The Governor’s School For The Arts Department of Theatre and Film Presents“Almost, Maine,” a Real Romantic Comedy

January 01, 1970

Love is in the air as the GSA Department of Theatre and Film proudly presents Almost, Maine, a charming and magical romantic comedy by John Cariani. Performances will take place May 8–11 at Old Dominion University’s Goode Theatre: 4601 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23529

Under the northern lights in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, this heartwarming play explores love in all its forms through a series of whimsical and poignant vignettes. Each scene captures a moment of love lost, found, or rediscovered, with a blend of humor, wonder, and a touch of the surreal.

Directed by Sean Dugan, this dynamic production features a talented cast of 16 performers, including 4 understudies, each taking on multiple roles to bring the residents of Almost to life. In a bold, creative mood, two separate Act Two casts perform on alternating nights. This innovative approach not only doubles the talent onstage but also invites interpretive freedom and joyful exploration, creating a unique experience with every performance. You don’t want to miss this wonderful show! Tickets are available now at https://gsa.booktix.com/dept/Theatre/e/AM. Prices are $20, with discounts available for students and seniors.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Almost, Maine — where hearts are opened, love is unexpected, and anything feels possible under the northern lights.

Comedy at New Heights: Ripcord Soars Into Little Theatre of Virginia Beach

January 01, 1970

Virginia Beach, VA — The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is excited to announce its upcoming production of Ripcord, a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire, running from May 23 through June 15, 2025.

In Ripcord, two unlikely roommates in a retirement community—spunky, spirited Abby and her cautious, wary new neighbor Marilyn—find themselves locked in a battle of wills. The stakes? A coveted spot by the window in their shared room. What begins as a simple rivalry escalates into a series of outrageous challenges, from skydiving to high-stakes pranks, with both women determined to win. A delightful blend of humor and heart, this show is a rollercoaster of absurdity, wit, and unexpected friendship.

Directed by Sherry Forbes, Ripcord is a quirky, touching exploration of aging, competition, and the relationships that develop under the most unlikely of circumstances. Whether it’s skydiving, scheming, or simply trying to outwit one another, Abby and Marilyn’s rivalry proves that sometimes the best way to find a friend is through a series of hilariously absurd challenges.

Come and experience this hilarious new comedy at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach! Whether you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or simply enjoy a night out at the theater, Ripcord promises to deliver an evening of laughter, heart, and a good time.

Ripcord 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. 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.

“As You Love It” – Lighthearted New Comedy Explores Shakespeare & Love

January 01, 1970

Virginia Beach, VA – [April 23, 2025] – The works of Shakespeare find new life in “As You Love It,” a new comedy play blending romance, comedy, and adventure. The performance opens on The Zeiders American Dream Theater main stage from May 4-24.
Transporting audiences to an alternate 20th-century New York, AS YOU LOVE IT follows a spirited young woman who concocts a daring scheme to impress her antiquarian father and the captivating actress who’s stolen her heart.
As Lydia pens a sequel to the beloved As You Like It, her “undiscovered Shakespeare play” takes on a life of its own. Her simple forgery captivates newspapers, scholars, and a Broadway producer, giving a new voice to what she loves most. This new comedy exploring the complexities of love and ambition was designated a Finalist by the American Shakespeare Center for its biennial competition for plays “in conversation with Shakespeare.”
“My first impulse for this play was hearing a story about a teenager in late 18th century who forged a Shakespeare play to impress his father,” said Adam Kraar, playwright. “But it was only when I decided to lean into “Shakesperean” storytelling – with heightened language, romance, comedy, and a large dose of make-believe – that the play came alive for me.”
Directed by Maryanne Kiley, the ensemble cast explores the lighthearted world-building to create “As You Love It”.
“The ‘world’ we’re building is set in Gilded Age New York, but there are lots of anachronisms that make it feel more like a contemporary comedy,” said Kiley. “We’re using music from the 1980’s and the costumes will be a blend of both eras, to give the audience permission to join us in what Adam [Kraar] calls in his stage notes, ‘an alternate reality more fanciful and open-hearted than real life’.”
Kiley noted how the humor and accesibility of the script open the piece to be enjoyed by any audience-versed in Shakespeare or not.
“I’ll come to rehearsal with an idea for how to land a funny piece of the script, and then the actors, stage manager, production team all join in with ideas, and by the time we’re done, the joke is much funnier,” Kiley Said. “There are “easter eggs” for Shakespeare fans, but you don’t have to have read a single Shakespeare play to enjoy this show.”
The piece opens for three weekends in Virginia Beach Town Center, and is the perfect lighthearted activity for a fun spring evening.
Tickets and Showtimes
May 9-24 | Thurs-Sats at 7:30pm, Sat 3pm Matinees
May 22: Pride Night with a pre-show reception in the lobby with raffle prizes and a cash bar. Proceeds raised at this performance support The Z, Hampton Roads Pride, Stonewall Sports and LGBT Life Center.
May 24 at 3pm will be a captioned performance brought to you by Access VA.
Tickets for “As You Love It” are available at thez.org or at the theater box office 757-499-0317.
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The Z Announces 2025 Summer Camps

January 01, 1970

The Z recently announced 2 arts camps for rising young artists. Partnering with resident members of improv comedy group Plan B Comedy and the Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC), they have announced the Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp and Kids Comedy Camp.

Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to ignite your child’s passion for performing arts while also building valuable life skills. Enroll in Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp today and get ready to shine on stage! Limited spots available.

Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp
with UPAC
July 21 – Aug. 1, 1pm-5pm
PERFORMANCES: Sat, Aug 2, 2025, 11am & 2:30pm
cost: $600

Step into the spotlight July 8th-19th and unleash your creativity at Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp, the ultimate summer experience for arts-enthusiasts in 3rd to 8th grade! The Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC) and The Z offer this innovative camp as a unique opportunity for young performers to explore their talents in music, dance, and drama, and collaborate to develop an original performance.

Our experienced instructors will guide students through a diverse range of activities designed to teach or enhance skills in the performing arts. From vocal exercises and choreography combinations to improvisation, acting games, and team-building exercises, every day will be filled with excitement and discovery.

Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp teaches the arts as a powerful tool for personal growth; promoting literacy, critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork through artistic expression. Campers will develop an original student-created production titled “Our Voice Matters”, collaborating to express themselves through music, movement, and storytelling. Camp ends with a celebration of their work in two performances on The Z Main Stage, Saturday, July 20th, at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm.

Kids Comedy Camp
with Plan B Comedy
Aug. 4-8, 1pm-5pm
PERFORMANCE: Fri. Aug 8 5:30pm
Cost: $350

Campers will learn the basics of improv comedy and stage presence through group exercises and games. The week-long camp will culminate in a group performance. The class is led by Jason Kypros, a founding member of The Z’s resident comedy company Plan B Comedy. Jason is a graduate of the Groundlings school of improv, holds a minor in theatre from Va Tech, hosts Curate on WHRO and is currently the Director of Theatre at St. Patrick Catholic School.

 

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Virginia Stage Company Announces Its 2025-2026 Season

January 01, 1970

Norfolk, VA-Virginia Stage Company is thrilled to announce a new season of musicals, thrillers, classics, and a world premiere! The 47th season from Hampton Roads’ leading professional theatre company begins in September at the historic Wells Theatre in Norfolk.

 

We kick the season off with a bang with Norfolk State University Theatre Company’s All-New Professional Series with our co-production of Ain’t Misbehavin’.  The joint is jumpin’ as five actors croon, wail, strut and dance their way through the songs of legendary jazz musician, “Fats” Waller. Get ready for your toes to be tappin’ and your leg shakin’ with Ain’t Misbehavin’ directed by Professor Anthony Mark Stockard. September 3 – 21, 2025.

 

Audiences will be transported back to a time with a fresh and funny take on a treasured classic, in Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Emma. Emma Woodhouse is a clever, educated and energetic woman who prides herself on her matchmaking abilities. But where Emma goes, screwball comedy follows! October 22 – November 9, 2025.

 

Ring in the holidays with two Christmas classics, A Merry Little Christmas Carol and A Sherlock Carol, both by Mark Shanahan. A Merry Little Christmas Carol is one of Hampton Roads’ most heartfelt holiday traditions. And returning for its 2nd year is A Sherlock Carol, VSC’s newest tradition. In this engaging tale, Moriarty is dead and Sherlock is a haunted man. Will the untimely death of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge bring the Great Detective out of his self imposed-retirement to solve this Dickens of a Christmas Case? A Merry Little Christmas Carol and A Sherlock Carol run in rep, December 3 – 28, 2025.

 

In a pulse-pounding thriller, a blind woman is threatened by criminals inside her Greenwich Village apartment in Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott. Susan soon discovers that her blindness is the key to her escape… if she can stall her tormentors until dark. This edge-of-your-seat drama moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds towards a heart-stopping conclusion. January 28 – February 15, 2026.

 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lends the brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Weber to the season! This musical reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph is packed with magical adventure, beguiling characters and a brilliant score full of catchy songs–a treat to share with family and friends, March 14 -29, 2026.

 

Capping the new season is the world premiere of Malcom X & Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem. In 1943, two young Harlemites form a friendship over leftover fried chicken and dirty dishwater. But a long, hot summer of heartbreak, betrayal, and racial uprisings moves them closer to the men they will become and farther from each other. This electrifying new play blends sharp humor with raw humanity, revealing the laughter, struggle, and brotherhood that shaped two legends. April 8 – 26, 2026.

 

Tickets for the 2025-2026 season are on sale now by subscription only. Subscription options include fixed-seat packages at special savings, which allow patrons to keep the same great seats for every show; or a flexible theatre-on-demand option. Subscription benefits include discounts on every ticket, invitations to special insider events and more. More information can be found at vastage.org/subscribe or by calling the Virginia Stage Company Box Office at (757) 627-1234 Monday through Friday from 10am – 5pm.