SCHEDULE
Friday, April 7
RISK THE DARK
by M.E. Hart
20mins, 13+
Hart takes us on a journey out of darkness into healing in this inspirational, experiential work of performance art.
Imagine you are between sleeping and waking - and not quite sure which you are closer to. Emerging out of the shadows, in the corner of your mind, you think you see something moving.
You try to focus in on it, but your focus is soft. Is it a dream image, is it a friend, is it a visit, is it real? And as your mind asks these questions, the image begins to speak. You listen.
It speaks of a journey. It’s strangely familiar and very new. Are there messages for you? Is this real or all imagination?
With answers to none of these questions, you decide to Risk The Dark, look and listen, release to the journey to see what you will find.
Risk The Dark with me, meet me at the Z April 7th. Doors open at 5:50PM. Show starts at 6:00PM sharp. Be there early.
Director: MJ Vilardi
M.E. Hart as SOUL
Production Assistance, MJ Vilardi
Risk The
Dark
6:00 PM
IN VIA TECUM
with you on the Road: Vignette IV: First Rites
By: Earl DeMott
20 mins, 13+
In the midst of a blackout, when NOAH returns home from an unsuccessful visit to the parish priest to discuss their sick child DUSTY, ASH obsesses over Noah’s mishaps. When lights return briefly, NOAH and ASH discover they have to find their own way to face the damage from the blackout.
Director: Alicia Wolters
Chasida Taylor as Ash
Peter Schieble as Noah
Earl C. De Mott as Announcer
Svitlana (Oliynyk) Kesner as TV interviewee
Crew from Tallwood High School
Centerpiece art by Meghan Goodwin
Graphic Design by Filip De Mott
Sasha Petry as Dusty
Dedicated to the Loving Memory of Sara Noemi
In Via
Tecum
6:00 PM
LICENSE & REGISTRATION
by Kanya Edmonds
10mins, 13+
This one-act play is about two friends, Cecilia and Nia who are driving home and it is almost curfew. Nia is a black girl who is afraid about what may happen to her as a police car starts to pull them over. Cecilia, who is not a minority, does not have the same understanding of Nia's perspective on life, and a misunderstanding ensues.
Co-writer: Niaylah Mascall
Director: Kanya Edmonds
Mary Plaku as CECILIA
Kanya Edmonds as NIA
License and Registration
6:35pm
A MOMENT IN THE UNCOMMON COMMONS
by George Plank & Alex Vitale
30mins, 13+
Uncommon Commons is a horror anthology podcast written and performed by George Plank and Alex Vitale. John and Jane Doe live in the Uncommon Commons, an empty apartment in a barren white void. Periodically they receive horror stories in the mail from their mysterious benefactors.
It’s a beautiful day in the void and everything seems normal until John and Jane learn that the Uncommon Commons is holding auditions for their spring production.
George Plank as JOHN DOE
Alex Vitale as JANE DOE
A Moment in the Uncommon Commons
6:40 PM
THE LIGHT UNDERGROUND
Playwright: Manoli Kouremetis
75 mins, 13+
The year is 1985, and Shelly Devers learns that she has sporadic and temperamental psychic abilities. When her mother unexpectedly dies from an overdose, Shelly finds herself with a father who is a shell of himself, and her brother estranged from the family. Shelly uses her psychic abilities to contact her mother again and to try to find her last painting which she hopes will allow the world to remember her mother for her creativity, rather than what destroyed her.
After the arrival of her mother’s longtime best friend, Shelly’s hunt for her mother’s redemption goes from the psychic to the active. In the process, Shelly learns the truth about her parents, what redemption means, and if her family can survive this tragedy.
Krystal Gonzalez as SHELLY
Caroline Tetschner as MAXINE
Nancy Pouliquen as JOYCE
Phil Martin as WALTER
Bryce Emde as AJ
Bryce Emde, Sound Design
Maia Kouremetis, Prop Design
Phil Martin, Technical Advisor
Katie Lang, Videography
Andy Harris, Original Artwork
Jacki Paolella, Script Development
The Light
Underground
7:30 PM
BEING B.A.D.
by: Brittney Harris
20mins, 13+
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, Being B.A.D. is a piece about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse. This show explores the lengths to which one decides to take that power back after years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her family and romantic partner. In the wake of the #MeToo and Times Up movements, this applied theatre work is relevant to our community in providing insight to a cathartic resolution and engaging in civil dialogue. Not only as an artist, but as a survivor of an intimate partner violence relationship, I felt it was my duty to shed light on these issues beyond the “statistics” and focus on the narratives of redemption and survival.
