Items by Dave T

• More Buzz on "Bee"

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  John P posted his take on "Bee" (aka "The Twenty-fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee") recently. Everybody's loving this show! [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 11:25am EST
  by Dave T

• Unpredictable. Fun?

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  Mary Burruss's review of Barksdale's "Spelling Bee" made me more intent than ever to sneak out sometime next week to see the show. I love "unpredictable fun," especially in a theater production. What I'm not enjoying is the unpredictability of theater reviews. I'm never sure when a review is [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 8:10am EST
  by Dave T

• Post-Thanks Post

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Reviews from recently opened shows continue to pop up. Today, Susan Haubenstock’s take on “Bus Stop” is in the T-D. John Porter’s review of “Greetings” showed up on Thanksgiving eve. Style didn’t have any reviews last week but did run my lovely wife’s recounting of the “Sound [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:17am EST
  by Dave T

• Mondo Monday

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  John Porter posted his review of "Scrooge in Rouge" on his website yesterday. Makes for good reading. I'm not sure what's going to show up in Style today, but I'm eagerly awaiting at least a review or two. [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 10:08am EST
  by Dave T

• “I Love Paul!”

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  With their almost completely unfiltered reactions, children can be great critics. At the end of “Greetings” last Friday, I asked my children what they thought of the show. Two out of the four immediately said variations of “I love Paul!”
  
  Paul is, of course, Paul Deiss who plays Mickey [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 8:59pm EST
  by Dave T

• Trio

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  A trio of reviews have appeared in the Times-Dispatch over the past several days, including Julinda Lewis's review of the Mill's "Greetings" in today's paper. Over the weekend, Ms. Lewis also weighed in on Barksdale's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and Celia Wren made a rare [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 8:25am EST
  by Dave T

• The African Company presents Richard III

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  One of those worthy events in town that I've ended up overlooking in the midst of everything else is the University of Richmond's production of "The African Company presents Richard III." It sounds like the kind of challenging work that Richmond should embrace; only 2 more shows left!
  [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:37am EST
  by Dave T

• Two wrongs make a right

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  So I thought last night was the charitable admission night for “Scrooge in Rouge” – you know, donate canned goods and you can see the show. Well, turns out it was opening night (duh). I ended up keeping my boxfull of Sauer’s condiments and jars of Costco peanut butter but [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 10:40am EST
  by Dave T

• Covered!

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  I wrote yesterday’s post before picking up the latest Style. Another notable thing about “Scrooge in Rouge” is that it’s cast graces the cover of the latest issue, as well as being featured in a few pictures inside the issue.
  
  There is a short piece on the number [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 9:30am EST
  by Dave T

• Xmas Carol for Two Venues

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  It’s pretty interesting that both Theatre IV’s “A Christmas Carol” and Triangle Players’ “Scrooge in Rouge” are in rehearsal at the same facility right now. I don’t know all of the details of either production but from all accounts they are two very distinctly different takes on the traditional Dickens [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 1:43pm EST
  by Dave T

• Merch

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 15
  Here’s something that I’ve wondered about for a while: I’ve only been to one CYT show (“Narnia”) and there were tables and tables of show-related merchandise for sale in the lobby. “Avenue Q” at CenterStage had its booth of show-schwag of course and was doing a brisk business.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 9:22am EST
  by Dave T

• Kid’s Stuff

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  My review of Firehouse’s “This Is How It Goes” showed up in Style yesterday. I’m not sure whether to expound upon the review or just leave it be. I’ll be mulling over that today.
  
  It’s funny how the universe (read: fate, God, etc.) works sometimes. I’ve had the [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 9:03am EST
  by Dave T

• Venue News (Ven-news?)

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Theatre IV is opening up the Little Theater at the Empire for Triangle Players’ upcoming “Scrouge in Rouge,” a welcome return of that cute little black box into circulation.
  
