Samuel Elton (Wilbur) and Ellie Wilson (Fern Arable). Photo by Jay Paul

There are few people who aren’t familiar with the beautiful and bittersweet story of Charlotte’s Web.  Virginia Rep brings the cherished novel to life with exactly the right mix of love, nostalgia and honesty that makes you want to pick up the book and read it again.

(from left to right) Isabella Cipollina (Narrator), Laney Yoo (Narrator), Lucas Hall (Lurvy), Adalaide O’Connor (Narrator). Photo by Jay Paul

The story is narrated by Isabella Cipollina, Adalaide O’Connor, and, alternating nights, Evelyn Drumeer and Laney Yoo who balance their whistful story telling with presence and charm.  In addition to supporting the story through narration, the young women sing time-honored songs such as You Are My Sunshine and Keep on the Sunny Side, beautifully anchored by the voice and music from Lucas Hall on the guitar.

The characters of the story itself also shine.  Audra Honaker’s Charlotte is absolutely enchanting as she gracefully navigates her large web.  Over the course of 90 minutes, Honaker has a seamless transition from energetic and friendly with an almost stone cold honestly to a tired, wise and loveable heroine.  Samuel Elton plays the endearing and radiant pig, capturing the heart of Fern, Charlotte and the audience as well.  Ellie Wilson is a strong Fern and a delight to watch.

Other notable performances include Jessi Johnson and Paul Major as the uppity Goose and the Gander (respectively). Lucas Hall as the loveable Lurvy, Donathan Arnold as Avery, the hilarious and adorable Lamb played by Hanna Piper and Evan Nasteff as a sly Templeton.

Audra Honaker (Charlotte). Photo by Jay Paul

Costumes by Sarah Grady were subtle and lovely with special attention to fabrics and textures to enhance each animal’s unique personality and traits; wool sweaters for the rigid sheep, coats for the proper goose and gander, leather and jeans for the rebel rat and soft overalls and converse sneakers for the childlike pig.

Both my 8 year old son and I enjoyed the show immensely, and both of us were quite tearful at the end.  Please note that this production deals with the same themes in regards to life and death in the same direct and honest manner as the book which may need to be considered when bringing sensitive children.

Charlotte’s Web is an excellent production for those who loved the book and a wonderful introduction for those who have yet to experience it.

Charlotte’s Web

October 10 – November 9, 2014

Wednesdays – Sundays
At Willow Lawn
1601 Willow Lawn Drive
(804) 282-2620
$18

Click here for tickets

Irene Ziegler, Sandi Carroll, Joe Inscoe. Photo by Aaron Sutten.

Brooke Wyeth, daughter of a prominent Republican politician, returns home for Christmas, and brings home with her a manuscript of her second book – a memoir.  When Brooke’s memoir threatens to reveal a deeply hidden family secret, the truth begins to unravel and Brooke learns something about her parents that she had never imagined.

Sprawling across the stage, the Wyeth home feels perfectly designed by Ben Burke.  Lynne M. Hartman’s lighting compliments the set beautifully, with a soft glow of the sun over the mountains and the gentle reflection from the pool in the backyard.

Sandi Carroll’s Brooke is convincing as the tortured writer, recovering from depression, both seeking the approval of her parents and rebelling against them.  Carroll’s Brooke is flawed and self-righteous yet honest and the audience roots for her as she struggles to learn the truth about her family.

Mike Long, Melissa Johnston Price. Photo by Aaron Sutten.

Irene Ziegler plays the cunning Polly, the strong mother that Brooke vilifies. Joe Inscoe is almost too likable as patriarch Lyman Wyeth.

Melissa Johnston Price wonderful as Silda, Polly’s sister, a recovering alcoholic who hates living with her sister but has no where else to turn.  Mike Long is Trip, Brooke’s TV producing, pot smoking younger brother who provides comic relief and suddenly offers some unexpected insight which can only be offered by watchful little siblings.

The show, however, was not without its challenges.  Other Desert Cities is an intimate production which causes the audience to want to lean in closer, more suited perhaps to their former, more intimate space in Willow Lawn.  Despite the floor mics some lines were dropped. 
Along with the challenges of the space, there was a general lack of stillness on stage which often detracted from the tension.  Actors were fidgety or given extraneous blocking which distracted from the intensity of the moment.

