UR Free Theatre & Dance
The University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance believes in the power of theatre and dance to build community through art, and that access to the arts should not be limited in any way. In partnership with the School of Arts & Sciences, we have created the UR Free Theatre and Dance initiative in order to remove economic barriers and make theatre and dance accessible to everyone. We are committed to the theatre as a vibrant cultural force that engages audiences in meaningful and addresses important issues of our time through compelling live performances.
2022-2023 UR Free Theatre and Dance Season
Smart People
By Lydia R. Diamond
Directed by Chuck Mike
Costume Design by Heather Hogg
Light & Sound Design by Maja E. White
Scenic Design by Jason Ammons
September 29 – October 1, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
October 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts, Cousins Studio Theatre
It is the eve of Obama’s first election. Four of Harvard University’s brightest; a surgeon, an actress, a psychologist, and a neuro-psychiatrist, are all interested in different aspects of the brain, particularly how it responds to race. But like all smart people, they are also searching for love, success, and identity in their own lives. Lydia Diamond brings these characters together in this sharp, witty play about social and sexual politics.
“…a sexy, serious, and very, very funny modern-day comedy of manners.” — Variety
Miss You Like Hell
Book and Lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Directed by Drs. Patricia Herrera and Dorothy Holland
Costume Design by Nia Safarr Banks
Light & Sound Design by Maja E. White
Scenic Design by Jason Ammons
November 17-19, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
November 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts, Alice Jepson Theatre
A revolutionary new musical by Pulitzer Prize winner (Water By The Spoonful) and Tony Award winner (In the Heights), Quiara Alegría Hudes, with music by singer-songwriter, Erin McKeown. A journey that is both personal and epic begins when a whip-smart, deeply imaginative, and troubled teenage blogger agrees to take a road trip with her estranged, free-spirited Latina mother. Chance encounters with an array of characters along the way bring them closer to understanding what sets them apart—and what connects them forever. With compelling original songs every bit as diverse and eclectic as America, Miss You Like Hell is a new musical that exudes the joy, love, and frustration of being a family in a changing country.
“Powerful and complex, a fresh take on the American road story, filled with people and ideas we rarely get to see on stage.” — New York Times
fast/FORWARD
University Dancers 38th Anniversary Concert
Directed by Anne Van Gelder
Costume Design by Karl Green
Light Design by Maja E. White
February 24 & 25, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
February 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts, Alice Jepson Theatre
University Dancers celebrates 38 years of engaging dance with our annual concert that brings to the University of Richmond the work of innovative guest choreographers Charlotte Boye-Christensen and Stephanie Martinez. Vancouver-based choreographer Charlotte Boye-Christensen’s collaborative work challenges perceptions of what defines dance, while not rejecting tradition. Stephanie Martinez identifies as both Latina and indigenous and we are very excited to bring to campus an artist with such a unique perspective to work with our students and collaborate with our faculty. The concert will also feature new works choreographed by Department of Theatre & Dance faculty Angelica Burgos, Deandra Clarke, Eric Rivera, and Anne Van Gelder.
The Rivals
By Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Directed by Walter Schoen
Costume Design by Johann Stegmeir
Light & Sound Design by Maja E. White
Scenic Design by Reed West
April 13-15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
April 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts, Alice Jepson Theatre
The headstrong daughter of a wealthy family, the lovely Lydia Languish is fiercely determined to rebuff parental wishes and marry for love rather than money. Her romantic dilemma is complicated by the machinations of her aunt Mrs. Malaprop whose misapplication of the English language (“she’s as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of Nile”) has made her one of the most beloved comic characters of all time. An 18th century “comedy of manners,” The Rivals is Richard Sheridan’s masterpiece about the value of love and money that sparkles with theatricality, wit, exuberance, and fun.
NOTE:
All performances are free for all, but reservations are required.
To reserve tickets visit the individual performance ticket links above, or visit the Modlin Center Box Office.