  Also, I recently heard from the new management at the Hat Factory who would like me to tell [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 10:48am EST
  by Dave T

• Alternate Avenues

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  It was quite a scene at Short Pump Mall this past weekend, with scores of talented kids coming out for the “Sound of Music” auditions. At least one collection of performances has shown up on YouTube if you want to get a sense of the general atmosphere. I hear [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 9:21am EST
  by Dave T

• Wild Things

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  The Tlines spent the evening enjoying alternate art forms tonight. I took the youngest to see “Where the Wild Things Are” while the other boy was squired to appreciate some ballet (a new online review of which showed up on the Style site today). Variety is the spice, right?
  [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 11:08pm EST
  by Dave T

• Critical thinking

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  Style has a preview of "Avenue Q" this week. I'm looking forward to this show, as much because it'll be the first production I'll be seeing in the new Carpenter Theatre. Should be fun.
  
  Many weeks ago, Grant Mudge posted some links to blog posts by Isaac Butler.' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 8:03am EST
  by Dave T

• Vote!

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  The word on the street (and across the airwaves) is that there isn't a whole lot of excitement about the election today. That's a shame because for Virginians, there is just as much at stake today as there was a year ago, maybe more.
  
  So, as a lame attempt [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 8:51am EST
  by Dave T

• This is how I'm not

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  New reviews from Susan Haubenstock for Firehouse's "This is How it Goes" and John Porter for CAT's "I'm Not Rappaport." I was at the opening of "TiHiG" along with 2/3 of the Richmond Critics Circle and will be weighing in on it in a few days. Stay tuned...[...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 12:44pm EDT
  by Dave T

• 40 Acres review

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Mary Burruss's review of Sycamore Rouge's "40 Acres and a P.O.W" hit the interwebs today (actually yesterday...when did it get to be 1 am?). Read all about it (it's not exactly a rave...)' [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 1:23am EDT
  by Dave T

• Lottery Game

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  I’m happy to see that Mr. Miller “un-scrubbed” the Barksdale Buzz. I have no inside information on what prompted either the original cleansing or the restoration.
  
  I’m happy because I have been mulling over responding to his “new ideas” post since he put it up last weekend. The [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 1:17am EDT
  by Dave T

• Enchanted

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  It’s a little late to write anything about Barksdale’s “Boleros for the Disenchanted,” but I feel I have at least a little something interesting to add even though the show closed many days ago. The afternoon after I saw “Boleros” last weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Herrera, [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
  by Dave T

• A scrubbing?

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  As I did my morning survey of local media, I skimmed the Barksdale Buzz and did a double-take. I couldn’t find any content on the site having to do with the RTCC awards or recent statements about the state of Richmond theater or anything (it seems to me) that [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 8:56am EDT
  by Dave T

• Treading water

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I’ve been doing much more reading than writing in the past week, preparing for the end of the semester and the flurry of personal productivity I’m hoping I can muster. In the midst of all of the recent health issues that have plagued the Richmond community, I was sad to [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 11:46am EDT
  by Dave T

• Weekend news

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Ms. Haubenstock's review of CAT's "I'm Not Rappaport" was in Sunday's paper. My lovely wife and I managed to squeak in a viewing of "Boleros for the Disenchanted," though on separate nights. Divide and conquer, indeed. More thoughts on that in a day or two.
  
  It was closing [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 9:40am EDT
  by Dave T

• Dartsies?

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  That prolific blogger, Mr. Miller, posted his Fartsies – further action required etc. etc. – list the day after the RTCC awards on Sunday. I expect that post was brewing for quite a long time, maybe since the nominees were first announced. I understand the frustration that I think [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 5:05pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Breaking news!

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  ...not really, but the Times-Dispatch did run an article about the RTCC awards today. Definitely a case of better late than never, as far as I'm concerned. Thanks to Angela for coming to the event and for her fine reportage!' [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 2:47pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Here and There

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  All I know about CAT's "I'm Not Rappaport" is that Jennifer Frank is directing. That's certainly a good sign and I expect she's put together a great production. But I wish more companies would list the people in their casts on their website (I particularly like Firehouse's practice of' [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 12:07pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Other People’s Writing

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  Joe Inscoe has written what I consider an extremely insightful and articulate comment in response to Bruce Miller’s recent post on “Shining City.” It’s an interesting piece of perspective from someone who’s played many places, has many years of experience, and who is a thoughtful, intelligent guy in addition [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Jack Parrish wake

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I believe this information is making the rounds but just in case you hadn't heard: there will be an Actor's Wake for Jack Parrish at the Barksdale Theatre on Sunday Nov. 1 starting at 5pm. Dawn Westbrook-Boyd and Steve Moore will be hosting. Please come help us celebrate Jack's life' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 8:22am EDT
  by Dave T

• Essie Simms update

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Jackie has already commented on my last post to this effect but for those who don't read the comments, here the latest on Ms. Simms:
  
  Essie Simms was transferred back to Westminster Canterbury Thursday afternoon. She continues to progress and is in good hands there.
  
  Several folks' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 8:19am EDT
  by Dave T

• Catching up

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Never had a chance to link to the T-D review of Sycamore Rouge’s latest, “40 Acres and a P.O.W.” Sorry for the delay.
  
  Sunday’s paper also had a profile of Aaron Anderson, who was gracious enough to present our special recognitions at the RTCC awards on Sunday. [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 2:53pm EDT
  by Dave T

• An appreciation

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 7
  As I write this, it’s about 24 hours exactly since we called a wrap on the 2009 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Awards. I’ve spent most of today enjoying the company of dear old friends of mine who live in Thailand who chose this weekend of all weekends to drop into [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 12:02am EDT
  by Dave T

• And the Artsie Award goes to...

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  Thanks to everyone for last night -- what a great time (more commentary to come)! Below is a list of people/shows that received awards. I had heard that the T-D was going to publish a list but haven't heard whether it did. I know that Aaron (poor early-waking Aaron!) mentioned' [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 6:45pm EDT
  by Dave T

• A request for help

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  I received a note from Bill Blair who is coordinating communication and support for Jack Parrish's widow, Kathy. With Jack's passing, she is suddenly faced with many expenses, specifically related to his funeral. Bill has been working with people at Barkdsale and the Virginia Museum to raise money to help [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 10:55pm EDT
  by Dave T

• As promised...

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  ...Mondo Johnny has filled in the full story of his little health crisis on Monday. I'm very glad to have him back in good voice and on the mend.' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:39pm EDT
  by Dave T

• What a weekend

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Style recently posted a couple of additional reviews, worth checking out because I don’t think they’re making it into the print edition. Mary Burruss holds forth on “The New Century” and I give a capsule recap of “The Ugly Duckling.”
  
  As if there isn’t enough to see [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:30pm EDT
  by Dave T

• He Will Be Missed

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Bruce posted a fine testament to Jack Parrish on the Barksdale blog.
  
  I will only add one thing: an actor asked me a couple of years ago for my thoughts about his performance. He was playing the character of a king. I told him he did a fine [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 10:28pm EDT
  by Dave T

• JP, JP and a load of links

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  I dropped by to see John Porter in the hospital yesterday. He was in very good spirits and holding up well against a steady stream of visitors. He was still in the Coronary Care Unit at Chippenham when I saw him but the word is that he’s been moved to [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:17am EDT
  by Dave T

• JP, update

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I've been in a little contact with the lovely Mrs. Porter who has posted an update on John on Facebook. He's supposed to be out of the Critical Care unit today and then, if all things go as planned, be sent home tomorrow. Yay! Thanks for all the support for' [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 7:59am EDT
  by Dave T

• John Porter

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  Please join me in sending thoughts and prayers out in support of John Porter -- performer, stand-up comic, and theater critic for WCVE Public Radio -- who apparently had a heart attack last night. My understanding is that he is okay but still in the hospital's Critical Care Unit (not [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 1:05pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Gypsy

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  John Porter posted his review of “Shining City” a couple of days ago. I hear there’s a review from Joan Tupponce out there somewhere as well, but I can’t find it in electronic format. I’ll link to it when I do. Based on what I’m hearing (at least at [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 4:56pm EDT
  by Dave T

• This much, that much, too much?

