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May 27, 2022 • Volume VII, Number 33
“When I grow up, I still want to be a director.”
-- Steven Spielberg (born Dec 18., 1946) is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He began his career in the New Hollywood era and is currently the most commercially successful director of all time. Spielberg is the recipient of three Academy Awards, a Kennedy Center honor, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. He shot pivotal scenes from his film Lincoln in our historic November Theatre. He couldn’t have been a nicer guy.
As promised, here is the third profile of our new artistic leadership triumvirate. Rick Hammerly has joined forces with Desirée Roots and Todd D. Norris, accepting the position of Artistic Director of Programming. All three of our ADs share the weight of Virginia Rep’s artistic leadership, collaborating on many decisions while contributing expertise from individual perspectives. Rick’s responsibility is to ensure that artistic excellence remains at the forefront of all our work. He will lead our Signature Season, our Barksdale Season at Hanover Tavern, and Virginia Rep’s part in our Cadence partnership. He will supervise our production team, and work to strengthen our associations with the D.C. and national theatre communities. Rick comes from 30+ years as a Helen Hayes Award-winning producer, director and actor in Washington, where he continues to lead Factory 449 and the Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive. We’re excited to welcome him to Virginia Rep.
Emelie Faith Thompson
Grey Garrett
Catrina Brenae
Donna and the Dynamos, the ABBA-like rock stars who will lead this summer’s celebration of life known as Mamma Mia!, have arrived in the building. Rehearsals started Monday at our historic November Theatre, under the direction of Happy Mahaney, music direction of Sandy Dacus, and choreography of Leslie Owens-Harrington. Number One “Dancing Queen,” Donna Sheridan, Emelie Faith Thompson, was last seen on our stage in Curious Incident. Her two “Super Trooper” pals, Tanya and Rosie, are Virginia Rep favorite Grey Garrett and newcomer Catrina Brenae. Their counterparts, Donna’s former suitors Sam, Harry, and Bill, are Alexander Sapp (another Virginia Rep all-star), and newcomers Anthony CeFala, and Jason Kypros. The “Chiquitita” trio of high-energy young women, Sophie, Ali, and Lisa, includes returning favorites Hannah Jennison and Havy Nguyen and new-to-our-mainstage Jana Prentiss. Please plan now to join in the fun by calling (804) 282-2620 for YOUR reservations today!
It’s been exciting to launch the process of introducing our new Artistic Director model AND our three new ADs to the world. The model itself caught the attention of American Theatre magazine’s online e-blast and Broadway Briefing, a key “insider” daily news flash for those in the biz. Also, the first of what we hope to be several in-person events was hosted last week at the beautiful home of Board member Trish Forman and husband Craig (many thanks!). Over the summer, Desirée, Todd and Rick will begin making the rounds, attending other events to introduce to fellow arts leaders, independent theatre artists, subscribers, elected officials, donors, volunteers, educators and more. Soon, we hope ALL of our stakeholders will have the chance to meet our new trio of leaders face-to-face.
Thank you for the several emails we received welcoming Artistic Director of Education, Todd D. Norris. “Welcome, Todd,” wrote J. Thomas. “As a teacher for 23 years, I assure you that Virginia Rep’s educational touring programs are irreplaceable components of our state’s public school system. We teachers will eagerly support you as you continue moving forward with this vital contribution to our work.” Thanks, J., as we continue to reboot the tour following the pandemic, we really need and appreciate that support. Also, we were happy to receive another love letter regarding Bonnie and Claire. “Bo Wilson’s new play is so needed, addressing that delicate dance when seniors should stop driving their cars,” wrote T. Parsons. “To tell this fraught tale with so much love and humor… What a gift!” Thanks, T. We too are Bonnie boosters. Please encourage your friends to join us for the ride.
We encourage your comments, corrections and feedback. Please email your thoughts to mhaber@virginiarep.org.
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