University of Dubuque Heritage Center Reveals 2019-2020 Season
Jul 8, 2019
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Tickets are now available for University of Dubuque’s 2019-2020 Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series. Coined “A Jewel of a Season,” the newly announced line-up sparkles with a premiere selection of the finest performing arts attractions touring today with RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Wynton Marsalis, and Steep Canyon Rangers among those leading the pack.
A Build-Your-Own CenterStage season ticket package option is available again this season. Patrons choosing seven or more of 16 events will be eligible for a variety of benefits including discounts up to 25 percent. Deeper discounts are available for UD alumni, parents of current UD students, children, and veterans or military personnel. Other subscriber benefits include discounted companion tickets, priority seating, reduced fees, payment plan option, and advance purchasing privileges.
In addition, subscribers may supplement with Family Series and B.I.T.E. Size Series ticket packages. Except for a series of intimate shows in Babka Theatre, all performances occur in John and Alice Butler Hall.
Subscription orders are being accepted online, by mail and phone, or at the box office now. Individual event tickets go on sale via all sales methods beginning Thursday, Aug. 1 (except RENT which is on sale Monday, July 8). To retrieve an order form, visit www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter. For more information or to request a brochure, call 563.585.SHOW.
Farber Box Office summer hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Normal hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. begin Monday, Aug. 19.
The 2019-2020 Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series features the following Butler Hall events:
The Reminders
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 – 8:00 p.m.
The Reminders seamlessly blend soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and lyrics. Their unique mashup of razor sharp rhymes, raw, soulful vocals, and reggae-tinged hip-hop beats form the perfect backdrop for a global musical experience. Joined onstage by a DJ and dancers, Big Samir and Aja Black are a creative force that weave rhythmic patterns with unique vocal stylings. They have shared the stage with artists such as Les Nubians, Snoop Dogg, Fishbone, Nas, Mos Def, and others.
REZA: Edge of Illusion
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 – 8:00 p.m.
Reza has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert style magic show to audiences across the globe. Reza’s current tour features cutting-edge magic. Audiences can expect to witness mega illusions such as passing through spinning blades of an industrial fan, a record breaking recreation of Houdini’s most famous stunt, and the appearance of a real helicopter, live on stage.
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 3, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world.
Women of the World
Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Women of the World is an a cappella quartet representing different corners of the globe formed to create a common platform to collaborate and celebrate cultural differences through music worldwide. Honoring global folk traditions, their repertoire spans music in 30 languages.They have toured North America and Asia, having collaborated with musical legends like Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin and African vocal icon Angelique Kidjo. UD Women’s Choir is a special guest.
The Doo Wop Project
Friday, October 18, 2019 – 8:00 p.m.
Just in time for Homecoming! The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing tight harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today. Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, complete with a five-piece band, the Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history.
B2wins from Brazil
Friday, October 25, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Pronounced “B-Twins” and back by popular demand, Brazilian twins Walter and Wagner have been exciting audiences worldwide with their distinctive approach to creating a signature sound. Featuring a lead electric violin and ukulele with vocals, this dynamic powerhouse sets out to shatter every stereotype of a typical band. The twins will be joined on stage by musicians on electric bass and drums.
The Passing Zone, comedy jugglers
Friday, November 1, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
The Passing Zone is the most inventive and funny juggling duo working today. You’ll have a difficult time deciding whether to hang onto your chair as chainsaws fly through the air, hold your breath as the Passing Zone performs world-class skills, or grab your stomach as you double over in laughter.
HIPLET Ballerinas
Friday, November 15, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Direct from Chicago, Hiplet™ fuses classical pointe technique with African, Latin, hip-hop, and urban dance styles rooted in communities of color. Its signature style has been specifically designed to make ballet accessible to all. Featuring 10 dancers, performances incorporate the rhythms of African drums with Tchaikovsky, arabesques, and beat-boxing or even Tango en pointe – all while showcasing Hiplet’s trademark sass, hip movements, and struts against popular music.
Jungle Book,presented by Kidoons and WYRD Productions of Canada
Sunday, November 17, 2019 - 2:00 p.m.
