BroadwayWorld.com Central Virginia Stories

TAMBO & BONES to Open at 5th Wall Theatre

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:30:24 PST

This June, 5th Wall Theatre, in collaboration with the Blk Virginia Theatre Alliance, will bring Dave Harris's play Tambo & Bones to Richmond audiences.

Part satire, part concert, and part historical reckoning, Tambo & Bones follows two Black performers as they navigate America's evolving racial landscape across centuries. Beginning in the world of minstrelsy and hurtling toward a provocative vision of the future, the play continually reinvents itself, blending comedy, music, and incisive social commentary into a theatrical experience unlike any other.

Praised for its daring structure and fearless storytelling, Tambo & Bones has emerged as one of the most talked-about contemporary American plays. Through its examination of race, performance, capitalism, and power, the work challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the resilience, creativity, and resistance at the heart of Black artistic expression.

Directed by Jeremy V. Morris, the production continues 5th Wall Theatre's commitment to presenting contemporary works that spark conversation and engage audiences with urgent questions about the world we share.

"Dave Harris has written a play that refuses easy categorization," said Kaitlin Paige Longoria, Artistic Director of 5th Wall Theatre. "It's sharp, funny, unsettling, and fiercely intelligent. Tambo & Bones asks audiences to examine the ways race, performance, and power have shaped America while continually reinventing itself before your eyes. The play embraces complexity rather than certainty, and that's precisely what makes it such an exhilarating piece of theatre. We are proud to bring a work of this scale, ambition, and urgency to Richmond audiences."

The production also marks a significant collaboration between 5th Wall Theatre and the Blk Virginia Theatre Alliance, bringing together artists and organizations dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black theatre makers and creating space for stories that inspire dialogue and deepen community engagement.

"When theatre makers come together with a shared purpose, art becomes a catalyst," said Tariq Karriem. "This collaboration is a testament to what happens when we intentionally choose to elevate voices that need to be heard."

Tambo & Bones runs June 25–July 25, 2026, at 5th Wall Theatre at The Basement.

TAMBO & BONES to Open at 5th Wall Theatre

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:30:24 PST

This June, 5th Wall Theatre, in collaboration with the Blk Virginia Theatre Alliance, will bring Dave Harris's play Tambo & Bones to Richmond audiences.

Tambo & Bones runs June 25–July 25, 2026, at 5th Wall Theatre at The Basement.

SISTER ACT Will Come to Little Theatre of Virginia Beach This Summer

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:10:21 PST

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach will present Sister Act, the feel-good musical comedy based on the beloved hit film, this summer. Performances will run July 17- August 9, 2026.

When aspiring nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a crime, she is placed in protective custody in the last place anyone would expect—a convent. Disguised as a nun, Deloris struggles to fit into the quiet religious community until she discovers an opportunity to transform the convent's struggling choir. With her infectious energy and soulful talent, she breathes new life into the choir, attracting attention from the community—and the very people from whom she's hiding.

Featuring music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors), Sister Act delivers an uplifting blend of disco, gospel, soul, and Motown-inspired songs. The musical celebrates friendship, self-discovery, and the power of coming together in harmony.

“I am so excited to direct Sister Act,” says director Kay Burcher, “I love directing musicals because they are so much fun, and Sister Act is no different. But it also has something some other musicals don’t have. In addition to the high energy and amazing singing, dancing and acting, the musical contains the heartwarming story of people coming together to support one another in different ways. My cast and crew are committed to bringing this uplifting story to the community with their own heart and soul behind their performances and I hope everyone will feel that love as they watch the show.”

This production features a talented cast of local performers, vibrant costumes, and energetic musical numbers that bring this beloved story to life on stage. The music is by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, and additional material by Douglas Carter Beane.

SISTER ACT Will Come to Little Theatre of Virginia Beach This Summer

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:10:21 PST

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach will present Sister Act, the feel-good musical comedy based on the beloved hit film, this summer. Performances will run July 17- August 9, 2026.

KEN LUDWIG'S MORIARTY to Open Virginia Theatre Festival's 52nd Season

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:15:25 PST

The Virginia Theatre Festival kicks off its 52nd season by showcasing the literary world's most famous detective as you have never seen him before in Ken Ludwig's Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure, performed in the Ruth Caplin Theatre from June 20-28.

Ken Ludwig's Moriarty mixes mystery, melodrama, and adventure in a story that features international intrigue, blackmail, spies, and more in a world where danger and laughter lurk around every corner. Ludwig, a Tony Award-winner, centers this story around a trove of love letters stolen from the King of Bohemia that risk an epic blackmail scandal with grave international implications. Holmes and his trusty sidekick, Doctor Watson, join forces with American actress Irene Adler to square off against Holmes' nemesis, Professor James Moriarity, and his network of criminal masterminds.

Noted theater and television director Nicolas Minas, who is returning to VTF after helming the acclaimed 2024 production of The 39 Steps, directs a nimble and talented cast of five actors who portray up to 20 characters while telling a story that pits good and evil in what becomes, he said, “a battle for the soul of our society.”

Despite these lofty stakes, Minas is quick to point out that Ken Ludwig's Moriarty audiences are in for a roaring good time – a fact encapsulated in a comment from a cast member during the first week of rehearsals. “Samuel Taylor, who is playing Watson, said, ‘Oh, this is at the speed of fun',” Minas shared. “That captures the show perfectly. It has romance, it has comedy, it is a thriller…the show is so many things packed into one story and our job is to capture all of that. That is the true joy of it.”

The high bar of presenting this complex world onstage is a big part of the appeal for Minas. “I love having stories that feel impossible,” Minas said. “This is the kind of story where anything can happen in your mind, and we are working with an incredible team of designers, actors, and theatre artists to build out the vision and make these many locations happen, to move these actors through the story at lightning speed, and to amp up a story that heads to a thrilling conclusion.”

Ken Ludwig's Moriarty, Minas said, has a unique appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans as well as those who might be discovering the ultimate whodunit's stories for the first time. “I think Holmes fans will have a great time and recognize certain things that are familiar while seeing how Ken Ludwig has cheekily changed things they might have a connection to, and those with little or no connection will have a great time at the theatre because this is a really good and really fun introduction that highlights the joy of making theatre. When you see something like this you sit there and wonder, ‘How on earth are they going to tell this story?' Then you watch it all happen right in front of you!”

Taking on a piece with so many moving parts takes serious care and preparation, Minas said. “A play is like a clock. There are so many different gears and parts that make it work, and when one of those things is out of place, the whole thing can fall apart. That is the process we are exploring now.”

Even more important, Minas added, is that while you are busy finding the right fit for all these pieces, you never lose sight of the ultimate goal of sharing this story with our audience. “At the heart of this story is the power of partnership and what happens when people come together to fight something or someone who is wronging them – and in this case to ensure that good wins over evil.”

Casting by Katja Zarolinski, CSA.

The Virginia Theatre Festival is a program of the University of Virginia, with support from the Office of the Provost, Vice Provost for the Arts, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Drama, and The Caplin Foundation.

The 2026 Virginia Theatre Festival season is supported by a generous grant from The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation. VTF's production of Ken Ludwig's Moriarty is presented by Charlottesville Media Group, The Parker Group at Morgan Stanley, and Virginia Cenedella.

VTF's 2026 Season will also include Disney's Newsies (July 9-19 in the Culbreth Theatre) and Frida…A Self Portrait (July 23-26 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre). Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. Volunteer opportunities are also available this summer, and you can view more information on how to sign up here.

VTF donors provide essential support to the organization, while enjoying exclusive benefits like complimentary tickets, invitations to special events, behind-the-scenes access, and more. For more information on ways to support the upcoming season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org/support.

