ART Newsletter

The ART Newsletter

2008-02-28T13:40:00.002-05:00

Dear ART Readers,

It is with a heavy heart and much reluctance that we announce that the ART Newsletter will no longer be published - including what would have been the tenth anniversary edition - and the Blog will be discontinued in the near future.

While ART's readership has increased every year since its inception and now numbers over 300, our voters have not seen a significant increase in the last couple of years. Indeed, this year, despite an extension, the ballots submitted were greatly reduced and represented an unacceptably low percentage of our readers.

ART was begun to present honors based on a consensus of the theatre community, rather than the opinion of just one or two people. Unfortunately, were we to publish the Newsletter this year it would not represent a cross-section of our readers or the public. Not only was the number of ballots submitted down, but many of the voters saw shows at only a small number of venues. While it has always been the case that some voters see only a few shows, in the past these voters were outnumbered by voters who had viewed a great number of shows in the last year. For whatever reason, however, these voters were few and far between this year, and tabulation of the current votes would not be meaningful in the opinion of the ART staff. This is something we felt very strongly about from the inception of the ART Newsletter, and the integrity of the voting process is crucial.

The ART Newsletter has been a labor of love, and we are sad to see it go, but without the support of voters, it is not possible to continue. We hope someone else will pick up the mantle and spearhead a city-wide awards process. It's a great marketing tool in addition to being a wonderful way to bring all the theatre in Richmond together. We are thankful to our loyal voters and readers, and we apologize to this years voters for any inconvenience. Your input was always appreciated and insightful. We wish everyone the very best as Richmond theatre continues to thrive.

See you at theatre!
Art

ART Newsletter
Arthur Buberhill, Editor

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or send an email to ART_Newsletter@Yahoo.com.

Categories: editorials

Theatre Events

2008-02-15T10:11:00.005-05:00

Lots of Acts of Faith productions in this list!
Did we miss an event? Send us the info at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite 2007 shows and players. Check out this blog post for more information.

Events opening or running currently:
African American Repertory Theatre.... From the Mississippi Delta playing through 3/2
Barksdale Theatre.... Doubt playing 2/15 through 3/22
Carpenter Science Theatre... Mysteries of Plasma: The Charles Drew Story playing through 2/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Late Henry Moss playing 2/21 through 3/15
Henley Street Theatre.... Much Ado About Nothing playing 3/6 through 3/29
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Who Killed the Boss? playing through 2/16
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Murdered By the Mob playing 2/22 through 6/14
Randolph Macon College Drama... Baby with the Bathwater playing 2/20 through 2/23
Richmond Shakespeare.... Measure for Measure playing through 3/2
Richmond Triangle Players... Visiting Mr. Green playing through 3/1
Swift Creek Mill.... Little Women playing 1/31 through 3/22
Sycamore Rouge... Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom playing through 3/8
Theater Co. at Fort Lee... Perfectly Frank playing 2/22 through 3/9
Theatre VCU... For Colored Girls.... playing through 2/24

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum... Hot Lunch... Readings 2/26
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

If I missed something opening or running in the next few weeks, let me know!

`Categories: openings_events

ART Nominations - 10th Anniversary

2008-01-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

It's nomination time! The newest e-Ballot is ready and the nomination process is even easier than before; it's email only - no more Word documents. This should make it even faster and simpler to vote.

If you did not receive your copy, please email art_richmond@yahoo.com. E-Ballots are due by February 15, 2008.

Know someone who might want to participate in the process? Send them to the blog, or share our email address: art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Categories: yearly_newsletters

Theatre Events

2008-01-15T12:40:00.001-05:00

The Acts of Faith Festival begins this week, and many of the listings below are part. And don't forget - submit your upcoming auditions monthly (see blog for details).

Did we miss an event? Send us the info at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Moonlight & Magnolias playing through 1/20
Barksdale Theatre.... Swingtime Canteen at Hanover Tavern through 1/20
Carpenter Science Theatre... Mysteries of Plasma: The Charles Drew Story playing 2/2 through 2/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Festival of New American Plays playing 1/17 through 1/20
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... The Sisters Rosensweig playing 1/23 through 2/9
Henley Street Theatre.... The Spanish Tragedy playing through 2/2
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Who Killed the Boss? playing through 2/16
Swift Creek Mill.... Plaid Tidings playing through 1/19
Swift Creek Mill.... Little Women playing 1/31 through 3/22
Theatre IV... Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter playing 1/25 through 2/10

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Audition Notices - January 2008

2008-01-15T12:39:00.001-05:00

We regularly receive audition notices, but the small yet faithful ART staff had yet to decide on how to best post them without over-extending ourselves. Here is a great solution - you post your own audition notices! We will post a monthly Audition Notice blog, and you can add your own comments to include the specifics for your upcoming auditions. Easy for all!

If you have an upcoming audition, post a comment here with the details. Each month we'll add a new audition notice post and you can add your newest audition notices to the comments.

Let us know if you have other ART Newsletter or ART Blog ideas!

Categories: theatre_auditions

Audition Notices - December, 2007

2007-11-30T14:00:00.001-05:00

Theatre Events

2007-11-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

Trying to find something festive? Holiday productions can already be found in the list below. And don't forget - submit your upcoming auditions monthly (see blog for details).

Did we miss an event? Send us the info at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series 12/4
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

New ART Feature... Audition Notices

2007-11-08T10:31:00.001-05:00

Theatre Events

2007-11-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Trying to find something festive? Holiday productions can already be found in the list below.

Did we miss an event? Send us the info at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
African American Repertory Theatre... A Lesson Before Dying playing through 11/18
Barksdale Theatre.... Moonlight & Magnolias playing 11/23 through 1/20/08
Barksdale Theatre.... Swingtime Canteen playing at Hanover Tavern 11/16 through 1/20/08
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Ancient Egypt playing through 11/11
Carpenter Science Theatre... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas playing 12/1 through 1/1/08
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... Leading Ladies playing through 11/10
Firehouse Theatre... Spinning Into Butter playing through 11/17
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Who Killed the Boss? playing through 2/16/08
Randolph Macon Drama... The Crucible playing 11/14 through 11/17
Reflections Rep/Huguenot United Methodist Drama Guild... Love Letters playing through 11/4
Richmond Shakespeare.... A Christmas Carol for 2 actors playing 11/29 through 12/23
Richmond Triangle Players... Eight Reindeer Monologues playing 11/14 through 12/8
Swift Creek Mill.... Plaid Tidings playing 11/15 through 1/19/08
Swift Creek Mill... Santa's Picture Perfect Christmas playing 11/26 through 12/22
Sycamore Rouge.... The Velveteen Rabbit playing 11/30 through 12/23
Theatre IV... A Christmas Story playing 11/30 through 12/23
Theatre VCU... Dracula playing 11/8 through 12/1
University of Richmond Players.... MacBeth playing 11/15 through 11/18

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

And, FYI, it appears that Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series is closed for November.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-10-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

Did we miss an event? Send us the info at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
African American Repertory Theatre... A Lesson Before Dying playing 10/26 through 11/18
Barksdale Theatre.... The Member of the Wedding playing through 10/28
Barksdale Theatre.... Deathtrap playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/21
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Ancient Egypt playing through 11/11
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... Leading Ladies playing 10/25 through 11/10
Firehouse Theatre... Spinning Into Butter playing 10/25 through 11/17
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Who Killed the Boss? playing through 2/16/08
Reflections Rep/Huguenot United Methodist Drama Guild... Love Letters playing 11/2 through 11/4
Richmond Shakespeare.... Richard II playing through 11/4
Richmond Triangle Players... Zana Don't! playing through 10/13
Swift Creek Mill.... Urninetown playing through 11/3
Swift Creek Mill... Jamestown 2007: The John Smith Water Trail through 11/2
Theatre IV... Stuart Little playing through 10/21
Theatre VCU... Dracula playing 11/8 through 12/1

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... 365 Days/365 Plays playing 10/22
Barksdale Theatre... Coffee & Conversations, The Art of Theatre 11/13
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series playing 10/20 at noon
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Barksdale Rush Tickets

2007-09-25T13:30:00.001-04:00

Barksdale Theatre has a great idea here, offering up discounted tickets an hour and a half before to fifteen minutes to curtain. On the one hand, they are providing an excellent service to the greater Richmond community; discounted tickets are always a plus to those on a budget. On the other hand, they are also providing themselves with the opportunity to fill more seats and potentially win more permanent theatre patrons.

Win/win for all!

Info on their RUSH tickets from their press release:

*** $15 RUSH tickets available for all Barksdale Theatre shows! ***

In an on-going effort to connect with the entire community, Barksdale Theatre is announcing a new RUSH Ticket program at both locations – the Signature Series at Willow Lawn in Richmond and the Country Playhouse season at Hanover Tavern.

Tickets to any Barksdale Theatre performance can now be purchased 90 – 15 minutes prior to the show, IF there are any remaining seats available for that production. RUSH tickets are $15 each, and can be purchased by calling Barksdale’s main Box Office at (804)282-2620 or, if preferred for Hanover Tavern shows, the Hanover Tavern Box Office at (804)537-5071. RUSH tickets will also be sold at the physical location of each Box Office – at Willow Lawn and at Hanover Tavern – beginning 90 minutes prior to and ending 15 minutes before each curtain time. RUSH tickets will be sold on a first come-first served basis, are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and not valid with any other offer.

“The RUSH Ticket program makes great professional theatre available for everyone in the community,” says Barksdale Theatre Artistic Director Bruce Miller . “That’s our ultimate goal.”

For more information on $15 RUSH tickets, visit Barksdale Theatre’s web site at www.barksdalerichmond.org.

Categories: theatre_companies

Theatre Events

2007-09-24T13:54:00.000-04:00

Don't forget - if you have a suggestion or comment, just email us at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... The Member of the Wedding, playing through 10/28
Barksdale Theatre.... Deathtrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/21
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Ancient Egypt, playing 9/26 through 11/11
Firehouse Theatre... Mr. Marmalade, playing through 10/6
Henley St. Theatre... The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail through 10/13
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Death by Doo-Wop, playing through 10/13
Richmond Shakespeare.... Richard II, playing 10/11 through 11/4
Richmond Triangle Players... Zana Don't!, playing through 10/13
Swift Creek Mill.... Urninetown, playing through 11/3
Theatre IV... Stuart Little, playing 10/5 through 10/21
Theatre VCU... Volume of Smoke, playing 9/28 through 10/7
St. John's Players... Godspell, playing through 10/7; for tickets and info, call 358-9291; St. John's Church, 503 Stuart Circle. Note: The funds collected are to be used to further repair the churches 1927 Skinner organ.

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 9/25 at noon
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-09-03T18:44:00.000-04:00

We took August off, and now we are back! Seasons are gearing up, and we're looking forward to the array of offerings. Don't forget, we have added a section for links to individual artists on the right toolbar of the blog. Want to see your link posted or have a suggestion or comment? Email us at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... The Member of the Wedding, playing 9/21 through 10/28
Barksdale Theatre.... Deathtrap, playing at Hanover Tavern 9/14 through 10/21
Firehouse Theatre... Mr. Marmalade, playing 9/13 through 10/6
Henley St. Theatre... The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail 9/20 through 10/13
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Death by Doo-Wop, playing through 10/13
Richmond Triangle Players... Zana Don't!, playing 9/19 through 10/13
Swift Creek Mill.... Urninetown, playing through 11/3
St. John's Players... Godspell, playing 9/21 through 10/7; for tickets and info, call 358-9291; St. John's Church, 503 Stuart Circle. Note: The funds collected are to be used to further repair the churches 1927 Skinner organ.

