Fall Arts Calendar 2022 | Theater
As the season gets into full swing, a standout on the substantial list of productions is Old Dominion University’s “Macbeth” in November, William Shakespeare’s Scottish play about power, lust and guilt.
The show will be directed by Chris Hanna, a professor and director of theater at ODU, and artistic director emeritus at Virginia Stage Company. While “Macbeth” is not the Bard’s bloodiest tragedy, it’s still heavy on the gore, expertly captured by the show poster, which features a hand dripping in blood. It screams Lady Macbeth’s famous line, “Out, damn spot,” and is enough to make any Shakespeare fan eager to enter a dark theater to be transported to a land populated by creepy witches, conniving wives and tyranny-prone Thanes in tartan. Hanna said the show will have historical and contemporary horror elements.
Whether set in the 11th century or in the future, it sounds like this “Macbeth” won’t disappoint.
“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.”
Indeed.
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September
“12 Angry Men.” Through Sept. 25. The Williamsburg Players present the classic American play. James-York Playhouse, Williamsburg. $20. 757-229-0431. williamsburgplayers.org.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Through Oct. 2. Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play paints a portrait of a family in crisis. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. vastage.org.
“Wicked.” Through Sept. 25. The untold story of the witches of Oz. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $49-$253. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Let Me Tell You What It’s Really Like: Living Both Sides of Bipolar Disorder.” Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The Generic Theatre will present this production in support of mental health awareness. Location and tickets TBA. 747-441-2160. generictheater.org.
The Proteus New Plays Festival. Sept. 30-Oct. 1; Oct. 6-8. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $75 festival pass; tickets for single shows available. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
The Hurrah Players: “The Lion King Experience Jr.” Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Repeats Oct. 15 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. $28. 757-627-6537. hurrahplayers.com.
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October
The Proteus New Plays Festival. Oct. 1, 6-8. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $75 festival pass; tickets for single shows available. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“Tag: You’re It!” Oct 5-7; 12-16. An ensemble cast devises original poetry, rap and choreography that explores issues of freedom, self-expression, exploration, resistance and protest, culminating in a living mural. Goode Theatre, ODU, Norfolk. $15. 757-683-5305. bit.ly/ODUArtsTix.
The Proteus Festival Block Party. Oct. 8. A showcase of music, comedy, theater, children’s entertainment, open mics and interactive art projects. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. Free; $100 VIP access ticket. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“Grease.” Oct. 7-9. Co-produced by the Governor’s School for the Arts and Virginia Musical Theatre. Features music from the movie starring John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. $18-$63. 757-340-5446. vmtheatre.org.
“Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World.” Oct. 7-30. Generic Theater, Norfolk. $18; $20 day of show. 747-441-2160. generictheater.org.
“Daisy Pulls It Off.” Oct. 13-16. This West End London hit is a spoof of an English girls’ school whodunit. Dede Robertson Theatre, Regent University, Virginia Beach. $20.75. 757-352-4245.regent.edu/tickets.
“The Hobbit.” Oct. 19-Nov. 6. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s adventure to Middle-earth, co-presented by Virginia Stage Company and the Governor’s School for the Arts. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. vastage.org.
“Bell, Book and Candle.” Oct. 28-Nov. 20. A bewitching love story. $18; $20 day of show. Little Theatre of Norfolk. 757-627-8551. ltnonline.org.
Mummenschanz: 50 Years. Oct. 29. This Virginia Arts Festival presentation showcases the performances of the Swiss mask theater troupe. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $15-$45. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
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November
“Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza.” Nov. 2. This new show features characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the rest. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $25-$65. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“The Fortunate & The Forgotten: A Cabaret.” Nov. 3-5. Dalis Black Box Theatre at the Governor’s School for the Arts, Norfolk. Ticket prices TBA. 757-451-4711. showtix4u.com.
The Proteus New Plays Festival. Nov. 4-5; 11-12. Extended run of an audience favorite. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $20. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.” Nov. 4-20. The Williamsburg Players perform the beloved children’s book-turned-musical. James-York Playhouse, Williamsburg. $20. 757-229-0431. williamsburgplayers.com.