To learn more about the Virginia Theatre Festival and its 2026 season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org.

Ken Ludwig's Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure is presented by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals company. www.concordtheatricals.com. The show was originally produced at Cleveland Play House, Guest Artistic & Managing Director Mark Cuddy.

KEN LUDWIG'S MORIARTY to Open Virginia Theatre Festival's 52nd Season

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:15:25 PST

Casting by Katja Zarolinski, CSA.

To learn more about the Virginia Theatre Festival and its 2026 season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org.

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

SAFETY to Make World Premiere at Firehouse Theatre

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:57:13 PST

The Firehouse Theatre will present the world premiere of Safety written by Irene Ziegler, with music by John Winn. Safety - a comedy about trauma - is a powerful new musical that blends humor, heart, and magical realism as it explores the universal search for security in an uncertain world. Ziegler and Winn are a dynamic creative duo whose contributions to Richmond's arts community have helped shape the local theatre landscape for decades. Leading the cast is Grey Garrett, a true RVA theatre star and local legend, whose remarkable Stage Presence and celebrated career have made her one of Richmond's most beloved performers. Safety also marks Garrett's second time assuming a leading role in Firehouse Theatre's 32nd MainStage season.The production will be directed by Firehouse Executive Director, Nathaniel Shaw.

Safety opens on Friday July 10th, 2026, on the Carol Piersol Stage at the Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street. Prior to opening, Firehouse will host two Pay-What-You-Will preview performances on Wednesday, July 8th and Thursday, July 9th. The production will run through Sunday July 26th, 2026.

After a traumatic event, Camille tries to hold things together for herself and her ailing mother. A series of escalating complications challenge her newfound sense of safety and force her to confront the source of her fear. Blending humor, romance, and magical realism, this provocative new musical explores the quest for safety—both external and within—and the strength it takes to embrace hope in the face of uncertainty.

The cast features Grey Garrett as Camille, Nathan Whitmer as George, Jackie Jones as Margaret, Tyler Stevens as Randy, Zakiyyah Jackson as Vershay, William Vaughn as Crank, and Nick Aliff as Boogeyman.

SAFETY to Make World Premiere at Firehouse Theatre

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:57:13 PST

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

AS YOU LIKE IT, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and More Set For Richmond Shakespeare Festival

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:27:37 PST

Richmond Shakespeare has announced the 2026 Shakespeare Festival, a season of immersive theatrical experiences that transforms some of Virginia's most beautiful and historic locations into living stages. Featuring productions staged in gardens, amphitheatres, and intimate performance venues, the Festival invites audiences to step directly into the worlds of William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and American history.

“The 2026 Festival reflects our commitment to making classical theatre immersive, accessible, and deeply connected to place,” said Jase Smith Sullivan, Managing Director of Richmond Shakespeare. “We are thrilled to partner with William & Mary to bring Shakespeare back to Williamsburg while continuing to expand the Festival's presence in Richmond. These productions invite audiences to experience theatre not just as spectators, but as participants in extraordinary spaces shaped by history, architecture, and landscape.”

The season begins with William Shakespeare's As You Like It, performed June 25 through July 12 in Sabot School's Gillette Garden in Richmond. Audiences will be transported into the Forest of Arden itself as Shakespeare's joyful comedy unfolds amid the lush gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette on the historic Stony Point estate. Built in 1925 in a fanciful blend of Tudor, Elizabethan, and Jacobean styles, the estate provides a richly atmospheric setting for Rosalind's journey of disguise, romance, and self-discovery.

Filled with music, wit, and mistaken identities, As You Like It celebrates love in all its forms while reminding audiences that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost. The production then travels to Williamsburg for two special performances July 17 and 18 at the Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Originally constructed in 1947 to host Paul Green's The Common Glory, the lakeside amphitheatre continues a long tradition of outdoor storytelling and performance in Williamsburg, home to the earliest known Shakespeare performance in the American colonies.

Next, Richmond Shakespeare will present The Complete History of America (abridged) in the newly remodeled Lab Theatre at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall at William and Mary, July 30 through August 2. Arriving just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the wildly irreverent comedy races through 600 years of American history in ninety minutes, blending satire, physical comedy, and theatrical absurdity into a fast-paced celebration—and skewering—of the American story.

The Festival concludes in Richmond with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, performed August 6 through 29 at Richmond Triangle Players' Robert B. Moss Theatre. Wilde's beloved comedy of manners follows two charming bachelors who's invented alter egos spiral into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, romance, and social chaos. Filled with razor-sharp wit and delicious satire, the production offers a stylish and intimate finale to the Festival season.

Photos: EMPTY NIGHT to Make Virginia Beach Debut at Z Fringe Festival

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:56:51 PST

Hattimatim-Team will present award-winning playwright Abhisek Bhattacharya’s new play, “Empty Night,” on Friday, April 10, at 9:35 pm at Zeiders American Dream Theater (The Z, Studio), Virginia Beach, Virginia. See photos of the production.

This eagerly awaited play is directed by Bhattacharya himself, portraying the effects of climate change on animal-human interaction. It talks about the eternal parental love for their offspring, predator-prey relationships, and questions who the real predators are. It asks about the responsibility humans bear, not only to themselves but also to Mother Earth and its inhabitants. An injured thief runs into a wounded Bengal tiger under the shadow of a prominent politician's house, where the hunters are celebrating a successful hunt. The play portrays how the construction of a dam near a village destroys the forest and farmland, and disrupts the lives, hopes, and dreams of a farmer who turns to stealing, and a tigress who must take care of her cubs in whatever way she can. Their chance encounter brings hidden questions to the surface as both the creatures, apparently on the verge of death, both trying to fend for their children, confront what life has in store for them. Both make ultimate sacrifices, and in the process, one learns what it truly means to be a real human.

“This is a story of our times. Our world is changing, forests are disappearing, animal habitats are shrinking, and instead of hiding our collective heads in the sand, “Empty Night” decides to confront the problem — that too, from the perspective of an animal whose mesmerizing beauty is often overshadowed by its ferocity," says playwright and director Abhisek Bhattacharya. A short version of “Empty Night” thrilled audiences in Kansas City and Maryland, where each performance was met with warm, enthusiastic applause and thoughtful audience interaction. After Virginia Beach, “Empty Night” will be performed across the USA in multiple festivals.

Founded in 2019, Hattimatim-Team is a bilingual community theatre company based in Maryland, USA. For the last couple of years, they have performed all over the USA, from LA to off-off-Broadway play festivals in NYC, presenting Abhisek’s original plays. "Empty Night" is going to be their maiden production in Virginia Beach.

Photo Credit: Joshua Stubbs

Empty Night at the Z Fringe Festival 2026

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

Sandeep Das, The Texas Tenors and More Set for Western Piedmont Symphony 2026–2027 Concert Season

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:49:57 PST

Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS), the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina, has revealed its 2026-2027 season, the 62nd of WPS and the eighth season with Matthew Troy as Music Director. Joined by acclaimed guests in programming that spans beloved classics to the music of today, WPS will perform across the region in Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, and Boone.

The regional professional orchestra celebrates 62 years of music in the foothills of western North Carolina with more than fifteen concerts featuring music from across the centuries, from Handel to Max Richter, Tchaikovsky to Dinuk Wijeratne, Copland to Mark O'Connor, and more. Additional programming, community events, and educational offerings will be announced at a later date.

"As we enter the 62nd season of our journey as an orchestra, I am filled with pride and a bright optimism as we continue bringing exceptional artistic experiences to our region," noted Music Director and Conductor Matthew Troy. "The coming season is one driven by a bold and innovative vision that has been thoughtfully curated for our community. Come out and experience something real, something beautiful, and something powerful with the Western Piedmont Symphony!" added Troy.