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 9/25 at noon
Modlin Center... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings

Don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Noteworthy Public Meetings

2007-07-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

Tmeetings will most certainly impact local Richmond theatrical ventures as well as everything arts related.

Here's the message received at ART:
The City of Richmond and Venture Richmond have collaborated in hiring an urban planning firm, Dover Kohl & Partners, to help us update our Downtown Master Plan. This will be getting underway July 20th - 26th - and public input is key to its success. This input can be provided at various events (see schedule below) - but particularly at the Charrette - a hands-on urban design session - where the public puts pen to paper illustrating their vision for our City's future. Dover Kohl has brought together a team of professionals known for their expertise in city planning, transportation, housing, park planning, historic preservation, and economic development. This is a unique opportunity for yo u to give input and have a positive impact on Downtown Richmond. We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, July 20 - Kick-off Presentation
Location: Plant Zero (Hull Street & East 3rd Street)
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, July 21 - Hands-on Design Session
Location: Plant Zero (Hull Street & East 3rd Street)
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday - Thursday, July 22 - 26 - Open Design Studio
Location: The Commons @ Plant Zero (220 Hull Street)
Time: Sunday 1:00 pm - 7:00pm;
Monday - Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm;
Thursday 9:00am - 12:00pm

Thursday, July 26 - Work-in-Progress Presentation
Location: Plant Zero (Hull Street & East 3rd Street)
Time: 6:30 - 9:00pm

For more information contact Brooke Hardin, City of Richmond
Telephone: (804) 646-6310 E-mail: Brooke.Hardin@richmondgov.com
OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE @ www.richmondgov.com and click on "departments" and "community development"

Categories: non-theatre

2007-2008 Season Listings

2007-07-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of really great things happening in Richmond Theatre for the 2007-2008 season. We recently received the new season information from the Modlin Center for the Arts, were blown away by their options, and then realized we had yet to link to the new season listings.

Want to know what's going on in town this upcoming season? Then check out the links below which will send you directly to the upcoming season listings:

Barksdale Theatre: includes Member of the Wedding and The Little Dog Laughed

Chamberlayne Actors Theatre: includes The Sisters Rosesweig and Harvey

Firehouse Theatre: includes Spinning into Butter and The Late Henry Moss

Henley Street Theatre: includes The Spanish Tragedy and The Seagull

Modlin Center for the Arts at UR theatrical options include: 1984 and Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers

Reflections Repertory: Love Letters and Lillies of the Field

Richmond Triangle Players: includes The Eight Reindeer Monologues and Say You Love Satan

Swift Creek Mill Theatre: includes Urinetown and Plaid Tidings

Sycamore Rouge: 2007 ends with Six Degrees of Separation and The Velveteen Rabbit

Theatre IV: includes Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter and Peter Pan

Theatre VCU: includes Dracula and Twelfth Night

Does your theatre have a 2007-2008 season listed online? Send your link to art_richmond@yahoo.com and we'll update this posting.

Categories: openings_events, theatre_companies

Theatre Events

2007-07-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

We have added a section for links to individual artists on the right toolbar of the blog. Want to see your link posted or have a suggestion or comment? Email us at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Into the Woods, playing through 8/19
Barksdale Theatre.... The Odd Couple, playing at Hanover Tavern through 8/12
Barksdale Theatre and Steward School... High School Musical, playing at Cramer Center for the Arts 7/20 through 8/5
Carpenter Science Theatre Co.... At the End of the Wire, playing through 8/12
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Death by Doo-Wop, playing through 10/13
Richmond Shakespeare.... Henry IV, Part One, playing 7/12 through 8/5
SPARC.... Little Shop of Horrors, playing at Firehouse Theatre 7/19 through 7/29
Swift Creek Mill.... Sleuth, playing through 8/18
Sycamore Rouge.... Agamemnon's Daughters, playing 7/20 through 8/4 (World Premiere)

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 7/3 at noon
SPARC/New Voices for the Theatre.... Staged Readings of Winning Plays, playing at Firehouse Theatre 7/13 & 7/14
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... Pretending Trees, 7/16 at Firehouse Theatre (read ART's take on it)
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 8/5 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House... Just Poetry Slam, 8/6 at Firehouse Theatre

Plan Ahead:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... RAPT Monologue Workshop, 8/6 (email to register)
RAPT Auditions.... 8/19 & 8/20, (Info online on Firehouse's site, email to register)

Don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-06-28T10:50:00.001-04:00

We have added a section for links to individual artists on the right toolbar of the blog. Want to see your link posted or have a suggestion or comment, email us at art_richmond@yahoo.com.
Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Into the Woods, playing through 8/19
Barksdale Theatre.... The Odd Couple, playing at Hanover Tavern through 8/12
Barksdale Theatre and Steward School... High School Musical, playing at Cramer Center for the Arts 7/20 through 8/5
Carpenter Science Theatre Co.... At the End of the Wire, playing through 8/12
Firehouse Theatre.... Austin's Bridge, playing through 7/7 (World Premiere)
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Death by Doo-Wop, playing through 10/13
Richmond Shakespeare.... The Tempest, playing through 7/8
Richmond Shakespeare.... Henry IV, Part One, playing 7/12 through 8/5
SPARC.... Little Shop of Horrors, playing at Firehouse Theatre 7/19 through 7/29
Swift Creek Mill.... Sleuth, playing through 8/18
Sycamore Rouge... Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, playing through 6/30
Sycamore Rouge.... Agamemnon's Daughters, playing 7/20 through 8/4 (World Premiere)

Other events of interest:
ComedySportz.... Various shows regularly playing, check Web site for full listings
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 7/3 at noon
SPARC/New Voices for the Theatre.... Staged Readings of Winning Plays, playing at Firehouse Theatre 7/13 & 7/14
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... Pretending Trees, 7/16 at Firehouse Theatre (read ART's take on it)
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 7/1 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House... Just Poetry Slam, 7/2 at Firehouse Theatre

Plan Ahead:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... RAPT Monologue Workshop, 8/6 (email to register)
RAPT Auditions.... 8/19 & 8/20, (Info online on Firehouse's site, email to register)

Don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-06-13T15:47:00.000-04:00

Lot's of great stuff for the hot summertime.... As always, please do refer suggestions and comments for ART either in a blog comment, or to art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Into the Woods, playing 6/15 through 8/19
Barksdale Theatre.... The Odd Couple, playing at Hanover Tavern 6/29 through 8/12
Carpenter Science Theatre Co.... At the End of the Wire, playing 6/10 through 8/12
Firehouse Theatre.... Austin's Bridge, playing 6/21 through 7/7 (World Premiere)
Living Word Stage.... The Rocks Will Cry Out, playing through 6/17
Mystery Dinner Playhouse... Death by Doo-Wop, playing 6/16 through 10/13
Reflections Repertory Company.... Love and Laughter, Selected One-Act Plays, playing 6/12 & 6/24
Richmond Shakespeare.... The Tempest, playing 6/14 through 7/8
Swift Creek Mill.... Sleuth, playing 6/15 through 8/18
Sycamore Rouge... Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, playing 6/15 through 6/30

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 7/3 at noon
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... PretendingTrees, 6/18 at Firehouse Theatre (read ART's take on it)

Don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Sharpen Your Craft Monthly

2007-05-21T12:18:00.000-04:00

Every other week (or so) we review all Richmond theatre Web sites. As you can imagine, this process can take awhile. This process is worth every minute because of the occasiona amazing gem of interest for ART Readers. Here's a recent "gem" for all actors in the Richmond area: Pretending Trees, a new project at Yellow House.

Pretending Trees is the theatrical answer to Yellow House's own Project Resolution for film's. Both have similar goals - to help artists hone their craft. I highly recommend these great projects out when you get the chance.

Yellow House has posted a description of this great new project on their Web site:

Pretending Trees is a new free monthly event presented by Yellow House and the Firehouse Theatre Project that allows actors to present their work for feedback and critique from their peers and the general public. Following the same principal as Yellow House’s other free monthly event, Project Resolution, which invites filmmakers to present their work in an open forum, Pretending Trees gives actors a means of discourse with an audience, as opposed to the normal isolation of rehearsal, monologue work, and study. Yellow House artistic director Justin Dray chose the name Pretending Trees to evoke the image of children performing in their first play. For the child playing Tree # 2 it is very important that they find the inspiration and validation they need to be the best tree on stage. For the adult actor, inspiration and validation can be very hard to come by and Pretending Trees seeks to be a place to find both and reconnect with the time they played pretend as opposed to doing it professionally.

Each actor will have ten minutes, five to perform and five for feedback from the audience. Ten slots will be available every night and will be open indiscriminately to professionals, non-professionals, and students on a first come, first serve basis. Performers may present whatever they wish, monologues or scenes with others, for whatever purpose they require. All we ask is that the five minute performance/five minute feedback limits be adhered to as much as possible and that everyone respect the supportive and communal nature of the event.

Email clifton.yellowhouse@gmail.com to sign up for a slot.

Categories: theatre_companies

Theatre Events

2007-05-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

It's almost time for summer theatre seasons to start. As always, please do refer suggestions and comments for ART either in a blog comment, or to art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Curious Savage, playing 5/23 through 6/9
Living Word Stage.... The Rocks Will Cry Out, playing 6/1 through 6/17
Swift Creek Mill.... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing through 6/9
Swift Creek Mill.... I Just Gotta Sing, playing through 6/9
Theater Company at Fort Lee... Carousel, playing through 5/27

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, Belle Blue by Rebekah Pierce, playing 5/22 at noon (note, last Theatre Events update listed 5/29, based on incorrect information found on RPF's Web site.)
XF Company of Dance.... Debut Performance at Firehouse Theatre, 5/31 through 6/2
Amaranth Contemporary Dance... Planting the Seeds at Firehouse Theatre, 6/8 & 6/9
Murder Mystery Dinner... Death by Disco, playing through 6/9
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... PretendingTrees, 5/21 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 5/27 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House.... Just Poetry Slam, 5/28 at Firehouse Theatre

Don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Groundbreaking News

2007-05-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

At long last, Richmond's dream of a downtown performing arts center is about to become a reality. On June 1st, Richmond CenterStage will break ground with an official celebration timed to coincide with First Fridays. Performers will include The Richmond Ballet, Richmond Boys Choir, Virginia Opera, and No BS Brass Band, among many others. Street performers, local artists, and restaurant specials are also promised. See www.richmondcenterstage.com for more information.

And what do we have to look forward to? THREE (count 'em) unique venues: the updated Carpenter Theatre, the Libby Gottwald Community Playhouse, and the Rhythm Hall. All are set to open in 2009. See you downtown!

Categories: general_theatre

Theatre Events

2007-05-08T15:32:00.000-04:00

Have you been keeping up with the theatre scene of late? Most regular seasons are in the home-stretch, so make sure to catch some of these great options around town. Plus, don't forget about the great events and exhibits that are part of the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration. (Did anyone see the Queen in person? We missed her entirely.)