“Anastasia.” Nov. 7. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. This musical follows a girl searching for her past. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
“Dear Evan Hansen.” Nov. 8-13. Broadway’s story of a teen trying to fit in, a letter that was never meant to be seen and a lie that was never meant to be told. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $55-$150. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Macbeth.” Nov. 10-12;16-19. Goode Theatre, ODU, Norfolk. $15. 757-683-5305. bit.ly/ODUArtsTix.
“White Christmas.” Nov. 11-Dec. 11. Irving Berlin’s musical features songs including “Blue Skies” and “I Love a Piano.” Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. $22. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
“Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Nov. 12. The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads presents the Jules Verne classic with actors, puppets and interactive storytelling. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $10. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“Bright Star.” Nov. 17-20. Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg. This musical is a combination of a book by comedian Steve Martin and lyrics by songwriter Edie Brickell, with story and music by both. $15. 757-221-2674. kimball.wm.edu.
“Always ... Patsy Cline.” Nov. 18-20. Based on the true story of country singer Patsy Cline’s friendship with a Houston housewife. The show features hits such as “Crazy” and “Walking After Midnight.” Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. $18-$63. 757-340-5446. vmtheatre.org.
“The Effect.” Nov. 18-Dec. 4. Generic Theater, Norfolk. $18; $20 day of show. 757-441-2160. generictheater.org.
“Kathleen Turner: Finding My Voice.” Nov. 19. Interspersed with American classics such as “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” the stage and film actress takes the audience on a behind-the-scenes look at her career. American Theatre, Hampton. $35-$55. 757-727-1995. hamptonarts.org.
“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Nov. 26. This production of Virginia Repertory’s Children’s Theatre is a musical adaptation of Clement Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” American Theatre, Hampton. $10, $15. 757-727-1995. hamptonarts.org.
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.” Nov. 29. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $40-$80. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“A Merry Little Christmas Carol.” Nov. 30-Dec. 31. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. vastage.org.
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December
“On the Verge; or, the Geography of Yearning.” Dec. 2-4; 9-11. Three intrepid Victorian lady adventurers set out to explore Terra Incognita, the unknown lands of the world. Studio Theatre, Regent University, Virginia Beach. $20.75. 757-352-4245. regent.edu/tickets.
“A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 9-18. The Williamsburg Players carry on the holiday tradition. James-York Playhouse, Williamsburg. $20. 757-229-0431. williamsburgplayers.org.
“Hurrah for the Holidays.” Dec. 9-11. Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach. $25. 757-627-6537. hurrahplayers.com.
“Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas.” Dec. 10. The show, which combines theater and technology, is performed in complete darkness. It follows a bird who gets blown off course and lands at the North Pole. American Theatre, Hampton. $35-$55. 757-727-1995. hamptonarts.org.
“Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland.” Dec. 11. A musical with acrobats, aerialists and holiday hijinks. Hampton Coliseum. Ticket prices TBA. 757-838-4203. hamptoncoliseum.org.
“Paw Patrol Live!” Dec. 13-14. It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. $20-$110. 757 664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Holidivas: A Holiday Cabaret.” Dec. 15-17. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $25. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Dec. 16-18. Hugh R. Copeland Center, Norfolk. $25. 757-627-6537. hurrahplayers.com.
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January
“Much Ado about Nothing.” Jan. 13-Feb. 5. Shakespeare’s comedy about everything and nothing. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. $20. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
“Pirates!” Jan. 14. A presentation of the Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $10. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“The 39 Steps.” Jan. 18-Feb. 5. A spoof of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie of the same name. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. vastage.org.
“Hairspray.” Jan. 19. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
The Acting Company’s “The Three Musketeers.” Jan. 27. This national tour is a world premiere commissioned by The Acting Company. It draws inspiration from a secret: The father of Alexandre Dumas, author of “The Three Musketeers,” was the highest-ranking person of color in a western military until our times. American Theatre, Hampton. $35-$55. 757-727-1995. hamptonarts.org.