2026-2027 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Symphony of the Shire

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

An evening of music from fantasy, films, and games. Featuring the memorable music from Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Robin Hood, Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, and more.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – SIDE/SHOW

Various locations, Downtown Hickory
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

An evening of FREE, unique performances with WPS Musicians and Friends spanning many musical genres including jazz, classical, and Americana. Presented in partnership with the City of Hickory and the Art Crawl and Hickory Downtown Development Association.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – Masterworks: Mystic Horizons

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artist Sandeep Das, tabla

The season-opening Masterworks features the dynamic Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra by Dinuk Wijeratne featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Sandeep Das, plus works by living composers Max Richter (On the Nature of Daylight) and Behzad Ranjbaran (Seven Passages from his Persian Trilogy). The mesmerizing fairytale from The Arabian Nights, Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov closes the evening.

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Masterworks: Handel's Messiah

St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artists: The Symphony Singers

A musical rite of the holiday season, Handel's Messiah is a virtuosic and emotional oratorio chronicling the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ conveyed in music. Presented in true Baroque style by an intimate ensemble of 50 musicians and professional singers.

Special date and location.

Friday, December 4, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

Everyone's favorite seasonal concert is back for an evening of holiday and winter music classics. The region's best way to start December and get some holiday cheer! Matt Sickels, guitar, will electrify with Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas songs. Additional guest artists to be announced.

Sunday, December 13, 2026 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Fall Concert

Drendel Auditorium, Hickory
3:00 p.m.

Hear our young musicians perform classical works. Both Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony are important parts of the Western Piedmont Symphony family and the local community, providing members with valuable orchestral experience and musical growth. Seating is reserved and assigned. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as this concert often sells out.

Saturday, February 13, 2027 – Masterworks: American Roots

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured Artists: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper

Experience the sounds of regional traditions and melodies in works by American composers Aaron Copland (Appalachian Spring), William Grant Still (Festive Overture), Charles Ives (Variations on "America"), and Mark O'Connor (Queen Anne's Revenge). GRAMMY Award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper will join the Symphony to perform a mix of Bluegrass and Americana songs for the second half of the concert.

Saturday, March 13, 2027 – Masterworks: Splendid Tchaikovsky

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artist to be announced

Embrace the romance of Russia in the Suite from Dr. Zhivago by OSCAR-winning composer Maurice Jarre, and a Tchaikovsky-centric program including the passionate tone poem Marche Slav, the bold and triumphant Piano Concerto No. 1, and the epic, theatrical fireworks and cannons of the iconic 1812 Overture.

Saturday, April 17, 2027 – Foothills Pops: The Texas Tenors

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

The Texas Tenors and the Western Piedmont Symphony perform a unique blend of country, classical, Broadway, and current pop music with breathtaking vocals, humor, and a touch of cowboy charm.

Sunday, May 16, 2027 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Spring Concert

Drendel Auditorium, Hickory
3:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Masterworks: Romantic Masters

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured Artist: Andrew Sords, violin

Western Piedmont Symphony welcomes violinist Andrew Sords for a program of rich Romantic works. The evening includes Ethel Smyth's Boatswain's Mate Overture, Sibelius's lush and lyrical Violin Concerto in D Minor, and Dvořák's Symphony No. 7, a deeply expressive and dramatic work that reflects the composer's love for his homeland.

And more ... free masterclasses, education concerts, and community engagement events and conversations in Hickory and throughout the greater Catawba Valley. For more information about the Western Piedmont Symphony 2026-2027 season of concerts and events, visit wpsymphony.org.

Please note: all programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates are subject to change.

SERIES SUBSCRIPTION AND TICKET INFORMATION

Season Subscriber Renewals happening now. New Series Subscription packages and Single Tickets on sale June 15, 2026. Series subscriptions offer up to 15% off the single ticket price and a reservation on your favorite seats. Flex-6 and Flex-10 packages also available.

Single ticket pricing:

Masterworks: $20-$58; students with valid ID $10 (regular C seat)

Foothills Pops: $33-$58; students with valid ID $10 (regular C seat)

WPS Youth Orchestras: $10-$12

SIDE/SHOW and community engagement events are FREE.

Student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. Students can purchase $10 tickets in sections A and B only when accompanied by an adult who also buys a ticket in the same section. Students may also buy individual $10 tickets in section C without requiring an additional adult ticket purchase.

Virginia Stage Company Secures First-Ever Endowed Leadership Position with Perry Family Gift

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:15:28 PST

Virginia Stage Company announced a landmark investment in its future: the establishment of its first-ever endowed leadership position, the Perry Producing Artistic Director, made possible through a major gift from the Perry family.

The endowment permanently supports the role currently held by Producing Artistic Director Tom Quaintance, ensuring long-term artistic leadership for the region's largest professional theatre company.

“This is a defining moment for Virginia Stage Company,” said Quaintance. “An endowed position like this provides stability, continuity, and the ability to plan boldly for the future. It allows us to focus not just on the next production, but on the next generation of storytelling in Hampton Roads.”

The Perry family's gift marks the first time Virginia Stage Company has endowed a leadership role, placing the organization among a select group of arts institutions nationwide with permanently funded artistic leadership.

“We believe deeply in the power of the arts to enrich and connect communities,” said Pat Perry. “Virginia Stage Company plays a vital role in the cultural life of Hampton Roads, and we are proud to support its future by endowing this leadership position.”

An endowed position ensures that funding for the role exists in perpetuity, strengthening the organization's long-term financial health while safeguarding its artistic vision.

Under Quaintance's leadership, Virginia Stage Company has expanded its artistic programming, deepened community partnerships, and increased access to live theatre across Hampton Roads.

The Perry family has long supported arts and cultural organizations throughout the region, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Virginia Arts Festival, among others.

Founded in 1978, Virginia Stage Company is the largest professional theatre company in Hampton Roads, serving more than 30,000 patrons annually through a season of mainstage productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Virginia Stage Company Secures First-Ever Endowed Leadership Position with Perry Family Gift

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:15:28 PST

The endowment permanently supports the role currently held by Producing Artistic Director Tom Quaintance, ensuring long-term artistic leadership for the region's largest professional theatre company.

An endowed position ensures that funding for the role exists in perpetuity, strengthening the organization's long-term financial health while safeguarding its artistic vision.

Under Quaintance's leadership, Virginia Stage Company has expanded its artistic programming, deepened community partnerships, and increased access to live theatre across Hampton Roads.

Jordan Jensen Will Bring Stand-Up Tour to Attucks Theatre in Norfolk

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:07:39 PST

Jordan Jensen has announced she will be bringing her new stand-up comedy tour, to the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk on September 25.

Tickets will be available starting at 10 AM local time this Wednesday, May 20 during pre-sales, before the general on sale starts at 10 AM local time this Friday, May 22. Tickets are available at the Scope Arena box office and online. Visit SevenVenues.com for more information.

About Jordan Jensen

Jordan Jensen is a stand-up comedian and actor whose hour-long comedy special, TAKE ME WITH YOU, recently debuted on Netflix and was praised by Decider as “a winning comedy debut that takes on femininity standards”.

Jordan headlines sold-out shows across the country and tours with Tom Segura. She amassed over a million followers across her social media platforms and has nearly 1.3 million views on her YouTube special. Jordan has built a strong digital following alongside her podcasts — co-hosting the fan-favorite “Bein' Ian with Jordan” and hosting her own, “RIP Jordan Jensen.”