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Intimate Apparel, playing through 5/20
Carpenter Science Theatre... The Very Best of CST Storytelling, playing through 5/13
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Curious Savage, playing 5/23 through 6/9
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, playing through 5/19
St. Mark's Players... Pete 'N Keeley, playing through 5/19 (info found on RTP's Web page)
Swift Creek Mill.... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing through 6/9
Theater Company at Fort Lee... Carousel, playing 5/11 through 5/27
Theatre IV.... The Wizard of Oz, playing through 5/20 (Note: orginal date posted was incorrect. ART apologizes for the error.)

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 5/29 at noon
Murder Mystery Dinner... Death by Disco, playing through 6/9
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 5/27 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House.... Just Poetry Slam, 5/28 at Firehouse Theatre

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Who IS Art Buberhill?

2007-04-20T11:02:00.000-04:00

That's the question raised in the Richmond Marquee (Volume 1, Issue 5), written and edited by Lisa Kotula. During this year's nomination and award process, Lisa contacted ART and requested an email interview with the editor, Arthur Buberhill. Pick up the latest issue of the Richmond Marquee and check out all he had to say about the ART Newsletter.

Thanks Lisa!

Categories: non-theatre

Theatre Events

2007-04-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

Lot's of great things going on in town, it seems this list just keeps getting longer each update. The Acts of Faith Festival is nearly complete (Joseph at Swift Creek runs a bit longer), and now some folks are getting into the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Intimate Apparel, playing through 5/20
Barksdale Theatre.... Smoke on the Mountain, playing at Hanover Tavern through 4/28
Carpenter Science Theatre... The Very Best of CST Storytelling, playing through 5/13
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, playing 4/26 through 5/19
Living Word Stage.... African American Trailblazers: A Musical Odyssey, playing 4/20 through 5/3 (replaces Cabin in the Sky as part of the Jamestown 400 celebration)
Richmond Triangle Players.... Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, playing through 5/5
Randolph Macon .... The Beauty Queen of Leenane, playing 5/2 through 5/5
Swift Creek Mill.... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing through 6/9
Sycamore Rouge.... Matoaka: A Pocahontas Story, playing 4/20 through 5/5 (World Premiere)
Theatre IV.... The Wizard of Oz, playing 4/27 through 5/13
Theatre VCU.... Smokey Joe's Cafe, playing through 4/22
University of Richmond Players.... Tegonni: An African Antigone, playing 4/19 through 4/22

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre.... Starlight Cabaret Series, postponed.... I'll keep checking the Web site for updates.
Barksdale Theatre.... Coffee & Conversations: Intimate Apparel on 4/17
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 4/24 at noon
Firehouse Theatre Project hosts Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration... Various Performances and events, check Web site for full listings
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Murder Mystery Dinner... Death by Disco, playing through 6/9
Richmond Shakespeare... The Bard Bash, benefit at Agecroft Hall 4/28
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 4/29 at Firehouse Theatre

And off the beaten path (aka, not in the Richmond area):
Teatro La Tea – (Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center), NYC, Off-Broadway....The Neon Man and Me written by and starring Richmonder Slash Coleman playing 4/10 and 4/22 (tickets online) (One of ten shows chosen from around the world as part of The One Festival which runs 4/9-4/22.)

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-04-06T10:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring! The Acts of Faith Festival is nearly complete (Joseph at Swift Creek runs a bit longer), and now some folks are getting into the Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Intimate Apparel, playing 4/13 through 5/20
Barksdale Theatre.... Smoke on the Mountain, playing at Hanover Tavern through 4/28
Carpenter Science Theatre... The Very Best of CST Storytelling, playing through 5/13
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... Enchanted April, playing through 4/7
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, playing 4/26 through 5/19
Living Word Stage.... African American Trailblazers: A Musical Odyssey, playing 4/20 through 5/3 (replaces Cabin in the Sky as part of the Jamestown 400 celebration)
Richmond Triangle Players.... Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, playing 4/11 through 5/5
Swift Creek Mill.... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing through 6/9
Sycamore Rouge.... Matoaka: A Pocahontas Story, playing 4/20 through 5/5 (World Premiere)
Theatre IV.... The Wizard of Oz, playing4/27 through 5/13
Theatre VCU.... Smokey Joe's Cafe, playing 4/6 through 4/22
University of Richmond Players.... Tegonni: An African Antigone, playing 4/19 through 4/22

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre.... Starlight Cabaret Series, various evenings 4/16 through 5/1 only
Barksdale Theatre.... Coffee & Conversations: Intimate Apparel on 4/17
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Starr Foster Dance Project: Confessions playing 4/5 through 4/7
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series, playing 4/24 at noon
Jamestown 2007, 400th Celebration... Various Performances and events, check Web site for full listings
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Murder Mystery Dinner... Death by Disco, playing through 6/9
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check Web site for full listings
Theatre IV.... 10th Annual Fairy Tale Ball, 4/14 (If you've never been - you should give this a shot. It's a lot of fun, children or not!)

And off the beaten path (aka, not in the Richmond area):
TTeatro La Tea – (Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center), NYC, Off-Broadway....The Neon Man and Me written by and starring Richmonder Slash Coleman playing 4/10 and 4/22 (tickets online) (One of ten shows chosen from around the world as part of The One Festival which runs 4/9-4/22.)

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

ART Newsletter, 2006 Edition

2007-03-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

Here at your fingertips, the 2006 ART Newsletter:
(Note: If you'd like a clean pdf copy of your very own - email us.)

Categories: yearly_newsletters

Your Feedback - Nomination and Ballot Process

2007-03-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

We've heard from our loyal ART readers, and now is the opportunity for discussion:

Some folks feel the ballot process can be daunting - it is hard to remember all the shows from each year, difficult to recall all the performers and designers, etc. In addition, some voters seem to feel guilty filling out the form when they have not seen a cross-section of shows during the year.

As with any voting process, the higher the voter turnout, the more ART reflects the consensus of the theatre community. We here at ART have been researching our options.

One that has great appeal is to go to a two ballot system, with the initial nominations made by a "nominating committee." Many other cities have awards based on this system (Helen Hayes and the Tony's, for example). The committee makes nominations, and then a ballot is prepared with approximately five nominations in each category, which are voted on by the entire ART readership.

The three topics under discussion include:

1. If you are currently a reader, but not a voter, would a ballot that only required you to check one box out of five for each category encourage you to vote? If not, what system would you prefer?

2. If a nomination committee were put together, would you be interested in being a nominater?

3. In addition, we have had requests for the ART season to run from July to June rather than January to December. Is this something that would interest people?

If you have opinions on these or other subjects, please post your comments or email me directly at art_richmond@yahoo.com. Based on the response, next year might feature a whole new ART!

Categories: general_theatre

Theatre Events

2007-03-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Many of these productions are part of the Acts of Faith Festival. The ART Newsletter encourages supporting this ongoing and unique series.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Brooklyn Boy, playing through 3/25
Barksdale Theatre.... Smoke on the Mountain, playing at Hanover Tavern through 4/28
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... Enchanted April, playing 3/21 through 4/7
Firehouse Theatre Project.... This is Our Youth, playing through 3/31
Reflections Repertory Theatre.... Agnes of God, playing through 3/18
Richmond Shakespeare... Twelfth Night, playing through 3/31
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing through 3/17
Swift Creek Mill.... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, playing 3/18 through 6/9
Theatre IV.... Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, playing through 3/25 at Barksdale Theatre, Willow Lawn

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project & Richmond Playwrights Forum.... Lunchtime Reading Series: Homecoming, playing 3/20 at noon
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

And on a lighter note:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Comedy Class with Steve Moore, 3/20-4/24

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-02-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities. Many of these productions are part of the Acts of Faith. The ART Newsletter encourages supporting this ongoing and unique series.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Brooklyn Boy, playing through 3/25
Barksdale Theatre.... Smoke on the Mountain, playing at Hanover Tavern through 4/28
Carpenter Science Theatre Company.... Mysteries of Plasma, playing through 3/4
Firehouse Theatre Project.... This is Our Youth, playing 3/8 through 3/31
Reflections Repertory Theatre.... Agnes of God, playing 3/8 through 3/18
Richmond Shakespeare... Twelfth Night, playing 3/9 through 3/31
Richmond Triangle Players.... Thrill Me, playing through 3/3
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing through 3/17
Sycamore Rouge.... Fences, playing through 3/3
Theatre Company at Fort Lee.... Nunsense, playing through 3/11
Theatre IV.... Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, playing through 3/25 at Barksdale Theatre, Willow Lawn

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Readers Theatre: Quills, playing 3/13 only
HATTheatre.... Staged Reality, a collection of one act plays, playing 3/10 and 3/11
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

And on a lighter note:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Comedy Class with Steve Moore, 3/20-4/24

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-02-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - By request - the ART ballot deadline has been moved to Monday, February 19. To obtain a ballot, send us an email today at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Many of these productions are part of the Acts of Faith. The ART Newsletter encourages supporting this ongoing and unique series.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Brooklyn Boy, playing through 2/16 through 3/25/07
Living Word Stage Company.... Joe Turner's Come and Gone, playing through 2/25
Randolph Macon College... An Inspector Calls, playing 2/21 through 2/24
Richmond Shakespeare... Doctor Faustus, playing through 2/24
Richmond Triangle Players.... Thrill Me, playing through 3/3
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing through 3/17
Sycamore Rouge.... Fences, playing 2/16 through 3/3
Theatre Company at Fort Lee.... Nunsense, playing 2/23 through 3/11
Theatre IV.... Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, playing 2/24 through 3/25 at Barksdale Theatre, Willow Lawn
Theatre VCU.... When You Comin' Back Red Ryder?, playing 2/15 through 2/24

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-02-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - Don't forget to send in your ART ballot, due February 15. To obtain a ballot, send us an email today at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Many of these productions are part of the Acts of Faith. The ART Newsletter encourages supporting this ongoing and unique series.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Brooklyn Boy, playing through 2/16 through 3/251/28/07
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Runner Stumbles, playing through 2/10
Firehouse Theatre Project... The Vagina Monologues, playing 2/1 and 2/2
Firehouse Theatre Project... Avow, playing 2/10 & 2/11
Living Word Stage Company.... Joe Turner's Come and Gone, playing through 2/25
Richmond Shakespeare... Doctor Faustus, playing through 2/24
Richmond Triangle Players.... Thrill Me, playing 2/7 through 3/3
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing through 3/17
Theatre VCU.... When You Comin' Back Red Ryder?, playing 2/15 through 2/24

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project... The Fire Ball, playing 2/10, Riverfront Towers, Tickets $75 in advance
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Reflections Repertory Company.... Love and Laughter, Benefit Dinner Theatre, 1/28
Richmond Moving Image Coop.... 4th Italian Film & Food Festival, playing 2/3 at Firehouse Theatre

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

It's Ballot Time

2007-01-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again - time to cast a vote your favorite shows, actors, designers, and directors of 2006. If you did not receive a ballot and would like one, simply email art_richmond@yahoo.com and we will send one out immediately.

Remember, ballot's are due on February 15.

