Z Playwright Clyde Santana featured on “Curate 757”

January 01, 1970

Clyde Santana is featured on the WHRO Curate series!

A public artist reflects on a journey through the arts community, from murals to theater and canvas painting, Clyde Santana has been inspired by life experiences, including love and loss; celebrating art’s power to unite, heal, and bring dignity to communities. From teaching kids to honoring public servants, his work shows how creativity fosters connection and growth.

Airdate: 2025-01-29

WATCH EPISODE

American Traditions Vocal Competition

January 01, 1970

The 2025 American Traditions Vocal Competition takes place January 27 – 31, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia.  With top vocal talent from across the country, representing diverse styles of music from Jazz, Opera, Musical Theatre, Folk, Great American Songbook and more – this is a unique vocal contest not to be missed! Adjudicated by Gospel singer and Tony and Grammy-nominated bass-baritone, Phillip Boykin (Hadestown, Once on This Island, On the Town, Porgy and Bess), Tony-nominated actress Kate Baldwin (Hello, Dolly!, Giant, Big Fish) and conductor, music director, pianist and founder of the American Pops Orchestra, Luke Frazier.

Judges perform first on January 27 at 7pm EST, and the contestants follow suit as they vie for over $40,000 in prize monies over the course of a week, with rounds at 4 and 7:30pm daily.  Only five singers will make it to the Final Round on Friday, January 31 at 7pm EST where we add a rhythm trio and things really heat up.

Tickets are one price for the whole week of livestream.  Typically $50, for our friends at Vocal Jazz Summit, they are only $35. Tune in and watch the incredible vocal talent go for the Gold Medal – plus $12,000 and symphonic contracts!

Past winners include Grammy-winning Jazz artist, Nicole Zuraitis, and other celebrated jazz artists such as Gabrielle Stravelli, Alexis Cole, Cyrille Aimée, and April May Webb; Broadway stars Michael Maliakel, Julie Benko, Mykal Kilgore, Alysha Umphress, Morgan James, and Tituss Burgess; and Cabaret vocalists such as Andrea Ross, Carole Bufford, and many more over our 32 year history.

 

Use code VJS2025 for your $35 livestream ticket here. 

March Into 2025 at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach’s upcoming production of Into The Breeches!

January 01, 1970

Virginia Beach, VA – The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Into the Breeches!, a heartwarming and hilarious comedy by George Brant, opening on January 17 and running through February 9, with performances every weekend at 8pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30pm on Sunday afternoons.

Into The Breeches!, by American playwright Georg Brant, is set during World War II. Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war with the Axis. Determined to press on, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henriad, assembling an increasingly unexpected team united in desire, if not actual theatre experience. Together they deliver a delightful celebration of collaboration and persistence when the show must go on!

This delightful play captures the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community as it tells the story of a group of women determined to save their local theater while the men are away at war. Facing skepticism and societal expectations, they boldly decide to stage Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Henry V—with an all-female cast.

Into the Breeches! is a celebration of art, inclusion, and empowerment, filled with wit and charm. Audiences will laugh, cheer, and be inspired by this tale of overcoming obstacles and finding strength in unexpected places.

Directed by the talented Connor Norton, the production features a stellar cast of local actors, including Ariel Miranda Conkel who was most recently seen as Ida in ROŪGE: Theater Reinvented’s Rosie the Riveter: A Spectacular Experience and Elizabeth Dickerson who is returning to the LTVB stage for the first time since the pandemic! With period costumes, a beautifully crafted set, and a poignant yet comedic script, the play promises an unforgettable experience for theater lovers of all ages.

Into The Breeches! 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 start at $25 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. There is a discount for seniors, ages 60 and up, active duty military, and full-time students at $22 tickets. Group discounts available for groups of 20 and more. On Thursday February 6, there is a special 7:30pm performance for Pride Night, a benefit performance to support LTVB, LGBT Life Center, Stonewall Sports, and Hampton Roads Pride. 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.

For media inquiries or to request press passes, please contact: Maris Smith at [email protected].

 

“My Brother Death” Opens January 25 at The Z, Promises to Spark Conversation

January 01, 1970

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.

Monthly Artist Show & Tell

January 01, 1970

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

Two-Fif-Tea-Th Tavern: A Historic Holiday Event

January 01, 1970

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.