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Let’s start out with what I absolutely loved about Richmond Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing:” TJ Simmons as Benedict and Sarah Johnson as Beatrice. The adjective that comes to my mind when thinking about both of their performances may seem a little odd, but it’s “crisp.” By that, I mean [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 1:41pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Two for Tuesday

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  My review of "Souvenir" hits the newspaper racks today and Mr. Porter's evaluation of "Much Ado About Nothing" hits the airwaves. My take on "Much Ado" will be here as soon as I can find a minute to write it. [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 12:33pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Following up

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  Here are the details on Jay McCullough’s services. They will be held at Bliley's Central, 3801 Augusta, 23230. Visitation will be Wed, 10/7 from 6-8:00 PM. A celebration service will be held Thur, 10/8 at 2:00 PM. [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 12:12am EDT
  by Dave T

• Boy’s Life

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Here’s what I loved about Maggie Marlin’s performance in “Boy’s Life:” it’s natural for an actor to want the audience to like her, or at least appreciate her, but in Marlin’s portrayal of Lisa there was no quarter given to audience appreciation. Just as Lisa simply wants to cut through [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 12:11am EDT
  by Dave T

• So much

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  There’s so much to write about and so little time! But first I should link to the slew of reviews that have come out recently, from Ms. Haubenstock’s coverage of Henley Street’s “Shining City,” Triangle Players’ “The New Century” and Richmond Shakspeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing" to" [...]
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  Posted: October 05, 2009, 8:11am EDT
  by Dave T

• A beautiful night, a wonderful man

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  Both the companies of Henley Street's "Shining City" and Richmond Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" dedicated their performances tonight to the memory of Jay McCullough. The rest of the Barksdale's "Souvenir" run will also be done in his honor. I received a couple messages, even a phone call, asking me [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 11:50pm EDT
  by Dave T

• The Mayo is here!

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  Sometimes it’s funny what changes your mood. I was in a very dark place in the middle of this week. At one point, my mouse was poised over a button that said “Delete” with every intention of making this particular part of my life go blissfully away.
  
  But today [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 3:33pm EDT
  by Dave T

• New

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  Four shows opening this weekend, truly something for everyone. "Much Ado About Nothing" is Richmond Shakespeare's first offering in the new CenterStage space, "Shining City" is the first show under Henley Street's new Artistic Director, and RTP's "The New Century" -- well, it's got 'new' right there in the title. [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 7:26am EDT
  by Dave T

• Bored

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 13
  OK, people out there who don't like critics, I get it. You don't like critics, don't think we serve a purpose, wish there were no such thing. It's not worth arguing anymore. I'll trot out my old analogy: arguing over the value of critics in the artistic process with you [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
  by Dave T

• More notices, more posts

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  For those who are interested in what a critic might have to say, Mary Burruss has a review of "Boleros for the Disenchanted" in this week's Style and John Porter has made his opinion of "Souvenir" available on his blog. Of course, there are some people who are [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 7:37am EDT
  by Dave T

• “Well, I guess that’s it”

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 17
  So this past Saturday night was almost indescribable in its cumulative weirdness. But try to describe it I will. I apologize if I impugn any individuals I don’t mean to impugn in the course of relating this story; I really will try to describe only what transpired. But I’m sure [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 7:18am EDT
  by Dave T