Categories: yearly_newsletters

Theatre Events

2007-01-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - Remember, the 2006 newsletter ballot will be arriving via e-mail shortly. Not on the ART mailing list? Send us an email today at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/28/07
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Runner Stumbles, playing 1/24 through 2/10
Firehouse Theatre Project... Festival of New Plays, playing 1/25 through 1/28
Firehouse Theatre Project... The Vagina Monologues, playing 2/1 and 2/2
Living Word Stage Company.... Joe Turner's Come and Gone, playing 2/2 through 2/25
Richmond Shakespeare... Doctor Faustus, playing 2/1 through 2/24
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing through 3/17

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Reflections Repertory Company.... Love and Laughter, Benefit Dinner Theatre, 1/28

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

2007-01-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - Remember, the 2006 newsletter ballot will be arriving via e-mail shortly. Start your 2007 ballot out with a bang - see a production on the list below:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing through 1/14 at Hanover Tavern (EXTENDED)
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/28/07
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Runner Stumbles, playing 1/224 through 2/10
Firehouse Theatre Project... Festival of New Plays, playing 1/25 through 1/28
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through 1/20/07
Swift Creek Mill.... Flowers for Algernon, playing 1/23/07 through 3/17

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Reflections Repertory Company.... Love and Laughter, Benefit Dinner Theatre, 1/28

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Theatre Events

2007-01-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - start the New Year on the Theatrical foot:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing through 1/14 at Hanover Tavern (EXTENDED)
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/28/07
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through 1/20/07

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... Coffee and Conversations: The Director's Chair, 1/9
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-12-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - lots of variety for the festive, benefit minded and the Scrooge-like:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing through 1/7/07 At Hanover Tavern
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/29/07
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Winter Magic, playing through 1/1/07
Richmond Shakespeare... A Christmas Carol, playing through 12/23
Richmond Triangle Players... Christmas with the Crawfords, playing through 12/17 (EXTENDED)
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through 1/20/07
Theatre IV... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas playing through 12/17
(for information on this production change, see this blog post)

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The Starlight Cabaret Series, Home for the Holidays: Richmond’s Annual Benefit for the Theatre Artists Fund, playing through 12/18
Firehouse Theatre Project..... hosting The Christmas Story..... (check out the specific website link on the title there), playing 12/14 and 12/15 only
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

University Productions:
Randolph Macon College.... A Christmas Carol, playing through 12/14

Side note from ART - if anyone knows what's up at Yellow House, their website has not been up lately. Please drop me a line to fill me in: art_richmond@yahoo.com.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-11-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities - lots of variety for the festive, benefit minded and the Scrooge-like:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing through 1/7/07 At Hanover Tavern
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/29/07
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Winter Magic, playing through 1/1/07
Richmond Shakespeare... A Christmas Carol, playing through 12/23
Richmond Triangle Players... Christmas with the Crawfords, playing through 12/9
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through 1/20/07
Theatre IV... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas playing 12/8 through 12/17
(for information on this production change, see this blog post)

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The Starlight Cabaret Series, Home for the Holidays: Richmond’s Annual Benefit for the Theatre Artists Fund, playing 12/4 through 12/18
Barksdale Theatre... Coffee & Conversations: Behind the Scenes of Mame, 12/12 only
Firehouse Theatre Project.... HBO Comedian Steve Moore in a Benefit for MCV Kids with AIDS, 12/4 only
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

University Productions:
Randolph Macon College.... A Christmas Carol, playing 12/8 through 12/14

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

ART wishing everyone happy and safe travels.... to the theatre nearest you!

Categories: non-theatre

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-11-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing through 1/7/07 At Hanover Tavern
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing through 1/29/07
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Winter Magic, playing through 1/1/07
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Secret of Mme. Bonnard's Bath, playing through 11/25
Richmond Shakespeare... A Christmas Carol, playing 11/30 through 12/23
Richmond Triangle Players... Christmas with the Crawfords, playing through 12/9
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through through 1/20/07
Theatre IV... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas playing 12/8 through 12/17
(for information on this production change, see this blog post)

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Update - Theatre IV's Holiday Offering

2006-11-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

Injuries in the theatre business can truly set a company back, and Theatre IV is experiencing this right now with their one-woman show, Snowflake. According to a release, an injury is sidelining the star of Snowflake, Gale LaJoye. (More information below) I hope Gale LaJoye is back in business, soon. I was looking forward to Snowflake.

On the bright side, Theatre IV is filled with savvy folks who are going to put together a "smaller-scale" production of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Here's the scoop direct from Theatre IV:
Due to an injury sustained by Gale LaJoye, the sole performer of Snowflake, Theatre IV is canceling the presentation of Snowflake for the scheduled Dec. 1st – 17th run at The Empire Theatre.

Ticket holders will be provided with gift certificates of equivalent value good towards any future Theatre IV or Barksdale productions. In addition, we are offering an alternate, smaller-scale production, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The performance schedule for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas has been amended to Dec. 8th – 17th.

For more information, check out their website.

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-11-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Over the River and Through the Woods, playing 11/16 through 1/7/07 At Hanover Tavern
Barksdale Theatre.... Mame, playing 11/17 through 1/29/07
Carpenter Science Theatre... Stories of Winter Magic, playing 11/18 through 1/1/07
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Secret of Mme. Bonnard's Bath, playing through 11/25
Living Word Stage Co.... Steel Magnolias, playing through 11/19
Richmond Triangle Players... Christmas with the Crawfords, playing 11/15 through 12/9
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through through 1/20/07
Sycamore Rouge, Lee’s Miserables (World Premiere), playing through 11/18
Theater Company at Fort Lee, Children of Eden, playing through 11/19

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Yellow House.... Project Resolution, 11/19 at Firehouse

University productions:
Randolph Macon.... Brighton Beach Memoirs, playing 11/15 through 11/18
Theatre VCU... Medea, playing through 11/19

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

An Overlooked Gem?

2006-11-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make: I haven't seen a show at HATTheatre in years. Have I been missing something? According to the website www.hattheatre.org, HAT has been producing professional theatre right here in the Far West End since 1993, and each one has been a Richmond premiere. Playing currently (Nov 3-12), 100 Years of Broadway, featuring Richmond luminaries Billy-Christopher Maupin, Janine Serresseque, Casey Scallion, and Russell Rowland. Musical direction and staging by Tony Williams and Julie Fulcher. The theatre not only produces audience pleasers like this, but it looks as if they are branching out with their Black Box Players who "create[] works a bit different from our usual fare . . . focus[ing] on the story, writing, and performances." HAT features an intimate 70 seat black-box theatre, raked seating, a small lobby, and additional studio space for rehearsals and classes.

I had no idea! Can't wait to check it out!

Categories: theatre_companies

World Premiere in Petersburg

2006-10-31T12:21:00.000-05:00

The ART Newsletter blog discussed the need for more World Premier's this summer, and now word of the first fully produced one this season. Opening this week, Sycamore Rouge presents "lee's miserables" by former Richmonder Clay McCleod Chapman. Here's the skinny direct from Jonathan Elliott at Sycamore Rouge:

"lee's miserables" by Clay McCleod Chapman to Premiere at Sycamore Rouge

"Theatrical Mash-Up" examines Civil War, Les Miserables
Sycamore Rouge will present the world premiere of lee's miserables by Clay McCleod Chapman, from November 3 to November 18. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets to the production are $15, and may be purchased by calling (804) 957-5707, online at www.sycamorerouge.org, or at the door. Post- performance discussions will be led by Sycamore Rouge's literary manager kb saine, and will follow the Friday evening performances. Additionally, a number of area historical societies and Civil War interest groups will be presenting information and special exhibits in the Sycamore Rouge lobby, including the Quartermaster's Museum, Pamplin Park, The Museum of the Confederacy, Virginia's Retreat, Petersburg Battlefield, and th Army Women's Museum.

Set during the Siege of Petersburg, in the waning days of the American Civil War, lee's miserables follows a group of soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia. As they are holed up in the trenches, Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables begins to take center stage in their lives. Both physically and metaphorically, the book--and characters--of Les Miserables play an integral part in what may well be these young men's final days...

From the Trenches of the Civil War, They Escaped into an Epic Tale of Revolution...
"We're so honored to have the opportunity to present this play," said Christopher Shorr, Sycamore Rouge Artistic Director. "Clay's writing has attracted crowds from Richmond to New York, and we're confident we can do his words justice." The production is directed by Shorr. The cast includes Clifton Frei, Ted Carter, Adam Mincks, Matthew Shifflett, Dean Knight, Jeff Munn, Julie Roundtree, Jenna Neilsen, Jerry Long and Heriberto Vazquez II.

Sycamore Rouge will feature its raved-about menu, featuring the creations of world-class chef Scott Davison, from 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays, dining will be available from 1 pm.

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-10-31T12:06:00.000-05:00

Check out one of these great opportunities:

Events opening or running currently:
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Importance of Being Earnest, playing through 11/11
Firehouse Theatre Project.... The Secret of Mme. Bonnard's Bath, playing 11/2 through 11/25
Swift Creek Mill... Forever Plaid, playing through 11/3/06 through 1/20/07
Sycamore Rouge, Lee’s Miserables (World Premiere), playing 11/2 through 11/18
Theater Company at Fort Lee, Children of Eden, playing 11/3 through 11/19

Other events of interest:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... meet the playwright, Bill C. Davis, 11/5 & 11/6
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Marquee Value

2006-10-27T15:01:00.000-04:00

Recently, I blogged about Lisa Kotula's plan to publish Richmond Marquee, a monthly magazine about Richmond Theatre. Well, it's full speed ahead! Richmond Marquee now has a website, and the Premiere Issue will debut November 1 with articles on the Theatre Artists Fund, Rodney Hobbs and Lynne Hartman. Plus, it looks like it will be chock full of information on upcoming shows and auditions.

Get your free copy at most any local theatre during November and December performances (hey, that's a great excuse to see a new show!). Future issues will be by subscription only, for the very low price of only $12.00 for a six month subscription. If you don't want to miss an issue, you can subscribe right now at the website.

UPDATE: Incorrect subscription rate. Thanks, Lisa, for the update. I've corrected it in the text above.

Categories: non-theatre

Halloween at Sycamore Rouge

2006-10-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

I blogged about the need for volunteers, here's the update on the actual event:

Sycamore Rouge will host its first annual Halloween Party on Tuesday, October 31, beginning at 8 pm. This event will feature spooky decorations, a dance floor, and a costume contest. Executive Chef Scott Davison will be preparing a special Halloween themed menu exclusively for the event. Tickets are $5 per person.

"The Halloween Party is a great follow-up to our all- ages haunted house," said Christopher Shorr, Sycamore Rouge artistic director. "We thought this was the perfect way to end the Halloween season with a bang."

Further information or reservations can be made by calling (804) 957-5707, or visiting Sycamore Rouge on the web at www.SycamoreRouge.org.

Categories: openings_events

Reduced Shakespeare on CBS 6

2006-10-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

From the Modlin Center:

Reduced Shakespeare Company starring Austin ~ Dominic ~ Mick
Catch them LIVE on Virginia This Morning on CBS 6 WTVR on Friday, October 20 at 10 am. CBS 6 News anchor Cheryl Miller and Lite 98 radio personality Bill Bevins co-host this new weekday morning program. Miller and Bevins offer viewers an in-depth look at what's happening in Central Virginia, from community, civic and business leaders to authors, doctors, chefs and entertainers. Austin Tichenor, Dominic Conti and Mick Orfe visit the WTVR studios on Friday to give viewers a sneak-peak at their "Completely Hollywood (abridged)" performances at the Modlin Center this weekend.
*****
Performances: Friday, October 20 & Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 pm
Location: Alice Jepson Theatre
Tickets: $32 adults, $30 seniors, $16 children, $24 UR faculty/staff, $8 UR students
Read more about the performance
Call now: (804) 289-8980
Or click to buy tickets online!

Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond, VA 23173 ~ (804) 289-8980

Categories: openings_events

RAPT Attention

2006-10-16T22:23:00.000-04:00

You might think that Richmond theatres are always competitive - fighting for everything from performers to designers to audience members. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, Richmond theatres realize that a blossoming theatre scene helps everyone: artists, producers, and audiences alike.

On September 26th and 27th, RAPT (The Richmond Alliance of Professional Theatres) hosted area-wide auditions at the Firehouse Theatre, attended by directors and producers of most of the area's professional theatres. According to my sources, over 75 performers, new and experienced, local and visiting, strutted their stuff, hoping to impress. I also hear that quite of few of them were offered roles or further auditions as a direct result.

This is an event that sounds comparatively easy to plan and relatively inexpensive to the theatres involved with benefits to all involved - the companies and the performers. Actors get their faces in front of those casting upcoming seasons. Theatres get to see more actors than at an individual audition. A buzz is created in the theatre community.

Bravo, RAPT member companies! Here's hoping the collaborative events are just beginning!!

For more information on RAPT, check out www.richmondtheatres.org.

Categories: general_theatre, theatre_companies

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-10-16T22:12:00.000-04:00

Check out one of these great opportunities:

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 10/29
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre.... The Importance of Being Earnest, playing 10/25 through 11/11
Reflections Repertory.... A Bench in the Sun, playing through 10/22
Richmond Shakespeare.... Julius Caesar, playing through 10/28
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, EXTENDED through 10/28
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre IV.... The True Story of Pocohonatas, playing 10/6-22

Other events of interest:
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Yellow House.... Project Resolution playing 10/22 at Firehouse Theatre
Yellow House.... Just Poetry Slam "Grand Slam" playing 10/23 at Firehouse Theatre

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-10-02T14:38:00.000-04:00

Check out as many of these amazing offerings as possible - no excuses!

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 10/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, playing through 10/7
Reflections Repertory.... A Bench in the Sun, playing 10/12-10/22
Richmond Shakespeare.... Julius Caesar, playing 10/5-10/28
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, EXTENDED through 10/28
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre IV.... The True Story of Pocohonatas, playing 10/6-22

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The World on a String, playing through 9/29-10/10 (lobby venue)
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Yellow House.... Showing of Hitiro the Peasant (film) at Grace St. Theater 10/14

Benefit Performances:
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, RAPT only performance to benefit the Richmond Theatre Artists Fund (you can even buy the tickets online for the RAPT only event)
To Whom It May Concern, A Musical Celebration... St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, 9/22, 23, 29, 30 & 10/6, 7 @ 8:00 p.m. 10/1,8 @ 3:00 p.m. For Information or Reservations Call 358-9291 or 762-4870. All proceeds to go towards repair of St. John’s UCC Pipe Organ.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Top 40 - Style Honors Artists

2006-10-02T14:24:00.001-04:00

What is it about lists? We love them, even VH1 has managed to make an entire schedule based on their love of all things listed. Now it's time for Style Weekly's annual Top 40 Under 40 list, and some very talented local folks take residence this year.

Here are the theatre-only names:
Christopher Shorr - Artistic Director, Sycamore Rouge
BJ Kocen - actor, musician, volunteer and all around great guy (from what I've been told) and Promotions Manager for Rentz Gallery
Slash Coleman - writer and performer, best known for The Neon Man and Me

Read the article and let me know what you think of Style's picks. Did they miss anyone? Personally, I think they could fill the list entirely with artists and still leave out some of the most amazing people in the Richmond area.

Categories: non-theatre

Firehouse Show to Benefit Artists Fund

2006-09-26T15:39:00.000-04:00

For RAPT card holders only:
UPDATE:
This special performance of I Am My Own Wife has been moved to Tuesday, October 10, 8pm. RAPT tickets are only $10! (Thanks for the update, Jackie Jones.)

A special performance of I Am My Own Wife at Firehouse Theatre, Tuesday, October 10, 8pm, to benefit RAPT's Richmond Theatre Artists Fund.

If you have not had the opportunity to see this show, and that happens often with show run conflicts, please make it a point to attend this special production. Not only do you get to see a performance with only RAPT members (when else can you see all these theatre folks in one place?) but you get to support a very important cause, the Richmond Theatre Artists Fund.

I've not received any official word on the fund, I'd be grateful for fund clarifications posted in the comments section. As far as I've heard, this is the fund started to help theatre artists in extreme financial situations - be it medical, family, work, etc. Once the fund is fully established ($10,000 minimum via the Community Foundation), artists can begin applying; a board of selected individuals will assist in dispersing the monies yearly. This emergency fund could not be more important to the amazing local theatre talent.

Thanks to RAPT for working hard to get this moving! Remember, when the $10,000 minimum is met, money will still need to be raised. The more money in the fund, the more money they will be able to distribute yearly.

You can also donate to the fund even if you are not available to see Scott Wichman's amazing performance. I believe you can contact any RAPT organization for more information on donating.

Thanks to Firehouse Theatre, and everyone involved with this production, for this RAPT opportunity!

Categories: general_theatre, theatre_events, theatre_people

Theatre and Arts Print Coverage

2006-09-26T14:04:00.000-04:00

Maybe the print tides are moving in the favor of the arts? The newest publication in town devoted to all things art and culture, Brick (website under construction), seems to be off to a good start. The first few issues have been fresh and inviting, covering a wide variety of arts, lifestyle, and culture. There are a few kinks in the system at Brick to be sure, but we here at ART are excited to welcome this weekly publication to Richmond. (Look for it on Thursdays, available at various places in the city such as shops and restaurants.)

Lisa Kotula, a local actress, will soon start a publication called Richmond Marquee. Here's the scoop direct from Lisa, the Managing Editor of the upcoming Richmond Marquee:

What is the Richmond Marquee:
It will be a tabloid-size, black and white periodical, focusing on the Greater Richmond theater community. Richmond Marquee will celebrate accomplishments, highlight opportunities, lament losses and showcase news that is specific to the theater community in the form of a monthly publication (with hopes of moving quickly to bi-weekly and eventually weekly). Subscribers will be given the option of receiving time-sensitive e-newsletters between issues (so no one misses an audition). Richmond Marquee will provide a forum for collaborations of ideas and submissions of opinions. It will highlight what to see and where to see it. The projected accompanying website will provide a page for actors to post headshots and bios.

Included will be:
--A section called "On the Boards" - effectively, the theater calendar of ongoing productions
--A section called "I Hope I Get It"- listings of upcoming auditions submitted by various local theaters, professional and community
--A section called "Lights Up!" highlights of productions opening soon
--A section called "Footlights and Footnotes" stories about actors, theaters, local news that directly affects US
--A section called "Spotlight On" profiles of various members of the theater community
--Occasionally, an opinion page - letters to and from the editor
--The "Call Board" - individual classified ads
--Space for purchased weekly display ads - theaters, individuals, related businesses

Richmond Marquee is intended to be a tool for working the local theater scene - one that uplifts the individual parts and celebrates accomplishments, encourages individual ambitions.There is currently nothing like this in place. There are various parts spread across various resources, but nothing that ties this all in one package and focuses exclusively on the theater community.

If you would like for your company to be included in Richmond Marquee, please send your press releases containing your current season information [to Lisa Kotula]. In this way, I will have confirmation that you want your information to appear. I don't want to leave anyone out, but I do want your permission to print.

In addition, if you would like to purchase a display ad (or many!), in particular to appear in the premiere issue projected for early November, please contact me, and I will be happy to provide a rate sheet via e-mail or snail mail. A discount will be offered to those who purchase display ads for the premiere issue and who will allow me to place a stack of the issue in their place of business, containing the subscriber reply card.

Finally, I would love to hear from you if you have ideas. Please contact me directly via email.

Categories: non-theatre

Sycamore Rouge Goes Haunted House

2006-09-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

A really great idea - transforming Sycamore Rouge into a Haunted House. Even better - a kids area and an adults area. (I think I might stick to the kids area, "spaghetti brains" are just good fun.) Remember when someone did a Haunted House at the Firehouse Theatre? And there is always the nearly year round haunting with Haunts of Richmond. Post your thoughts about Halloween and theatre in the comments section - you an even post specific ideas for Sycamore Rouge (I'll forward them along).

Read the release from Jonathan Elliott, Sycamore Rouge managing director, to learn more:

Haunted House Planning Session on October 1
VOLUNTEER CALL FOR HAUNTED HOUSE AT SYCAMORE ROUGE
We Need Your Help!

Dear Friends of Sycamore Rouge,
Greetings! Sycamore Rouge is getting into the Halloween spirit, and we need your help! We'll be kicking off the Halloween festivities this Sunday, October 1st. We're looking for creative individuals with a sense of humor, mirth, and enjoyment of the Halloween spirit to help transform Sycamore Rouge into the ultimate haunted house. If you're ghoulishly talented at fiendishly decorating your own home every October, we invite you to use Sycamore Rouge's twelve thousand square foot facility as your canvas this year! We'll be hosting a brainstorming session at Sycamore Rouge this Sunday, October 1, from 1 to 3 pm. Light refreshments will be served, as we wander the dark corners of the facilities and plan all sorts of fun, spooky, and scary happenings.

The Haunted House will run from October 26-31, and will be available in two versions: "Kiddie"(ooooh! This spaghetti is really BRAINS!!!!) and "Adult"(masked men with chainsaws jumping out from dark corners). We need actors, designers, planners, hosts, builders for both versions--whether you want to be a kooky witch or design the perfect fright, we'd love to have your help! If interested, please RSVP by responding via email, or call Jonathan Elliott, Sycamore Rouge managing director, at (804) 957-5707, ext. 104. We look forward to seeing you at Sycamore Rouge-- soon to be Petersburg's favorite "haunt!"

About Sycamore Rouge: Sycamore Rouge is Petersburg's home for the performing arts--from eclectic cinema, to intriguing theatre, to showstopping jazz, to our world-class food and drinks, there's always something going on at Sycamore Rouge.

Categories: general_theatre

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-09-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

Check out as many of these amazing offerings as possible. Richmond theatre companies are hopping!

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 10/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, playing through 10/7
Reflections Repertory.... A Bench in the Sun, playing 10/12-10/22
Richmond Shakespeare.... Julius Caesar, playing 10/5-28
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, playing through 10/14
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre IV.... The True Story of Pocohonatas, playing 10/6-22

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The World on a String, playing through 9/29-10/10 (lobby venue)
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Yellow House.... Showing of Hitiro the Peasant (film) at Sycamore Rouge 9/29
Yellow House.... The Just Poetry Slam at Firehouse Theatre 9/25 (last Monday of every month)

Benefit Performance:
To Whom It May Concern, A Musical Celebration... St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, 9/22, 23, 29, 30 & 10/6, 7 @ 8:00 p.m. 10/1,8 @ 3:00 p.m. For Information or Reservations Call 358-9291 or 762-4870. All proceeds to go towards repair of St. John’s UCC Pipe Organ.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Award Winning Production for Richmond Triangle Players

2006-09-20T10:51:00.000-04:00

Don't you love when great things happen to great people? The Richmond theatre community should be proud of one of our own. Richmond Triangle Players recently brought their smash hit The Stops to the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival, and came home with a slew of awards.

