Virginia Stage Company Announces 40th Anniversary Season
By: Stephi Wild Feb. 19, 2018
Virginia Stage Company is thrilled to announce their milestone 40th Anniversary Season. Their current season is one of the most highly attended in the past decade, and the 2018/2019 Season promises to be even more spectacular. Over the past forty years, Virginia Stage has told stories that examined community, family and friendship, and this season follows in those footsteps. The 2018/2019 Season will celebrate "our town." Themes of community, family and friendship run through all these plays and musicals, while ranging widely in aesthetic style, tone, and whose story is being told.
Possibly foremost in this spirit is a community-focused production of the revered American classic, Our Town. There is something for everyone in this season that offers a colorful array of award-winning productions like the recent winner of the Tony for Best Musical Fun Home, and also includes identity-driven stories touching on race, love, and community. Other highlights include the oft-requested return of Always... Patsy Cline and the hilarious and topical new comedy Native Gardens. And do not fear, both holiday productions, A Christmas Carol and The Santaland Diaries, are returning.
The season celebrates 40 years of Virginia Stage Company's immersion in the Hampton Roads community, while looking forward and embracing the intersection of live theatre and social dialogue. Continuing with their tradition of collaborating with education institutions, partnerships are underway with the Governor's School for the Arts for Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical and Norfolk State University Theatre Company for Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye.
Season Memberships are available now at up to 20% off regular ticket prices and ranging from $99 - $299. Single tickets for all shows will go on sale in August.
See below for a full slate of productions:
BY Ted Swindley
September 12 to September 30, 2018
One of the most beloved productions in Virginia Stage Company history returns to kick off the historic 40th Season. Celebrate the life and music of one of country music's most iconic voices and her unlikely friendship with a Houston housewife as they bond over a pot of strong coffee, some dear letters between friends, and the beautiful tones of Cline herself. You'll go "Crazy" over 27 of her biggest hits.
OUR TOWN
October 17 to November 4, 2018
Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play has stood the test of time and remains one of the top produced and cherished shows in the American canon. Through humor and exceptionally powerful storytelling, audiences are transported to the small town of Grover's Corners to follow the journey of its residents as they grow up and experience the beauty and heartbreak of life. This new take on an American classic proves to highlight what makes this little town enduringly iconic and not so different from Hampton Roads.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
BY Charles Dickens, ADAPTED BY PATRICK MULLINS
November 28 to December, 24 2018
It wouldn't be the holidays without Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Wells Theatre! This heartwarming story follows the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they visit Ebenezer Scrooge and remind us all of hope, redemption, and love.
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
December 6 to December 16, 2018
Based on the memoir of award-winning comedic author David Sedaris. This hilarious one-man-show takes us back to ye olden days when he was one of Santa's Elves at Macy's Department Store. In this one-act play the struggling writer, who chooses the elf name "Crumpet," weaves an unbelievable tale of drunken Santas, lascivious actors, and combative parents. Come laugh, drink and be merry with your friends at the Wells Theatre. This late night holiday treat for adults is sure to make your spirits bright!
FUN HOME
BY Alison Bechdel, Jeanine Tesori, AND Lisa Kron
January 23 to February 10, 2019
Alison Bechdel's iconic graphic novel comes to life in this Tony Award-winning masterpiece musical. Follow her journey of self-discovery as Alison recounts the mysteries of her childhood with her father in the family funeral home. Coming to understand her past leads her on a path of self-discovery and her own journey as an LGBTQ writer, artist, and woman. Join Virginia Stage for this groundbreaking musical enjoyed by play and musical lovers alike that brings forward aspects of our society that do not often take center stage.
TONI MORRISON'S THE BLUEST EYE
ADAPTED BY Lydia R. Diamond
March 6 to March 24, 2019
Adapted from Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's first novel, this play explores race and class during the post-Great Depression era. Young Pecola Breedlove prays for Shirley Temples' blue eyes, sure that love and acceptance will follow; but for a young black girl in Ohio in the 1940's, fitting in is easier wished for than done. This poetic narrative illuminates the destructive powers of racism, colorism, and how the dynamics of family and community can lift us up or tear us down. Produced in collaboration with Norfolk State University Theatre Company.
NATIVE GARDENS
BY KAREN ZACARÍAS
April 10 to April 28, 2019
When is a fence more than just a fence? In this hilarious and topical comedy, a rising attorney, Pablo, and Tania his pregnant, PhD candidate wife clash with their well-intentioned neighbors and learn that sometimes the small things in life represent a lot more. The ensuing battle of tossed words and acorns challenges the characters and audience to examine their views on race, affluence, and influence, as it shines a light on just what it means to be a good neighbor.
Roald Dahl'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
BOOK BY Dennis Kelly, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY Tim Minchin
May 22 to June 2, 2019
This musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with a sharp wit and love for books. With her special brand of ingenuity, she dares to stand against the tyranny of adults who seek to crush her imagination. This multi-Tony award-winning musical provides the perfect opportunity for collaboration between Virginia Stage Company and The Governor's School for the Arts to highlight our local students alongside some of the top professional actors from around the country.
More information at: vastage.org/season40
Virginia Stage Company is Southeastern Virginia's leading theatre destination, serving an audience of over 70,000 annually, both at the Wells Theatre and throughout the community. Virginia Stage Company's mission is to "enrich, educate, and entertain the region by creating and producing theatrical art of the highest quality."
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