• Cavalcade of coverage

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  In the past couple of days, John Porter’s review of “Irma Vep” hit his website; Celia Wren went in-depth on Henley Street’s new Artistic Director, James Ricks; and Julinda Lewis talked about “Souvenir.” Who says there’s no theater coverage in this town? In comparison, a perusal of [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 9:40am EDT
  by Dave T

• Watch the Racks

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Fall is an exciting time of year for so many reasons. One that might not be on your radar is that its when Richmond magazine announces the Theresa Pollak Prizes for Excellence in the Arts. I've got a little insider info on this one and I can tell you' [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 2:10pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Enchanted by "the Disenchanted"

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I was lucky enough to be driving when John Porter's review of "Boleros" was broadcast yesterday. But I'm very happy that John has started posting his reviews on his blog so you don't have to be tuned in to hear them. It's not the same without his mellifluous voice [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 10:37am EDT
  by Dave T

• Boys and Man

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Mary Burruss's review of "Boy's Life" showed up on the Style site this afternoon. It's nice to see Maggie Marlin's performance spotlighted.
  
  Also, you may have heard that Henley Street has pushed it's opening of "Shining City" back a week. If you have heard the reason, you know [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 5:10pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Presenting the Presenters

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  First things first: John Porter has weighed in on Firehouse’s “Boy’s Life.” Check it out.
  
  I only caught a little bit of the Emmys on Sunday but enough to peak my appetite for seeing beautiful people dressed up pretty. Neil Patrick Harris is a lot of fun as [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 10:39am EDT
  by Dave T

• Doubleheader

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Wow, it seems like forever since there has been two shows opening on a weekend! But “Boleros” stormed the stage at the Barksdale on Friday, followed by the stormy “Irma Vep” on Saturday. I missed them both thanks to an over-stressed lower back but Ms. Haubenstock at the T-D made [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2009, 7:57am EDT
  by Dave T

• Getting Hep to "Vep"

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  Tonight is the first preview for “The Mystery of Irma Vep” down at Swift Creek Mill. In contrast to their season opener last year – the substantially casted “Sideshow” – “Vep” is a two-hander that will star a couple Mill faves, David Janeski and John Hagadorn. I’m a little nervous [...]
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  Posted: September 17, 2009, 1:20pm EDT
  by Dave T

• CenterStage and Sabrina in the Sun

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Just a warning: I’m going to be pretty relentless with chatter about the RTCC awards, for two main reasons. One is that there is a lot to say – news about presenters, analysis of nominees, alerts about media appearances, etc. The other is that, according to the ticket masters (not [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2009, 8:40am EDT
  by Dave T

• Magnet

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I made it (barely) to the CenterStage open house on Sunday and, like most everyone else I've talked to, was enchanted by what I saw. The Carpenter Theatre is truly gorgeous but the other funky spaces are what particularly tickle my interest. The Gottwald Theatre and Rhythm Hall are the' [...]
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  Posted: September 14, 2009, 10:06pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Up Up and Away!

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  After several weeks of anticipation, theater in Richmond finally kicks off tonight with the opening of “Boy’s Life,” continuing on Saturday with the monster grand opening down at CenterStage. A huge swath of the theater pros in town are involved in one way or another – have you seen the [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 8:09am EDT
  by Dave T

• Weekly strength

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  This week's Style is another keeper, with the Fall Arts preview being front and center. You can skim my theater season preview or delve into Ms. Burruss's profile of the Conciliation Project or explicate our new editor's interview with John Bryan of CultureWorks. These, plus other dance [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2009, 11:27am EDT
  by Dave T

• Last Year

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Someone sent me a question asking where someone could find a listing of the winners of last year's RTCC awards. If you are interested, they can be found on the Richmond.com site. FYI! [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
  by Dave T

• A Life in Theater

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  The Richmond Theatre Critics Circle awards gala is in 6 weeks. Have you bought your tickets yet? Next week, I’ll have a couple exciting announcements to make regarding the event: we’ve lined up a few more award presenters that should pique your interest and there’s a special bonus gift [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 12:49pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Perhaps we could talk about theater

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  Wow, guess all the drama doesn’t just happen on stage, huh?
  
