April 5, 2019 -- Volume VI, Issue 11

The same stellar cast of Once that dazzled audiences here at our historic November Theatre is now spending a month in Lancaster, PA, at the historic Fulton Opera House, home base of Fulton Theatre. Nathaniel was with the cast for two weeks as they made the adjustments needed to adapt our production to Fulton’s larger stage and horseshoe-shaped seating configuration. “We all came here thinking it would be a snap, but it actually took a lot of work,” said cast member and Virginia Rep All Star Kelly Kennedy in a phone interview this week. “There’s been considerable restaging to adjust to differing sightlines, and a major expansion of the lighting design, made possible by their extensive lighting equipment. All of the changes have been positive. The Fulton hosts many national companies, and their team has been very complimentary towards us. If we’ve heard it once we’ve heard it 20 times: the Virginia Rep company is among the most professional they’ve had.” And what of the audiences? “The audience here is wonderful, but it includes a LOT of bus tours,” states Kelly. “In general the audience seems older and less sophisticated than in RVA. Their reactions indicate a more conservative sensibility.” In addition to the actors enjoying the financial benefits of the co-pro, Virginia Rep will benefit as Fulton shares approximately $35,000 in overall production costs.

Phil was proud to represent Virginia Rep on Wednesday when Shawn Brixey, Dean of VCU’s School of the Arts, presented Virginia Rep with their first Partnership Award in ceremonies held in the auditorium of the Institute of Contemporary Art. Virginia Rep’s VCU Partnership has been active for approximately 20 years, but it has received increased support over the last three years under the leadership of Ron Keller, immediate past Theatre Chair, and Sharon Ott, current Theatre Chair. Currently, Kikau Alvaro, Associate Artistic Director of Virginia Rep, teaches “Movement for the Actor” and “Musical Theatre Performance” in the VCU Theatre program. BJ Wilkinson, Virginia Rep’s Master Electrician, teaches “Introduction to Lighting Design,” and supervises TheatreVCU’s Lighting Practicum program. And approximately 30 VCU undergrads and grad students have the opportunity to work with Virginia Rep in acting, understudying, stage managing, design, and crew positions each year, gaining both experience and professional resume credits. Guest artists from Virginia Rep regularly meet with VCU theatre majors to discuss various aspects of life as a professional theatre artist. Phil, Nathaniel, and Bruce have all served as guest teachers and adjudicators in VCU theatre classes. And state funds generated in partnership with Virginia Rep support VCU’s Graduate Stipend program.  

The Acts of Faith Festival runs each year from Jan through Mar. Last Sun, Mar 31, we wrapped up the Festival when Bruce led the AoF talkback following the Sun matinee of Broadway Bound at Hanover Tavern. Broadway Bound was one of Virginia Rep’s four Festival entries this year, along with Once (Signature Season), Huck and Tom … (Children’s Season), and In My Chair (Cadence Season). So what comprises an Acts of Faith talkback? At Virginia Rep, that’s determined by the audience that chooses to stay. On some occasions, we have church / synagogue / mosque groups that are eager to engage in a faith-based talkback. In those instances, we begin with the spiritual quote we’ve invited audiences to consider as they watch the show. In the case of Broadway Bound, that quote was from Colossians 3:13: “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” The Jerome family in Broadway Bound has numerous opportunities to give and avoid forgiveness; it becomes clear how those choices effect family bonds. On Sun, a lot of the discussion revolved around family, some around forgiveness, and, as always, a lot around how the actors, director and designers engage in their craft. About 20 audience members stayed, and it seemed everyone enjoyed the chance to take a deeper dive.  

At Virginia Rep, we try hard to be good community partners. That’s not always easy. Case in point: several weeks ago, a valuable colleague from the Science Museum contacted Phoenecia (Neci) Hill here at Virginia Rep. Neci works to address issues of inclusion and accessibility with all our programs. Our colleague was emailing on behalf of the Richmond Cultural Accessibility and Inclusion Network, a cooperative venture involving all of RVA’s museums plus Virginia Rep. Her invitation mentioned the opportunity for all public facilities to bathe their facades in blue light on Tues, Apr 2, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day—an international campaign designed to increase awareness and understanding of autism. Virginia Rep is very committed to serving children and families on the autism spectrum through our Sensory Friendly performance series. So we agreed to participate in the Light It Up Blue one-night campaign. Once the lights came on, we began hearing from others within the autistic community who strongly oppose the organization that promotes Light It Up Blue. Turns out this is one of those politicized activities that attracts friends and foes. The Good News, for us, is our commitment to inclusion. We always learn valuable things when we act on that commitment. We vow to continue to work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included at Virginia Rep!

“I've always enjoyed your Friday news email. Will it continue after Bruce is gone? Also, did he ever get the keys to his car after London?” – subscriber, donor, traveler and friend, John Rupp. Rep response: Yes and yes. The plan is for “Good News Friday” to continue, with Bruce remaining at the helm, at least until Hannah’s return mid-June. Bruce’s immediate transition is one of location (he’s left the downtown office), responsibilities (he no longer is involved with production), and trousers (he now wears jeans). He is continuing his leadership of Community Health and Wellness. After our Dir of Development left in mid-March, Phil asked and Bruce agreed to serve as acting D of D until a new D of D can be found. Bruce begins his job in Chesterfield later this summer. About those keys: after cleverly leaving his car keys in a London desk drawer, and relying on John Rupp for a ride home (John and Bruce are church pals), Bruce called our fleet manager Gordon Bass, who referred him to Bill of Riverside Locksmith. The next day Bill met Bruce in airport parking and, after popping a door lock to get in, removed the lock from the glove compartment. Using magic we muggles don’t understand, Bill made a key from the glove compartment lock, a key Bruce now uses to drive. After several pleasant phone calls, the return of the key Bruce abandoned in London has been promised. But it has yet to appear.