Jeremy Bustin - Page 3

On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepherd was tied to a fence post and beaten to an inch of his life. On October 12, 1998, Matthew Shepherd died. A tragedy that was felt around the world, the horrific event planted new seeds for equality and birthed new anti-hate laws in America.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts closes its season with the classic Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE. From the iconic opening number to the show-stopping finale, 22 triple-threat performers work tirelessly and prove this production is something really special. There have been recent tours and productions in Virginia, but this is the 'One' audiences really must see.

Audiences who want to be thoroughly entertained should get down to The Basement to see a sidesplitting production of Robert Askins' HAND TO GOD. Boasting one of the strongest ensembles of the summer, TheatreLAB and 5th Wall Theatre's co-production is certainly not for children or those easily offended. It is provocative and deliciously funny. It's the puppetry of AVENUE Q and the irreverence of THE BOOK OF MORMON-without song and dance numbers.

No matter how many times audiences have visited the titular setting in Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS, it's likely they've never seen the woods quite like in Charlottesville Opera's clever and masterful production running through August 5 at the Paramount Theatre.

Sizzling with incredible talent and energy, and moving at a brisk pace, Virginia Repertory Theatre's first-rate production breathes new life into the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. West Side Story runs through July 29 at the November Theatre.

Richmond Triangle Players closes its 25th anniversary season with an already-extended, completely-sold-out production of the very ambitious A CHORUS LINE.

Cadence Theatre's latest offering is Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Obie Award-winning play APPROPRIATE-a wildly subversive and disturbing piece of theatre that is anything but appropriate. Given the perfectly cluttered stage, patrons walking into the theatre may feel they are about to bear witness to a live episode of "Hoarders," but what unfolds over the next two-and-a-half hours is far more chaotic.

For the past several years, Virginia Repertory Theatre has produced one world premiere of a new play or musical. Last year's award-winning THE END OF WAR by David L. Robbins was theatre at its very finest, with incredible special effects, set design and a gorgeous book by Robbins. While River Ditty's story could benefit from some tightening, some exceptional performances make this an enjoyable production. Richmond audiences should jump at the opportunity to see yet another fresh new play.

The Richmond Triangle Players' production of Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART is not the most polished audiences have seen, but it is one of the most important and heartrending pieces of theatre the company has produced in recent years. While the story may be more compelling to those who lived through the AIDS crisis, it's imperative for millennials to visit this monumental time in LGBTQ history.

Teeming with emotionally-charged and nuanced performances, and led by Tony-award winning actress Trezana Beverley, Virginia Rep's RAISIN is a tour de force not to be missed. Audiences can see the Broadway-caliber masterwork through March 11 at Virginia Rep's November Theatre.

Head on over to Hanover Tavern to see one of the smartest, funniest and, surprisingly, most charming plays of the year. Wrapped in twists, MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET features a powerhouse cast-delivering some of their best dramatic and comedic work.

NETworks Presentations' production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved classic, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, is nearly pitch perfect thanks to brilliant, refreshing new direction from Jack O'Brien, and standout performances by several cast members. Playing through Sunday at the Altria Theatre in Richmond, the cross-generational THE SOUND OF MUSIC is not to be missed.

Everyone's favorite Nanny has landed, with 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' magic in tow, at Virginia Repertory Theatre. Based on the 1934 P.L. Travers series and subsequent Disney film, the Tony-nominated MARY POPPINS has been extended through January 7 at the November Theatre due to popular demand.

The critically-acclaimed new musical from Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, FREAKY FRIDAY opens Friday at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Virginia Repertory Theatre's production of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE is first-rate entertainment that will keep audiences smiling through the final curtain. I loved it.

FUN HOME looks and sounds great, and has many, many moments of brilliance.

The images are haunting. Their stories are heartbreaking. Prior to the Pulse nightclub tragedy, it was the most deadly attack against the LGBT community. The arson at the UpStairs Lounge in the French Quarter of New Orleans is at the center of Richmond Triangle Players' entertaining and moving season opener, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS.

Under the imaginative hand of Adam Ferguson, The Basement is transformed into a 360-degree Wonderland. Serving as the director, scenic designer and props master, Ferguson displays the kind of vision and talent that take years to hone.