Steve Martin and Martin Short ushered in Hancher’s opening season on Sept. 24 with a raucous evening of searing stand-up, raunchy puppeteering, and banjo-picking.
At Hancher’s gala event, the sold-out crowd packed the lobby in their evening finest. Men clad in tuxedos complete with colorful cummerbunds trailed through Hancher’s halls beside women draped in floor-sweeping gowns.
The building’s interior, made up of speckled iridescent floors, snowy walls inlaid with gentle skylights, and chrome detailing, complemented the crowd’s regalia.
“Tonight, we’re starting a new history book for Hancher,” Executive Director Charles Swanson said on stage before the show. “Not only new but a beautiful history book.”
Music
Comedy
Steve Martin and Martin Short
An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life
Presented by
Hancher
Tickets
Adult: $150
College Student: $90
Youth: $90
This performance is a Group II event - not eligible for any discounts, but counts toward your total number of events. More info about discounts.
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 7:30 pm
Featuring the Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko
Two comedy legends will keep you laughing all night in a performance that—despite its title—we suspect you’ll always remember. Joined by Steve Martin’s bluegrass band, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Martin and Martin Short will blend banter and banjos on an historic night for Hancher.
Stay after the show for a champagne toast in the lobby and a few surprises to celebrate a new era in Hancher’s history.
Season Sponsor: WEST MUSIC
Event Sponsor:
Richard and Mary Jo Stanley
Running Time: 2 hours; no intermission
News
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Little Village - Sunday, September 25, 2016
Steve Martin and Martin Short brought their “An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Life” show to the Hancher auditorium Opening Gala Saturday night. The new 1,800 seat theater was packed to see the two comedy legends poke fun at each other, share funny stories, sing songs from films and perform with bluegrass outfit the Steep Canyon Rangers and pianist Jeff Babko.
The Gazette - Saturday, September 24, 2016
Design architect Cesar Pelli was nervous as he stood outside his creation Saturday night.
“My baby is being born and going away from me,” said Pelli, 89, designer of some of the world’s tallest buildings dotting urban landscapes from London to Kuala Lumpur. He and his team from his New Haven, Conn., firm, Pelli Clarke Pelli, traveled to join their Midwest architectural and construction collaborators for the gala reopening of Hancher Auditorium.
The Daily Iowan - Friday, September 23, 2016
Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short have titled their tour — a cross-country trek that has the duo strumming banjos and hurling snappy one-liners — “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life.”
The staff of the new Hancher Auditorium, and the 1,800 ticket holders of the sold-out show, might have to disagree with that cheeky title.
“This particular show will be a special memory for everyone that attends,” Hancher Director of Marketing and Communications Rob Cline said.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu.