Artsline: Virtual Edition || December 13, 2021
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” ~ Aristotle
While it may not be snowing just yet, beauty is still all around us – in story, in music, in dance, and in imagery! This week, RVA offers classic holiday fare on stage and in music, as well as emerging work for eyes and ears. Step back into history or wander into glowing gardens, filled with twinkling lights. With so much here, who needs snow to get in the spirit of the season?
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
Theatre
Through January 2, 2022
Virginia Rep’s November Theatre, 114 West Broad St, Richmond, 23220
$36-$56
Join Virginia Repertory Theatre for this treasured holiday favorite. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings to life the entire town of Bedford Falls, as it tells the beloved story of irrepressible George Bailey, in the form of a live 1940s radio broadcast. It’s the perfect holiday experience for the whole family. Purchase tickets online. (Video used with permission from Virginia Rep. Virginia Rep is a VPM sponsor.)
2. A CHRISTMAS STORY
Film
December 18, 10am
The Byrd Theater, 2908 W Cary Street, Richmond, 23221
$5
The Byrd Theater offers this 1983 family classic, starring Peter Billingsley and Darren McGavin. Summary: The comic mishaps and adventures of a young boy named Ralph, trying to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift for the 1940s. Purchase tickets online or at the box office.
3. LISTEN LOCAL: A RECITAL OF MUSIC BY RICHMOND COMPOSERS
Music
December 18, 8pm
Gallery5, 200 W Marshall Street, Richmond 23220
Join Classical Revolution RVA for a recital of music written by composers living in and around Richmond! Featured composers: Colton Dodd, David Robbins, Curt Sydnor, and Donovan Williams. Donations encouraged. No registration required.
4. FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS
Music
December 18 & 19, 6pm
Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 West Huguenot Road, N. Chesterfield, 23235
Join Huguenot Road Baptist Church for a joyful celebration of the season through music with world-renown church music composer Mary McDonald. Doors open at 5:30pm. Register online for this free event.
5. 1ST DRAFTS AND BAGELS
Theatre, Literary Art
December 18 & 19, noon
Firehouse Theatre Project, 1609 W. Broad St, Richmond, 23220
$5 suggested donation
Join Firehouse Theatre Project for mimosas and bagels and participate in the creative process of making a new play. 1st Drafts and Bagels brings together playwrights, directors, performers, and you to hear and talk about new short plays (or pieces of longer plays). Saturday’s play is Man by Chandler Hubbard, and Sunday will feature The Barber of Moville by Ronan Carr. No registration required.
6. GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
Landscape Art
Through January 9
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, 23228
Nov. 22-Dec. 16: $14 adults; $8 youth (age 3-12)
Dec. 17-Jan. 2: $18 adults; $12 youth (age 3-12)
Jan. 3-9: $14 adults; $8 youth (age 3-12)
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a holiday tradition featuring lights, decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase), and more. The region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza, presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden! Purchase tickets online.
7. FROM JAMESTOWN TO REVOLUTION: VIRGINIA IN THE COLONIAL ERA
History
December 14, 10am
Online
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture Education Team leads students in an exploration about how demographics made colonial Virginians' lives different. This program will study the beginnings of government in Virginia, enslavement versus indentured servitude, the impact of English colonists on Virginia Indians, and how colonial Virginians lived in their day-to- day lives. From objects to paintings, letters to broadsides, this program will look at a variety of different primary sources that shine a light on what life was like in colonial Virginia. Recommended for upper elementary students & above. Register online for this free event.
8. THE NUTCRACKER
Dance, Music
Through December 23, times vary
Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street, Richmond, 23219
$25 - $125
The Nutcracker makes its triumphant return to The Richmond Ballet this holiday season! Accompanied by the Richmond Symphony, Clara and her adoring Nutcracker, the glittering butterfly, and dancing Russian bear will once again charm audience members of all ages. This is the final opportunity to see this version of our beloved production as updated costumes and dazzling new sets will premiere in December of 2022. Purchase tickets online.
9. WINTER WONDERETTES
Theatre, Music
Through January 1
Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 US Route 1. South Chesterfield, 23834
$49
Those wonderful, mellifluous, marvelous Wonderettes return to the Swift Creek Mill Theatre as they work their musical magic to save the Harper’s Hardware holiday party from disaster after Santa goes missing! So many great hits from the 60’s, sung in classic “girl group” harmony. The perfect holiday confection! Purchase tickets online. (Swift Creek Mill Theatre is a VPM sponsor.)
10. BOOK TALK WITH MEG GROELING: FIRST FALLEN
History
December 16, 6:30pm
Online
Colonel Elmer Ellsworth was the first Union officer killed in the American Civil War. When it happened, on May 24, 1861, the entire North was aghast. Ellsworth was a celebrity; he had just finished traveling with his famed U.S. Zouave Cadets drill team. Through the use of archival resources, diaries, personal letters, newspapers, and other accounts Meg Groeling examines Ellsworth’s complex, fascinating life. Presented by the American Civil War Museum. Register online for this free event. (The American Civil War Museum is a VPM sponsor.)
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, 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, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