Jordan can be seen in Bradley Cooper's feature IS THIS THING ON? for Searchlight starring Will Arnett. In 2025, Jordan was spotlighted in Deadline's "The Future Of Funny: 15 Comedians Ready To Break Out In 2025", following her earlier recognition in Vulture's “Comedians You Should and Will Know”. She has appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central Features, Don't Tell Comedy, Vice's Super Maximum Retro Show with Chris DiStefano and voiced the lead character in Adult Swim's "The Elephant". In 2021, she became the first female comic to win NY's Funniest Stand-Up Award at the New York Comedy Festival.

On stage at the Comedy Cellar or on screen, Jordan's comedy blends raw storytelling with fearless honesty, drawing on her unconventional upbringing and experiences on the road.

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

The North American Tour of THE NOTEBOOK hasannounced engagements for the 2026-27 season, adding 26 cites to the previously announced route, including stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. The tour began performances on September 6, 2025, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, and has welcomed over 500,000 patrons to date.

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of THE NOTEBOOK played Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre from March 2024 to December 2024 following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.

THE NOTEBOOK features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC's “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).

The creative team for the tour includes scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, and projection design by Lucy Mackinnon. The production's music supervisor is Carmel Dean, who also collaborated on arrangements with Ingrid Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy, and the music director is Tina Faye. Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

The production was recognized with three 2024 Tony Award nominations (Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical), Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, two Distinguished Performance Awards and the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical.

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
September 22 – October 4, 2026

Dayton, OH — Schuster Center
October 6 – 11, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI — DeVos Performance Hall
October 13 – 18, 2026

East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center
October 27 – November 1, 2026

Richmond, VA — Altria Theater
November 3 – 8, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA — Benedum Center
November 10 – 15, 2026

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre
December 8 – 20, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK — Civic Center Music Hall
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Houston, TX — Hobby Center
January 5 – 10, 2027

Dallas, TX — Winspear Opera House
January 12 – 24, 2027

New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
January 26 – 31, 2027

Hershey, PA — Hershey Theatre
February 3 – 7, 2027

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

Rochester, NY — Auditorium Theatre
February 16 – 21, 2027

Fayetteville, AR — Walton Arts Center
February 24 – 28, 2027

Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center
March 2 – 7, 2027

Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center
March 9 – 14, 2027

Ft. Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Hall
March 16 – 21, 2027

Naples, FL — Artis—Naples
March 23 – 28, 2027

North Charleston, SC — North Charleston PAC
March 30 – April 4, 2027

Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
April 6 – 11, 2027

Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre
April 13 – 18, 2027

Tucson, AZ — Centennial Hall
April 27 – May 2, 2027

San Jose, CA — Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 – 9, 2027

Sacramento, CA — SAFE Credit Union PAC
May 11 – 16, 2027

Charlottesville Arts Organizations Unite to Celebrate Frida Kahlo This Summer

Wed, 13 May 2026 21:09:13 PST

A trio of the area's leading arts organizations, including The Paramount Theater, The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA, and the Virginia Theatre Festival, are joining forces to celebrate the life, work, and legacy of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo with a series of phenomenal presentations and events.

The celebration begins with a special Paramount Theater event – Exhibition on Screen — Frida Kahlo at The Paramount Theater on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM. The award-winning film, directed by Ali Ray, was first released to a restricted audience during COVID and takes audiences on a fascinating journey through the life of an icon, uncovering the true story of her rebellious, passionate, and turbulent life. The film will feature exciting new additions from the blockbuster transatlantic exhibition from Tate Britain and MFA Houston, Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon. The event will be introduced by Karen E. Milbourne, J. Sanford Miller Family Director of The Fralin Museum of Art.

“We are proud to work alongside other community arts organizations, The Fralin Museum of Art and the Virginia Theatre Festival. Honoring an artist who continues to captivate generations of art and culture lovers like few artists ever have in three different formats is a treat. Kahlo's work and her extraordinary, passionate, and rebellious life is truly remarkable,” said Paramount Theater Director of Operations & Programming Matthew Simon.

Tickets for Exhibition on Screen — Frida Kahlo are currently on sale at theparamount.net.

The Fralin Museum of Art will also host a hands-on experience, “Art Together Paint and Sip,” for the community on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 PM. The event, which will be held on The Fralin Museum's outdoor plaza, will welcome art lovers and Kahlo enthusiasts to learn watercolor techniques inspired by the legendary artist's vibrant florals. Frida-inspired drinks and light bites will be served!

“Having The Fralin Museum of Art join forces with the Virginia Theatre Festival and The Paramount Theater--two outstanding Charlottesville arts organizations—makes each of us stronger. The motto of The Fralin is ‘art together,'” Fralin Director Karen Milbourne said. “We invite Charlottesville and communities beyond to come together with us and find inspiration in the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. See the play and unleash your own creativity!”

Pre-registration is available here, and non-member tickets are $25.00. Fralin Museum Members receive complimentary tickets and priority registration through May 18.

The summer-long celebration will conclude when the Virginia Theatre Festival presents Frida…A Self Portrait, from July 23-July 26 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre.

The show, written and performed by acclaimed actor and playwright Vanessa Severo and directed by Joanie Schultz, brings to life one of the world's most iconic and enduring cultural figures. It is an unfailingly original and boldly theatrical experience that sheds light on the artist as well as the performer while exploring how we shape ourselves through the art we love. Severo unlocks moving parallels between herself and Frida Kahlo while crafting a poetic performance that explores Kahlo's breathtaking life and astonishing genius.

On Friday, July 24, Karen E. Milbourne will lead a post-show Community Conversation with members of the cast and creative team.

“We are proud to be a part of this celebration of one of the most remarkable artists of the 20th century, who continues to captivate generations because of her work, her passion, and the way she lived her extraordinary life,” said Virginia Theatre Festival Artistic Director Jenny Wales. “This powerhouse, poetic performance by Vanessa Severo offers remarkable insight into the life Frida lived, and also explores how we shape ourselves through the art we love.”

Tickets for Frida...A Self Portrait start at $15 and are on sale now at virginiatheatrefestival.org.

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

StageMag, the digital show program platform from BroadwayWorld, today launched its new PDF Editor to all producers and stage managers using the service. The tool gives editors granular, real-time control over how their digital program renders as a downloadable or printable PDF - the format most often used in lobby printouts, accessibility packets, and press kits.

Until now, the StageMag-to-PDF path was a one-shot export: whatever fit, fit. The new editor turns the export into a configurable surface. Each section of a program including the cast list, song list, director's note, bios, advertisements, sponsor pages, articles, listings and more — can be individually told how to paginate. Editors choose between three strategies per section:

Flow: natural pagination, sections may split across pages.
Own page: start the section on a fresh page.
Fit one page: start fresh and scale the section to occupy the whole page.

A live preview pane re-renders the PDF on every change, so editors see the final printed result as they work rather than guessing and re-exporting.Beyond the strategy picker, the editor exposes a set of advanced controls familiar to anyone who has hand-tuned a long-form print document: hide-element selectors (drop sponsor strips or vestigial nav from the print version), forced page breaks before or after named elements, a draggable section-order list, custom header/footer/watermark text, and a custom-CSS escape hatch for theaters whose programs follow a house style.

The release also includes paper-level controls including US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, three margin presets, three type scales, and a "booklet" mode that adds a binding gutter for stapled lobby printouts.

The PDF Editor is available now to all StageMag-enabled productions at no additional cost, under the Share PDF tab in the program editor. Existing programs render with sensible defaults; the new controls are opt-in and per-production.

About StageMag

StageMag is BroadwayWorld's digital playbill platform, used by Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, university, and community theater productions to publish interactive programs that audiences open on their phones from a QR code in the lobby. StageMag is offered as a free service to participating productions.

About BroadwayWorld

Founded in 2003, BroadwayWorld is the largest theater website in the world, covering Broadway, the West End, and theater news, reviews, interviews, and resources across all 50 US states and 45 countries.