A new theatrical adaptation of the works of Rudyard Kipling reimagined through modern eyes. Immersive sound and multimedia transports audiences from the urban jungle to relive Mowgli’s childhood in the jungles of India. With Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and more, Jungle Book brings beloved characters to life in a way never before witnessed. Eye-popping video, shadow-play, and original music make this family production a magical experience.
Christmas at Heritage Center: The Sound of Christmas with special guest, Elisabeth von Trapp
Friday, December 6, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating year seven, this UD tradition once again promises to bring renewed spiritual meaning to your Christmas season. UD’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts celebrates the birth of Christ through a concert presentation featuring the UD choirs and UD Wind Ensemble with live narration and special music from guest artist Elisabeth von Trapp. Elisabeth is the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp of The Sound of Music fame.
A Christmas Carol (kids edition), performed by Virginia Repertory Theatre
Sunday, December 8, 2019 – 2:00 p.m.
An intimate production of this perennial holiday favorite and perhaps the best loved Christmas story of all time, this musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic is particularly suited to children. Watch Mr. Scrooge have a change of heart from stone to gold as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas. All the joy, sentiment, and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays
Monday, December 9, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Composed of 15 soloists, ensemble players, and arrangers in jazz music, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, along with music director Marcus Printup, bring a beloved New York tradition to Dubuque with Big Band Holidays. Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting program showcasing some of the most charismatic singers on the planet. This concert will be no exception, featuring amazing vocals from Denzal Sinclaire and Alexis Morrast.
Steep Canyon Rangers
Friday, January 10, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Perhaps best known for their collaborative work with comedy legend Steve Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR) has affirmed their place as one of the most versatile bands in contemporary American music. The Grammy Award-winning sextet has spent nearly two decades shaping the bluegrass aesthetic, wedding it to elements of pop, country, and folk to create something original. SCR has developed a remarkable catalogue of music linking them to the past while demonstrating their ambitions to bring string-based music into current relevance.
Pinocchio, presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre
Saturday, January 25, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale Pinocchio, featuring a cast of local youth. Geppetto fashioned the puppet in the image of a small boy. Even as the lonely and kind woodcarver worked far into the night, Geppetto was not aware that the wood under the chisel had come from the trunk of an enchanted tree. Join Pinocchio on his adventures as he learns that there are no shortcuts on the road to becoming a real, live boy.
Tom Cotter, comedian
Friday, January 31, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Tom Cotter has taken the comedy scene by storm since finishing as runner-up and becoming the breakout star of American’s Got Talent season seven. Cotter’s other media credits include The Tonight Show, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central Presents… Tom Cotter, and The Howard Stern Show. He was a regular on Fox News Channel’s Red Eye. Cotter headlines at comedy clubs like The Improv, Catch a Rising Star, and Caroline’s On Broadway.
Shesh Besh, the Arab-Jewish Ensemble
Presented in cooperation with the Dubuque Arts Council
Saturday, February 1, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Shesh Besh is a model of mutual respect in a turbulent, violent Middle East seeking an elusive balance of East and West through music while embodying two cultures living together in harmony. Shesh Besh is comprised of two members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra alongside three of the finest musicians from Israel’s Arab community.
The Princess and The Pea, performed by Lexington Children’s Theatre
Sunday, February 9, 2020 – 2:00 p.m.
What does it take to be a princess? Is it bravery? Kindness? A fabulous wardrobe? Or does figuring out your royal stature have a more legume kind of nature? This fun and funky retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen classic determines what happens when you put “princess-ness” to the test.
The Office, A Musical Parody
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Singing! Dancing! Paper! It’s a typical morning at Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin. Don’t miss this hilariously loving lampoon of your favorite TV show!
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll
Saturday, February 15, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
With a cast consisting of both stars from Broadway's greatest rock musicals including Dubuque native Rita Harvey, as well as incredible rock and roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often unknown stories from the 50-year history of the music that changed the world.