The 10-day festival closed this past Saturday, September 16. There were 25 productions running throughout the event with The Stops performed September 9, 10 and 11. Must have been tough competition!

Upon their return home, Michael Gooding, Managing Director of Richmond Triangle Players, was notified that they received the following awards:

Best Musical
Best Ensemble Show
Best Actor in an Ensemble - Steve Boschen
Best Technical Elements

A complete list of winners can be found at the festival website.

The festival was covered by the Columbus Dispatch, and it seem The Stops completely won over columnist Michael Grossberg who wrote the headline "The Stops deserves a much longer run." The article continued, "The Stops works so well because much of the humor is character-based and its endearing plea for love and mutual understanding isn't preachy." (Read the full article, and see a photo of the lovely "ladies" online.) These characteristics are what made the production a sell out here in Richmond for 23 performances. I hope all the ART readers had a chance to see the show, it deserved the high praises.

Congratulations to everyone involved, you deserve the accolades!

Categories: general_theatre, theatre_companies

More Coffee Information

2006-09-20T10:44:00.000-04:00

Scheduled items for Coffee & Conversations, a FREE series of discussions, direct from Barksdale's rep, Judi Crenshaw:

“Coffee & Conversations” at Barksdale Theatre - Willow Lawn
Here’s your chance to learn the backstage story of every onstage performance, and finally hear the answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month (with a few exceptions) for informal, moderated discussions with Barksdale’s leading actors, directors, and designers.

Tuesday, October 10
Behind the Scenes of The Constant Wife; Director Steve Perigard and leading actors; Twyla Kitts, moderator

Tuesday, November 14
Setting the Stage: design, construction, furnishings, decoration, and props; Leading Scenic Designers; Joy Williams, moderator.

Tuesday, December 12
Behind the Scenes of Mame. Go behind the scenes of our fun-filled Holiday musical with Director/ Choreographer, K Strong, and her leading actors; Chase Kniffen, moderator.

Tuesday, January 9
The Director’s Chair: What a director does, and how it’s done; Steve Perigard, Leslie Owens-Harrington; John Moon, moderator.

Tuesday, February 13
Faith issues in Brooklyn Boy. Leading actors and others; Judge Roger L. Gregory, moderator

Tuesday, March 13
Outside the Box: How our theatre connects with the community in non-traditional ways; Chase Kniffen, Jeanie Rule, Jennings Whiteway; Sara Sommers, moderator.

Tuesday, April 10
Behind the Scenes of Intimate Apparel; Director and leading actors to be determined; Joy Corbin, moderator

Tuesday, May 8
Sidekicks & Second Bananas: Your favorite supporting actors from the season discuss their work; Jan Guarino, moderator

Tuesday, June 12
Behind the Scenes of Into the Woods; Erin Thomas, moderator

Times, Seating, & Admission
Barksdale Theatre Willow Lawn in Richmond , Virginia
9:30 - 10:30 AM; Admission is FREE
Free Coffee, Tea, & Pastries Provided

*All dates and topics are subject to change. For confirmation of programs, please call the Box Office at 282-2620 on the Friday prior to the discussion.

Categories: general_theatre, openings_events

I hate it when that happens!

2006-09-18T13:59:00.000-04:00

An important programming note from Barksdale:

The Coffee & Conversations program originally scheduled for tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 19, has been cancelled. The Coffee & Conversations series will continue as planned on Tuesday, October 10 with Behind the Scenes of The Constant Wife. The restrooms at Barksdale Theatre have been shut down for three days to address a plumbing problem, causing the cancellation. Coffee & Conversations is a series of moderated discussions involving the artists in Barksdale Theatre productions. The events are held on the second Tuesday of each month (September through June, with some exceptions) in the lobby of BarksdaleTheatre at Willow Lawn. This public is invited, unticketed and free-of-charge. Coffee, tea and pastries are available. For more information about the Coffee & Conversation series, check the Barksdale website at www.BarksdaleRichmond.org, or call Chase Kniffen at 783-1688 ext 14.

Categories: general_theatre

Where in the world is Art?

2006-09-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

Hello Loyal Art Blog Readers!

I went on vacation mid/late August and somehow it has taken me a couple of weeks to get back in the flow of all things Art - newsletter and my "real" life. I'm back now, ready to blog and ready to update. As always, please send me your press releases so I can make sure the events are current (updated every other week). I will also post various news items from Art Readers, please keep me in the loop on your miscellaneous activities.

Richmond's local companies have a lot of great offerings this fall. Please make a point to see several shows at a variety of companies, support as much of Richmond's fine local talent as possible. Remember - to vote in the ART Newsletter ballot, you must have seen a minimum number of shows at more than one company!

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-09-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Mousetrap, playing at Hanover Tavern through 10/29
Barksdale Theatre... The Constant Wife, playing through 9/22-10/29
Firehouse Theatre Project.... I Am My Own Wife, playing through 10/7
Richmond Triangle Players.... Sordid Lives, playing 9/20 through 10/14
Swift Creek Mill... I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, playing through 10/28
Theatre Company at Fort Lee.... And Then There Were None, playing through 9/25 (UPDATE: Show title was mislisted on TCFL's website. This is now the corrected production title. ART apologizes for the misinformation, thanks to Tony Sharpenstein for catching the mistake.)

Other events of interest:
Barksdale Theatre... The World on a String, playing through 9/29-10/10 (lobby venue)
Firehouse Theatre Project.... Unwrap Your Candy, Readers Theatre, playing 9/19
Modlin Center for the Arts (at UR).... Various Performances, check website for full listings
Sycamore Rouge... Various Performances, check website for full listings

Benefit Performance: To Whom It May Concern, A Musical Celebration... St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, 9/22, 23, 29, 30 & 10/6, 7 @ 8:00 p.m. 10/1,8 @ 3:00 p.m. For Information or Reservations Call 358-9291 or 762-4870. All proceeds to go towards repair of St. John’s UCC Pipe Organ.

And for anyone on the Left Coast:
Slash Coleman's The Neon Man and Me is playing through 9/17 at Exit Theatre in San Francisco.

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events:

2006-08-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... Beehive, playing at The Steward School's Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts through 9/3
Richmond Triangle Players.... The Stops, special return engagement playing 8/24 - 9/2

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-08-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing through 8/13
Richmond Shakespeare Festival... Macbeth, playing through 8/6
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing through 8/12
Sycamore Rouge.... The Taming of the Shrew, playing through August 12

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Creating a Cook Book for Charity - Theatre Artists Give Back!

2006-07-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

A message regarding a fun project to raise money for the Richmond Theatre Artists' Fund. ART readers, it is time to dust off your grandmothers unmatchable fruitcake recipe and send it in.

* * * * *
In an effort to raise money for the Richmond Theatre Artists' Fund, we are asking our Richmond theatre family to submit recipes for the very first Richmond Theatre cookbook! These cookbooks will be for sale in the lobbies of most of the professional theatres in Richmond, and all sales proceeds will benefit the Theatre Artists' Fund.

In case you have not heard of the fund, it was started last year with the Broadway Holiday Cabaret and its purpose is to assist with the financial needs of central Virginia's theatre artists (actors, directors, designers, stage managers, administrators, etc.) whenever some health related, personal or family crisis threatens their well-being. What better way to show our love than breaking bread (or baking bread) together?

We are looking for:
*Your favorite tried and true recipes
*Recipes that remind you of shows you've done or seen
*Recipes that a cast party just isn't a cast party without
*Stories or comments that go with these recipes
*Show pictures
*Stories about wonderful or terrible things you've had to eat on stage
*Favorite places to eat after a show

We are also looking for title suggestions for our book! If you have a brilliant idea for a title, bring it on!

We welcome submissions from any category of food and drink, from appetizers to main dishes to cocktails. We encourage you to submit as many recipes as you'd like! Once we've amassed enough material, the job of editing will begin.

We'd love to have enough submissions by September 1 to have the cookbooks available for sale by the holiday season. We are planning to keep the books affordable and easy to buy as gifts (hint, hint!).

Please send your submissions to Erin Thomas. Please include the word "Cookbook" in the
subject line.

We hope you'll join us in what will be a very fun project!

Cheers!
Andy Boothby
Janine Serresseque
Jody Strickler
Erin Thomas

Categories: non-theatre, theatre_people

More Upcoming Events!

2006-07-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

Special Events Running or Coming Soon:
SPARC.... Cats playing at Maggie Walker HS, 7/27 - 7/30
Steward School and Barksdale Theatre... Grease playing at Steward School, 7/21 - 7/30

People International, Inc, (a non-profit musical performance group) Fund Raiser... Echoes playing at Henrico HS, 7/28 at 8pm only. Features locals Brian Vaughan, Amber dePass and Gretchen Bell. Tickets only available at the door, $10. Proceeds to benefit Richmond's Fan Free Clinic. Food and clothing donations also welcome. Donations are tax deductible under the 501 © code of the IRS.

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-07-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing through 8/13
Richmond Shakespeare Festival... Macbeth, playing through 8/6
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing through 8/12
Sycamore Rouge.... The Taming of the Shrew, playing July 27-August 12

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Call for More World Premieres on Richmond Stages

2006-07-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

"I sent it to every theater in the country and they all rejected it, except one . . ." Margaret Edson, on the response by America’s cultural gatekeepers to her Pulitzer Prize-Winning play WIT.

Many good things can be said about the state of theatre in Richmond today.

The theatres in town consistently produce quite an eclectic group of shows. There’s something for everyone: from the old favorites at Hanover Tavern to new musical parodies at Comedy Alley to Shakespeare produced outside at the 500-year-old Agecroft Hall.

Theatre is still relatively affordable. For example, this spring, Chamberlayne Actors Theatre presented the Richmond Premiere of Three Days of Rain. While the same show was running on Broadway with ticket prices hovering around $100, CAT’s fine production could be seen for a mere $13.

Richmond theatre has opportunities for all. Our city is unique in that there are almost as many opportunities as there are theatre artists. Theatres are always on the lookout for interested actors, designers, technicians, ushers, marketers, etc. Some cities are closed to newcomers interested in working for their companies. Not so in Richmond!

So, what do we lack? World Premieres! The lifeblood of theatre is new voices. They create excitement and develop audiences for the future. And yet, Richmond theatres produce very few fully-staged world premieres each year.

In recent years, Barksdale has staged a few, most emanating from the Richmond Playwrights Forum; Comedy Alley continues to produce new musical parodies; Mystery Dinner Playhouse generally produces only world premiere interactive murder mysteries; and Swift Creek Mill Playhouse has also produced a few original shows. There are certainly others, and the results have been both enjoyable and exciting. However, the playwrights represented by these efforts number only a few, and there is no theatre seriously dedicated to the creation of new work. Each year, the full-length world premieres available to Richmond audiences - either fully produced or staged - often number in the single digits.

It’s a risky endeavor to produce plays without name recognition. However, the rewards could be substantial: if plays nurtured in Richmond are mounted elsewhere, the theatre and the city’s names are promoted and the areas cultural identity is developed both nationally and internationally. In addition, there are a significant number of contributors eager to support the creation of new work for the theatre. A brief look at the theatres who have received large grants from governmental entities or corporations clearly illustrates that new work is desirable and prestigious.

New work, new artists and new money converging in Richmond means more opportunities for the entire Richmond theatre community, as well as many magical performances for the Richmond theatre-goer. Putting Richmond theatre on the National map is good for everyone!

