Around Town: Places to go, things to do

Spring 2008

VOOM PORTRAITS,
Robert Wilson
Through March 30
University of Iowa Museum of Art

This exhibit of high-definition video portraits by avant-garde artist Robert Wilson is one not to miss. And it’s only in town until March 30 — so go while you still have a chance. The portraits include 33 people, mostly celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Mikhail Baryschnikov, and six animals, among them a snow owl, black panther and porcupine. The portraits require more than 50 screens and each took months to complete because of elaborate costume, set design, makeup and an individual soundtrack. The UI Museum of Art, on South Riverside Drive, is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. For more information, visit www.uiowa.edu/uima/voom.

“Movin’ Out”
April 4-5
Hancher Auditorium

See the Broadway musical created by five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and director/choreographer Twyla Tharp that’s being called the No. 1 show of the year. The production features 24 Billy Joel classics to new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two decades. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. Tickets are $33.60 to $58. For more information, call 335-1160 or visit www.hancher.uiowa.edu/events/movinout.html.

Riverfest
April 24-26
University of Iowa

Music. Food. Family activities. The Riverbank Art Fair. The River Run. Old Capitol Criterium. All are a part of the annual Riverfest celebration, a weekend of events that truly brings Iowa City together with the University of Iowa. There’s something for everyone along the banks of the Iowa River. Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather. For a complete schedule of events and activities closer to the weekend, pick up a Press-Citizen or go to www.uiowa.edu/~rivrfest.

Randy Newman
May 5-6
Englert Theatre

The Oscar-winning musician who wrote and performed the theme song from “Toy Story 2” will take the stage of the Englert Theatre for two shows in what will probably be the biggest music highlight of the year for Iowa City. Randy Newman, known for classics like “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today,” and “Sail Away,” has enjoyed more recent success as the man behind the music in many of today’s popular children’s movies. You may recognize his work on “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters Inc.,” and “A Bug’s Life.” Tickets to this Englert Gala Fundraiser are $65, $100 or $150, but will assuredly be worth it. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. For more information, call 688-2653 or visit www.englert.org.