All in all, the production is worth a night out to the theatre.  Other Desert Cities delivers a drama with dysfunctional family, drug use, alcohol addiction, mental illness, and politics without the usual “great, now I’m depressed” theatrical hangover.

Other Desert Cities

April 24 – May 18, 2014
Wednesdays – Sundays
At the November Theatre
114 West Broad Street
(804) 282-2620
$23 – $46 (Students $10 on day of show)

Aly Wepplo (Fiona) center, and Ensemble. Photo by Jay Paul

I told my 7 year old son we were going to go see a musical.
“Ugh. A MUSICAL?””What’s wrong with musicals?”
“They are so… songy.”

By the end of act 1, however it was extremely clear, we may be seeing this show again before the run is over.

Virginia Rep’s Shrek The Musical is absolutely everything you love about the movie and then some.
Perfectly cast, Shrek leaves you with a long list of favorite performances.
Jason Marks is lovable from the start as the big green ogre, and carries the show beautifully. Whether he is in the swamp or a dragon guarded tower, the audience is with him every step of the way.

Ally Wepplo’s Fiona combines princess with tomboy perfectly and creates a delightful, well rounded character. Robert King is hilarious as Lord Farquaad, while the only thing that stops Ronnie Brown (Donkey) from absolutely stealing the show is how the rest of the cast steps up with solid and energetic performances.

Also starring in this productions is Brian C. Barker’s vibrant set and Broadway-worthy costume and makeup design from Elizabeth Weiss Hopper.  While it’s hard to imagine Shrek without his signature green looks,  the detail and precision of each character’s costume elevates the show.
Definitely for ages 6 and up,  Shrek takes classic, can’t-fail kid humor (read: fart jokes) and mixes in adult humor (read: one character comes out as a Scientologist) to have the whole audience rolling with laughter.

The show isn’t all jokes and musical dances; there are lessons to be found between the humor: self acceptance, standing up for what’s right and acceptance of each others differences.

Virginia Rep’s Shrek, not only fills expectations, but bubbles over with laughter and delight.
Highly recommended for mature and immature audiences.

Shrek the Musical
March 14 – April 27, 2014

Wednesdays – Sundays
At Willow Lawn
1601 Willow Lawn Drive
(804) 282-2620
Purchase tickets here.

Katherine Wright (Ring Girl) and Josh Marin (Chad Deity).
Photo by Andrew Bonniwell.

When you walk in to a theater and see a wrestling ring, you know you’re in for a different kind of night at the theatre. I’m not, at heart, a wrestling fan, but that really didn’t matter. (If you’ve seen a WWE promo, you’ve seen enough to enjoy this show.) The show is part spectacle, part play with, well, elaborate entrances, wrestling moves and showy costumes.

But The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is more than just a gimmick. The 2008 National Latino Playwriting Award Winner, 2010 Pulitzer Prize Finalist and 2011 Obie Award Winner for Best New American Play packs a powerful punch combining comedy, drama and power bombs.

Director Kerry McGee serves up a well balanced production, giving equal attention to the inherent campiness of the story, the action, and the drama. Yeah, on the outside, it’s kinda about wrestling… but it’s also about geopolitics, race, and sacrifice. McGee gives just the right amount of attention to each, delivering a powerful message in an easy-to-swallow campy pill.

Axle Burtness is endearing as the underdog protagonist. He embodies the childlike qualities of the character well and kept his energy during long monologues, although I felt his pacing was a little off. Josh Martin is charming as wrestling superstar Chad Deity, adding depth to a seemingly one dimensional character. James Long in Starrene Foster’s costumes delivers perfect humor and physicality to his three roles.

Lighting by Geno Brantley is seamless; Edwin Slipek’s set design is simple but efficient.

For the wrestling fanatic (and not so fanatic), The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is worth a trip out in the snow. It will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter, cheering for the underdog and leave you with much to think about.

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
February 6 – March 8, 2014
Tickets $16 – $35
Ringside seating is $15
Tickets are available online or at the door.

Make this a date night: strong language and themes not suitable for children.

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