A cornerstone of the University of Denver campus, the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate 20 years this 2022-23 Newman Center Presents season.
Defying gravity, the vertical dance company BANDALOOP will kick off the season by scaling DU's buildings Sept. 29.
The free performance is part of a festival celebrating the Newman Center.
“We’ll be showcasing local artists and students and connections to faculty and staff across the campus,” says Aisha Ahmad Post, executive director of the Newman Center.
When booking this milestone season, Ahmad-Post scoured the globe for the perfect blend of renowned artists and new voices. Almost two years into leading the center, she’s watching her vision unfold.
“It’s a celebration of the 20th anniversary. It’s a celebration of the next stage of the pandemic, where we can go to shows and be together. It highlights all the things we’re known for in terms of inclusive, forward-thinking programming.”
The 2022-23 season’s lineup has 24 acts, eight more than the current season.
This year, the Newman Center is partnering with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the National Geographic Live Series. The three-part series will explore the history of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, how bears and humans can coexist peacefully, and rock climbing to break scientific ground.
“What it really does is open an entirely different audience that would’ve maybe not considered going to the Newman Center,” she says.
From bluegrass and opera to “Winnie the Pooh” and “Friends” parodies,” there’s something for everyone, Ahmad-Post says.
“I’m hoping through our programming, more people will see themselves at the Newman Center.”
Students, faculty and staff can attend Newman Center Presents shows for $15.
“It’s such a great way to try something totally different that you might not normally do,” Ahmad-Post says.
The complete 2022-2023 Newman Center Presents Season
BANDALOOP 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29 Orquesta Akokán 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 Eric Whitacre with Kantorei 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and 2 p.m. Oct. 9 Pilobolus 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 15 Capitol Comedy 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 Lila Downs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Winnie the Pooh varied times Nov. 11, 12, 13 Damien Sneed 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 The Swingles 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Manual Cinema: Leonardo! 2 p.m. Jan. 18, 2023 A.I.M by Kyle Abraham 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 2023 Bush Marshall Meyer Meyer 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2023 Kenny Barron Trio 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 2023 Friends! The Musical Parody 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2023 The Philip Glass Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2023 Kodo 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 2 p.m. Feb. 19, 2023 National Geographic Live: Greenwood – A Century of Resilience 7:30 p.m. March 20, 2023 Paul Taylor Dance Company 7:30 p.m. March 27, 2023 Michelle DeYoung 7:30 p.m. March 30, 2023 Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti and Argus Quartet 2 p.m. April 2, 2023 Mingus Big Band 7:30 p.m. April 6, 2023 National Geographic Live: The Secret Life of Bears 7:30 p.m. April 27, 2023 National Geographic Live: Life on the Vertical 7:30 p.m. May 15, 2023 Cyrille Aimée 7:30 p.m. May 19, 2023
For show descriptions and ticket prices, please visit newmancenterpresents.com