The Z is thrilled to announce the workshop premiere of “My Brother Death,” a new play by playwright Jordan Noble, directed by Donovan Mitchell of the Governor’s School for the Arts.

A Journey of Reflection and Storytelling

While quarantining in Florence during the Pandemic, Noble found inspiration in the solitude that came with the pandemic. Fresh from the success of his play “Jr” at Better Theatre’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, he revisited a short story he had penned a decade earlier. This narrative, about a man’s unexpected reunion with his estranged brother—who happens to be the grim reaper—became the foundation of “My Brother Death.”

“The story is deeply personal,” says Noble, “It’s about my brother, myself, and the moments when his memory feels so tangible, like he’s standing right in front of me. This play allowed me to explore our shared history and the circumstances that led to his untimely passing.”

Audiences can also expect a surprising dose of laughter from a play that tackles the profound themes of loss and mortality.

“It’s way funnier than you’d expect from a play about death,” explains Noble. “I aim to present stories and conflicts that spark conversations, leaving audiences with much to ponder and discuss long after the curtain falls.”

The production also promises an array of exciting theatrical elements. “There are so many opportunities for supernatural costuming, visual art, and inventive staging. It’s been called a playground, and I can’t wait to see the cast and audience engage with it,” he adds.

A Collaborative Effort
The Z is proud to host this workshop, bringing together a talented cast and crew to breathe life into “My Brother Death.” Noble eagerly anticipates the collaborative nature of theatre, where each actor, director, and designer contributes to the play’s evolution.

Among the most anticipated scenes is the call-and-response rap, a nostalgic nod to the playwright’s Norfolk roots. This element and the overall creative freedom offered by the script ensure a dynamic and engaging performance.

Join Us for the Premiere
“My Brother Death” will run at The Z from January 23 to February 1. Tickets are available online at thez.org or by calling 757-499-0317. Don’t miss the chance to experience a play that challenges perceptions and celebrates the transformative power of storytelling.

Join Us for the Monthly Artist Show & Tell at Pure Lagos!

📅 Saturday, December 21st
📍 251 W Bute St., Norfolk, VA
⏰ 7 PM – 11 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening at Pure Lagos, a stunning African art gallery that serves as the backdrop for our vibrant community art event. This carefully curated gathering celebrates creativity in all its forms, featuring an eclectic mix of painters, musicians, and more.

✨ What to Expect:
– Artists presenting a piece and sharing its story, followed by a Q&A to spark meaningful conversations.
– Authentic and delicious Nigerian cuisine.
– Complimentary wine to enjoy throughout the night.

Come for the art, stay for the connections—this is a night you won’t want to miss! 🎨🍷

We can’t wait to see you there!

Hosted by artists @jaidag.art and @acromancy. Contact our joint page @thedopershow for more information.

Tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door:
Artist Show and Tell

December 14 at Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center, 4409 Wishart Rd.

Tea times at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Join the Virginia Beach History Museums for an early celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday as we commemorate the 1774 Yorktown Tea Party! Immerse yourself in the 18th century at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center. Play authentic games from the time period and discover the role that taverns and coffee houses played during the American Revolution. Event includes food and drink services, and a tour of the historic Lynnhaven House. Period attire is encouraged.

Tickets can be purchased at https://culture.virginiabeach.gov/events.

HAMPTON ROADS, VA – November 2024 – The Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC) is thrilled to announce its latest holiday production, A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue, set to delight audiences this December. Following the sold-out success of last year’s A Motown Christmas, this year’s lively show promises to transport attendees back to the vibrant sounds of the 1970s,
inspired by the iconic television dance show Soul Train.

Created and written by Kendrell Bowman in collaboration with Broadway’s own Norfolk native, Anthony Wayne, A Soulful Christmas brings together the best of 70s Soul, R&B, and Gospel. This musical revue will showcase the likenesses of legendary artists such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jackson 5, Teena Marie, Donny Hathaway, and The Temptations, ensuring a night full of nostalgia and joy that is sure to have audiences on their feet.

UPAC’s creative team behind this captivating production includes the visionary direction of Sharon Cook, energetic choreography by Jennifer Kelly-Cooper, musical direction by Sherrod Brown, and production management and design by Derrion Hawkins. Their collective expertise sets the stage for a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

In alignment with UPAC’s 2024-2025 season theme titled Sankofa, A Soulful Christmas not only celebrates the rich musical heritage of the past but also encourages audiences to reflect on their roots and embrace the spirit of unity and joy during the holiday season.

Performance Details:
Dates: December 5th-15th, 2024
Location: Zeiders American Dream Theater

4509 Commerce Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Tickets: Standard: $25
Senior/Military: $21
Student/Child: $13

Tickets can be purchased through TheZ.org website or by calling the box office
757-499-0317.
A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue
Created and Written by: Kendrell Bowman and Anthony Wayne
📅December 5th – December 15th, 2024
📍Zeiders American Dream Theater
4509 Commerce St.
Virginia Beach,VA 23462
🎟For tickets:
📞 Call Box Office 757-340-5446
🌐 Visit TheZ.org
Join us for a night filled with the soulful sounds of the 1970s, community, and the timeless message of love, peace, and soulful togetherness. For more information, visit our website at www.undergroundarts.co or contact us at 757-291-3326.

This performance is presented in collaboration with the Zeiders American Dream Theater and The
Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC).

About UPAC: UPAC & The Arts Academy at UPAC (501(c)(3)) presents innovative and culturally relevant performance art that engages and inspires the community. Through their productions, UPAC aims to uplift voices from diverse backgrounds and provide a platform for artistic expression.

CALLING VIRGINIA BEACH-BASED ARTISTS!

Virginia Beach, VA – Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is excited to announce its upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. This beloved classic will take the stage from November 15 through December 8, 2024 with performances every weekend at 8pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30pm on Sunday afternoons.

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he navigates the corporate ladder of the World Wide Wicket Company in the 1960s. With the help of a handy guidebook, Finch uses charm, wit, and a bit of deception to climb to the top, all while navigating the trials and tribulations of office politics and romance.

Director Karen Buchheim leads a talented cast and crew, bringing vibrant energy and humor to this timeless tale of ambition and the pursuit of success. “This production is a delightful mix of humor and heart,” says Ms. Buchheim. “It resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of making it big in the business world.”

The cast features local favorites including Michael McOsker (last seen on stage in A Murder Is Announced in March, 2024), Robert Shirley (last seen on stage in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder last November, 2023), Arlynn Parker (last seen on stage in A Raisin in the Sun February, 2023), Coral Mapp, Jessi DiPette (2024 HRACT Award Winner), Cliff Hoffmann, and many more.

Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon on life on the corporate ladder. A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser, including “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man,” and “The Company Way.”

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be performed at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach located at 550 Barberton Drive, Virginia Beach, VA. Showtimes are as follows: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00PM, and Sunday matinees at 2:30PM. Tickets are currently available for purchase and can be obtained through the theater’s website at www.ltvb.com or by calling the box office at (757) 428-9233. Tickets start at $28 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There is a discount for seniors, ages 60 and up, active duty military, and full-time students at $25 tickets. Group discounts available for groups of 20 and more. On December 5th, there is a $35 special performance for Pride Night, a benefit performance to support LTVB, LGBT Life Center, Stonewall Sports, and Hampton Roads Pride.