Brittney S. Harris as Kendra
GOOD GIRL GONE SINGLE
by: Sherilynn Cherry
40mins, 13+
What if being “single” really meant being whole? Good Girl Gone Single is a theatrical production that reimagines the concept of being, “single.” This solo choreopoem, performance piece chronicles the life of the “Good Girl” as she navigates through divorce, depression, dating and discovering her “singleness”. This journey addresses self-worth, and challenges stereotypes about depression and mental health. It opens up a conversation about how we recover after living a life where we have defined our worth with people, things and relationships. Our identity can be lost once those things are taken away. How do you then find yourself again? This piece also creatively addresses the age-old question: “What happens when bad things happen to good people?”
Good Girl Gone Single is a first-hand account of events that I have experienced personally. As an artist, I wanted to use comedy and drama to share insight into the process of bouncing back from devastating circumstances. Using theatre as a means of doing so came natural to me. Theatre is storytelling at its finest and the story of the “Good Girl” reflects the stories of so many others. It is my hope that this reflection becomes a beautiful reminder to those that they are strong and resilient.
Good Girl Gone Single comes at a time when in late June 2020, 40% of US adults struggled with mental health and 40 million Americans suffered from anxiety disorders. By addressing the anxiety that oftentimes overwhelms us when faced with situations beyond control we can learn to take control of our destinies and flourish in spite of. Good Girl Gone Single is rooted in the affirmation, “the light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be SINGLE, your whole body shall be full of light.
Director: Clyde Santana
Assistant Director & Stage Manager: Tia Collie
The Good Girl: Sherilynn Cherry
Graphic Design: Makaila Spratley
Good Girl Gone Single & Being B.A.D
7:35pm
TRAUMEDY
By: Roscoe Burnems
A therapeutic and hilarious take on the human experience, culture, and the traumas that affect mental health. The first of it's kind: stand-up comedy, storytelling, and spoken-word poetry from comedian and poet laureate Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems.
Join him for a thought-provoking show of personal experiences and funny observational humor that will make you laugh til you cry and cry til you laugh.
Because if you can't laugh at the pain, then what can you do with it?
Traumedy
18+
9:05pm
CENTER PEACE
By Kendra Louka
40mins
Another depressing birthday for Indigo, and to top it all off, she has to work overtime. Her last duty for the day, as a courier, is to deliver an envelope to Red, a famous painter, at an art gallery where Red will unveil her latest masterpiece. It’s stunning. Indigo can’t help but to admire it while also seeing her own fears and regrets as if looking in a mirror. Red befriends Indigo trying to show her a different perspective to see the beauty. Before Indigo leaves, she gives Red the envelope. It’s a puzzle piece connected to the mystery behind her real parents. The women’s lives intermingle as they help each other shift their narrative, confront their fears, and find peace, all centered around art.
Producer: Rona Hyman
Co-Producer: Kendra Louka
Director: Kendra Louka
Co-Director: Ann Heywood
Ann Heywood as INDIGO
Rona Hyman as RED
* Special thanks to Lori Dunn and Brian La Barr at The Art Institute of Virginia Beach for donating props used in the show.
Center Peace
18+
9:25pm
HER HORROR
by: Sylvie Green and Matt Friedman
50mins
A mischievous late-night Friday treat, “Her Horror” is an eerie ride through three imaginative original stories, bundled into one chilling evening of interesting and thought-provoking modern mayhem. These tales take a fearlessly feminist slant and jump from suspense to sci-fi to thriller, all performed by a single character-hopping cast. Show contains adult themes, suspense, and maybe even a bitter dash of violence. Our triptych of vignettes features “Coming Down the Mountain” by Sylvie Green, the story of a woman who vacillates between forgiveness and revenge; “Agency” by Matt Friedman, about a possible future where women have fewer rights than robots; and “The Good Guys are Coming” by Sylvie and Matt, where two captive women must decide between fighting back or trusting a captor’s promise of freedom. Stay up late if you dare.