Categories: editorials

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-07-07T14:44:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing through 8/13
Richmond Shakespeare Festival... Macbeth, playing 7/13 - 8/6
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing through 8/12

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

One More 2006-2007 Season

2006-07-01T07:53:00.000-04:00

Modlin Center has released their upcoming season schedule. It is a long - and great - schedule; I'll include the blurb from their recent email, click this link to find the entire season online.

If you aren't a season subscriber, I recommend trying that this year - whether you subscribe to Modlin, Firehouse, Barksdale, Triangle Players or any of the other amazing companies in town, you are guaranteed the best seats. You just cannot say that when you only buy single tickets. You also save money on the single ticket price. So if you want to save money, guarantee your spot, and support Richmond theatre consider season subscriptions.

Here is the update from Modlin:
The Modlin Center is excited to announce our 2006-2007 season. Starting with Battleworks Dance Company on September 8 & 9 and running through jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves on April 25, we have again assembled an exceptional schedule of artists in music, theatre and dance. Brochures have been sent to patrons on our mailing list and should be arriving shortly. In the meantime, you can visit our Web site to see our complete schedule, download order forms, request a brochure and much more.

We are happy to share in this message a few details about some of the exciting events scheduled for the upcoming season. Although new to Richmond, audiences may be familiar with the works of Robert Battle, the artistic director of Battleworks Dance Company (September 8-9). The Parsons Dance Company has performed his choreography around the world and his works have been commissioned by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Hubbard Street 2 and The Juilliard School, among others. Reduced Shakespeare Company (October 20-21) returns to the Modlin Center with a new show, Completely Hollywood (abridged). Some of you may remember that the RSC kicked off our opening weekend almost 10 years ago. A legendary jazz pianist and host of an award-winning NPR program, Marian McPartland (November 6) returns to Richmond with her trio for a single performance. We have also invited The Western Wind (December 11) back to campus to make up for their cancelled concert last season. This season, they bring their Christmas program, "Holiday Light, Singing Angels, Silver Bells." Let's hope for good weather!

The New Year kicks off with performances by two much-loved, and visually stunning, groups: MOMIX (January 16-17) dance company and Cirque Eloize (January 27-30). Both have been highly requested by Modlin Center patrons over the years. The Shanghai Quartet (February 14) returns with a Valentine's Day program, "Love and Fireworks," featuring works from the romantic period and ending with their favorite encore pieces. We also have a St. Patrick's Day program featuring Boys of the Lough (March 17) whose warm and vital performances have won them friends from the village halls of Scotland to international concert and festival stages. The season ends on a high note with the return of three-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves (April 15).

Categories: openings_events

Are you a budding playwright?

2006-06-25T08:07:00.000-04:00

Do you have an unfinished script gathering dust in the back of your closet? Why not dust it off, put your nose to the grindstone and finish it! If you're lucky, you just may see it on a stage right around the corner.

Richmond is home to two very successful new play competitions:

Henrico Theatre Company is currently accepting one-act plays for entry into their 21st Annual One-Act Play Competition. First prize receives $300, and the top three plays are usually staged as part of HTC's annual One Act Showcase. Deadline July 1.

Firehouse Theatre Project is seeking full length plays for entry into its 5th Annual Festival of New American Plays. Two winners receive stage readings and prizes of $1000 and $500. Deadline July 31.

And even if you're not a playwright, be sure to come out to see some brand new plays from tomorrow's Tennessee Williams and Wendy Wasserstein. Firehouse's festival usually runs in January, while HTC's showcase runs in February.

Hope to see you there!

Categories: general_theatre

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-06-25T07:59:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing through 8/13
Richmond Shakespeare Festival... Taming of the Shrew, playing through 7/9
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing 6/2 through 8/12

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-06-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing 6/9 through 8/13
Barksdale Theatre... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern, EXTENDED through 7/9
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... Epic Proportions, playing through 6/17
Richmond Shakespeare Festival... Taming of the Shrew, playing at Agecroft Hall 6/15 through 7/9
Richmond Triangle Players... Najinsky's Last Dance, playing 6/14 through 6/25
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing through 8/12

And on a side note - an event you may want to know about:
Yellow House... Two Houses - a film festival, Increasing awareness of mental illness through film and discussion. Playing Firehouse 6/16 & 6/18, Byrd Theatre 6/17 (check their website for times and details)

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-05-31T12:23:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Full Monty, playing 6/9 through 8/13
Barksdale Theatre... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern through 6/18
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... Epic Proportions, playing through 6/17
Swift Creek Mill... Steel Magnolias, playing 6/2 through 8/12

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Radio Play to Air on WCVE

2006-05-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

If you missed the performances of The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial at Modlin, tune in to WCVE on Monday! Information from the Modlin Center:

Modlin Center Performance Makes It to the Airwaves

L.A. Theatre Works production of "The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial," as recorded in January at the Modlin Center for the Arts, will air on Monday, May 29 at 7 pm on 88.9 FM WCVE Richmond.

In conjunction with the 80th Anniversary of the historical Scopes monkey trial over the right to teach the theory of evolution in public schools, L.A. Theatre Works brought their docudrama, "The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial" (adapted by Peter Goodchild from the original trial transcripts), to Richmond. Containing many of the key oral arguments in the case, this audio play of the trial illuminates the debate over freedom of inquiry and the separation of Church and State in a democratic society. The performance was a re-creation of the production format used for recording audio plays on stage, complete with a sound effects artist. The Richmond performances featured Edward Asner, James Cromwell, Sharon Gless and many other top actors.

Categories: general_theatre

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-05-22T10:49:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern through 6/18
Chamberlayne Actors Theatre... Epic Proportions, playing through 6/17
Richmond Triangle Players... The Stops, playing EXTENDED FURTHER through 5/27
Swift Creek Mill Theatre... Cotton Patch Gospel, playing through 5/27
Theatre Company at Fort Lee... The Sound of Music, playing through 5/28

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Season Rosters 2006-2007

2006-05-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!! Local theatres have begun to announce their exciting 2006-2007 seasons. There looks to be quite a few Richmond premieres in store for us next season.

BARKSDALE THEATRE
The Constant Wife
Mame
Brooklyn Boy
Intimate Apparel
Into the Woods

CHAMBERLAYNE ACTORS THEATRE
Importance of Being Earnest
The Runner Stumbles
Enchanted April
Curious Savage

FIREHOUSE THEATRE PROJECT
I Am My Own Wife
The Secret of Mme. Bonnard's Bath
This Is Our Youth
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife

SWIFT CREEK MILL THEATRE
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Forever Plaid
Flowers for Algernon
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Sleuth
I Just Gotta Sing

THEATRE IV
The True Story of Pocahantas
Snowflake
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
The Wizard of Oz

Check out the theatres' websites for their money-saving subscription offers. I'm happy to post seasons for any Richmond theatre. Just send me the info!

Categories: openings_events, theatre_companies

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-05-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:
Barksdale Theatre... The Syringa Tree, playing through 5/21
Barksdale Theatre... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern through 6/18
Firehouse Theatre Company... Dinner with Friends, playing through 5/30
Richmond Triangle Players... The Stops, playing EXTENDED FURTHER through 5/27
Swift Creek Mill Theatre... Cotton Patch Gospel, playing through 5/27
Theatre Company at Fort Lee... The Sound of Music, playing through 5/28

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events

2006-05-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:

Barksdale Theatre... The Syringa Tree, playing through 5/21
Barksdale Theatre.... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern 5/4 through 6/18
Firehouse Theatre Company... Dinner with Friends, playing through 5/30
Richmond Triangle Players... The Stops, playing EXTENDED FURTHER through 5/27
Swift Creek Mill Theatre... Cotton Patch Gospel, playing through 5/27
Theatre IV... Beauty and the Beast, playing through 5/14
Theatre Company at Fort Lee... The Sound of Music, playing 5/12 through 5/28

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

A Downtown Performing Arts Center - Can local artists afford it?

2006-05-08T13:05:00.000-04:00

I do not know much about the proposed arts center outside of what I read, but I have to say it is getting more and more difficult to keep up with all the changing players, opinions and actual facts. There was another article on this soap opera on Richmond.com last week.

In my opinion, Richmond could use an arts center downtown, not just a renovation of Carpenter. We could truly use a dedicated, multi-use space that the Richmond Symphony and other organizations can utilize year-round. The space should feature an audience size smaller than Carpenter or Landmark but larger than most of the current venues and also feature a stage space to serve multiple uses - dance, theatre and the symphony. We could also use the services of a fully realized arts center, something that all the Richmond area performing arts can utilize and audiences can think of as the "go-to" for information on all of Richmond's remarkable arts organizations.

But let us also not forget the other Richmond projects such as The Canal (where are all these restaurants and venues that were going to populate The Canal for tourists?), Sixth Street Marketplace (now, only a memory), and Main Street Station (it's a train station, it's a mall, it's not a mall, it's a restaurant/club, it's a -- wait for it -- *train station*.) Before the construction starts, the powers that be really need to partner with some of our local arts organizations to make sure that the music hall, or community theatre, or whatever it is that is built at the arts center will actually be used. And one very important factor to consider is that the space (or at least part of it) should be affordable to local artists. If the local artists cannot utilize the space because of prohibitive rental fees, then is there a point? We already have fantastic facilities for tours, national and international artists like Landmark, Carpenter and, of course, the Modlin Center at UR. If the arts center adjacent to the Carpenter Center is not rent structured to make it accessible to local artists, then I do not see much of a point in dragging this process along for a full arts center. If it's not affordable, I predict it will be rented by wedding parties and dance school recitals and will not become the performing arts hub that is envisioned.

I understand that City money is being used to build this arts center. I would not recommend spending millions to build a monstrosity that will not pay for itself. It is a documented fact that people who attend performances end up spending double the tickets prices, often more, on their experience -- from dinner to parking to souvenirs, etc. An arts center could be a great contributor not only to Richmond's heart and soul but also to its pocketbook, but only if there is an actual plan. Although the idea of "build it and they will come" has not worked for Richmond in the past, the movers and shakers behind the arts center still seem to subscribe to this notion.

Richmond deserves a place where it's home grown and wonderfully talented artists can continue to afford to explore their craft and audiences can think of as a central location. It seems a lot of time and energy has been spent by many different groups formed for many different reasons to figure this whole arts center thing out. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that when all is (finally) said and done, we've got the arts center we've all been dreaming of using and visiting.

And on a related note, the Carpenter Center is amazing and the renovation past due, particularly to expand the stage and wing space for the road shows. However it does seem out of sorts that this amazing space has sat empty for so long before any type of renovation has begun.

Fall of 2009 seems so very far away....

Categories: non-theatre, editorials

Jim Hillgartner Memorial - Specifics

2006-05-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

The information on Jim Hillgartner's memorial has been recently sent out. I did not want anyone to miss it, so rather than posting an update to the original blog about Jim, I'm posting this new entry about the memorial. Please read the original entry about Jim, and feel free to post your own comments about Jim on either blog post (to comment on any blog post, just the Comments link) .

