Artsline: Virtual Edition || December 20, 2021
"”It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!’...
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
“Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!’"
~Dr. Seuss
This week is all about experiencing the holiday season – being together, in the presence of music or theatre, pretty lights and dancing, a good ghost story, or even a friendly cup of cocoa (with marshmallows.) As Richmond heads into the Christmas holidays, find ways to make it extra special by gathering (safely) with neighbors, friends, and family - so that this year, the holidays mean a little bit more.
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Film
December 23-26 at 7pm
December 24 at 10pm
The Byrd Theater, 2908 W Cary Street, Richmond, 23221
$8
The Byrd Theater offers this 1946 classic, directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Synopsis: George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin. Purchase tickets online.
2. WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY
Culture
December 21, 4:30pm
Belle Isle, Richmond
Join James River Park System in welcoming the Winter Solstice on Belle Isle! Hot cider & cocoa, marshmallow roasting, fire pit, short hikes around the Park. No registration required.
3. MASTERS OF SOUL
Music
December 22, 7pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
$40
Masters of Soul is a celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. Don’t miss this epic performance featuring stylishly costumed, fully choreographed performances of both male and female groups backed by an amazing live band! Take the ultimate stroll down memory lane with hits by The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Barry White, and many more! Presented by the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Purchase tickets online.
4. CHURCH HILL CHILLERS TOUR
History, Culture
December 24, 8pm
Meet at Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille, 2300 E. Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
$20/Adults online purchase ($25 walk-up or by phone)
$15/Children 5-12
Birthplace of the American Revolution, and home to a famed Civil War spy, Church Hill's colorful past has produced a cadre of restless spirits that still call the neighborhood home, even though their time amongst the living is long past! Cloaked in the shadows of the quaint and historical Church Hill neighborhood, this tour includes the following spirited tales: the spirit spymaster Elizabeth Van Lew, Edgar Allan Poe's first and last love, the haunts of a Civil War hospital, and more... Presented by Haunts of Richmond. Purchase tickets online.
5. SO.QUEER STAGED READING: ACUTE EXPOSURE
Theatre
December 21 & 22, 8pm
Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, 23230
Richmond Triangle Players presents a free staged reading of Acute Exposure, an Honorable Mention winner at RTP's inaugural So.Queer Playwriting Festival! Synopsis: Dell and Mara have different goals for the end of senior year. Mara wants to graduate as Valedictorian, Dell wants to figure out a way to tell humans ten thousand years in the future about the tons of radioactive waste buried deep in the desert outside of Loving, New Mexico. After they are partnered on a school project about Beowulf, they grow closer, until their newfound intimacy threatens their status quo, and their dreams. In the end, they must examine what it means to be toxic, and how internalized toxicity can affect the people they love. Register online for this free event.
6. COMMON GROUND VIRGINIA HISTORY VIRTUAL BOOK GROUP
History, Literary Art
December 21, 6pm
Online
Read and discuss compelling nonfiction books handpicked by Library of Virginia, exploring Virginia history, society, and culture. This month’s discussion will be on Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend by Scott Reynolds Nelson. Please check out the monthly Common Ground Book Group post on the UncommonWealth blog to view LVA collection items and other resources for each month's book choice. Register online for this free event.
7. KWANZAA SERVICE
Culture
December 26, 11am
Unity of Richmond, 800 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, 23221
Unity of Richmond’s morning service led by Dr. Yemaja Jubilee will include gospel music, African drummers, dancers, and an African feast. The live event will be held in person and streamed simultaneously from its sister site, Unity of Bon Air, located in Chesterfield County. No reservation required.
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. RVA WINTER PUPPETFEST 2021
Puppetry, Theatre
December 27 – 30, 10:30am
Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, 23230
Puppet Shows: $12.50/each, $40/Family Four Pack
Puppetry Arts Camp: $50/each
Join Puppets Off Broad Street for their 7th annual RVA Winter Puppetfest! Enjoy a winter break full of family fun with puppet shows by award-winning performers. There's something for everyone with classic tales such as "The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen," an original take "Little Red & the Gingerbread Man," and even tongue-twisting ventriloquism with Tyrone Travis. You can also join in the evenings to meet the artists over Zoom for a lively demonstration followed by Q&A! NEW THIS YEAR: "Talk to the Hand," a virtual Puppetry Arts Camp for grades 2-7. Purchase tickets online or register online for the puppetry camp.
11. GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
Landscape Art
Through January 9
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, 23228
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.
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.
