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.

Scapino, The Trickster

By Moliere
Adapted and translated by Matt DiCintio

Directed by Walter Schoen
Costume Design by Johann Stegmeir 
Light & Sound Design by Robby Williams
Scenic Design by Vicki Davis

September 29 – October 2, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Jenkins Greek Theatre

In Moliere’s homage to the slapstick elements of the classic comedy form known as commedia dell’arte, Scapino “bamboozles” two crusty, old fathers to pave the path of true love for their children.  

Les Blancs

By Lorraine Hansberry

Directed by Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.
Costume Design by Johann Stegmeir 
Light & Sound Design by Maja E. White
Scenic Design by Vicki Davis

November 18-20, 2021 at 7:30 PM
November 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Modlin Center for the Arts
Alice Jepson Theatre

Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry is an epic story that embraces generations, legacy, time and both the ancestral and spiritual planes. It uses ritual, music, dance and story to weave a passionate and heroic tale. The story takes place in a fictional African nation called Zatembe where an old European Mission sits at the center of the activities for the native village people and the mission’s residents in around the mission compound. Hansberry’s work explores themes of honor, duty, family, dignity and loss as Tshembe Matoseh returns to his ancestral home to ceremonially bury his father with his three brothers, and encounters Charlie Morris, a white American journalist come to do an expose’ on the exalted Reverend Nielsen, who founded the mission so many years before. Charlie’s article is supposed to be somewhat of a tribute to the work and “sacrifice” of the missionary life. He is most particularly focused on the honorable Reverend Nielsen who dedicated himself and his life to living and working in and amongst the native people. Upon meeting Tshembe, all of Charlie Morris’ plans and assumptions about the mission, the Reverend, and the villagers come into question and the play dives deeply into an interrogation of colonialism, white supremacy, and rebellion. In returning home to Africa, Tshembe is faced with his own doubts, fears and contradictions about his identity and his legacy as an African man whether of the past, the present or the future to come. Hansberry’s play is bold and fiercely honest as it interrogates the cost of liberation and freedom measured against the rising tide of resistance, the rejection of imperialism, and the blind allegiance to God and country.  

Perfect Arrangement

February 10, 2022 at 7:30 PM
February 11, 2022 at 7:30 PM
February 12, 2022 at 7:30 PM
February 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. 

MOVE!
University Dancers 37th Anniversary Concert

Directed by Anne Van Gelder
Costume Design by Johann Stegmeir
Light Design by Maja E. White

February 25 & 26, 2022, 7:30 PM
February 27, 2022, 2:00 PM
Modlin Center for the Arts
Alice Jepson Theatre

University Dancers celebrates 37 years of engaging dance with our annual concert that brings to the University of Richmond the work of innovative guest choreographers Juel D. Lane and Peter Pucci. Juel D. Lane’s choreography fuses West African, contemporary modern, hip-hop, and ballet, resulting in a unique movement vocabulary.  Mr. Lane pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance through choreography that, in his own words, “strips labels and shows humanity.” Whether he examines political concepts, gender roles, or his own intimate experiences, Lane stays unapologetically true to his singular perspective. Peter Pucci will create his first work for the University Dancers during a week-long residency. Former performer and rehearsal director for Pilobolus Dance Theater, Pucci has received numerous awards for his work that combines athleticism, humor, and integration of music and dance.   

The concert will also feature new works choreographed by Angelica Burgos, Eric Rivera (both former dancers with Ballet Hispánico), Starrene Foster (founder/artistic director of Starr Foster Dance), and Department of Theatre & Dance faculty Alicia Díaz, and Anne Van Gelder. Outstanding adjudicated student choreography will be featured and department faculty members Johann Stegmeir and Maja E. White will design costumes and lights, respectively. Do not miss these talented dancers perform in a variety of contemporary works. 

Standing Together, 6 Ft Apart

Company Created

Directed by Chuck Mike
Costume Design by Heather Hogg 
Light & Sound Design by Maja E. White
Scenic Design by Vicki Davis

April 14-16, 2022 at 7:30 PM
April 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Modlin Center for the Arts
Alice Jepson Theatre

Dubbed “theatre for the people by the people and with the people,” Standing Together, 6 Ft Apart is a theatrical collage of stories gathered from individual experiences within the Richmond community during two pandemics: COVID-19 and the urgent demand for racial justice mobilized by  the death of George Floyd. Evocatively woven with music and imagery the presentation is drawn from live interviews, written stories and improvisation. An eclectic ensemble re-enacts the courageous personal narratives of Richmonders’ encounters with fear, sadness, confusion and anger against a tapestry of resilience, hope and re-awakenings. Often haunting, sometimes humorous, always compelling Standing Together, 6 Ft Apart celebrates the indomitable strength of the human spirit and its ability to thrive in the face of grave adversity. Co-created and directed by Chuck Mike.