Excerpts from the email regarding the memorial:

MEMORIAL SERVICE: SUNDAY, MAY 21ST, 5PM.
ALICE JEPSON THEATRE, MODLING CENTER FOR THE ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
(Directions to Modlin)

We would like to extend the invitation to all of his friends to join us on Sunday, May 21st at 5pm. A reception in the theatre lobby will immediately follow the service. If you are planning to attend and need hotel accommodations, rooms have been held under Hillgartner Memorial Service: at the Courtyard Marriott, 6400 Broad Street, RIchmond, VA. The discounted room rate will be offered through May 9th.
Marriott Reservations: 800.321.2211 or 804.282.1881 Richmond

If you plan to attend, please email Anna Morrone (miana@optonline.net).

MEMORIAL TRIBUTES
The James Hillgartner Award for Theatre will be awarded annually to a University of Richmond senior theatre major who shows extraordinary promise as an artist and passion for the art of the theatre.Contributions to the Hillgartner Award should be made payable and sent to the University of Richmond, Department of Theatre & Dance, 28 Westhampton Way, University of Richmond, VA 23173. "Hillgartner Award" should be included on the memo line of the check.

Categories: theatre_people

Special Benefit Performance

2006-05-04T15:46:00.000-04:00

Excellent news from the Barksdale:
The Barksdale Theatre cast and crew of The Syringa Tree has put together a benefit performance of the show for Monday, May 15th at 8 pm. All staff members, crew, and actor Jill Bari Steinberg will donate their time and give all ticket proceeds to the South Africa Development Fund at . More information about this worthwhile organization can be found at their web site www.southafrica-newyork.net/sadf.htm. Tickets for the May 15 benefit performance are only $32. Call Barksdale Theatre Box Office for more information (804)282-2620.

UPDATE:
Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.barksdalerichmond.org. Also, the star of The Syringa Tree, Jill Bari Steinberg, will be conducting a Q & A session immediately following the May 15 Benefit performance. This is an excellent opportunity to find out how she prepared for such a demanding role and get a behind-the-scenes glance at the production.

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events:

2006-05-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

Events opening or running currently:

Barksdale Theatre... The Syringa Tree, playing through 5/21
Barksdale Theatre.... No Sex Please... We're British, playing at Hanover Tavern 5/4 through 6/18
Firehouse Theatre Company... Dinner with Friends, playing through 5/30
Richmond Triangle Players... The Stops, playing EXTENDED through 5/20
Swift Creek Mill Theatre... Cotton Patch Gospel, playing through 5/27
Theatre IV... Beauty and the Beast, playing through 5/14
Theatre Company at Fort Lee... The Sound of Music, playing 5/12 through 5/28

And on a side note - an event you may want to know about:
Yellow House... Hitoro the Peasant (their first feature film shot entirely in Richmond) playing at the Byrd Theatre 5/6

If I missed something opening or running this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Modlin Center - an amazing year!

2006-05-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

We here at ART love the Modlin Center. This past season was amazing; everything from Black Watch to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones to The Great Monkey Trial to Ravi Shankar and a whole bunch of great stuff in between. They really do some of the best and most varied entertainment in Richmond. If you have not checked them out yet, I highly recommend making a point of taking in at least two or three different things, there is something for everyone in their seasons.

Speaking of their seasons - I cannot wait for the 2006-2007 season. I recently heard on the radio some of what might be coming - very exciting stuff. Their website announces that subscriptions go on sale July 5th. Keep your eye on their site for the new line-up next season or sign up for their email list.

UPDATE:
Their newest email includes specifics on the lineup for next season - fantastic!

"Cirque Eloize, the Modlin Center's most popular attraction by far, returns to campus in January with a new production, "Rain." This little cousin to Cirque du Soleil presented four sold out shows in 2003 and now returns with its signature blend of circus arts. MOMIX also returns to Richmond to perform its newest magical multimedia piece, "Lunar Sea." To miss Moses Pendleton's "Lunar Sea" would be sheer lunacy!
Two recent artists, banjo-master Bela Fleck and pianist Chick Corea, who both performed this past season with their own groups, will return to the Modlin Center stage as an acoustic duo. We also welcome back perennial favorites Shanghai Quartet and eighth blackbird as they return to their "home away from home" at the Modlin Center.
Always a large part of any Modlin Center season, world music takes center stage with several new artists. Tiempo Libre is one the hottest young Latin bands today, and their performance will bring the audience to their feet and dancing in the aisles. Hungarian violinist Roby Lakatos visits town with his Gypsy Ensemble. Lakatos combines aspects of Western classical violin technique with jazz, Middle Eastern rhythms and pop in an extraordinary display of virtuosity.
One of our most exciting events of the 2006-2007 season will undoubtedly be author and humorist David Sedaris, scheduled for Richmond's Landmark Theater. His sardonic wit and incisive social critique have made him one of America's pre-eminent creative writers.
The complete season will be announced in July and subscription orders will be accepted beginning July 5 when the box office reopens. To receive the printed brochure, update your account information this month using the link at the end of this message. Or visit our Web site in July for all the details. We look forward to seeing you in the audience next season!"

Categories: general_theatre

Sex Comes Later....

2006-04-21T12:13:00.000-04:00

A message from Bruce Miller regarding Sex - actually regarding the upcoming show No Sex Please, We're British:
Bruce Miller, Artistic Director of Barksdale Theatre and director of No Sex Please, We're British, announced this morning that he is canceling the first week of No Sex and postponing the opening to Thursday, May 4. Within the scheduled three-week rehearsal period, approximately half of the rehearsals have been cancelled due to cast illness and other conflicts. "No Sex Please requires a great deal of fast comic precision," Miller says, "and it's impossible to carry out these antics safely without adequate rehearsal." Barksdale is sending $10 vouchers to all those who hold tickets for the cancelled performances. The vouchers are good for any upcoming performances at Barksdale Hanover Tavern, Barksdale Willow Lawn, Barksdale at Steward School, and Theatre IV. Barksdale's production of Syringa Tree and Theatre IV's production of Beauty and the Beast are both opening this evening as scheduled. Ticket holders for the cancelled performances of No Sex Please will be rescheduled into the performance of their choice later in the run. In addition to letters being mailed today, the Box Office will begin calling ticket holders tomorrow with news of the cancellations.

I'm looking forward to catching this production no matter when it arrives to Barksdale. Nice to know that actors are human, too, I wish everyone good health through closing.

Categories: openings_events

Upcoming Theatre Events:

2006-04-21T10:01:00.000-04:00

April 21-28 openings:
Barksdale Theatre... The Syringa Tree, playing through May 21
Firehouse Theatre Company... Dinner with Friends, April 27-May 30
Reflections Repertory Company... The Traveling Sisters (Benefit performance), April 28-30
Richmond Triangle Players... The Stops, playing through May 13
Theatre IV... Beauty and the Beast, playing through May 14

If I missed something opening this week or next, let me know!

Categories: openings_events

Open Captioning at "Amadeus"

2006-04-21T09:44:00.000-04:00

I know it is "old news" as the RTD announced it on Sunday the 9th, but I still think it is cool - University of Richmond Players will have Open Captioning for their matinee performance of Amadeus on Saturday, 4/22, at 2pm. I hope the word gets out and some people who may not normally attend theatre in the Richmond area have a chance to experience this amazing performance space. I've seen the show, the technical elements are top notch, Michael Goodwin and "J.L. Fulcher" are truly playing at their best, and the students are quite good, too. If you have never experienced an Open Caption show, I recommend trying to get out and support this production. Maybe if more people attend, we can all benefit in the long run by finding funding so every theatre in town can have at least one Open Caption performance per run.

Wouldn't it be great to expand theatre audiences in a whole new direction?

Read the entire RTD "On the Aisle" about Open Captioning at UR here.

Categories: general_theatre

Sycamore Rouge is Shaking up Petersburg

2006-04-14T08:25:00.000-04:00

I've been reading email updates from Sycamore Rouge in Downtown Petersburg for awhile and I have to say that I am truly impressed. They have a new opportunity you should take advantage of - free tickets to everyone who has never been there yet. Here is the explanation from their email:

"Have you told EVERYONE YOU KNOW about Sycamore Rouge??? We’re about to unveil a big—I mean BIG—campaign to give the world a taste of this place. I won’t go into details now, but I don’t mind quietly mentioning that it does involve…A FREE FIRST TICKET TO SYCAMORE ROUGE FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN THE ENTIRE WOLRD. …so you really should tell your friends. They’ll thank you. They’ll love you. They’ll think you’re too cool for school."

The message goes on a bit more to describe some of their upcoming events. Lots of good stuff, I recommend giving it a shot. After all, you have nothing to lose!

Visit their website for more information, Sycamore Rouge.

Oh yes, and if you happen to be seeking employment, I hear they are currently taking applications for a Managing Director.

Categories: theatre_companies

Jim Hillgartner - One of Richmond's Very Best!

2006-04-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

The thing about living in Richmond is that there really are some truly fine actors, directors, designers, musicians, and other talent that it takes to create theatre. I love living here. I love the variety of performing arts, and I'm particularly fond of the theatre here.

One of my very favorite actors for many years has always been Jim Hillgartner. I do not care what play he is in, I'm there, front and center. The man can really hold your attention, and it seems from what I've heard that he is kind, intelligent and very giving. Well, you cannot ask for better than all those traits added in with his superb skill.

And on top of that, I saw him at many theatre events. What are the chances that I happened to go to the theatre on the same night as Jim on many occasions? This just goes to show that he really must have supported local theatre. Classy guy, that Jim Hillgartner.

Last evening, we lost this amazing person. Richmond theatre just will not be the same.

I'm glad I was able to see him in many performances - I think my favorite was in Pirates of Penzance at TheatreVirginia. I know that we are all saddened by this great loss. But Jim is a part of all of us - those who have seen him and worked with him - and we shall try our best to carry on his grand tradition of fine acting and supportive audience member.

Here's to Jim!

(For a bio and photo of Jim, go to this link for Heritage Repertory, and click "Jim Hillgartner" - and then there is a great photo of Jim with Lorna Luft from the UR Players production of Gypsy.)

UPDATE: RTD Obituary - note that a tribute to Jim is planned for May 21

UPDATE: There is a very nice insert tribute to Jim in the Amadeus playbill (running through Sunday 4/23 at UR).

UPDATE: Barksdale's The Syringa Tree has been dedicated to Jim's memory.

Categories: general_theatre, theatre_people

2005 ART Newsletter

2006-04-07T14:52:00.001-04:00

By popular demand... Okay, only the ART staff requested it, but here are jpg files from the the 2005 ART Newsletter: (Note, blogger isn't fond of pdf files. These images are not as clear as we'd like. If you'd like a clean pdf copy of your very own - email us.)

Categories: yearly_newsletters

ART = Appreciating Richmond Theatre

2006-04-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

Early each year we here at ART have an open forum ballot system where anyone who loves theatre in Richmond can vote on their favorites in a newsletter produced each March. Everything from actors to set design to sound.... and a whole bunch of wonderful stuff in between. At the end of the ballot process, we do the math and present who you voted for as the best of the year.

We do not write reviews here at ART. Instead, we want to focus on theatre news and updates. Offer a forum for thought and discussion. We happily (and expectantly) take open forum comments of any type - we do reserve the right to edit as necessary. We also reserve the right to refuse comments or suggestions if they become negative or inflammatory.

Please send comments, suggestions, ideas, brainstorms, whatever to us via this blog or at art_richmond@yahoo.com.

Remember, the ART Newsletter is about CELEBRATING what is wonderful about theatre - and the theatre community - in Richmond, Virginia.

Happy Blogging!

Categories: general_theatre