Producers: Lisa Wigginton, Matt Friedman, Sylvie Green
Christina Cagle as MC/Tricia/Minder/Angel
Felicia Fields as Meg/Lisa/Leah
Rob Holmes as Cyril/Ted/Brute
Nick Nauert as Norman/Sy/Brute
Enver Siddiky as Geoffrey/Avery/Jon
Tiff Siddiky as Christy/Gina/Cindy
Featuring an original score by Courtney "Jay" Connor II
Her Horror
18+
10:25pm
THE NEVER-ENDING SUMMER
with Michael Hensen Live
60mins
A rollercoaster-style journey of original songs throughout the night, taking people on a deep ride into themes of life, heartbreak, celebration, dance, and love shared through this musical stage experience.
Artist - Michael Hensen
Sope Watson - Video Production
Antonio Morman - Management
Never Ending Summer
18+
10:30pm
Saturday, April 8
MY SOMEONE
By: Robin Pearson
15mins, All Ages
On a summer morning God discovers Lucifer sleeping on a park bench near a young girl who is setting up her lemonade stand. God startles him awake and they catch up on the current state of Hell and Earth. Lucifer once again asks God to forgive him for “his sin.” God admits that things on Earth aren’t as they should be either, despite his best efforts to set the people of the world back on a better path. But God also reminds Lucifer that before he can be forgiven, someone on Earth must forgive him for causing Paradise to disappear. Lucifer asks for a drink from the lemonade stand before he returns to Hell, and God grants his wish. Lucifer and the young girl, Hope, have a conversation about who he is, his mistake, and the current state of the world. Lucifer’s remorse impresses Hope, who also feels the Earth needs help. In fact, in light of the world’s current problems, Hope forgives Lucifer. God overhears her forgiveness and forgives Lucifer also. The pair agrees to work together to fix Earth’s problems.
Director: Hannah Carmona
My
Someone
1:30 PM
IMPROVISED GOOSEBUMPS!
Presented by Newt Work Comedy
25 mins, 13+
Newt Work Comedy is an improv and Sketch group from Raleigh, NC that specializes in Narrative Long Form Improv. With their show "Improvised Goosebumps", they take the tropes and tricks from the Children's Horror Series that you know and love. You're in for a completely 90s time! Watch them weave a story that could have came from RL Stine's sick and twisted mind.
Improvised Goosebumps
2:00pm
BLACK GIRL MAGIC
By Sharon Cook
90mins, 13+
Black Girl Magic takes its audience on a journey lead by Sister, a young Black woman, struggling to find a place of acceptance in the world. Guided by her African ancestors, Sister comes to a place of self-reconciliation and acceptance as she is given a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Black women, past and present, young and old.
Black Girl Magic takes its audience on a journey lead by Sister, a young Black woman, struggling to find a place of acceptance in the world. Guided by her African ancestors, Sister comes to a place of self-reconciliation and acceptance as she is given a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Black women, past and present, young and old.
Director - Sharon Cook
Assistant Director, Sound/Lighting Designer - Derrion Hawkins
Stage Manager - Aly Semones
Choreographers - Jennifer Kelly-Cooper & Jaia Cooper
Costume Designers- Raymond Dimaano & Cynthia Thoma
Alexandria Steward as Sister
Jennifer Kelly-Cooper as Queen Amina
Chonise Thomas as Queen Gudit
Keshera Bailey as Princess Yennanga
Chasida Taylor as Queen Amanirenas
Reaco Boyd as Queen Nzinga
Pinkie Chappell as Ensemble
Tawanda Prince as Ensemble
Bettina Selby as Ensemble
Taylor Pickett-Stokes as Ensemble
Shannon Cosby as Ensemble
Crystal Stafford as Ensemble
Jalen Whitmore as Ensemble
Aleah Ward as Ensemble
Lauren Clark as Ensemble
Tatyana Washington as Ensemble
Kendall Selby as Ensemble
Shaniya Reddy as Ensemble
HannahJo Hemingway as Little Sister
Nylah Wimbish as Ensemble
Set/Crew - Glenn Semones
Props/Crew - Jennifer Whitmore
Backstage Costume Assts - Kimberly Hemingway & LaWona Ward
Black Girl Magic
2:10 PM
The COVID Chronicals
with Steve from Accounting
45mins, 13+
Pianoman, singer & songwriter Steve from Accounting debuts “The Covid Chronicles” with a eccentric sound and authentic story to share. While live-looping multiple instruments and crooning harmonicas, he shares his journey through the pandemic with songs of love, loss, humor and hope. Whether singing about spiders or deleting dating apps, his passion and enigmatic energy create worthwhile performance years in the making. Steve was raised in beautiful Hampton Roads and will end his days there. Until then, he has music and love to share.
