Artsline: Virtual Edition || April 18, 2022
The west-winds blow, and, singing low,
I hear the glad streams run;
The windows of my soul I throw
Wide open to the sun.
~John Greenleaf Whittier, "My Psalm," 1859
A sweet Virginia breeze is blowing petals (and pollen) throughout our fair city. There are so many outdoor arts and culture events this week, find a way to manage any allergies and experience the beautiful blooms and fantastic performances! If you can’t manage being in the midst of RVA’s green and yellow season, enjoy several indoor theatre openings and dance shows – plus new art exhibits for Fourth Fridays. Check out what’s happening below!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK
Landscape Arts
Saturday, April 23 – Saturday, April 30
Various gardens throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
$30 - $60 per garden
For one week in April, visitors may tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens and historic sites across Virginia, enjoying our beautiful state at the peak of spring. In addition, more than 1,000 world-class floral arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members will enhance tour properties. This beloved statewide event will include 28 unique tours organized and hosted by 48 member clubs located from the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley all the way to the beaches of Tidewater. Purchase tickets online.
2. SCIENCE ON SCREEN: HOW DON'T LOOK UP HAS SCIENTIST SAYING, "DO LISTEN IN!"
Film
Tuesday, April 19, 7pm
The Byrd Theater, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, 23221
The Byrd Theater brings the nationwide Science on Screen® initiative, delivering creative pairings of current, classic, cult, and documentary films with lively introductions by notable figures from the world of science, technology, and medicine. For this month’s offering, "How Don’t Look Up Has Scientists Saying 'Do Listen In!'” a neuroscientist, a climate scientist and an astronomer share perspectives on the film and the real-life threats it describes. Three Science Museum of Virginia scientists join the conversation: Dr. Jeremy Hoffman, Dr. Catherine Franssen and Justin Bartel. Purchase tickets online.
3. A SINGLE PRAYER
Theatre
Wednesday, April 20 – Sunday, May 8
Days and times vary
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
$30
Firehouse Theatre presents the world premiere of A Single Prayer, a new play by K. Jenkins, and directed by Mark J. Lerman. Clem: “This is my blended family. That’s what Charlie says, he’s our therapist. But blended isn’t really the right word. It’s more like shaken up in a ride like at the carnival where the seats are all dirty and scratched and you’re not sure if it might fall apart all at once from the rusty nails and something that got put together after a couple of beers, and then taken apart again in pieces everywhere and then put back together again so that you wonder how it all ever got together in the first place.” So begins K. Jenkins beautifully lyrical play about trying to find our way in a very confusing universe. See how Clem and the other characters in her orbit make sense of our fractured existence. Purchase tickets online.
4. ELEONE DANCE THEATRE
Dance
Wednesday, April 20, 7pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
$25
Don’t miss this audience favorite that’s inspiring for dance fans of all ages! Eleone Dance Theatre ushers in the new millennium with resurrected cutting edge works that challenge traditional boundaries. Enjoy contemporary, modern, spiritual, rhythm and blues, African, hip-hop and more at this stunning performance! Presented by The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Purchase tickets online.
5. SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY: A CELEBRATION OF THE BARD
History, Theatre, Landscape Art
Saturday, April 23
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, 23221
Outdoor activities – Free
Houses tours available – Adults $10 | Students $6
To celebrate Shakespeare’s 458th birthday, Agecroft Hall is having a birthday party – in person! In honor of this occasion, they will have a full day of entertainment: dances, games, songs, and other merry activities! Wander through Agecroft’s Shakespeare Garden and join their living history staff for Tudor era crafts. Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens and grounds of Agecroft Hall. Purchase tickets for museum tours online or at the event.
6. 4TH FRIDAY ART SHOWS AND OPENING RECEPTION
Visual Art
Friday, April 22, 6pm reception
Exhibit through May 21
Art Works, 320 Hull Street, Richmond, 23224
Art Works is celebrating Earth Day with their annual recycle art show, Recycle Me. See what ideas creative people have for reusing, recycling, and upcycling materials. These can be not only artful but functional. Dawnette Renee’s exhibit, Revival continues in the main gallery. In the Centre Gallery the Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association (MRAA) group exhibit is featured. Mike Bily brings nature—exotic and domestic—to the gallery with his exhibit, Outside Your Door. Meet the artists. There will be music and door prizes. No registration required.
7. BEEHIVE: THE 60s MUSICAL
Theatre
Through Sunday, May 15, dates & times vary
November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
$36-$67
Beehive delivers the pop, soul and rock and roll of yesteryear! Six actresses spotlight Diana Ross, Leslie Gore, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Carole King, and perform over 25 hit songs with some narration about the pieces and the period. Hit songs include “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Be My Baby,” “River Deep/Proud Mary,” and “Make Your Own Kind of Music.” Dancing also plays a big part in Beehive. The Monkey, the Pony, the Jerk, the Swim, and the Mashed Potato all make an appearance. It’s a 60s musical celebration you won’t want to miss! Presented by Virginia Rep. Purchase tickets online.
8. COMMON GROUND VIRGINIA HISTORY BOOK GROUP | A BRAVE AND CUNNING PRINCE
Literary Arts, History
Tuesday, April 19, 6pm
Online only
Read and discuss compelling nonfiction books handpicked by Library of Virginia staff that explore Virginia history, society, and culture. This month, they will discuss A Brave and Cunning Prince: The Great Chief Opechancanough and the War for America by James Horn. For the second half of the evening author James Horn will be joining for a short Q&A. Registration required for this free event.
9. LOVE IS CRAZY
Dance
Thursday, April 21, 6pm
Hippodrome Theater, 528 North 2nd Street, Richmond, 23219
$25 - $50
Join Richmond’s newest, most versatile and dynamic professional dance company, THE Landing at their spring premiere, Love Is Crazy. This performance blends soulful music with a compelling style of dance that brings athleticism, femininity, emotion and power to the stage. THE Landing will reveal the various stages and feelings that love grants us and haunts us with through an intimate live performance at the iconic Hippodrome Theatre. Guests can expect to be captivated and entranced by this full female cast. Let THE Landing introduce you to a new image of dance in the Richmond area with a performance that will leave you wanting more! Purchase tickets online.
10. HOME FOR GOOD PLAYHOUSE EVENT
Architectural Art, Creative Play
Friday, April 22 – Sunday, April 8
Short Pump Town Center, 11800 West Broad Street, Henrico, 23233
Playhouses remind us that childhood should be carefree, without abuse or neglect. That's why Henrico CASA hosts our annual Home for Good awareness event. We partner with local builders to create, display, and give away one-of-a-kind playhouses. Five beautiful, custom-built playhouses will be on display at Short Pump Town Center during the event. Community members can donate $5 for the opportunity to win a playhouse. No registration required.
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.
The Garden Club of Virginia, the Library of Virginia, and Virginia Rep are sponsors of VPM.