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February
“Iola’s Letter.” Feb. 3-26. Inspired by the life of journalist Ida B. Wells who, after three Black business owners were lynched in 1892, launched a one-woman crusade for justice from her Free Speech newspaper. Little Theatre of Norfolk. $18; $20 at the door. 757-627-8551. ltnonline.org.
“Cats.” Feb. 7-12. These fabulous felines obviously have more than nine lives. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Marvin’s Room.” Feb. 17-19; 24-26. When a medical crisis comes calling, two estranged sisters, a soap opera-obsessed aunt and a nephew fresh out of juvie reunite for a strained family reunion. Studio Theatre, Regent University, Virginia Beach. $20.75. 757-352-4245. regent.edu/tickets.
“Black Girl Magic.” Feb. 17-19. Hugh R. Copeland Center, Norfolk. $25. 757-627-6537. hurrahplayers.com.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock.” Feb. 24-26. Based on the hit film starring Jack Black. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. $18-$63. 757-340-5446. vmtheatre.org.
“Come From Away.” Feb. 28-March 5. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
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March
“Annie.” March 1. The beloved orphan is back with classics such as “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.” Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
“Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous.” March 1-19. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. vastage.org.
“The Legend of Georgia McBride.” March 10-April 2. A down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator finds new life and a second family when a drag show replaces his act. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. $22. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
“Jack and the Beanstalk.” March 11. A presentation of the Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $10. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
“Hits! The Musical.” March 25. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Young performers ages 8-23 highlight hits from every genre. $29-$49. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Hamilton.” March 28-April 9. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Roe.” March 31-April 3. The play looks at the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, which legalized abortion, through the journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) in the years following the decision. Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach. $10; $15, free to Wesleyan students, faculty and staff. 757-455-3381. buytickets.at/goodecenter
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April
“Dragons and Mythical Beasts.” April 1. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. $15-$52. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
“Henry V.” April 12-30. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. This re-imagined classic is a production of Norfolk State University Theatre Company and Virginia Stage Company. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. vastage.org.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” April 13-16. The award-winning Saturday morning cartoon makes a cross-generational comeback as a teacher tries to manage his first-day jitters. Hits include “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.” Dede Robertson Theatre, Regent University, Virginia Beach. $20.75. 757-352-4245. regent.edu/tickets.
“Catch Me If You Can.” April 21-23. Based on the hit movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, this musical tells the true story of con man Frank Abagnale Jr. The score is by the creators of “Hairspray,” Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. $18-$63. 757-340-5446. vmtheatre.org.
“Legally Blonde – The Musical.” April 27. Billed as the “ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power.” Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
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May
“James and the Giant Peach.” May 5-28. Little Theatre of Norfolk. $18; $20 day of show. 757-627-8551. ltnonline.org.
“No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone.” May 10-14. This one-woman show features the jazz legend and civil rights activist when she returns to present times. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. $25-$55. 757-627-1234. vastage.org.
“An Enemy of the People.” May 12-28. Henrik Ibsen’s story of a man who dares to speak an unpalatable truth and is punished for it. Generic Theater, Norfolk. $18; $20 day of show. 757-441-2160. generictheater.org.
“Murder on the Orient Express.” May 12-June 4. Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot is on the case after a grisly murder aboard the famed train. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. $20. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
Desiree Roots: Celebrating Nancy Wilson. May 13-14. In a cabaret setting, the Virginia native pays tribute to one of the great female jazz and pop voices of the 20th century. American Theatre, Hampton. $35-$55. 757-727-1995. hamptonarts.org.
“Jesus Christ Superstar.” May 30-June 4. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Single ticket prices TBA. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
“Around the World in 80 Days.” May 13. The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads will present this Jules Verne classic recounting the adventures of Phileas Fogg and Jean Passepartout. Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach. $10. 757-499-0317. thez.org.
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July
“Jimmy Buffett’s Cheeseburger in Paradise.” July 14-Aug. 6. This musical comedy features Buffett’s hits, including “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” and “Fins.” Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. $22. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