  Anyway, I’ve just started subscribing to the Washington Post and have noticed quite a bit of hype about the 8th annual Page-to-Stage festival at the Kennedy Center, which is happening this weekend. Now THIS sounds like a [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 11:43am EDT
  by Dave T

• Official Notice

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 18
  Commenting on my recent "failure to communicate" post, Anonymous complains that nominees for the RTCC awards have not received "any official sort of notice." S/he goes on to say: "Talk about a failure to communicate - don't assume everyone reads your blog. Take the time to at least contact the'" [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 7:51am EDT
  by Dave T

• Others who write

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  It's back to school week for my kids, a decidedly mixed bag: more madness but at least it's regularly scheduled madness? Anyway, it's also back to school time for an old friend, director and former theater company AD, Rick St. Peter, who is chronicling his pursuit of a Ph. D. [...]
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  Posted: September 01, 2009, 8:52am EDT
  by Dave T

• What we have here is a failure to communicate

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  Deep within the sporadically fascinating correspondence between representatives of CenterStage and Roy Proctor, you can find this exchange:
  
  CS: “[This] is very interesting and a wonderful piece for the book depicting exactly the type of historical activity we want to commemorate.”
  
  RP: “I never saw this book [...]
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  Posted: August 30, 2009, 10:46am EDT
  by Dave T

• Front and Center

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Not to be too naked in my advocacy of my part-time employer, but Style with its truly comprehensive coverage of the opening of CenterStage (listing of all the articles here) is absolutely a cover-to-cover read this week. I say that because, beyond all the nice and informative pieces including [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 8:57am EDT
  by Dave T

• Fully Committed nearly fully committed

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Are you doing anything this Saturday afternoon? If you haven't seen "Fully Committed" out at the Tavern, that's looking like your last chance to do so. As I'm writing this, there are a handful of seats left for the 2pm show but there may not be by the time you [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 9:31am EDT
  by Dave T

• Questions, questions

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  Since my post of the nominees yesterday, I've received a lot of questions, some highly rhetorical, some just wanting more information. Here are a couple answers, more will come later, others will have to remain unanswered:
  
  All nominees, presenters and critics will need to buy tickets to attend the' [...]
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  Posted: August 20, 2009, 7:15am EDT
  by Dave T

• Nominations announced

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 26
  Sorry for the delay in getting these out. Below is the text of a press release that will go out later this evening. Sorry if the formatting makes it hard to read. Congrats to all of the nominees. If you are getting to this page from Facebook and have questions, [...]
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  Posted: August 19, 2009, 5:05pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Antici…pation

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 5
  There’s a sense, at least in my little corner of the world, of a lull in the action. Summer camps and swim teams are largely done, kids are hustling up to finish their summer reading before school starts, several coworkers are on vacation.
  
  However, it’s not exactly a lull [...]
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  Posted: August 19, 2009, 9:45am EDT
  by Dave T

• Adding it up

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 16
  Next Thursday, I’ll be seeing “Fully Committed” at Hanover Tavern. I just checked my geeky little spreadsheet where I keep track of company schedules and various other details and noted that it’ll be the 40th distinct local professional theater production I’ve seen between September 2008 and August 2009.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: August 14, 2009, 4:17pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Style Weekly Names Don Harrison as Arts & Culture Editor

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Below is a bit of news released late yesterday afternoon. It's good news for local theater folks to have someone well-versed in the local scene at the Arts helm at Style. I worked tangentially with Don at 64 magazine and am looking forward to working with him more directly at [...]
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  Posted: August 13, 2009, 9:32am EDT
  by Dave T

• Oh what a night

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  "Late December back in ’63, what a lady, what a night…"
  