ArtsFairfax Unveils 2026 Awards Honorees for Fairfax County Arts Recognition

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:02:53 PST

ArtsFairfax, the nonprofit designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency, has revealed the 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards recipients. Celebrated as the annual event to recognize visionary contributions to the arts countywide, the 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards will take place at the Hyatt Regency Reston on October 30, 2026 to honor Bruce Berlage with the Jinx Hazel Award, Karen and Jim Cleveland with the Philanthropy Award, Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation with the Innovation Award, and Thomas Beveridge with the Achievement Award.

The event will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 11:15am – 2:00pm at the Hyatt Regency Reston.

Proceeds from the Awards help sustain the programs and services ArtsFairfax provides at no cost to local artists and arts organizations across the County. ArtsFairfax offers $820,000 in grants to over 60 local arts nonprofits annually; networking and professional development opportunities; public art and creative placemaking projects; and access to an online arts directory, events calendar, job board, listing of regional artist calls, and a public art locator mapping tool.

According to the 2022 Arts & Economic Prosperity Study, conducted by ArtsFairfax in partnership with Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts sector in Fairfax County represents a $300 million industry and generates $3 million of in-kind support and over 130,000 volunteer hours, demonstrating the value of the arts to County residents.

2026 ArtsFairfax Awards Honorees

ArtsFairfax Jinx Hazel Award: Bruce L. Berlage

The Jinx Hazel Award is ArtsFairfax's premier award recognizing an individual or organization whose vision and commitment has helped shape the cultural life of Fairfax County.

Bruce Berlage has spent a lifetime building neighborhoods and institutions, and now, a new cultural home for the arts in the heart of McLean. For his longtime support of McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) and naming gift for the creation of the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center, ArtsFairfax is proud to honor Bruce Berlage with the 2026 Jinx Hazel Award.

Born in Chicago and raised in Olney, Maryland, Berlage graduated from the University of Maryland, where he served as Vice President of the Student Government Association and established a legislative system still in use today. He was also active in campus radio, musical productions, and an a cappella group—formative experiences that led to a lifelong connection with the arts. Together with his beloved wife, Donna, Berlage established an endowed lecture fund at the University of Maryland supporting leadership programming.

Following graduate studies in business at George Washington University, Berlage served in the United States Army before starting a professional career in real estate development, homebuilding, and finance, serving as managing partner of Beck & Berlage Real Estate LLC. He also served as a director of NationsBank, as a life director of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, and as president and director of the Home Owners Warranty Corporation.

Berlage's artistic life and civic service have always been accompanied by a deep commitment to education and youth development. A lifelong connection to the 4-H program led him to chair the Maryland 4-H Foundation from 2004-2011 and to be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2022.

In McLean, Bruce and Donna Berlage shared a 43-year marriage and a deep love of art. Their homes were filled with artwork collected through sustained relationships with artists, and Donna was a much-loved presence at MPA until her passing in 2023.

When MPA set out to build a new, 6,100-square-foot space, Berlage helped move the project forward at every stage. In 2020, he was a positive force in the challenging months of COVID and served on the initial RFP evaluation and selection committees for architects and general contractors. For the last three years he has offered steady counsel and attended weekly Builder-Owner-Architect meetings, tracking the many moving parts of MPA's most significant capital project to date.

With a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 30, the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center is now open as a community resource, expanding access to contemporary art through new exhibition and arts education spaces, a professional ceramics studio, and an environment of hospitality with a café, adjacent patio, and nearby park. It also allows MPA to integrate visual art with music, film, artist talks, lectures, and public conversations. The newly opened facility, built with so much care and attention by its namesake, is a transformative new home for community gatherings in Fairfax.

ArtsFairfax Philanthropy Award: Karen and Jim Cleveland

The Philanthropy Award recognizes an individual, corporation, or foundation that has provided leadership funding or long-term monetary support to the arts.

Karen and Jim Cleveland have devoted their lives to strengthening the cultural landscape of Reston, carrying forward Robert E. Simon's founding vision of a community surrounded by nature, thoughtful design, and a shared sense of belonging. Guided by the belief that people of all backgrounds can live, work, and thrive together, 2026 Philanthropy Award recipients Karen and Jim Cleveland are steadfast champions of the arts' essential role in civic engagement.

Jim was a founding director of the Greater Reston Arts Center, now Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA). He served for more than two decades on their board, including roles as Board Chair and as a leader of several major fundraising efforts. Karen and Jim continue to support Tephra ICA. As lifelong art collectors, they have built personal relationships with the artists featured in their collection.

As President of the Reston Land Corporation, Jim guided the creation of the first phase of Reston Town Center in the early 1990s. Jim was also one of the founders and funders of the Reston Nature House and the Reston Historic Trust, which operates the Reston Museum. Jim also co-chaired the capital campaign to build the Reston YMCA and donated the land on which the YMCA now sits. Karen chaired the YMCA board and led the fundraising campaign to ensure that no one was ever turned away for an inability to pay.

Karen Cleveland's outstanding leadership is rooted in the principle that the business sector must give back to the broader community to thrive. She served as CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Northern VA, and Leadership Fairfax. She was also the visionary behind the Best of Reston Awards for Community Service, a program that recognized and inspired local philanthropy for over 25 years. Both Karen and Jim were honored individually through this program, and together in 2011, they received the prestigious Robert E. Simon Award for Community Service Lifetime Achievement. Karen and Jim have each served as Board Chair of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts Associates Board, and both have been involved with Public Art Reston since its founding, with Karen currently serving as Board Chair.

Through their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment, Karen and Jim Cleveland have helped shape Reston into a community where the arts flourish, connections deepen, and Simon's vision continues to thrive.

ArtsFairfax Innovation Award: Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation

The Innovation Award recognizes an individual or organization that has implemented nontraditional or inventive approaches to their art form or has uniquely engaged audiences in the arts.

For their innovative approach to using public art as an economic development tool, Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is the 2026 Innovation Award recipient.

Since the late 1990s, Fairfax County has identified the Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) corridor from the beltway to Fort Belvoir as a Community Revitalization District, or area poised for redevelopment. Enter SFDC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of Southeast Fairfax through community revitalization, business support, and strategic partnerships.

More specifically, SFDC's recent placemaking efforts have brought new energy to the corridor through beautification, public art, gateway features, and initiatives designed to create memorable spaces. SFDC implemented art along the corridor in two ways: first, they commissioned five murals, and second, they launched the “Faces of One” project, a proof of concept for the value of public art that has resulted in economic growth and a stronger sense of place.

With a vision to transform Route 1 into a nine-mile-long gallery of public art, but without the necessary budget to purchase or commission sculptures, SFDC partnered with artist Michael Alfano to dream up “Faces of One.” Together, they identified 10 sculptures and a one-year lease agreement (which has since been renewed) to publicly exhibit the artwork in key locations along Richmond Highway. Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, SFDC successfully employed public art to engage local businesses, residents, and visitors.

“The ‘Faces of One' project seeks to spark conversation, pride, and a sense of shared history. The sculptures are strategically placed along the corridor, transforming familiar spaces into engaging destinations that encourage exploration and interaction,” says Evan Kaufman, SFDC Executive Director. He continues, “It is a celebration of the stories and people that shape our community. The sculptures embody themes of connection, transformation, and identity, inviting people to reflect on the shared experiences that define Richmond Highway.”

Each sculpture represents someone who lived in or built the area and includes interpretive signs with QR codes, offering viewers deeper insights into each piece, its story, and the broader vision for the project. At the end of the lease term, local businesses will have the option to retain the sculptures on their property. Additionally, the nearby Nepenthe Gallery has sold small replicas of the sculptures, and the American Horticultural Society has featured some of the sculptures in their gardens.

