Chase Kniffen News

Virginia Repertory Theatre revealed the new titles for the 2014/15 Season with a public announcement at the November Theatre last evening. The announcement marks Bruce Miller and Phil Whiteway's 40th season as Artistic Director and Managing Director. Miller reflects on this milestone, "I'm proud to be announcing my 40th season as Artistic Director. The 18 shows that comprise Virginia Rep's 2014/15 roster include several of my favorite comedies, dramas and musicals. Whether a renowned classic or an exciting new release, each selection will take us on a breathtaking journey. I can't wait to discover with our audience the adventures that lie ahead."

Virginia Repertory Theatre's third iteration of OLYMPUS ON MY MIND musters belly laughs and proves that enjoyable musical theatre doesn't have to be elaborate.

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening Say Goodnight Gracie on Friday, September 20 at Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road. The show runs through Sunday, November 3. This one-man bio play by Rupert Holmes celebrates the live, love and laughter of George Burns and Gracie Allen. In order to join his beloved wife in heaven, George must give the performance of his life. He looks back on his impoverished youth in New York, the day he met Grace Ethel Cecile Rosalie Allen, their chemistry and comic timing, their marriage and rise to the pinnacles of vaudeville, movies, radio and television, and his solo career after her death. Say Goodnight Gracie was nominated for a 2003 Tony Award for best play, and won the 2003-04 National Broadway Theatre Award for best play.

Virginia Rep's Children's Theatre of Virginia opens Richard Scarry's Busytown tonight, July 5th at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. The show will run through July 28, 2013. Based on the beloved books of Richard Scarry and adapted by Kevin Kling, this zany musical shares a day in the life of Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Betsy Bear, and other favorite characters. The catchy score with music by Michael Koerner and lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner, will dazzle patrons of all ages.

Virginia Rep's Children's Theatre of Virginia opens Richard Scarry's Busytown on Friday, July 5th at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. The show will run through July 28, 2013. Based on the beloved books of Richard Scarry and adapted by Kevin Kling, this zany musical shares a day in the life of Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Betsy Bear, and other favorite characters. The catchy score with music by Michael Koerner and lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner, will dazzle patrons of all ages.

Cadence Theatre Company, in partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre, closes its 2012/13 Season with the emotionally packed Broadway rock-musical Next to Normal. Performances will begin at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, Marjorie Arenstein Stage on Thursday, April 25, 2013 and run for four weeks only through Saturday, May 18, 2013. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal examines the powerful story of Diana, a suburban housewife suffering with bipolar disorder, and the effects of that illness on her family. This is the groundbreaking musical that leaves audiences astounded and uplifted at the difference that understanding, hope, and encouragement makes in our lives. Cadence Theatre Company and Virginia Rep will be partnering with NAMI, The VCU Department of Psychiatry and the ReelAbilities Film Festival for this production.

Virginia Rep's Children's Theatre of Virginia opens Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile on Friday, March 1 at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. The show will run through April 5, 2013 with added matinees to accommodate the public school spring break schedule. Based on the beloved children's books, The House on East 88th Street and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber, the musical shares the magical adventures of Josh Primm and his misfit (but very special) reptilian pet - Lyle! The original music and lyrics are by Bruce Craig Miler, Artistic Director of Virginia Repertory Theatre.

Virginia Rep Announces the opening of the Broadway hit, Spring Awakening, at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street, tonight June 15 and running through July 22. Winner of eight 2007 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening examines the unbridled energy that ignites the journey from youth to adulthood. Featuring a live band, on stage seating, and an outstanding young cast, Spring Awakening is the first production under the Virginia Rep name after the merger of Barksdale and Theatre IV.

Virginia Rep Announces the opening of the Broadway hit, Spring Awakening, at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street, on June 15 and running through July 22. Winner of eight 2007 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening examines the unbridled energy that ignites the journey from youth to adulthood. Featuring a live band, on stage seating, and an outstanding young cast, Spring Awakening is the first production under the Virginia Rep name after the merger of Barksdale and Theatre IV.

Theatre IV announces the return of Seussical the musical, to the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, running tonight, April 27 through Sunday, May 20, 2012. Based on the work of Dr. Seuss with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, this production offers a new generation of kids the timeless story of friendship and community. Director, Chase Kniffen, calls Seussical, "the perfect family musical that will both touch and entertain all ages, from four to four hundred." Seussical is one of several Theatre IV offerings in the Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts initiative.

Theatre IV announces the return of Seussical the musical, to the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, running Friday, April 27 through Sunday, May 20, 2012. Based on the work of Dr. Seuss with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, this production offers a new generation of kids the timeless story of friendship and community. Director, Chase Kniffen, calls Seussical, "the perfect family musical that will both touch and entertain all ages, from four to four hundred." Seussical is one of several Theatre IV offerings in the Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts initiative.

Stage 1 Theatre Company is thrilled to join Richmond's stellar array of professional theatres.