Steve From
Accounting
2:30 PM
PATIENCE FIRST
by Jennie Brown
12min, 13+
Meet Jill, a 50-ish woman who's not feeling well. Could it be a heart attack? She calls her best friend, describes her symptoms, then suddenly feels better. Should she contact her doctor after all? To be on the safe side, she calls her PCP and finds herself in a closed loop of auto-attendants. What’s more, their online medical messaging portal isn’t cooperative. Even speaking to a live emergency volunteer is less than satisfactory. Is someone going to send help, Jill wonders, because she can barely talk--or breathe.
But wait. What’s really going on here? And who, exactly, is Jill?
Director: Buddy White
Sound Design: Buddy White
Graphic Design: Buddy White
Sylvie Green as Jill/Cassie
Buddy White as Geoff
Featuring the voices of: Elizabeth Dickerson (Rita, Nurse), Andy Poindexter (Emergency Services Volunteer), Jennie Brown (Receptionist, Adrienne), Buddy White (Cheery Announcer),
Larry Brown (Robotic Voice)
Sound Technician: The Z Staff
Stage Hand: Larry Brown
Patience
First
2:45pm
MUSIC ON THE TERRACE
SKIPPY SKIP
30mins, All Ages
A combination of alternative rap and progressive rock that appeals to an eclectic array of people.
Skippy
Skip
3:35pm
THE COLLECTIVE
Performed by: Journey Dance Theater
11min, All Ages
Journey Dance Theater of Richmond, VA presents "The Collective," choreographed by Nicole Moran. This 12-minute performance incorporates elements of modern dance and physical theater, using music and movement to tell the story of two worlds in conflict and a person caught between them. You will follow our protagonist as she accumulates different identities in her search for meaning, eventually falling prey to manipulation and losing herself to the Collective, a mysterious, secretive community. When exposure to the "outside world" reminds her of who she used to be, the dissonance between the two seemingly incompatible sides of her identity will force her to examine her worldview and choose a path forward.
Journey Dance Theater is a Richmond-based dance company, though our performers reside throughout the state and converge in central VA or meet virtually to rehearse. "The Collective" premiered in July 2022 and is the first piece we have created as a company. We have performed in Fredericksburg, Richmond, DC, and Northern Virginia, and are grateful for the opportunity to bring our work to Virginia Beach before we retire "The Collective" and begin creating new work for 2023.
Choreographer: Nicole Moran
Music by: Score Squad, Klaus Hergersheimer, Mattijs Muller, Liam Quinn, and Sarah Chapman
Featuring: Denise Führ-Gregory, Katie Ingebretsen, Nicole Moran, Daria Noto, Garret Roberts, Liam Storm, Julia Wolver
The
Collective
4:00pm
FEELING OUT LOUD
Original Poetry by Lolly Possibility
15mins, All Ages
Lolly Possibility believes in limitless potential and creation through emotion. ‘Feeling Out Loud’ is a series of poems inviting you to explore the duality of humanity and dive into our emotional depths as we navigate this turbulent sea of life.
This series is designed to inspire those who feel burdened, and empower you to begin your healing journey and awaken to your true purpose.
Let’s feel out loud—together!