By focusing their attention and investment in public art, SFDC has demonstrated arts' ability to invigorate placemaking, create local identity, and boost economic activity.

ArtsFairfax Achievement Award: Thomas Beveridge

The Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding career of an artist in any discipline who has made a lasting contribution to their discipline and/or community.

For his distinguished career as a soloist, composer, and conductor, and for his contributions to the Washington music community, Thomas Beveridge is the 2026 Achievement Award honoree.

After studying composition, conducting, and voice at Harvard College and Fontainebleau Schools of Music and Fine Arts, Beveridge's career as a professional singer took him across the country and around the world. He performed solo recitals at Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space in New York, and at the Phillips Collection, Corcoran Gallery, Library of Congress, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

In 1991, Beveridge founded New Dominion Chorale as the first major non-audition community chorus in the area. By continuing this tradition, the Chorale has established itself as a professional chorus that is welcoming to all. In addition to performing concerts of choral masterworks, operetta, and show tunes, the Chorale upholds an active outreach program, having presented many free programs for children in Fairfax Hospital, at nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential facilities. Beveridge has been a long-time supporter of the Washington International Competition for Voice triennial competition, crafting entire Chorale programs to showcase young soloists. In 2016, he was named an honorary member of the Friday Morning Music Club for his service to the greater Washington music community.

Beveridge's accomplishments include over 700 compositions and arrangements. He has received commissions from Harvard University, Harvard Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation at the Library of Congress. His papers and manuscripts have been accepted by George Mason University for inclusion in their special collections library. In 2023, Beveridge's ONCE: In Memoriam Martin Luther King, Jr., commissioned by the Choral Arts Society, was performed with the Heritage Signature Chorale on the 60th anniversary of Dr. King's March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Most notably, Beveridge's Yizkor Requiem, which premiered in 1994, was hailed as “a major American work” in national press and was singled out by Joseph McLellan, chief music critic of The Washington Post, as “one of the music season's most memorable events.” Written in honor of his parents following the death of his father, Yizkor Requiem combines Jewish and Christian liturgies into a single work that demonstrates the connections between faiths and the importance of remembering those loved and lost. The Chorale has performed the Yizkor Requiem at Washington Hebrew Congregation, Georgetown University, Washington National Cathedral, and most recently in 2025 at the National Presbyterian Church as a free concert to the public.

Beveridge was formerly the Director of Choral Activities at George Mason University and Chorus Master of the Washington National Opera. He has also appeared at the Kennedy Center as guest conductor of the Washington Chamber Symphony for their Messiah sing-along. Beveridge was guest assistant conductor for the Choral Arts Society's performance of Knaifel's Chapter Eight at the Washington National Cathedral with cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, as well as a guest conductor of the National Gallery Orchestra.

Thomas Beveridge has built a legacy that embraces new audiences, mentors young talent, and grows the canon of choral works in America.

VOCAL JAZZ SUMMIT Will Include Free Concert, Workshops, and Jam Sessions in Virginia Beach

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:16:58 PST

The Vocal Jazz Summit returns to Zeiders American Dream Theater June 3-7, 2026, bringing internationally acclaimed vocalists, immersive education, and a standout lineup of Mainstage Concerts to Virginia Beach. The multi-day festival has become a nationally recognized destination for vocal jazz artists, educators, and audiences seeking world-class live performance and artistic collaboration.

This year's Mainstage Concert series features celebrated artists and ensembles, including:
New York Voices, appearing June 4 in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Songs of Home & Belonging with Matt Baker and Veronica Swift, a Virginia Native, on June 5. This concert is sponsored by the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Office and presented by VBGigs: Globally Inspired Gatherings, and is FREE to all patrons.
Headlining concert by acclaimed jazz vocalist Kenny Washington on June 6.

The 2026 Summit artist roster also includes internationally recognized performers and educators such as Veronica Swift, Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Peter Eldridge, and Darmon Meader, who will lead workshops, masterclasses, and educational sessions throughout the week.

Produced annually by The Z in partnership with JazzVoice.com, the Vocal Jazz Summit combines live performance, artist development, networking, and late-night jam sessions into an immersive experience for singers of all levels. By day, attendees participate in workshops and masterclasses; by night, they experience world-class concerts and collaborative jam sessions with top-tier musicians.

Now in its sixth year, the festival continues to elevate Virginia Beach as a destination for innovative arts programming while reflecting The Z's mission to support artistic growth and emerging talent during its 10th Anniversary Season.

KEN LUDWIG'S MORIARTY To Play Virginia Theatre Festival

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:16:25 PST

The Virginia Theatre Festival has announced the cast and creative team for its production of Ken Ludwig's Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure.

Set to run June 20-28 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre at the University of Virginia, Ken Ludwig's Moriarty will be directed by noted theater, film, and television director Nicolas Minas, who returns to VTF following his acclaimed 2024 production of The 39 Steps.

The cast for MORIARTY will feature Xavier Markey-Smith as Sherlock Holmes, Samuel Taylor as Doctor Watson, Christopher Hainsworth as Moriarty, King Otto, and others, Rina Dutta as Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, and Cartwright, and Tovah Close as Daisy, Mrs. Barabas, Hilda Klebb, and others.

Markey-Smith’s New York and regional credits include Anne Frank in Mt. Vernon Ohio, Miss Julie, Business Ideas, Seminar, and Over the Pub. His film work includes All Good and 20 Minutes. He holds an MFA from New York University.

Taylor’s Chicago credits include productions with Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Timeline, and Redmoon. Regional credits include work with American Players Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Syracuse Stage, and The New Victory. His television credits include BOARDWALK EMPIRE, Crisis, Mob Doctor, and CHICAGO FIRE. He earned a BFA through the Guthrie Theater/University of Minnesota program.

Hainsworth’s Chicago credits include The Seagull, Buddha’s Birthday, Evanston Salt Costs Climbing, Miss Holmes, Miss Holmes Returns, The Three Musketeers, Frankenstein, and Faith Healer. His screen credits include CHICAGO P.D. and CHICAGO FIRE. He trained at Illinois State University and completed the Steppenwolf Acting Fellowship.

Dutta’s New York credits include Plan C, Mia M.I.A., and The Leg. She is a company member of The Mercury Store Theater Lab and holds an MFA from NYU and a BA from Queens College.

Close’s regional credits include A Christmas Carol, Orestes 2.0, The Contrast, Lobby Hero, and The Bard of Avon. Local credits include What the Constitution Means to Me. She earned an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater and a BA from UC Santa Barbara.

The creative team includes director Nicolas Minas, movement director Jenny Lamb, scenic designer Se Hyun Oh, Costume Designer Jill Van Brussel, lighting designer Christina Watanabe, sound designer and original Music Composer Michael Rasbury, dialect and vocal coach Andrew Bryce, fight coordinator Colleen Kelly, wig and makeup designer Karman Boisset, production stage manager Emily McGregor, and assistant stage manager Leo Robinson. Casting is by Katja Zarolinski, CSA.

The Virginia Theatre Festival is supported by a generous grant from The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation. Ken Ludwig's Moriarty is presented by Charlottesville Media Group, The Parker Group at Morgan Stanley, and Virginia Cenedella.

The Virginia Theatre Festival 2026 Season will also include Disney's Newsies (July 9-19 at the Culbreth Theatre) and Frida…A Self Portrait (July 23-26 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre). Tickets for the 2026 season are currently on sale. Volunteer opportunities are also available this summer, and you can view more information on how to sign up here.

To learn more about the Virginia Theatre Festival and the upcoming season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org.

