Wallace “Wally” Chappell

Wallace “Wally” Chappell

Iowa City

Wallace "Wally" Chappell, passed away at the age of 83 on April 14, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. Born in 1941 in Dallas, Texas, to Frank and Eleanor (Purse) Chappell, Wally's life was a testament to the power of the arts to inspire and connect people.

Wally's academic journey began at Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in English, Philosophy and Art. He then received a U.S. State Department Fellowship to the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii to pursue his master’s degree. He did his master’s research in Thailand and Indonesia and graduated with a Master of Fine Arts, specializing in oriental dance and theatre. It was at the East-West Center that Wally met his future wife, Karen Hubenthal, who was also a U.S. State Department Fellow. The couple married on January 18, 1965, in Bangkok, Thailand, embarking on a lifelong partnership that would span six decades.

Professionally, Wally's impact on the performing arts was profound. As the director of Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa from 1986 to 2001, he was recognized as one of the top ten university presenters by International Arts Manager. His vision brought a rich diversity to Hancher's programming, a legacy that continues to this day. Wally's leadership extended beyond Iowa as he took on roles in some of the nation's most prestigious arts organizations. In New York City, he served as the executive director of the American Ballet Theatre and later as the executive director of the Paul Taylor American Dance Company, bringing his unique perspective to these institutions.

Wally's career was a journey through America's cultural landscape. He was an actor, a director and a producer. He appeared on stage and in tv and film and he directed professionally at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., The Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, the Honolulu Theatre For Youth in Hawaii, and the O'Neill Memorial Theatre in Waterford, Connecticut. As a producer at Hancher Auditorium he commissioned over 50 new works during his tenure.

His influence was also felt as a board member, serving long-term on the boards of the Kronos Quartet, The Englert Theatre and The Riverside Theatre. He was a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union and a past president of the International Society of Performing Arts. He served on many theatre and dance panels for the National Endowment for the Arts. His leadership helped shape the future of performing arts on a global scale.

Wally's passion for teaching and mentorship was evident in his roles as an educator. He taught theatre and arts administration at UCLA, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Iowa. He inspired a new generation of artists and arts administrators, imparting his wisdom and fostering a love for the arts in countless students.

Wally's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Karen Chappell, and a loving family that includes cousins Phillip Glenn (Liliana) and Christopher Glenn (Barbara) and Paul Glenn (Irene), as well as sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kathleen and Anthony Ciervo.

His memory will also be cherished by numerous extended family members, friends, and colleagues who were touched by his thoughtful, kind, and creative spirit. Wally was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Eleanor Chappell, his aunt and uncle Wallace and Stell Chappell, his aunt Ethel Chappell Glenn, and cousin Patricia Glenn.

As we remember Wally Chappell, we celebrate a life that was dedicated to the enrichment of the human experience through the arts. His contributions to the world of theater and dance have left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Wallace "Wally" Chappell's story is one of passion, dedication, and the enduring power of art to bring us together.

Services are pending at this time and will be announced in the next couple weeks. Please check back for the service details.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, to Riverside Theater, Iowa City or to any art organization of your choosing.

Online condolences and memories can be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.