Since Annie and Elyse could not attend the CenterStage Grand Opening last night, they asked us to write a guest blog to share our thoughts and impressions.
First, let’s talk about the physical structure: having grown up in Richmond and attended many movies at the Lowe’s and subsequent concerts and ballets at the “Carpenter Center,” I (Nikki) can tell you that they did everything RIGHT! Kudos to the person who said, “let’s keep the amazing theatre looking just like it always has, but let’s add about 25 more bathrooms!” The Lowe’s/CarpenterCenter/Carpenter Theater is and has always been one of Richmond’s treasures. How nice to see it shining once again!
Actually, Kenny had to miss a huge football game (Southern Cal vs. Ohio State) which he was counting on to reverse the effects of his breakout performance in the “Summer of ‘42” music video. In fact, our good friend, Glynn Baker, called after viewing the video stating that Kenny needed a heavy dose of beer, red meat, and football. Instead, he got culture … and considering that “Barney on Ice” and an accidental poetry reading at Barnes and Noble while waiting to see “The Hangover” were his other two artsy endeavors, he needed it.
Now, on to the show:
Can we just say that the Richmond Symphony is AMAZING and we loved “Festive Overture.” Listen to it on YouTube, it’s inspiring! Maybe if "Glory Days" had opened with this song, things would have worked out differently. Bravo to Erin Freeman, Associate Conductor, whose talents were evident in every twist of the baton.
Hosts Venus Flytrap and Aunt Viv (Tim and Daphne Maxwell-Reid) added so much to the evening – their comments were both interesting and personable. We’re very fortunate to have them active in the Virginia Arts Community.
The Richmond Jazz Society and African American Repertory Theatre both gave excellent performances, with “Generations of Jazz” and the works of Langston Hughes respectively. Ah, then on to the Virginia Opera’s selections from “La Boheme.” Need we even mention how amazing these voices were? We just can’t understand how they failed their audition for “High School Musical” (that’s some tough casting!). Not only were the voices outstanding, but they brought along an entire set that was so authentic I had to put on my sweater. While the opera was in Italian, they were kind enough to project the translation on a screen. Little did we know those beautiful Italian words translated into, “My enchanted love, please pass the Cheese-Whiz.” We loved the choice of songs, but our only regret was that they left out the scene where Angel dances on the table.
The Barksdale/Theatre IV-Empire Theater/HanoverTavern presented scenes from “High School Musical,” “Boleros for the Disenchanted,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “The Sound of Music.” As usual, the “HSM” cast was highly energetic and we rooted for Troy and Gabriella. But we wonder if Gabriella’s mother knows that the Wildcats apparently traded Troy Bolton for Dennis Rodman (nice tat!)
Loved “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and agreed with the audience’s spontaneous applause following Carolyn Meade’s tap solo!
And what a pleasant surprise to see our friend Ana Ines Barragan King of the Latin Ballet of Virginia performing in the bolero “Besame Mucho.” Ana is a delight to watch and the Latin Ballet of Virginia is a treat that ALL Richmonders should see.
TB/TIV-ET/HT ended with “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music” performed by the Mother Superior and her backup singers. We thought it strange when they segued into the “My Guy/I Will Follow Him” medley and were a little freaked when Rolf came out singing “Springtime for Hitler.”
Act Two’s performances by Elegba Folklore Society and Richmond Shakespeare clearly proved the diversity in the Richmond talent and creative pools. Elegba wowed the audience with their dancing, rhythm, and amazing performance by Amadou Kouyate. Richmond Shakespeare showed their versatility in speech, song, and dance.
SPARC was great. The leads, Jason Marks, Chris Adams, Ali Thibodeau, Drew Seigla, Michael Hawke and “Eponine” (so sorry we don’t know your name!) were outstanding. From the “Castle on a Cloud” opening through “One Day More,” SPARC gave an excellent representation of their mission and accomplishments.
The Richmond Ballet’s performance of the final section from “Windows” was the enchanted ending to a magical evening. We loved seeing Phillip Skaggs, Valerie Tellmann, and Lauren Fagone whom we enjoyed throughout so many ballet performances when our good friends Pedro Szalay and Brandon Becker were with the ballet. And what a treat to see Maggie Small, whom we have watched dance since her childhood! But while we mention these names specifically, the entire company was simply outstanding!
The CenterStage Foundation is to be commended for persevering throughout recessions and adversity to reach the crescendo it did last night.
