Skip to Main Content
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

©Aimee Sposito Martini

Hancher presents creative, collaborative modern opera with ‘Fierce’

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter April 23, 2024

Nearly two years after debuting at the Cincinnati Opera, “Fierce” is coming to Iowa City’s Hancher Auditorium. The 21st-century opera follows the trials and triumphs of four teenage girls as they...

Performers practice during a dress rehearsal of "Iris" at the Theater Building in Iowa City, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

Review | Stage reading of ‘Iris’ portrays difficult human emotions

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter March 31, 2024

Keep an eye on “Iris,” Iowa City. On Saturday night, the play’s actors took center stage at Alan MacVey Theatre to deliver a reading of playwright Olivia Clement’s latest work in progress....

Cecilia Oberdoerster and MK Shultz perform during an improv comedy show by Iowa City-based improv team Paperback Rhino at the James Theater on Thursday, March 7, 2024. (Ava Neumaier/ The Daily Iowan).

Behind the scenes: Iowa City’s longest-performing improv group, Paperback Rhino

Charlie Hickman, Assistant Arts Editor March 7, 2024

As the comical collective of Paperback Rhino exploded on The James Theater stage Thursday night, the audience was abuzz. Before the night of improvisational games had begun, Captains Payton Chapman and...

The ensemble cast sings “Children Will Listen” during a performance of "Into The Woods" in the  University of Iowa's E.C. Mabie Theatre Building on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024. The show is running from March 1-3 and 7-9.

Review | UI’s ‘Into the Woods’ is a stirring reprise of the original

Grant Darnell, Arts Reporter March 6, 2024

Roughly five minutes into the University of Iowa Theatre Arts Department’s production of “Into the Woods” — specifically when Jack’s mother sings the line “while her withers wither with...

The ensemble cast sings “Ever After” during a performance of Into The Woods in the Theatre Building at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. The show is running from March 1-3 and 7-9.

Behind the scenes: UI Theatre’s revives Sondheim classic ‘Into the Woods’

Sophia Connolly and Lily Czechowicz March 3, 2024

Since its premiere in 1986, countless interpretations of Stephen Sondheim’s play “Into the Woods” have seen stages around the world and, for the past six weeks, the University of Iowa’s cast...

Photo contributed by Evan Hilsabeck of City Circle Theatre Company

Review | ‘Red’ is an immersive and philosophical play

Charlie Hickman, Assistant Arts Editor February 25, 2024

John Logan’s award-winning play “Red” has been revitalized by City Circle Theatre Company through an intimate, wildly entertaining performance. The biographical drama depicts painter Mark...

Photo contributed by Rob Cline

Seeing the stage from both sides: Two Iowa actors to perform in ‘Hairspray’ at Hancher

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor February 20, 2024

Both Sarah Hayes and Amy Rodriguez were present at the national Broadway tour stops of “Rent” at Hancher Auditorium — Hayes as an audience member in 1999 and Rodriguez as a student stagehand in...

Kylen Phillips reads his lines backstage during a performance of West Illinois Glass House in the Iowa Theatre Building on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. (Ava Neumaier/The Daily Iowan)

A look at ‘West Illinois Glass House’ and the university’s production process

Grant Darnell, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

Alex Lead sits in Alan McVey Theatre and hears his written words spoken aloud for the dozenth time, following along with the script on his phone. His play, “West Illinois Glass House,”...

Lyrah Huggins (left) and Bridget Greenwood (right) embrace during a performance of "Matilda Jr." at the James Theater in Iowa City on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Children given opportunity for a breakout role in ‘Matilda Jr.’ at the James Theater

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter February 6, 2024

When Eliza Durney, 10, and Bridget Greenwood, 10, are in their regular classroom settings, they normally wouldn’t confront a mean teacher. But as the alternating leads for the role of Matilda in Nolte...

The cast of Dance Nation dances the opening number during a dress rehearsal for “Dance Nation” at David Thayer Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

‘Dance Nation’ brings realities of girlhood to the stage

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 5, 2024

Preteen girlhood is a maze of trials and tribulations. This reality is especially prominent in “Dance Nation,” a play that introduces audiences to a competitive dance troupe of thirteen-year-old...

The cast of Dance Nation performs during a dress rehearsal for “Dance Nation” at David Thayer Theatre on Feb. 1, 2024.

Photos: University of Iowa Theatre Arts “Dance Nation”

Isabella Tisdale, Photojournalist February 2, 2024

The University of Iowa Theatre Arts program held a dress rehearsal for “Dance Nation” at the David Thayer Theatre on Thursday.  “Dance Nation” is a play following young competitive dancers...

Photo contributed by Samuel D. Hunter

Iowa Playwriters Workshop graduate Samuel D. Hunter speaks on his rapid success as a storyteller

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter January 30, 2024

Writer of the Academy Award-winning play-turned-movie “The Whale,” Samuel D. Hunter is also a 2007 alum of the University of Iowa’s Playwrights Workshop. Not only has Hunter experienced exceptional...