GUYS AND DOLLS Will Come to Riverside Center

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:13:22 PST

Roll the dice on Broadway classic Guys & Dolls, live onstage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts May 13th through June 28th, 2026. The 1950 Broadway musical was adapted for the silver screen in 1955 with big names such as Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons. Exploring the boundaries of the 1940s, the characters explore love and morality as they try to gamble their way through both. The music and lyrics, by Broadway great Frank Loesser, features favorites like "Luck Be A Lady," "I've Never Been in Love Before," "Buschel and a Peck," and many more.

The two love stories center around Nathan Detroit with Miss Adelaide and Sky Masterson with Sarah Brown, played by Ian Federgreen, Kiley Ernest, Dan Klimko, and Sarah Mae Andersen, respectively. Nicely Nicely Johnson, who has a standout eleven o'clock number, "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat," is played by Darius J. Manuel.

The gamblers include Zachary Spafford as Benny Southstreet, Clay W. Muir as Rusty Charlie, Valencio Lazarczyk as Harry the Horse, Ian Lane as Big Jule. Those in the Save-A-Soul Mission include Andrea Kahane as General Cartwright and Jim Lawson as Arvide Abernathy. Andy Braden plays the role of Lt. Brannigan.

This show is full of high energy dance numbers, which wouldn't be complete without the ensemble of the production. Christian Baciocco, Lizzie Bartlet, Mollie Becker, Hope Blahusch, Kyle Donovan, Gwyneth Fahy, Christopher Florio, Jack Harris, Khanner Milan, Sally Roehl, Anthony Williams, and Stephanie Wood are featured as various ensemble characters throughout the show. Offstage understudies include Colby LeRoy, John Hollinger, and Abigail Weinel.

The creative team is led by CEO, Producing Artistic Director and Director Patrick A'Hearn, Assistant Director/Choreographer Stephanie Wood, and Music Director Carson Eubank. The design team includes Scenic Designer Christian Fleming, Lighting Designer Michael Jarett, Sound Designer Justice Craig, Costume Designer Caroline Tyson, and Wig Designer Bethany Cheek.

38 SPECIAL and HANSON Added to 2026 SERVPRO After Hours Concerts Lineup

Mon, 04 May 2026 21:48:36 PST

SERVPRO After Hours Concerts at The Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Virginia added two new shows as part of the 2026 concert season. 38 Special will play on Friday, June 26th and Hanson performs on Saturday, August 8th. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM. A limited number of Early Bird General Admission tickets will be available through May 14th, while supplies last.

50 years together. 20 million albums sold. More than 15 albums of guitar-driven southern rock, stacked high with hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” “If I'd Been The One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance.” 38 Special is proof that there's strength in numbers.

Formed in 1974, the band toured tirelessly from the start, sharpening the explosive live show that's been 38 Special's calling card for a half-century. Along the way, the Florida natives fine-tuned their sound too: a blend of muscle and melody, filled with the arena-rock pop hooks that would soon become staples of FM radio. Years passed…trends changed…some band members retired from the rigors… but 38 Special remained, hitting the road year after year, flying the flag for an enduring form of classic rock & roll that never dies.

As 38 Special enters its sixth decade together, the music continues with Milestone. It's the band's first studio album in more than 20 years, and it showcases a group of road warriors with plenty of miles left in the tank. Fueled up on snarling guitars, anthemic melodies, and the desire to break new ground, they update their sound for the 2020s, bridging the gap between past and present without forgetting their rock & roll roots.

Over their first 28 years as the band HANSON, brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac

Hanson have made a significant mark in music. Starting in 1992, they spent their first five years building a fanbase as an independent band in Tulsa, OK. After signing a record deal, they saw a meteoric rise with the 1997 international smash single “MMMBop” from their debut album Middle Of Nowhere followed by consecutive top 40 singles.

A long line of hits, 5 more studio albums, multiple Grammy nominations and over 16 million album sales followed. Over their second decade, the band charted their own course, running an independent label while maintaining a coveted connection with their global fanbase. In 2007, they launched a grassroots campaign to support poverty and HIV/AIDS relief in Africa (TakeTheWalk.net). In 2013 they launched HANSON Brothers Beer, premiering their new venture with a signature Pale Ale, Mmmhops, and in 2014 they launched the hugely successful Hop Jam Beer and Music Festival in their hometown of Tulsa, which boasts more than 30,000 attendees annually.

Insiders Club Memberships and Season Passes for the 2026 concert season are on sale now. SERVPRO After Hours Concerts at The Innsbrook Pavilion Insiders Club gives members exclusive access to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Season passes grant access to the Tribute Nights at Innsbrook series, National Headliners at Innsbrook series, or both series in the upcoming concerts season. Both programs come with an array of other benefits and can be purchased at afterhoursinnsbrook.com.

Tickets are on sale now for Gary Allan on May 28th, Chris Janson on June 5th, Rolling Together Revue Tour with G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, and Moon Taxi on June 18th, The Legwarmers on July 2nd, KC and The Sunshine Band on July 9th,The Marshall Tucker Band on July 11th, Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on July 17th, Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime on July 18th, Warren Zeiders on July 23rd, Yachtley Crew on July 25th, Little River Band on July 31st, The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on August 7th, Tracy Lawrence on August 13th, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors on August 27th, Changes In Latitudes – America's Premier Jimmy Buffett Tribute on August 29th, Priscilla Block on September 3rd, Blackberry Smoke on September 4th, Lee Brice on September 11th, and Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on September 18th. More shows will be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 8th at 10:00 AM at www.afterhoursinnsbrook.com or by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX (3849). A limited number of Early Bird General Admission tickets will be available for one week only while supplies last. Gates open at 5:30 PM; the shows start at 7:00 PM. These events are rain or shine. No refunds. SERVPRO After Hours Concerts at the Innsbrook Pavilion is located at 4901 Lake Brook Drive in Glen Allen, VA. 23060.

FLOYD COLLINS, PRESS, and More Set For Firehouse Theatre Season 33

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:51:02 PST

Firehouse Theatre has announced its 33rd season, under the guidance of its newly appointed Artistic Director. As you have come to expect, Firehouse Theatre's 2026–27 season is filled with emotionally resonant, provocative stories and artfully realized productions; anchored by a commitment to bringing you plays and musicals you have likely never seen before.

As the nation commemorates 250 years, Producing Artistic Director Nathaniel Shaw and incoming Artistic Director Katrinah Carol Lewis have curated a Mainstage Season that reflects on our shared American experience, and asks us what it means to be a citizen of this complicated and ever-evolving nation.

Firehouse's 2026-27 Mainstage season is composed of four compelling, contemporary plays that weave together our nation's history with urgent contemporary themes:

Confederates

by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates

Two Black American women are having parallel experiences of institutional racism, though they live over a century apart. Tony-nominated playwright Dominique Morisseau's exacting new play explores the reins that racial and gender bias still hold over American educational systems today.

Floyd Collins

Book by Tina Landau; Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel, directed by Katrinah Carol Lewis

This haunting musical, featuring a glorious folk and bluegrass-inspired score, tells the transcendent tale of a true American dreamer. In 1925, while chasing fame and fortune by turning a Kentucky cave into a tourist attraction, Floyd Collins himself becomes the attraction when he is trapped 200 feet underground.

What the Constitution Means to Me

by Heidi Schreck, directed by Chelsea Burke

This hilarious, hopeful and achingly human play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.

Press

by Kristen Adele Calhoun, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene

Witness the true story of John Mitchell, Jr., the “Fighting Editor” of the groundbreaking Richmond Planet newspaper, as he fights tooth and nail to save an extraordinary man's life. Set in the heart of Jackson Ward, America's original Black Wall Street, PRESS asks: How do we demand justice under impossible circumstances? And when everything is at risk - what do you dare put in print?