We Shall Overcome – A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Damien Sneed
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., We Shall Overcome showcases repertoire from African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s speeches. Musical Director Damien Sneed has worked with musical luminaries like Wynton Marsalis, Jessye Norman, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin. This concert production features a full ensemble of vocals and instrumentals with music representing traditional and modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway, and spirituals. UD Concert Choir and Gospel Choir are special guests.
Siberian State Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, February 27, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Direct from Krasnoyarsk, Russia, the 80-member Siberian State Symphony Orchestra embarks on an eight-week U.S. tour commencing in January 2020. Founded in 1977, the orchestra quickly earned a reputation as one of the best Russian orchestras. The program will include Tango from The Bolt balletby Shostakovich, Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninov, and Symphony No. 5 by Tchaikovsky.
Golden Dragon Acrobats from China
Saturday, February 29, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
The spellbinding artistry, athletics, and cirque spectacular of the Golden Dragon Acrobats (GDA) thrills audiences of all ages and represents the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. Combining award-winning acrobatics, dance, music, theater, and breathtaking costumes, the 25-member troupe has traveled to all 50 states and more than 65 countries on five continents. GDA has received two prestigious New York Drama Desk Award nominations for its Broadway run.
2019-2020 B.I.T.E. Size Series Babka Theatre events:
Joshua Kane in Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Terror
Friday, September 20, 2019 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dark tales and passions are illuminated by theatrical fire in Joshua Kane’s compelling, thrilling, and interactive performance of Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart, Cask of Amontillado, The Raven, and more. Punctuated with anecdotes about the author and his swift descent into madness, this performance also encompasses humor and banter. In this swift-paced one-man show, audiences become active partners in creating the world of the play.
Shaun Boothe: The Unauthorized Biography Series
Monday, October 14, 2019 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist, TEDx speaker, and creator of “The Unauthorized Biography Series,” a critically acclaimed musical project celebrating the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs – repackaging history through hip-hop. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of a positive and influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video.
Darryl Van Leer presents The Norm of Greatness: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, March 16, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – 3:30 p.m.
This stirring performance, based on the essential writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., opens with narration describing the tribulations of the Montgomery bus boycott. Dr. King’s testimony of these events is given in his passionate sermon “Early Days.” Next, the audience is transported to 1963 to witness Dr. King’s historical speech “I Have A Dream.” The Norm of Greatness also includes “The Drum Major Instinct,” “The Eulogy,” and “I See the Promised Land.”
Piano Fondue, Dueling Pianos (Madison, Wisconsin)
Friday, March 20, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Piano Fondue presents a fully-interactive, high-energy, sing-along show. Two entertainers take their places behind two baby grand pianos on stage, and the audience controls the set list on their smartphones. Audience members can visit Piano Fondue’s request website, view the set list, and manipulate it in real-time. They can add songs to the list or move songs around. The whole show is crowdsourced.
Give ‘Em Hell Harry! – President Harry Truman Tribute
Friday, April 17, 2020 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Give ’Em Hell Harry!, written by Samuel Gallu, is a faithful and often humorous portrayal of President Harry S. Truman’s life and presidency. It spans his childhood, his political apprenticeship as a judge in Jackson County, Missouri, his years in the U.S. Senate, and his momentous two terms as president. Actor James Whitmore originated the role in 1975. Clifton Truman Daniel took up the mantle in October 2017, marking the first time in history a U.S. president would be portrayed onstage by a direct descendant – in this case, his oldest grandson.
Yid Vicious
Saturday, April 18, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Yid Vicious was formed in 1995 in Madison, Wisconsin, to ameliorate the woeful dearth of klezmer in America’s heartland. Klezmer is Yiddish folk music meant to inspire dancing and celebration. Yid Vicious has been spreading its infectious, original blend of freylekh fun throughout the Midwest and beyond ever since. Yid Vicious celebrates the long-standing tradition of klezmorim and incorporates new musical ideas into an organic and ever-evolving art form. The band’s seven members blend their backgrounds in classical, jazz, and world music to create an experience that electrifies audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Their musical arsenal consists of clarinets, fiddle, horn, vocals, guitar, accordion, tuba, drums, and sometimes theremin.
