Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Signature Season:
Night Blooms: In 1965 Selma, Alabama, a night blooming Cereus comes to life on the porch as an historic movement marches forward in the streets. And in the Stafford home, an unexpected visitor changes the lives of two families forever, proving that personal ties are more intricate than politics, and that true social change demands love, humor, and grace. Runs September 28-October 21, 2012.
The Producers: Max Bailystock (a washed-up Broadway producer) and Leo Bloom (a neurotic accountant) team up to make millions… by producing the biggest flop in Broadway history! They find the worst play ever written, obtain a large number of investors, hire a lead actor and director with absolutely no talent, and then sit back and wait for the bad reviews… but the plan doesn’t go quite as expected when the show becomes a smash hit! Runs November 14, 2012- January 13, 2013.
Noel Coward’s Hay Fever: How does “the other half” live, when “the other half” is a family of four celebrated bon vivants each of whom finds it impossible to share the spotlight? The eccentric Bliss family — including matriarch Judith (a “retired” actress), her husband David (a renowned author), and their two artistic, adult children — has decided to host a “weekend in the country” at their rural estate / artists’ retreat. The unsuspecting guests all become victims in the self-serving shenanigans of the four bohemians as they seek to out-trip each other in the light fantastic. Everything goes blissfully awry in this sparkling and stylish comedy of manners. Runs February 15-March 10, 2013.
Red: A searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability, Red is a moving and compelling account of Mark Rothko (one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century) and his young assistant, Ken. As Rothko struggles with a recent commission by New York’s Four Seasons Restaurant, the two men both go head to head on the methods and purpose of art and the dynamic relationship between an artist and his creations. Runs April 26-June 16, 2013.
The Color Purple: An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world, this musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. Runs June 28-August 11, 2013.
Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Barksdale Season at Hanover Tavern:
The Hound of the Baskervilles: If you enjoy Abbott and Costello, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, or even just a zany night of entertainment, you’ll love this hysterical farce, adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous Sherlock Holmes story. Three actors take on more than twenty roles including Holmes, Dr. Watson, and themselves as they hilariously retell the story of the classic thriller with the killer dog! Runs September 14- November 4, 2012.
A Lug Nuts Christmas: In the mid-1960s, the Lug Nuts were all the rage. Five teenage grease monkeys formed an a cappella group and doo-wopped their way into the hearts of Mechanicsville. After a slight misunderstanding involving homecoming princess Betty Lou Alsop, the guys went their separate ways. Now, in 1991, the leaders of Barksdale Theatre have decided to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Hanover Tavern by inviting the Lug Nuts to join voices once again for a holiday reunion concert. And Merrily Goodall, the new music teacher at Hanover County Public Schools, has agreed to whip the "boys" back into shape. Runs November 23, 2012-January 6, 2013.
Cotton Patch Gospel: A gem of musical theater, this reverent adaption of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” transplants the story of Jesus into the mid-20th-century American South and considers what might have happened had Jesus been born in Georgia — with Gainesville standing in for Bethlehem, Valdosta for Nazareth and Atlanta as the fateful Jerusalem. Runs January 25-April 28, 2013.
Steel Magnolias: “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion,” says Truvy, the sassy hairdresser and owner of her own salon in Chinquapin Parish, the setting for one of America’s favorite comedies. This salon is where six wonderful (and often wacky) Southern women come not only to get their hair done, but also to share stories, recipes, triumphs, and loss. A delightful and heart-touching comedy about the bonds that hold us together, Steel Magnolias will have you, too, laughing through tears. Runs July 12- August 25, 2013.
Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Theatre of Virginia:
Young Tom Jefferson: This fun, robust musical follows Thomas Jefferson from his birth in Virginia through his writing of the Declaration of Independence on the eve of the American Revolution. Amidst adversity, Tom continued his education, eventually studying law at William & Mary, and ultimately rose to the top ranks of leadership in Virginia and the new nation of the United States. Along with associates Patrick Henry, George Wythe, George Mason and Benjamin Franklin, young Thomas Jefferson helped to forge a national character that continues to guide us today. Runs September 28- October 21, 2012.
Madeline’s Christmas: C’est Madeline! In this festive holiday musical Miss Clavel and all the other little girls catch the flu… but not Madeline. With the help of a magical rug salesman and a dose of holiday cheer, Madeline finds a way to nurse her friends back to health and get them to their families in time for Christmas. Including such charming songs as “Achoo!,” “Abracadabra,” and “Bonne Annee,” this holiday treat will have the whole family singing on the way home! Joyeux Noël! Runs November 30- December 30, 2012.
The Magic Flute: This thrilling children’s theatre adaptation of one of the greatest fantasies ever written is back! Fairy tale magic hangs in the air when the mysterious Queen of the Night sends young Prince Tamino – armed only with a golden flute and a feathered friend – to rescues her lovely daughter. The Prince soon learns that nothing is as it seems and he must pass many tests before he and his beloved Princess can live happily ever after. Mozart’s masterpiece imparts a poignant message of tolerance as it weaves a web of make-believe and music that will dazzle and delight! Runs January 18-February 10, 2013.
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Based on the timeless picture books by Bernard Waber, our production of this crowd-pleasing musical has been taking the country by storm for years. Join young Josh Primm as he moves to new York City, and share magical adventures with his loving parents, his stage struck nemesis Hector P. Valenti, his rambunctious new friends, his persnickety neighbor Mr. Grumps, and his misfit (but very special) reptilian pet – Lyle! Runs March 1-24, 2013.
The Music Man: When fast talking Harold Hill comes marching into town, you know there’s going to be trouble right here in River City. His goal is to con the good townspeople out of their money, but Marian the Librarian has other plans. This wonderful slice of Americana will leave your entire family humming such familiar tunes as “Seventy-Six Trombones, “Gary, Indiana,” and “’Till There Was You.” By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic, and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Runs April 12-May 19, 2013.
Richard Scarry’s Busytown: Based on the wildly popular children’s books by Richard Scarry, this zany, colorful musical will tickle all the way down to the wee ones! Join Huckle Cat on a tour of his fascinating neighborhood, with so much to see and do, and so many wonderful friends to visit. Learn how Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat work together to bring food to town, how Construction Worker and his crew build new houses, and how Fire Chief and the gang keep them safe. It’s wonderful here in Busytown; don’t miss the trip. Runs July 5-28, 2013.