Spring is almost officially here and that means it's time for something new. Flowers are growing, the days are longer and along with all of the symbols of spring, a whole new crop of plays are opening.
That's right, Richmond's wide array of theaters are well into their 2008 season.
From classic stories that we all know by heart to questions of faith, love, gender and race, Richmond's theaters are producing some fascinating shows this season. There's drama and comedy, family-friendly shows and ones for mature audiences only. It truly is an exciting season for Richmond theater.
Now Showing
"Fiddler On The Roof" at Christian Youth Theater
In a village in Russia a poor dairyman teaches his daughters the importance of their religious traditions. The family is Jewish and living in Russia just as anti-Semitism is running rampant and the tsar is ordering Jews out of their homes. It's a timeless story of love, family and tradition. Runs through March 16, tickets are $14.
"Doubt: A Parable" at Barksdale Theatre
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play starts with a question, "What do you do when you're not sure?" In the case of this play, the issue of uncertainty pertains to a priest's questionable relationship with a student. The play is about faith, accountability and a lesson that what one sees on the surface may not always be the whole picture. Read Richmond.com's review of it here. Runs through March 22, tickets are $38.
"Little Women" at Swift Creek Mill Playhouse
We all know the story of Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy. Swift Creek Mill Playhouse bring Louisa May Alcott's classic story of a family trying to keep it together during the Civil War. Runs through March 22, tickets start at $31.50.
"Much Ado About Nothing" at Henley Street Theater Company
Richmond's newest theater company is putting on Shakespeare's classic (and my personal favorite) "Much Ado About Nothing." The plot is simple and classic Shakespeare: two young lovers pass the time by tricking their single friends, who happen to be sworn enemies, into falling in love. It's the language, the dialogue and the verbal spars that make this one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. Runs through March 29, tickets are $15 to $20. Call 804-340-0115 for tickets or more information.
Opening this Month
"Unlisted Properties" at Firehouse Theatre
This special production of a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate thesis project runs for two nights only. It's a fascinating narrative of women throughout history, specially focusing on the theme of women as property. All proceeds benefit a local women's charity. Performances are Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18, tickets are $10.
"Harvey" at Chamberlayne Actors Theatre
This comedy about a man and his imaginary friend -- a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit named Harvey -- is brought to live by the Chamberlayne Actors Theater. When the man's sister tried to commit him to a sanitarium we learn that Harvey may not be as imaginary as he seems. This play is a classic comedy. Runs March 26 through April 1, tickets start at $15.
"As You Like It" at Richmond Shakespeare
It's been a decade since Richmond Shakespeare first performed a five-actor "As You Like It" that became its trademark. Now they bring it back for Richmond's enjoyment. The play is the best of Shakespeare, comedy, cross-dressing, mistaken identity, romance and some of the most quotable lines in the all of Shakespearean drama. Runs March 27 through April 20, tickets are $20.
"Greater Tuna" at Barksdale Theatre
Two actors, 20 characters, UFO sightings, a celebrity murder and a used weapon sale are all just part of the fun in this hilarious play. Set in Tuna, Texas' third smallest town, this play centers on a day in the life of one very colorful community. Runs March 28 through June 15, tickets are $39 / $36 with Ukrop's Valued Customer Card.
Opening in April
"Say You Love Satan" at Richmond Triangle Players
If you thought your dating life was bad then just wait to you meet the character in this play from Richmond Triangle Players. When Andrew meets Jack he thinks he might be boyfriend material, despite the fact that he has "666" burned into his forehead. Still, Andrew must be a romantic because he's committed to making a go of it with Jack, even if he is faced with the mother of all red flags. Runs April 2 through April 26, tickets start at $16.
"Waiting to Be Invited" at African American Theatre
It's 1964 and four middle-aged black women set out to test their civil rights as just handed down from the U.S. Supreme Court. The women take a bus to a "whites only" restaurant. "This funny, touching play received the Kennedy Center Roger L. Stevens Award for New Playwrights and the Adrienne Kennedy Award for Most Promising Young Dramatist." Runs April 4 through April 27, tickets are $25.
"The Little Dog Laughed" at Barksdale Theatre
This play centers on Diane, a Hollywood "super agent" / control freak who can't seem to control her No. 1 actor client. She wants him to be the next Orlando Bloom … and he wants to fall in love with the cute male escort who was spotted leaving his hotel room. It's a fun story of love, control and Hollywood hypocrisy -- contains strong language and adult content. Runs April 11 through May 18, $38 / $38 with Ukrop's Valued Customer Card.
"The Meeting" at Modlin Center for the Arts
This play contemplates what would happen if Malcolm X met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Its set in a Harlem hotel room in 1965, just a week before Malcolm X is assassinated. Can the two men come to terms with their radically different approaches to the same issue? And if they do, could their fictional conversation alter history? Runs April 12 and 13, tickets are $15.
"The Firehouse Theatre Cabaret" at Firehouse Theatre
Richmond's only off-Broadway theater has long-since built a reputation for putting on original, fascinating production. And its cabaret act is no exception. It's an evening of singing, dancing and 10-minute plays that's certain to be great fun. Runs through May 17, tickets are $25.