  Oh, sorry, just having a little “Jersey Boys” moment. But, speaking of nights, I caught up with “Night of January 16th” at Sycamore Rouge last Friday and was glad that I did. A show that has a real [...]
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  Posted: August 11, 2009, 11:52pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Wine, Women and Song

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  I know it’s late notice but if you aren’t doing anything tonight, you might check out a staged reading by Deep Water Productions, a newish company that has been doing the occasional reading or event over the past year. “Wine in the Wilderness” sounds like an intriguing show and [...]
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  Posted: August 06, 2009, 11:32am EDT
  by Dave T

• I may reach for thuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh gun

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  I did my semi-regular check of the theater-related stories at Entertainment Weekly and came across this item, which about made my stomach turn. I caught Springer on Dancing With the Stars a couple of times and he came across much more self-deprecating and normal than he has when [...]
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  Posted: August 05, 2009, 1:31pm EDT
  by Dave T

• The Pre-Critic

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  I’ve said before that I think stage directors don’t get enough credit. I’ve said this because I noticed only within the past few years that I’ve often been guilty of not recognizing or not acknowledging the tremendous work directors do. This hasn’t been a universal tendency; in fact, for me [...]
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  Posted: August 04, 2009, 8:12am EDT
  by Dave T

• From points west...

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  I've been secluded in a top-secret location for the past 5 days without Internet access which is one of the reasons I've been delinquent. But I'm sure you've been keeping busy, seeing the surprising number of shows still around and reading up on all the news. But while I have [...]
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  Posted: July 31, 2009, 10:42pm EDT
  by Dave T

• They were going to do “Rent”

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 6
  To me, nothing symbolizes the ambition, vision and even audacity of Chase Kniffen’s Stage 1 theater company more than the first production announced for its now sadly canceled second season. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve seen “Rent.” Would you have ever even imagined in your lifetime seeing “Rent” [...]
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  Posted: July 24, 2009, 10:35am EDT
  by Dave T

• Throw another blog on the fire

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  Style is chock full of theater-related stories this week. Ms. Burruss recaps the Stage 1 situation, while I preview "Fully Committed" and post-view (?) "Night of January 16th." Still working on the verklept-itude. Hope to have actual words to write about it all in the next day [...]
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  Posted: July 21, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Sad but True

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  I just had it verified that Stage 1 will be closing it's doors. The press release quotes Chase Kniffen saying, "...current economic realities make it impossible to ensure financial sustainability for the coming year." As soon as a more complete story is posted online, I'll be linking to it.
  [...]
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  Posted: July 20, 2009, 1:51pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Night and Dane

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  There have been reviews of both “Hamlet” and “Night of January 16th” in the T-D over the past couple of days. Personally, I took in the excellent production of “Driving Miss Daisy” on Friday, a show my wife had encouraged me to attend last fall and now I [...]
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  Posted: July 20, 2009, 11:46am EDT
  by Dave T

• Captain’s Blog, Stardate 1600

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  When it comes right down to it, there are only so many blog-related puns a guy can come up with.
  
  Anyway, I realized today that, beyond my general lack of blogging lately, I specifically have not been giving out much Hamlet love. The show opened last night, I believe, [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2009, 9:13am EDT
  by Dave T

• Blogarythms

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  Sometimes I write a lot. Sometimes, not so much. A crazy June opened up into a July that has felt like a revolving door for me. When did the lazy daze of summer transition to the crazy days?
  
