Celebrating two decades of being DU’s frequented haunt for musicians, thespians, dancers and the like, the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts announced the 2022-23 Newman Center Presents season on May 13.
BANDALOOP: Sept. 29 @ 4:30 p.m.
As part of a festival to celebrate the Newman Center’s 20th anniversary, the vertical dance company Bandaloop, will test gravity on campus. In seemingly improbable feats, the company will hang by rope from the brick-laden architecture around the University’s campus in what is sure to be a spectacular, unseen fashion.
Orquesta Akokán Oct. 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
With the release of their new album, Orquesta Akokán will grace the stage of Gates Concert Hall, bringing with them the big band jazz of Havana, Cuba. The Grammy-nominated group, with influences spanning from soneo virtuoso Benny Moré to pianist and composer Pérez Prado, Orquesta Akokán is set to provide mid-quarter mambo grooves guaranteed to prompt impromptu dance.
Eric Whitacre with Kantorei Oct. 8 @ 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 @ 2 p.m.
Pilobolus Oct. 14 and 15 @ 7:30 p.m.
Named after the genus of fungi that goes by the same name, Pilobolus is a dance company originally founded by students from Dartmouth College. Celebrating an anniversary itself, the 50th year since its 1971 foundation, the self-described “rebellious” company prides itself on physical dexterity and touches of humor.
Capitol Comedy Oct. 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Poking fun at the ever-divided political world, Capitol Comedy combines musical theatre and satire. With a cast that attempts to resemble the political officials they are spoofing, the performance group aims to entertain by offending everyone, regardless of party affiliation. Their most recent show, “takes on the Biden administration with songs and sketches poking fun at everything from diversity-driven decision-making to dog training to dumping dollars on the electorate,” according to their website.
Lila Downs Oct. 28 @ 7:30 p.m.
Winnie the Pooh varied times Nov. 11, 12, 13
In a night sure to be filled with nostalgia and award-winning music Christopher Robin and company will take to the stage for three nights in the Disney adaptation of the famed Winnie the Pooh. Life-size puppets and fantastical scenery will transport audiences to the depths of the Hundred Acre Wood for a warm story fit for the entire family.
Damien Sneed Dec. 1 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Swingles Dec. 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Manual Cinema: Leonardo! Jan. 18, 2023 @ 2 p.m.
Adopted from a children’s book by Mo Willems, the performers who brought audiences “The Forger,” an Emmy-winning video for the New York Times, and animations for Nia DaCosta’s film remake of the Candyman, Manual Cinema imbues the story of “Leonardo!” with creative puppeteering and lively theatre. The “Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster” will be in Gates Concert Hall.
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Jan. 27, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Bush Marshall Meyer Meyer Jan. 30, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Acoustic bluegrass quartets are often warmly accepted in Colorado, home to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Fitting, then, is the return of the acclaimed “King of Telluride” Sam Bush, along with mandolinist Mike Marshall, bassist Edgar Meyer, and violinist Goerge Meyer. Four virtuosos in their respective domains, the performance is one that ought not be missed.
Kenny Barron Trio Feb. 2, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friends! The Musical Parody Feb. 4, 2023 @ 2 and 7:30 p.m.
The Philip Glass Ensemble Feb. 9, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
The primary performers of the music of famed composer Phillip Glass, the Phillip Glass Ensemble is part of the four show Classical Series through the Newman Center. Founded by Glass “to develop a performance practice to meet the unprecedented technical and artistic demands of his compositions,” according to the ensemble’s website, the dedicated group of musicians aims to capture the genius of Glass’s works, including “Music in Eight Parts,” a Glass composition thought to be lost for over 50 years.
Kodo Feb. 18 @7:30 p.m and Feb. 19, 2023 @ 2 p.m.
National Geographic Live: Greenwood – A Century of Resilience March 20, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
The first of a three-part National Geographic Live series co-presented by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the first, “Greenwood-A Century of Resilience,” utilizes several archaeological factors to tell the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre. By documenting the stories of survivors, Assistant Professor at the University of Tulsa Alicia Odewale takes to Gates Concert Hall to explore the travesty. With a background in “community-centered, antiracist and Black feminist archaeology,” Odewale aims to pursue “restorative justice” through her work.
Paul Taylor Dance Company March 27, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Michelle DeYoung March 30, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti and Argus Quartet April 2, 2023 @ 2 p.m.
Mingus Big Band April 6, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Performing the boisterous compositions of legendary jazz composer Charles Mingus, the Mingus Big Band boasts award-winning, in-your-face, brassy sounds. At 14 members, the band’s repertoire expands from the booming “Haitian Fight Song” to the iconic “Moanin,’” which is bound to please even the passing jazz fan and is sure to bring one of the most exciting concerts of the season.
National Geographic Live: The Secret Life of Bears April 27, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
National Geographic Live: Life on the Vertical May 15, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Cyrille Aimée May 19, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Individual tickets for the season go on sale on June 17. Be sure to purchase tickets early to catch the diverse array of performances before they sell out.
