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July 1, 2022 • Volume VIII, Number 1
“We are the good news that we have been looking for,
Demonstrating that every dusk holds a dawn disguised within it.
Today we don't burst into a new world.
We begin it.”
-- Amanda Gorman (born Mar. 7, 1998) is an American poet. She was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. In 2021, she delivered her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of U. S. President Joe Biden. One month later, Gorman was highlighted in Time’s “100 Next” list, with a profile written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. That same month, she became the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl.
Sustainable Finance - ESMA ©
Sixty-nine years ago, when our co-founders purchased Hanover Tavern as their new home, they paid the last of their $2,500 down payment from a jar filled with pocket change. During 2021-22’s financial turmoil, we’ve tried to honor their example by making the most of every nickel that came through the door, determined to finish fiscal 2022 on June 30 with zero red ink. With a LOT of help from our friends, it’s looking like that determination has paid off, according to final projections presented to the Board Finance Committee. We covered operating expenses of $4,210,079 AND began to restore our cash reserve to help us address future economic challenges. This financial activity marks an approximate 72.6% return to pre-COVID actuals. Federal Shuttered Venue funding (and significant belt-tightening) helped immeasurably. But the true gift that put us over the top was YOUR steadfast support. THANK YOU!!
One of the great joys of working at Virginia Rep is seeing talented actors literally grow up on our multiple stages. Pictured are Brandon McKinney (left) and Donathan Arnold (right) as they looked in our 2013 production of The Music Man, and as they appear now in Mamma Mia! Brandon opened with us last week, performing in the ensemble. Donathan joined the show earlier this week, taking over the featured role of Sky. Brandon is a rising sophomore majoring in Musical Theatre at James Madison University. This is his 10th show at Virginia Rep, including an appearance as Emily Skinner’s “son” in Mame. Donathan is a sophomore theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. This is his 7th show at Virginia Rep, including an appearance as Felicia Curry’s son in The Color Purple. Both actors are not only talented, they’re also outstanding young men. Look out world, here they come!
Last night we began Barefoot in
the Park’s free performances at Dogwood Dell. Since 1975’s founding of Theatre IV, we’ve
lived by the credo “No One’s Turned Away Due to Inability to Pay.” Through various initiatives, we’ve
distributed tens of thousands of free tickets to Virginians who otherwise couldn’t
have afforded to attend. For years we’ve
wanted to establish an annual summer “friend-raiser,” a community outreach
effort that we’re branding FREE-for-ALL—opening our figurative doors to
everyone, without charge. We invite you
to join us for this free showing of Barefoot
in the Park. Desirée Roots, our Artistic Director of Community, is building community around
Virginia Rep, and helping to build a better Virginia Rep that embraces ALL of our
Greater Richmond community. Barefoot stars Joy Williams, Joe Pabst,
Trevor Lawson and Rachel Rose Gilmour from the original Tavern cast. It runs tonight and tomorrow at 8:30. Please join in the fun!
“Mamma Mia! was great!” emailed T. Carson. “Especially the choreography!! Warmest welcome to Ashleigh King.” Thanks, T. We’ll pass that on. “VCU is so well known for its visual arts programs, we sometimes forget that their theater program is also nationally ranked,” wrote P. Crumbier, in response to our report about the national recognition received by our pals at Theatre VCU. “We had no idea that Virginia Rep was partnering with them. Congratulations!” Lastly, several of you wrote in wanting more information about Felicia Curry’s gig on Broadway in Into the Woods. IF and when we learn of any particular week when Felicia, understudying both the Witch and the Baker’s Wife, will be guaranteed to appear, we’ll let you know, IF we’re allowed to share that information. Both of those are big “IFs.”
We encourage your comments, corrections and feedback. Please email your thoughts to mhaber@virginiarep.org.
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