Artsline: Virtual Edition || May 3, 2021
“If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.” ~Barry Lopez
Once again, RVA is telling stories this week - this time on stage and in film! You will find inventive new ways to enjoy local theatre and musicals - from drive-ins to streaming cabarets. And for those who want to (safely) get out of the house, there are fantastic art openings for RVA’s First Fridays. Enjoy the diverse ways Richmond celebrates their creative community!
1. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: A DRIVE-IN MUSICAL EXPERIENCE!
Theatre
May 5-8, 8pm
Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W Hundred Rd, Chester, 23831
$25/car
Thomas Dale Theatre hosts an innovative, filmed version of the Howard Ashman musical, Little Shop of Horrors, as a safe and socially distanced drive-in movie, featuring some live-element surprises from their ensemble. “The production will offer an opportunity to laugh, explore the fun of B-movie comedy, and pay homage to dark humor that many of us use in order to laugh instead of cry,” said Joshua Leggett, Assistant Director. Purchase tickets online.
2. THE STORYTELLERS: GIVING AGENCY TO YOUR ANCESTORS
History, Storytelling
May 6, 6pm
Online
The Library of Virginia hosts three storytellers exploring and sharing their own family histories that have sparked questions about identity, authority, and whose stories are these to tell. The conversation will feature media producer, director, and writer Alicia Aroche; photojournalist Regina Boone; and journalist Kim O'Connell about balancing the personal and professional when researching family history. Register online for this free event.
3. SPRING AWAKENING
Theatre
Streaming live May 5-8, 8pm
Video on Demand, May 5-18
Online
$15
VCUarts Theatre presents Spring Awakening, an angsty rock musical adaptation about the trials and tribulations of teenage life, based on Frank Wedekind's 10th century play of the same name. Spring Awakening explores the heart wrenching journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. Purchase Tickets online.
4. DAVID HORVITZ: (IN ALL ITS DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS)
Visual Arts
May 7, 1pm (opening reception during RVA First Fridays)
Runs through July 3
1708 Gallery, 319 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
1708 Gallery is excited to present (in all its different manifestations), an exhibition that surveys LA-based artist David Horvitz’s conceptual practice. This exhibition focuses on works that circumvent, provoke, and rearrange systems of circulation, observation, enterprise, and record. Works on paper, performance documentation, facsimiles, sculpture, and intervention create a constellation where mischief and melancholy meet.
5. GELLMAN ROOM CONCERT: "SING LOVE! SING JUSTICE! SING FREEDOM!"
Music
May 8, 2pm
Online
Richmond Public Library offers their virtual Gellman Room Concert, “Sing Love! Sing Justice! Sing Freedom!,” presented by the Greater Richmond Children's Choir, directed by Crystal Jonkman and Pete Curry. Register online for this free event.
6. SERENITY
Visual Arts
May 6 - July 7
Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, 23233
Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association opens their exhibit Serenity, displaying art that caresses your soul and creates a soothing, peaceful environment. On display at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center through July 7.
7. OF THE HIGHEST FINISH: SILVER IN THE WHITE HOUSE COLLECTION
History
May 6, 6pm
Online
$10
The Wilton House Museum offers their annual lecture series, featuring Melissa Naulin, Associate Curator, The White House presenting a well-illustrated overview of the history of silver use in the White House, drawing on both extant pieces and documentary evidence. This lecture will cover what type of silver items were used in the President’s House, where they were purchased, who made them, how they were used, and how they were cared for. Purchase tickets online.
8. BREATHING PLACES: PARKS & RECREATION IN RICHMOND
History
May 5, 2021 - January 30, 2022
The Valentine, 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, 23219-1527
Admission: $10/adults; $8/seniors & students; children under 18, military, & SNAP recipients free
Over the last 170 years, Richmond and surrounding counties have secured and maintained “breathing places” for some residents while limiting and denying access to others. The Valentine’s new exhibition explores the design, use and change of Richmond’s carefully crafted parks, recreation areas and natural spaces and their effect on residents today.
9. DISCO TORNADO 2020 SPRING TO SPRING
Visual Art
Livestream May 7, 7pm
In-person May 8 (1-5pm) and May 9 (1-4pm)
Online and at Eric Schindler Gallery, 2305 E Broad St, Richmond, 23223
Eric Schindler Gallery opens their new exhibit Disco Tornado 2020 Spring to Spring, paintings and sculpture by Tracey St. Peter. Join their livestream on Facebook May 7th, and/or attend their open house May 8 or 9.
10. LEGENDS ON GRACE - JUDY, LIZA AND ME
Music, Theatre
May 7, 7:30pm
Online
$30/household
From “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to “New York, New York,” Debra Wagoner brings the classic songs of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli to life, along with her own favorites in this unforgettable Cabaret. This performance will be livestreamed from the Sara Belle November Theatre at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, and is presented by Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. Purchase tickets online.
11. HAUNTED CAPITOL HILL TOUR RE-OPENING CELEBRATION
History, Theatre
May 6, 7pm & 7:30pm
The Berkley Hotel, 1200 E Cary St, Richmond, 23219
$12 thru May
Haunt’s of Richmond’s Haunted Capitol Hill is back! Ascend Richmond's magnificent Capitol Hill with your Ghost Host and you'll find out that it's not just elected officials and security guards who patrol the hallowed halls of Virginia's legislative and executive seat of power, but something beyond this world - something experienced by an amazing number and variety of people over the years. Packed with haunted history, this tour includes several of Richmond's best known ghost stories, including: Our Haunted Executive Mansion, the Great Theatre Fire, spirits in Capitol Square, and more. Purchase tickets online.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with social-distance-safe events such as online classes, virtual exhibitions or concerts, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
