DR. SMILE, New Musical About Virginia Dentist Who Treated HIV/AIDS Patients, is Coming to Zeiders
Written by Clyde Santana, the show features music by Andre Magalhaes and Kira Sarai Helper.
A new musical premiering this spring at Zeiders American Dream Theater shines a spotlight on a local woman whose work challenged stigma and expanded access to care during one of the most difficult chapters in recent medical history.
Dr. Smile: A New Musical, running May 15-30, tells the true story of Dr. Valli Meeks, a Black female dentist who, in 1989, founded a dental clinic dedicated to treating patients living with HIV/AIDS at a time when many providers refused care. Her work not only addressed urgent medical needs but also helped restore dignity to patients facing widespread discrimination.
Written by local playwright Clyde Santana, the production reflects a growing movement within Hampton Roads' arts community to tell stories rooted in the region's own history and voices. The show also features newly developed orchestrations through a collaboration between local composer Andre Magalhaes and songwriter Kira Sarai Helper, underscoring the production's emphasis on regional artistic talent.
Blending music and narrative, Dr. Smile explores the intersection of healthcare, fear, and compassion during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. The musical traces both the professional and personal challenges Dr. Meeks faced, as well as the community that supported her efforts.
The production is part of The Z's ongoing focus on developing new work and elevating local artists, while connecting audiences with stories that resonate beyond the stage.
Love Theater in Central Virginia? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn More
|
Full Moon Fever: A Tom Petty Tribute Capital One Hall (11/13-11/13) |
|
C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech (11/19-11/19) |
|
Golden Girls The Laughs Continue Millwald Theatre (10/15-10/15) VIDEOS |
|
Australia's Thunder From Down Under Capital One Hall (11/12-11/12) |
|
A Decade of Harmony: Novasian Chorus 10th Anniversary Concert Capital One Hall (9/11-9/11) |
|
Wolf Trap Presents Art Garfunkel at Capital One Hall Capital One Hall (10/30-10/30) |
|
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show The Dinner Detective Virginia Beach (9/26-9/26) |
|
Iron Maiden & Megadeth at Jiffy Lube Live Jiffy Lube Live (9/11-9/11) |
|
Violent Femmes Elmwood Park Amphitheate (9/22-9/22) |
|
Pat McGee Band, Freddy Jones Band, & Jackopierce Capital One Hall (11/07-11/07) |