UNI students and the greater Cedar Valley community have the opportunity to experience Broadway shows without having to leave the Cedar Valley this year. Hosted by UNI’S Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC), three fan favorite Broadway offerings are making their way to Cedar Falls.
“Annie” will hit the stage on Nov. 4 at 7:30p.m. “Mean Girls” is set to follow on Nov. 17 at 7:00p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Olivier Award winner of Best New Musical, “Come From Away” will round out the GBPAC’s Broadway features this season, showing on Feb. 9th at 8:00p.m. and Feb. 10th at 1:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.
From hosting orchestras to comedians, the multifaceted Gallagher-Bluedorn is also able to house larger productions such as the upcoming Broadway musicals due to its large space capacity.
GBPAC Community Relations Manager, Jennifer Onuigbo expands on this saying, “We have one of the largest stages in Northeast Iowa to be able to host these big Broadway shows. It takes a certain amount of space to hold the set pieces, and we have that.”
To add onto that factor, it is not just the perks of a big stage that draws people in. Onuigbo continues saying, “An interesting thing that has come out of COVID a lot of shows are touring differently, and there is increased availability. After last spring, the ‘Book of Mormon’ held five shows and we were able to almost sell out of every single one of them. I think the presenters have an understanding now that we have the capacity to sell a house, and Cedar Falls can do that.”
Communication is key in putting together a great show for the audience. For preparation of a show, there are writers from different companies that tell the staff of the GBPAC exactly what they need.
“They’ll say that we need this many lights hung and in a certain way, or a certain sound system. Some of our people may need a Stanley Grand Piano…as we are negotiating the contract we get that put in place and get everything that they are asking for.”
The GBPAC offers UNI students two free tickets per semester to their wide variety of shows. Onuibgo commented on how this opportunity can improve UNI students experience on campus.
“It might be one of the only chances to come and see some of these acts, and it’s happening right here on campus…it is just a walk away from the dorms,” Onuibgo says. “We have a wide variety of acts. Our first three shows are Kevin James, Reza Live, and LeAnn Rimes who are all very well-known people here on campus.”
The Gallagher-Bluedorn was first built in April of 2000 after three years of construction. It has recently gone under a renovation to add to its look just in time for the GBPAC’s 2023-2024 artist series. Between newly furnished windows and offering world-class entertainment, the GBPAC is ready and able to welcome the Cedar Valley community back within its halls.
Speaking about the draw that pulls famous productions and artists to Cedar Falls, Onuibgo says, “They like the opportunity to perform in a smaller area. A lot of the artists I’ve worked with appreciate the small town vibe and being able to go to the different restaurants and the friendliness of our community…I think there is a certain energy to a university campus, and performers like that.”
The Gallagher-Bluedorn offers a unique experience for everybody, from members of the audience to the performers themselves. Their website, www.gbpac.com has their full slate for their 2023-2024 artist series. Students can redeem their two free tickets at the Streyer-Wood box office. Tickets for the Cedar Valley are also available online and can be purchased through the GBPAc website.
