7 things to do this weekend in Johnson County, including an opera and a film premiere
A film premiere, a dramatic opera and stargazing are just a few events are sure to be anything but boring this weekend.
As the celebrated artist Elizabeth Catlett gets her time on the big screen at FilmScene, Dreamwell Theatre will be premiering a thrilling play. Schedule some time for dinner at Pullman Bar & Diner for a two-night-only menu as well.
Here are seven things to do this weekend in Johnson County, including two spots for happy hour and brunch.
Experience a beloved opera from the University of Iowa Opera Theatre
Friday and Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon: The famous, angsty story of lovers torn apart comes to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts this weekend. Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata,” presented by UI Opera Theatre, is set in 19th century Paris and follows a young man who falls in love with a high-society courtesan, much to his father’s disapproval. This opera, celebrated for its music and story, will be directed by Wayne Wyman. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for those 17 and younger. Performances for “La Traviata” take the stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1301 Fifth St. Tickets can be purchased at the Hancher Box Office’s website.
Dig into a special dinner menu at Pullman Bar & Diner
https://www.facebook.com/PullmanBarAndDiner/
Friday or Saturday evening: Pullman Bar & Diner offers a special menu from 5 p.m. to midnight for its Pullman Chef Reunion dinner, featuring chefs Benjamin Smart, Sepehr Sadrzadeh, Gabe Branch and Matthew Prince. On the menu include roasted marrow bones with a bacon jam, pork belly with the Mexican sauce mole negro, PEI mussels and more. Pullman Bar & Diner is located at 17 S. Dubuque St. Visit the restaurant's Facebook page for more information about Friday and Saturday's menu.
Celebrate artist Elizabeth Catlett with a film premiere
Saturday and Sunday afternoon: Elizabeth Catlett, the renowned artist and activist who attended the University of Iowa for graduate school, is the subject of the film “Standing Strong: Elizabeth Catlett” that comes to FilmScene for two showings, both at 1 p.m. Directed by Kevin Kelley, this 60-minute film will be followed by a post-show discussion with guests including Lauren Lessing, UI Stanley Museum of Art director; Chris Kramer, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs director; Melanie Herzog, author of “Elizabeth Catlett: An American Artist in Mexico;” and more. The film screenings coincide with Catlett’s birthday on April 15, 1905. Following the screening, UI Stanley Museum of Art will have a special selection of Catlett’s work on display in the museum’s visual classroom from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Visit FilmScene’s website to purchase tickets.
More: Here are 7 new pieces of art on display at the Stanley Museum of Art you should know about
Catch a new play from Dreamwell Theatre
Friday or Saturday evening: Dreamwell Theatre presents a twisted tale of deceit with “Angel Street” by Patrick Hamilton, also known as “Gaslight.” Hamilton’s 1938 play went on to Broadway, and was adapted into the1944 film “Gaslight” that received multiple Academy Award nominations. Directed by Jen Brown, “Angel Street” is set in 19th century London where Mr. Manningham is slowing driving his wife insane. “Angel Street” will be performed at the ArtiFactory at 120 N. Dubuque St. at 7:30 p.m. both nights with two more shows the following weekend. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on Dreamwell Theatre’s website.
See the stars with the University of Iowa physics and astronomy department
Friday evening: UI physics and astronomy department invite the community to the rooftop of Van Allen Hall, 30 N. Dubuque St. to see the evening sky up close. The Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes will be used for the night sky tour from 8 to 10 p.m. Visit Van Allen Observatories’ Facebook page for future stargazing events.
Take your little ones to a kite festival
Saturday afternoon: Visit Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Drive in Iowa City, for the Kites for Kids Festival from noon to 2 p.m. There will be kites, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and snacks available for this free event, hosted by multiple community organizations, including Johnson County Social Services, to provide information about child abuse prevention. Visit Kites for Kids Festival's Facebook page for more information.
Hear folk artist Chicago Farmer at the James Theater
Friday evening: Cody Diekhoff, or Chicago Farmer, is bringing his folk sounds to the James Theater at 7 p.m. The Delavan, Illinois native has performed since the early 2000s, and his most recent album was 2020’s “Flyover Country.” Visit the James Theater’s website to purchase tickets, which are $22 in advance. The James Theater is located at 213 N. Gilbert St.
More: Mission Creek Festival kicks off with Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner
Eat brunch or hang with friends at happy hour in Johnson County
Friday evening: Foundry Food + Tap at 3266 Crosspark Rd. Suite 101 in Coralville has happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Buy one drink and get the other for just a buck.
Sunday morning: Dine in the restaurant with the best view in downtown Iowa City, Vue Rooftop, at 328 S. Clinton St. Enjoy lemon vanilla pancakes, focaccia bread with Gruyere cheese, ham and over-easy eggs or a hot pork tenderloin sandwich. Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Things to do this weekend in Iowa City include Elizabeth Catlett film