  Anyway, the stalwarts of Richmond theater carry on regardless of the [...]
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  Posted: July 15, 2009, 9:00am EDT
  by Dave T

• **snicker** Fairy Tale

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  Nice headline for Ms. Burruss's review of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The show is going gangbusters, so I hear, with only the final show not sold out. Seems like a bang-up summer for Richmond Shakes! [...]
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  Posted: July 09, 2009, 1:28pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Like Falling Off a Blog

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  Well, I hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend and all. At our house, we went through the becoming-more-commonplace bittersweet cycle of another show closing. Apparently some local folks in “the community” traveled westward last week to see the boy but I haven’t heard any word on whether they [...]
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  Posted: July 08, 2009, 8:31am EDT
  by Dave T

• Thorough indeed

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  So I haven’t written anything about the big kahuna in town, Barksdale’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” but there are plenty of other opinions about the show out there (Mr. Porter’s summary of “Millie” – as well as ones for “Summer of ’42,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace” – showed up [...]
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  Posted: July 02, 2009, 9:13am EDT
  by Dave T

• Actor Aweigh

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  I know it's old news around these parts, but the announcement of "Fully Committed" on the Barksdale line-up for the summer made Scotty news again. For a piece on Scotty's signing up for the Naval Reserves, check out this week's Style. Sometimes I love my little headlines... [...]
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  Posted: June 30, 2009, 3:22pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Since I knew how to dream

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  In a recent story about her imminent starring turn as Spiderman’s love interest in the Broadway musical, Evan Rachel Wood says, “Being on Broadway has been my dream since I knew how to dream.” That’s a pretty deep statement. It’s only a little bit of a shame it was [...]
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  Posted: June 30, 2009, 8:54am EDT
  by Dave T

• Late Henry

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  I know it is late to be doing so, but I’d like to wax a little poetic about Richmond Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” What a fine production! As I wrote in a recent Facebook status, the final scene between Phil Brown’s Henry and Sarah Johnson Cole’s Katherine features what may be [...]
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  Posted: June 29, 2009, 2:44pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Woe is Wednesday

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 2
  I know, I know: I suck. It’s one thing not to write anything on ye ole blog. It’s another thing altogether to say you are going to write something and then not to write anything. To use that old politically-incorrect phrase, it’s akin to being an Indian-giver.
  
  Ah well, [...]
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  Posted: June 25, 2009, 3:19pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Calvalcade of Coverage

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 3
  As is only fitting for the week after a bunch of shows opened, there have been a slew of reviews out there this week. Style’s got reviews of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Summer of ‘42” in this week’s issue; I’ve seen them on the newstand but don’t have links to [...]
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  Posted: June 23, 2009, 2:41pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Aloha Means Hello

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 7
  This weekend Richmond says 'hello' to three big shows: Barksdale and Stage 1 each putting up big cast musicals and the Mill doing a big cast comedy. It seems as though actors who might have been looking at a dry spell this summer are instead going to have their plates [...]
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  Posted: June 19, 2009, 11:33am EDT
  by Dave T

• Combination Platter

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 4
  I spent some time over my Cheerios this morning parsing out the new “Richmond Loves Broadway” package that Barksdale / Theatre IV is offering and, after a great deal of initial confusion, I’ve concluded it is a fair slice of genius.
  
  My initial confusion stemmed from the somewhat [...]
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  Posted: June 18, 2009, 8:14am EDT
  by Dave T

• Bittersweet

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  Some folks know that my son was up in NYC this past weekend, being called back for a shot at the role of Michael Banks in either the tour or the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins.” We found out Sunday night that he was out of the running for now. [...]
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  Posted: June 16, 2009, 1:46pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Re: Sunday

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 0
  I spent a large chunk of Sunday morning luxiuriating over the Washington Post and the New York Times while at my lovely mother-in-law’s house. Nothing fills me with greater pangs of remorse over the death of print than thinking that those kinds of mornings may soon be a thing of [...]
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  Posted: June 15, 2009, 2:05pm EDT
  by Dave T

• Hunka Hunka Burning Harry

  —Richmond VA Theater

  Number of comments: 1
  So I made it through the first couple of hours of the Tonys last night on the ole DVR before having to call it quits. Since it is rare that I’ve seen many – if any – of the nominated shows these days, I usually look to the Tonys to [...]
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  Posted: June 11, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
  by Dave T