Ebenezer Scrooge Rides Again

It's that time of year again, amazingly. For the twelfth consecutive year, I'll have the pleasure of sharing Charles Dickens' incredibly rich language and moving story about the miser in us all. Our adaptation is called A Christmas Carol for Two Actors, and this year, after first performing the piece with me in 2007, Julie Phillips returns to the production. Molly Hood returns too, this time to direct.

Dickens' prodigious gifts for producing text that also sounds simply gorgeous certainly echo those of Shakespeare, and "Carol" is one of the best examples. The novella was first adapted for the stage almost immediately after publication in 1843, and we're delighted to revive its wonderful sounds. It begins with one miser, seemingly without a single redemptive quality.

We've learned that of the three (3) public performances, the first, 12/7 is already sold out.

The shows are on Monday evenings this year, Dec 7/14/21.

Showtimes are still 8pm as the show is under 70 mins. Tickets are available at RichmondShakespeare.com, and at all Ukrop's, Macy's, at the CenterStage box ofc (M-F 11-4 and 2 hrs before each show), and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Much Ado About Shining Boleros

We're into the final performance weekend of Much Ado About Nothing, our inaugural show in the Gottwald Playhouse at Richmond CenterStage, and I'll make no bones about it: I think you should see this show. Come see the new venue, come see how we've begun to make use of its outstanding acoustics, new lighting and sound equipment and amenities. The bar will be open. Tickets are $15, $26, and $38.

That said, it's only one night of three. For your Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, if I can make a recommendation for two not spent watching Much Ado, let me give a shout out to Boleros for the Disenchanted at Barksdale Theatre's Willow Lawn space and Henley Street Theatre's The Shining City.

I saw Shining City on the same night as Barksdale's Bruce Miller, and he's done an excellent job summing up the night, here. I was absolutely thrilled by Joe Inscoe's performance, as always, and pleased with everyone else. It's a big step up for Henley and one that Richmond should embrace.

However, I will admit to just thoroughly loving Boleros for the Disenchanted at Barksdale. I cared about its characters far more deeply than I thought possible; I felt connected to the story, and was delighted by its structure, its terrific comedy (with beauty, laughter, sadness and terrific language all thrown in), and its flawless execution. Kudos to Rick Brandt, Jason Winebarger and the entire crew at Willow Lawn. Bruce Miller's direction is spot-on, some of his best. There's a nifty video interview on the B'dale website here.

However, it's Bruce's casting here that has Boleros shining so strongly. He talks about the casting in the video; the actors are excellent. Rivera's play is in wonderful hands, and this love story to his parents and to the island of Puerto Rico itself is a real treat for theatergoers. I loved it.

There is an initial sample of the Latin Ballet of VA, dancing boleros at the top of the show and again at intermission---led by the exquisite Ana Ines King. She is a tremendous athlete, a terrific dancer, producer and an elegant lady. Virginia is desperately lucky to have her residing in our midst.

So, tonight, come see Much Ado. Tomorrow and Sunday? Go see Shining City or Boleros for the Disenchanted.

Our Play is Preffered: Best Ensemble

Last night, Richmond Shakespeare was proud to sit with the theatre community of greater Richmond and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues. We were also honored with three nominations, including Rebecca Cairns and Annie Hoskins--nominated again for Best Costume an award they won last year.

This year we had two award-winners: a special recognition for Vanessa Passini's terrific fight work in Henry V [The History Cycle], and the company of actors from A Midsummer Night's Dream, who won as a cast for Best Ensemble. Those actors are Sandra Clayton, Brandon Crowder, Kerry McGee, Stacie Rearden Hall and Adam Mincks.

This recognition in particular was satisfying for me, as we set out many years ago to craft a company in which the collective efforts of actors, designers, directors, musicians and volunteers all work together; perhaps more so than any other, the theatre is a collaborative art form.

I first saw the five-actor format (yes 5) of performing William Shakespeare in the early 1990's at the University of Richmond: a program called Actors from the London Stage. Five gifted players create all the roles in a given Shakespeare. My first experience was with As You Like It, which was honored last year in several categories. It's a thrilling challenge, to craft more than one role, often alternating between them onstage—few challenges in the acting world can match it (solo shows of 'full commitment' come to mind), and I'm very grateful these lovely actors were so recognized.

They, and the supporting team behind them were indeed the best ensemble: Andrew Ham, Bryan Laubenthal, Jake Allard, Holly Harris, Holly Lucas, Richard Moxley, David White and J. David White, Rebecca Cairns, Annie Hoskins, Flora Vassar. Congratulations to each and all.

Not a word of me. All that I will tell you is that the duke hath dined. Get your apparel together, good strings to your beards, new ribbons to your pumps. Meet presently at the palace. Every man look o'er his part. For the short and the long is, our play is preferred.

Actor and director "Jack" Parrish / Times-Dispatch

Actor and director John Linwood "Jack" Parrish Jr. dies Richmond Times-Dispatch

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Jack Parrish

All of us in the Richmond Theatre community were saddened to learn of today's passing of Jack Parrish, longtime Richmond actor, director, and friend. Jack fought a lengthy battle with cancer, and reportedly went into hospice very recently and died this afternoon. He will be missed.

Tonight at 8:30, Richmond Shakespeare and CenterStage dimmed the big marquee at 6th & Grace and dedicated this evening's performance to Jack. It was quite a sight. We heard, via Facebook, that Sycamore Rouge gave Jack a special intermission curtain call. We're sure that other tributes will surely follow, and will pass on any related info as it comes available. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and Clay Parrish--I and many others are holding you in mind and heart tonight.

David Timberline Joins the Chorus of Critics Praising "Much Ado"

Second Tuesdays Staged Reading Series

Each Second Tuesday between Oct-May.

Produced by Liz Blake.

October 13 - Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by Jamie Rees
November 10 - Two Noble Kinsmen, directed by Rebecca Jones
December 8 - A Lion in Winter, by James Goldman, directed by 'Rick Gray, featuring Larry Gard and Joy Williams
January 12 - Volpone by Ben Jonson, dir. by Jeff Cole
February 9 - Galathea by John Lyly, dir. by Grant Mudge
March 9 - Taming of the Shrew, dir. by Molly Hood
April 13 - Edward III [The History Cycle] dir. by Julie Phillips
May 11 - Love's Labors Lost, director TBA