It’s cold outside. That means two things: bad global warming denial jokes, and more time spent inside. But, all that indoor partying, snacking or sitting on one’s butt, requires some outdoor activity, so here’s 4 reasons to stay in and one reason to go out.
Friday, January 23
The Thinkin’ Lincoln exhibit is gone from the ICPL, but you can still honor the former president and go see live theatre. Friday there are not one, but two local shows opening up.
Guys On Ice | Riverside Theatre, Iowa City | 7:30pm | $12-26
Wisconsin’s most famous musical comedy returns to Iowa City. The “Ice Fishing Musical” has broad Fargo-like appeal, but will be instantly recognizable to the significant number of Badger or Gopher transplant here in the Hawkeye City. Snowmobile suited friends talk Packers and broken hearts in an ice shack in Wisconsin.
Prisoner of Zenda | Rage Theatrics, Space/Place Theatre, Iowa City | 8pm | $10
Prisoner of Zenda has something to do with troubles in the moarchy of Ruritania. But what Zenda is really about is swashbuckling. Rage Theatrics was founded to as an outlet for the art of stage combat and Prisoner of Zenda is a vehicle for swordfighting. Though, it must have enough plot to entertain, as its also been adapted for film for the likes of Douglas Fairbanks Jr and Peter Sellers. For more, read Iowa Theatre Blog’s Q&A with the performers.
Saturday, January 24
Yacht Club 6th Anniversary Jam | Yacht Club, Iowa City | 4pm-close | $6
The Yacht Club celebrates turning six in style. The big bash starts early and includes the official opening of the new upstairs bar, unveiling an expanded BBQ menu and six bands (Dead Larry, David Zollo, Mooseknuckle, 5 in a Hand, The Bottom’s Heavy, Johnny On Point and Backdrop). It’s the Yacht Club ing (more) of what it does best.
Timecrimes | Bijou Theater, IMU, Iowa City | 5 & 9:30pm | $5
The Bijou is back, breathing life into the exceptionally depressing Iowa City cinema scene. (The megaplex currently has one showing of Doubt and one showing of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Both Oscar nominees. There are three showings of Hotel for Dogs. Nuff said.) But I digress. Time travel is a favorite narrative device, which usually leads to much temporal-traipsing excitement and mind-maddening plot twists. This Spanish language chrono-thriller follows Hector as he crosses paths with himself…and another himself after discovering a time-travel deivce near his new home. Trailer below, though the movie is not nearly as hokey as the tease.
Sunday, January 25
Coralville Winterfest | Iowa River Landing, Coralville | 1-4pm | Free
There’s a lot to love about winter, but sometimes we need a friendly reminder of what those things are…so thanks, Coralville. IN no particular order, here’s what you’ll find at Winterfest: wassail tasting, ski lessons, bird watching, candy making, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, roasted chestmuts, ice sculpting, live music, and well, a lot more. And what’s better than fun? Free fun.
Hey, here’s an idea for Friday January 30th–you should go check out the film JCVD! Jean Claude Van-Damme is starring in this new independent film. He bravely plays himself as a has-been, out of work actor dealing with his troubles and gets involved in a bank robbery. He was named one of People magazines top 8 breakout performances of the year. Everyone should go check out the film!
***The film is opening at the Bijou Theater on Friday January 30th.***