Virginia Rep Announces RIVER DITTY and FUN HOME

Virginia Repertory Theatre made public additional titles for the 2017/18 Season today. "Announcing River Ditty and Fun Home simultaneously illuminates Virginia Rep's commitment to bold new work," says Artistic Director, Nathaniel Shaw.

On the Signature Season, the World Premiere of River Ditty by Matthew Keuter will run from April 18 through May 6, 2018, on the Arenstein Stage in the November Theatre. Shaw has worked for over 5 years with Keuter on the script, including a two-week workshop at Virginia Rep last December. "As Director, I have led development on this passionate and timely play since 2012, and I am overjoyed to finally see it burst into full bloom."

Virginia Rep is delighted to collaborate with Tony and Olivier Award-winning Glass Half Full Productions, best recognized for the Tony Award-winning production of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Twelfth Night, and Richard III starring Mark Rylance, and the Olivier Award-winning Sunny Afternoon. The producer recently spoke of their involvement with River Ditty. "Part of our mission at Glass Half Full Productions is to develop thought-provoking and timely new work. We are proud to champion Matthew and Nathaniel and our long association with this pertinent and universal play."

River Ditty sweeps us from New Orleans' Storyville district, up the mighty Mississippi, into the woods of Arkansas. Pursued by their dangerous past, Arlo and Sunshine set off on a journey of self-determination, finding love in the most unexpected of places. This American adventure skillfully weaves many of today's most pressing social issues into a turn of the twentieth century folk-tale, challenging a new generation to break away from the hatred, violence, and bigotry passed down through family lines.

On the Cadence Season, Fun Home will run from September 9 through October 8, 2017, in Virginia Rep's Theatre Gym. Directed by Virginia Rep's Associate Artistic Director, Chase Kniffen, Fun Home is a co-production between Virginia Rep and Cadence Theatre Company in recognition of Richmond Triangle Players' 25th Anniversary. Cadence Theatre Artistic Director, Anna Johnson, expressed her excitement about the co-production. "We are thrilled to work with Virginia Rep on this moving and groundbreaking musical and to celebrate RTP and their endless contributions to our community. We are proud to be one of the first regional theatres to stage the production and can't wait for Richmond audiences to experience it."

With book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, Fun Home won five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic novel, the play moves from past to present as Alison sketches out her childhood memories in both poignant and comic tone.

"Caption: My dad and I grew up in the same small Pennsylvania town. And he was gay. And I was gay. And he killed himself. And I...became a lesbian cartoonist." -- Alison Bechdel in Fun Home

Years after her father's unexpected death, Alison comes to terms with memories of her unique childhood, growing up in the Bechdel Funeral Home, while reliving her struggles to connect with her father and her growing awareness of her own homosexuality. This groundbreaking musical is funny, honest and painfully uplifting.

Ticket Information

Box Office 804-282-2620

www.virginiarep.org

Induction Loop

The Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre is equipped with a state-of the-art induction loop hearing system that is compatible with all telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants. A handheld receiver and headphone system is also available free of charge for anyone who is hearing impaired.

Parking for the November Theatre and Theatre Gym

Valet parking is available for $8 at all performances and free self-park is available for patrons within blocks of the theatre. Valet is complimentary for patrons who dine at Max's on Broad, before or after the show.

About Virginia Repertory Theatre

Virginia Repertory Theatre is the regional professional theatre in Richmond, Virginia. With a budget of $5 million, four distinct venues, an educational touring arm, and an annual audience over 530,000, Virginia Rep is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia. Virginia Rep stages four seasons annually: the Signature Season at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, Theatre Gym Season in partnership with Cadence Theatre Company, Virginia Rep's Children's Season at Willow Lawn, and the Hanover Tavern Season.

Season Sponsors:

Altria

The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

The Virginia Commission for the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts

Richmond Times-Dispatch

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