...or even especially like it. The main problem for me was the script. I’m sure that the playwright figured that the Great Debate would attract interest but realized that simply mounting the debate, or large portions of it, would not sustain interest. And yet in my view he did not commit himself fully to a play about either Douglas or Lincoln (or, perhaps conceivably, both). The characters remained shallow, consisting of little more than what could be gathered from Wikipedia entries, and, though he dared to insert imagined scenes, he didn’t dare to go far enough to create a full-fledged (fictionalized) drama.
I went to the performance prepared to listen to the debaters make their arguments; when I discovered that in fact this would be a play, with the debate embedded in it, I was pleased, anticipating something with a juicier, more dramatic layer to it. It was not enough of either.

Oscar

•
Thank you for asking me for my comments! The man playing Lincoln did a great job of barely containing the passion Lincoln felt about the slavery issue...fidgeting with his collar, pulling at/out his tie. Small gestures, but to me very powerful. The debate showed me how far (down) we’ve come in our public debates, from talking about momentous issues to scrapping and name-calling. Lincoln and Douglas were civilized. The whole production was just fantastic, and I can see now how people would sit and stand for hours to hear them debate. I long(ed) for more!
Thank you so much!

Kristin

 

•
We thought The Rivalry was very well done – good performances, entertaining, and educational.
 
Chuck and Elizabeth Coulter

Chucho Valdés

On February 10 we presented Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers. Lots of folks wrote us and loved the show:

•
The Valdez evening was the most stunning I’ve experienced in a very long time.  I admit not knowing enough about him, but now I can say this: previously I considered Bill Evans the greatest jazz pianist ever.  No longer.  Chucho surpasses everyone by far.  It’s not just his virtuosity, but his total command of several jazz worlds.  In the last decade I also discovered Alberto Sandoval and consider him the best trumpet player on the planet.  These and several other unbelievable musicians are all from Cuba!

It’s time.  let’s organize a UI-sponsored cultural visit toCuba, in some form that would satisfy the State and Justice Departments of the group’s legitimacy for travel to the island.  I’m 81 years old.  I MUST GET TO CUBA BEFORE I DIE.

Gene Spaziani

•
one of the best shows yet!  
loved every minute...

joan and don rinner

•
Nice show, great music!
 
Dave Hesli

•
One of the most memorable evenings for a long time.  Phenomenal artistry; an interesting selection of rep; sound levels were great; and the music made a cold evening heat up quickly.  We want more of this caliber in future events.  It made our evening very special.
 
Hancher Attendees

•
Dear Hancher staff... Thank you for bringing Mr. Valdez to Iowa City.  I consider him one of the top two Latin Jazz pianists (the other being Eddie Palmieri, who you also have had, I believe.)  I have wanted to see him for years, and was not disappointed.  I think he had one of the best rhythm sections I have ever heard, and kept the show jumping the whole time.  I especially enjoyed the vocalist who performed two numbers, the first being a classical heartbreak ballad, and the second  surprising me with her lively jazz scat.  The crowd was one of the most enthusiastic I’ve seen in Iowa City. which speaks to both the quality of the performers and the deep following and appreciation for Latin jazz in Iowa City, due in no small part to the excellent Alta Maize band and the U of I music department.  The only  criticism I would have is the squelching  of the dancers in the aisle by ushers.  I have been to several other shows in the Englert where dancing is not only permitted, but encouraged.  Is the stopping at this concert due to Hancher usher policy?  If so, I suggest it be reviewed.  At any rate, thank you for presenting this excellent performance, and for the opportunity to express my views. 

Sincerely, Don Rinner

•
Awesome!
 
Karen and David Drake

•
What a pleasure!!!  They were great!  I also heard people express with favor the fact that they did not have an intermission.  I have mixed feelings about that, but on a weeknight, it’s good to get ‘done’ a little early (though I would’ve stayed to hear these artists).  My son was also thrilled by the music.  On a scale of 1 to 5, it was a 6.

Dave Tiffany and Mike Tiffany

•
Can’t find my socks!
Sherwood

•
This was one of the very best concerts I have ever attended!  Chucho and his band just make you feel happy and energized.  Their music is sophisticated and polished as well as heart-felt.  I absolutely loved it!
Thank you for the great choice.

Laura

 

•
The performance Friday was outstanding - both the soloing AND the ensemble stuff and individual jazz riffs.  Even the dancing was spectacular.  We are so pleased we could attend this event.

Amir and Lisa Arbisser


•
Excellent performance from first-rate performers.  However, the nearly unrelieved wall of loud sound was taxing.

Norman Williams/Olivia Atcherson


•
The performance of Chucho Valdes and the Afro Cuban Messengers at the Englert last Friday night ranks as one of the most satisfying shows I have ever seen. The communication among the performers was wonderful.  The music was just flawless.  My 10 year old commented, It was cool how he would start a piece in a classical style and then shift it into jazz!  Thank you Hancher series organizers for bringing this world class master to Iowa City!

Rob Cornell


•
Chucho Valdes and the Afro-Cuban Messengers was perhaps the finest concert I’ve seen in years! For Hancher to bring this level of jazz musicianship to Iowa City is a credit to you and your staff. It is refreshing that Hancher seems to be responding to the musical tastes of their patrons in a more current way. This is evidenced by a schedule of performances which includes Joey DeFransesco, Chucho Valdes and Tower of Power. Please keep up the good work in coming years.
 
Ken & Linda Duncan


•
The performance by Chucho Valdes and his group was outstanding.  Chucho is an amazing pianist and his support musicians were the best.  We enjoyed the performance very much as did the remainder of the audience as evidenced by multiple standing ovations.
 
David


•
He was great. Everyone in the band was amazing. I wish he would play longer. Also it would be nice to hear him on some tropical island-80 degrees, pink sunset over white sandy beaches….

John White


•
One of the best bands I have ever seen live in my long life, 67 years.
Paul

 

•

The only problem with the evening is that it didn't last long enough. 
The music was wonderful and I have never seen anyone play a piano so effortlessly.  I turned to my friend and said, "let's go to Havana!"

Cathy