PRESS is the culmination of the John Mitchell, Jr. Project - a multi-year research and development collaboration conducted in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Richmond Planet Foundation.

The director's chair for the 33rd Mainstage season is occupied by a group of powerhouse women, opening with Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates (Detroit ‘67 & Berta Berta at Firehouse), her first Mainstage production following retirement from her storied career at TheatreVCU. Katrinah Carol Lewis (Water by the Spoonful & Strange Loop at Firehouse) will follow, directing her first Firehouse production following her appointment as Artistic Director. Chelsea Burke (Buried Child & The Great Comet at Firehouse) will return for a third consecutive season. And making her Firehouse debut, Tiffany Nichole Greene (Covenant at Roundabout and Resident Director for Hamilton: An American Musical), will helm the long-awaited world premiere of Press.

Firehouse continues to fulfill its mission as a hub for the performing arts through its resident company program, which offers unrivaled production and marketing support for several Richmond theatre and dance organizations. 2026-27 resident companies include Cadence (twice), Starr Foster Dance (twice), Radar Dance (twice), the K-Dance YES! Dance Festival, and an additional theatre company to be announced soon.

Use discount code EARLYBIRD, between now and July 12th, for 10% off your 2026-27 season membership and secure your seats now before single tickets go on sale. Membership is an all-access pass to everything Firehouse has to offer: Our full roster of Mainstage shows, Resident Company productions, Firehouse Fringe performances, and New Play Development presentations, providing over 150 nights of live entertainment every year.

FLOYD COLLINS, PRESS, and More Set For Firehouse Theatre Season 33

Fri, 01 May 2026 06:51:02 PST

Firehouse's 2026-27 Mainstage season is composed of four compelling, contemporary plays that weave together our nation's history with urgent contemporary themes:

Confederates

by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates

Floyd Collins

Book by Tina Landau; Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel, directed by Katrinah Carol Lewis

What the Constitution Means to Me

by Heidi Schreck, directed by Chelsea Burke

This hilarious, hopeful and achingly human play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.

Press

by Kristen Adele Calhoun, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has announced the full 2026/27 season dates for the North American leg of its world tour. The news comes as OPERATION MINCEMEAT celebrates its 500th performance on Broadway this Saturday, May 2, after hitting 2,000 performances worldwide - now playing simultaneously in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across the UK. Following the North American leg, further stops on its international journey will include Australia, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

Producer Jon Thoday for Avalon said, “Launching our third OPERATION MINCEMEAT production, the North American leg of the world tour, as the show reaches 500 performances on Broadway and passes 2,000 worldwide is incredibly exciting. With its continued international growth and an expanding fanbase, we look forward to welcoming new audiences across the continent.”

The North American leg of the Mincemeat World Tour will launch at the Providence Performance Arts Center (Providence, RI), on September 20, 2026, before crisscrossing North America this upcoming season, with stops including Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
September 20–26, 2026

Chicago, IL – CIBC Theatre
September 29–October 11, 2026

Boston, MA – Colonial Theatre
October 13–25, 2026

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

Philadelphia, PA – Forrest Theatre
December 15–20, 2026

Columbus, OH – Ohio Theatre
January 5–10, 2027

Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
January 12–24, 2027

Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
January 26–31, 2027

Eugene, OR – Hult Center
February 3–7, 2027

Seattle, WA – 5th Avenue Theatre
February 10–21, 2027

Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage
February 23–28, 2027

Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theatre
March 2–7, 2027

San Francisco, CA – Orpheum Theatre
March 9–28, 2027

Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
March 30–April 18, 2027

San Diego, CA – Civic Center
April 20–25, 2027

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Center
May 4–9, 2027

Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
May 11–16, 2027

Greenville, SC – Peace Center
May 18–23, 2027

Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
May 25–30, 2027

Tampa, FL – Straz Center
June 1–6, 2027

Washington, DC – The National Theatre
June 8–20, 2027

Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
June 22–27, 2027

Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
July 6–11, 2027

Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
July 13–18, 2027

Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 20–25, 2027

About Operation Mincemeat

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky's Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:22 PST

Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, announced today that it will launch a North American Tour in the fall of 2027. The tour will premiere at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo, New York, before continuing onto cities across the U.S. and Canada. Additional tour stops and casting will be announced at a later date.

Lincoln Center Theater’s limited engagement of Ragtime has been extended twice by popular demand with performances now through August 2, 2026. The production set a new box office record at the Vivian Beaumont Theater and was recently nominated foreight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet), as well as five Drama League Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet).

“Ragtime is one of the most ambitious musicals ever written, and it feels timelier than ever,” said producers Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Robert Greenblatt, and Lamar Richardson in a statement. “What Lear deBessonet and this extraordinary company have created at Lincoln Center Theater is both epic in scale and deeply human. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with communities across North America.”

“It’s a real honor to kick off the North American Tour of Ragtime at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre,” said Buffalo presenter Al Nocciolino. “This is the kind of production people talk about long after the curtain comes down—remarkable in scale and deeply moving. We’re thrilled to welcome it to our stage and proud to share it with our community first.”

Lincoln Center Theater" width="356">

Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally, and Tony Award-winning orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between personal struggle and national identity, making history feel both intimate and epic.

The creative team for Ragtime includes Ellenore Scott (choreography), David Korins (scenic design), Linda Cho (costume design), Adam Honoré & Donald Holder (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), 59 Studio (projection design), Tom Watson (hair & wig design), Ann James (sensitivity specialist), and The Telsey Office, Craig Burns, CSA (casting).

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A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

This year's cast includes:

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

AS YOU LIKE IT, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and More Set For Richmond Shakespeare Festival

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SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Sandeep Das, The Texas Tenors and More Set for Western Piedmont Symphony 2026–2027 Concert Season

Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Symphony of the Shire

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – SIDE/SHOW

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – Masterworks: Mystic Horizons

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Masterworks: Handel's Messiah

Friday, December 4, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular

Sunday, December 13, 2026 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Fall Concert

Saturday, February 13, 2027 – Masterworks: American Roots

Saturday, March 13, 2027 – Masterworks: Splendid Tchaikovsky

Saturday, April 17, 2027 – Foothills Pops: The Texas Tenors

Sunday, May 16, 2027 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Spring Concert

Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Masterworks: Romantic Masters

SERIES SUBSCRIPTION AND TICKET INFORMATION

Virginia Stage Company Secures First-Ever Endowed Leadership Position with Perry Family Gift

Virginia Stage Company Secures First-Ever Endowed Leadership Position with Perry Family Gift

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2026-2027 Tour Dates:

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ArtsFairfax Unveils 2026 Awards Honorees for Fairfax County Arts Recognition

2026 ArtsFairfax Awards Honorees

ArtsFairfax Jinx Hazel Award: Bruce L. Berlage

ArtsFairfax Philanthropy Award: Karen and Jim Cleveland

ArtsFairfax Innovation Award: Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation

ArtsFairfax Achievement Award: Thomas Beveridge

VOCAL JAZZ SUMMIT Will Include Free Concert, Workshops, and Jam Sessions in Virginia Beach

KEN LUDWIG'S MORIARTY To Play Virginia Theatre Festival

GUYS AND DOLLS Will Come to Riverside Center

38 SPECIAL and HANSON Added to 2026 SERVPRO After Hours Concerts Lineup

FLOYD COLLINS, PRESS, and More Set For Firehouse Theatre Season 33

Confederates

Floyd Collins

What the Constitution Means to Me

Press

FLOYD COLLINS, PRESS, and More Set For Firehouse Theatre Season 33

Confederates

Floyd Collins

What the Constitution Means to Me

Press

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

About Operation Mincemeat

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027