My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Review: IN LOVE WE TRUST at HATTheatre Provides a Happy Holiday Respite

By:

Review: IN LOVE WE TRUST at HATTheatre Provides a Happy Holiday Respite Image

"It's not a play. It's not a traditional musical. It's a party!"

Thus HATTheatre introduces Anthony Williams's new musical revue, "In Love We Trust." Williams is the musical director for the hour-long piece, which he hints is a somewhat autobiographical selection of the songs of his life. He's the pianist in the trio that backs up a quartet of singers, of which he is also a part.

It's pleasant to be in Williams's world. Anyone who listens to classic rock will be comfortable there, and there are some newer tunes, too. The show opens with the beautiful "Fantasy" by Earth, Wind & Fire, which gave me chills in a lovely four-part rendition.

Those weren't the last chills I experienced; Robyn O'Neill's solo on "Alfie" caused them, too. I loved my longtime favorite "I Saw The Light" by Todd Rundgren, with Williams taking the vocal lead, and Casey Dillon's interpretation of "Migratory V," by Audra McDonald, was stunning. The versatile Andrew Etheredge, with his big vocal range, completely owned Chrisette Michele's "Love Is You," a song new to me.

The HATT auditorium is set up invitingly, cabaret-style, for this piece. There's not much patter; creative consultant Deb Clinton lets the music speak for itself. Steve Raybould's percussion and Forrest Link's guitar provide smooth and able support (Jeremiah Martin is slated as the guitarist for the show's final weekend). For a respite from holiday madness, settle in for a leisurely, tuneful stroll through Williams's heart.

"In Love We Trust" at HATTheatre, 1124 Westbriar Dr., through December 14

Tickets $25 (discounts for students, seniors, military with ID, groups, RVA On Stage card holders)

Info: www.hattheatre.org or (804) 343-6364

Reader Reviews

To post a comment, you must register and login.






Need more Central Virginia Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Given To Fly - The Pearl Jam Experience in Central Virginia Given To Fly - The Pearl Jam Experience
Capital One Hall (7/18-7/18)
Senator Tim Kaine, Dave Kline Band at Reveler - International Nelson Mandela Day 18 July in Central Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, Dave Kline Band at Reveler - International Nelson Mandela Day 18 July
Reveler (7/18-7/18)
PULSE in Central Virginia PULSE
Tally Ho Theater (7/19-7/19)
Mariachazo 2026 in Central Virginia Mariachazo 2026
Capital One Hall (8/23-8/23)
THE NUTCRACKER by The United European Ballet in Central Virginia THE NUTCRACKER by The United European Ballet
Harrison Opera House (12/06-12/06)
Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter Tour in Central Virginia Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter Tour
Capital One Hall (6/26-6/27)
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, with special guest Theo Lawrence - Williamsburg Live in Central Virginia Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, with special guest Theo Lawrence - Williamsburg Live
Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (6/27-6/27)
Full Moon Fever: A Tom Petty Tribute in Central Virginia Full Moon Fever: A Tom Petty Tribute
Capital One Hall (11/13-11/13)
Wolf Trap Presents Art Garfunkel at Capital One Hall in Central Virginia Wolf Trap Presents Art Garfunkel at Capital One Hall
Capital One Hall (10/30-10/30)
Violent Femmes in Central Virginia Violent Femmes
Elmwood Park Amphitheate (9/22-9/22)