Production Assistants: Paul Cating and Hannah Harbin
Feeling
Out Loud
4:20pm
JUNIOR LEAGUE
by Louise Casini Hollis
15mins, 13+
We’ve all heard of the Junior League, but what kind of league is it exactly? In this short comedy we find out how President Brittany, her VP Jenean, and newbie Mary Beth deal with Judy Shaw,a transfer member from California, when she creates an embarrassing faux pas at a luncheon.
Woman 1 – Sally Shedd
Woman 2 – Louise Casini Hollis
Woman 3 - Ash O’ Leary
Judy Shaw – Amanda Wolk
Crew: Brian Hollis, Sophia Hollis, Eddie Battle, & Sam Rose
Junior
League
4:40pm
HAMMOND ORGAN BLUES
with Samuel Obie
30mins, 13+
R&B, Blues & Jazz: A fresh feel for the classic Hammond in a portable package, showcasing original material.
Hammond
organ blues
4:50pm
HEART RIPPED OUT TWICE AND SO CAN YOU
By: Linnea Bond
60mins, 13+
Welcome to the nebulous ether known as nonexistence.
Thanks to today's special limited-time offer, YOU have been chosen to claim the opportunity of a lifetime!!!
...Just don’t forget to read the fine print.
Extended by popular demand during its Philly Fringe premiere, see the show audiences have called “funny,” “unnerving,” and “powerfully honest.” Written after multiple surgeries and a devastating breakup, Linnea wonders: is it worth it? 127 Hours meets 500 Days of Summer, wrapped inside a timeshare presentation with a sales-clown in bardo.
A (mostly) comedy about pain.
Heart Ripped Out Twice
And So Can You!
5:00pm
ONWARD AND UPWARD
by TRS Productions
30mins, 13+
Onward and Upward takes on the delicate subject of Domestic Violence. Take a look into the home of a couple who on the surface seem to have a great love for each other, but once new commitments are made, true colors are revealed.
Let’s see what happens when learned behaviors take root? Can the generational curse be broken?
Due to the sensitivity of the subject matter this production has a PG-13 rating.
Director- Tanya Rollins Shadley
Stage Manager- Lela Hernandez
Light/Sound Designer- Tanya Rollins Shadley
Claudia- LaShanda Walker
Richard- Leon Griffin
Lou- Ahmad Clemons
Lester- Carlos Adams
Adrienne- Emily Thompson
Harmony- Erika Patrick
Pastor Brown- Sandra Bradley
Stage Manager- Lela Hernandez
Stage Hands- Deonna Johnson
Music- Andrae Collins
Production Assistant- Tamra Adams
Onward and
Upward
5:40pm
FARYAAD: A CRY FROM IRAN
by Katayoun Farah
5mins, All Ages
As many Iranians and supporters around the world are watching the events of the current revolution in Iran unfold, Persian music, dance and art carries new meaning. This song, like many traditional and contemporary Iranian songs, is based on ancient Persian poetry. “Faryaad," which means shouting with intense emotion, is based on a Rumi poem. It is sung in Farsi by Los Angeles-based pop star Leila Forouhar, and accompanied in English by the incomparable Iranian-American actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, whom many know from the series, The Expanse, as well as countless TV and voice-over roles.
While the vast majority of Americans have yet to experience the true beauty, essence and energy of Iranian arts, this dance piece is a tiny example of the many diverse forms of art that has emerged from Iran for thousands of years and influenced both Eastern and Western cultures. Performed by Iranian-American dancer Katayoun Farah, this contemporary classical piece weaves a tapestry of poetry in motion. This performance is dedicated to the brave women of Iran who are leading the current revolution, and to all Iranians in Hampton Roads.
Faryaad:
A Cry from Iran
6:25pm
THE COAT MISER
a musical comedy
20mins, all ages
A musical comedy exploring the human condition as it pertains to coats.
The Coat
Miser
6:35pm
PRIMING THE PUMP
By Jean Klein
20mins, 13+
Fight for Life is a seedy “talk show’ which relies on the “Rage Room” school of therapy. As audiences have demand bigger and better arenas for, their ratings have begun to fall. The host, Burt Solomon, is looking at what may be his last hosting job. He has to keep the anger going. Two bodyguards chant periodically to rouse the audience’s rage.
