LAVA Presents:
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at The Annex
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at The Annex
Red Weather “All We Have Is Time” EP Release Show
Killer Feels
Penrith
Heavy On The Heart
Emensia
Arts and Entertainment
LAVA Presents:
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at The Annex
Matthew Logan Vasquez
with Palmyra
THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2024 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 4-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.
“Harmonically sumptuous… It was masterly, it was playful, and it swung.” – The New York Times
The vibist of choice for some of jazz’s most iconic artists, Steve Nelson is a name that has become associated with the pinnacle of the art form. With a resume that includes stints with Dave Holland’s acclaimed quintet, the George Shearing Quintet, Mulgrew Miller and many more, Nelson is known and loved for his improvisations—flights of pure artistry and imagination that leave the listener breathless.
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival. “Vocal virtuosity…with a broad range of material that showed her assurance on easygoing ballads, soft, Brazilian scat singing, and punchy pep songs.” – The New York Times
With a well-seasoned voice and a gift for finding the heart of a song, Stephanie Nakasian brings a lot more to a performance than just a set of albeit perfect pipes. Her knowledge of music generally and jazz specifically spices up a set with backstage stories that enliven and endear, including tales from her own career, from her early days scatting with Jon Hendricks to gigs up and down the club circuit and beyond.
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival. “Some sounds stop you dead in your tracks…Blanding’s tenor saxophone is certainly one of those: huge, hollow, warm and woody, something hewn straight from nature.” – Sydney Morning Herald
A member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since the 1990s, Walter Blanding carves out a saxophone sound like no other. Born into a musical family (both parents played in the house band at New York’s Village Gate jazz club), he started playing professionally at age 16—and it was around that age that the dreadlocked youngster was first heard by Wynton Marsalis, who says, simply, “I always loved him and his playing. He plays with deep blues feeling, harmonic sophistication and directness.”
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!
Please join us for a weekend celebrating Hispanic Art, artists, and culture. Saturday will include a performance by the dance group Mis Racien Bailen, vocal performances by Melissa Cartwright and Maya Garcia, and a performance of the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical 21 Chump Street followed by a panel discussion of the case that inspired Miranda to create this show. Sunday will feature the improv group Los Empujadores, a performance by the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads, and a second performance of 21 Chump Street followed by a panel discussion about sharing and supporting the art and culture of underrepresented communities. The Rio Good Food Brazilian Food truck will be on hand Sunday. On both days, we will also have an exhibit of work by local Hispanic visual artists
For fifty years, Charles R. Drew Prep School for
Boys has been a highly respected institution dedicated to helping its students grow into “strong, ethical black men.” But what happens when Pharus does not fit the mold of a typical “Drew man?” Pharus is different from his peers, and his effeminate nature constantly sets him apart. Though he may be the leader and most talented member of Drew’s renowned gospel choir, he struggles to gain their acceptance and respect. Choir Boy, written by the Academy Award-winning writer of Moonlight: Tarell Alvin McCraney, is a moving story of sexuality, race, hope, gospel music, and a young gay man finding his voice.
Marlene has been promoted to managing director of a London employment agency and is celebrating. The symbolic luncheon is attended by women in legend or history who offer perspectives on maternity and ambition. In a time warp, these ladies are also her coworkers, clients, and relatives. Marlene, like her famous guests, has had to pay a price to ascend from proletarian roots to the executive suite: she has become, figuratively speaking, a male oppressor and even coaches female clients on adopting odious male traits. Marlene has also abandoned her illegitimate and dullwitted daughter. Her emotional and sexual life has become as barren as Lady Macbeth’s.