When he hears from Grace Truman, a retiring, emotionally abused wife, he thinks he has found the perfect vehicle for the audience to identify with. And he plans a special twist for this guest, who seems compliant beyond belief. Will Burt’s strategy work or will Grace find another solution only she could have thought of.
Producer/Writer: Jean Klein
Director: Lou J. Stalsworth
Christa Vogt as Grace Truman
Clifford Hoffman as Burt Solomon
Brian Cebrian as James Truman
Bill Armstrong as Bodyguard 1
Pinkie Chapelle as Bodyguard 2
Priming
the Pump
7:20pm
YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU ARE AN...
By: Jo Higgins
15mins, 18+
You Know What?
You Are An...
8:10pm
HOW TO BE AN ETHICAL SL*T
by Brooke McCarthy
55mins, 18+
Experience the ride of your life as an unethical slut penetrates lies, STDs, triads, orgies, and love in her musical journey to becoming an Ethical Slut. Don't miss this award-winning, original, one-woman musical comedy show by and starring Brooke McCarthy. Blake has a problem as she is wrestling with a desire for a loving monogamous relationship and so much more. Will Blake's latest and more mature love interest Guy be the answer to her orgiastic fantasies of love and sexual gratification? Or is it impossible to be an Ethical Slut. Ride along as Blake grapples with the desire to share her secrets and the fear of being judged for them. This bold, sexy, and vulnerable story touches upon topics that are often unseen onstage like sexual health and nonconventional relationship styles. Everyone, including Blake, may learn a thing or two about honesty and sexuality throughout this wild ride.
Awards: BEST OF FEST (Hartford Fringe), PHILLY FRINGIE (Philly Fringe audience choice award), SPIRIT OF THE FRINGE (St. Louis Fringe).
Director: Robyn Accetta
Dramaturg: John Patrick Bray
Brooke McCarthy as Blake Valentini
How to be an ethical sl*t
18+
8:10pm
ANGEL ON EROS
By: Ricardo Melendez
75mins, 18+
A gay painter and a younger married restaurant owner develop a friendship as they search for an escape from their present circumstances. The two men are then forced to face the unexpected consequences of their wishes and desires. Angel on Eros explores the friendship between two men of differing sexual orientations and offers a view into the transactional nature of human interplay. Framed inside the business of the arts, this play journeys into a world of human sexuality and self-discovery, as it probes into the erotic truth of a queer artist’s work.
Ricardo Melendez as Angel
Brexdyn LaDieu as Matt
Angel On Eros
18+
9:00pm
MEMORY BOXES
This All Definitely Probably Happened
By: Kevin Burke
Crew: Kevin Burke, Gail Zacok
45mins, 18+
Vegas Headliner. Stay at Home Dad. Fake Psychic. Circus Clown. Husband. All of the above, Kevin Burke is nearing the end of an extraordinary career. Join Kevin as he builds memory boxes in a hilarious attempt to fend off the first faint whiff of age-related memory loss.The boxes to be opened will be chosen by audience lottery in this funny, poignant, and surprisingly sweet show for anyone who can’t find their car keys more than once per month. “One morning,” says Kevin, “I found myself reaching for a word I couldn’t quite remember. I said to my wife, Gail, “You know…the thing we set breakfast on…” She said, “The kitchen table?” “YES! Thank you! Like any sane person, I immediately went to WEB-MD to find out what was wrong. OH. MY. GOD.” Once he calmed down, Kevin realized it was *probably* normal age-related memory loss. Probably. So he came up with a plan…
Kevin Burke is the 2008 Las Vegas Entertainer of the year. He also holds a Guinness World Record, and was voted Sponsor’s Pick at the 2019 Orlando Fringe Festival for JUICE BOX HEROES. Please don’t forget to see his show.
Memory Boxes
18+
9:35pm
Public Health Policies
At this time, we encourage masks and COVID-19 testing based on community transmission rates, but do not require them for patrons. We reserve the right to adjust our public health policies based on transmission rates and CDC guidelines at the time of the festival.
We will maintain our refund policy that Patrons who are experiencing symptoms of contagious illnesses or have a positive COVID-19 test may call the box office to exchange or refund their tickets.
