Spielberg Dolls Up the Empire for Her 100th Birthday

Posted by Bruce Miller
We're gavotte-ing into rehearsals for My Fair Lady this week, the 100th Anniversary production of the historic Empire Theatre. Our fair (and historic) theatre opened on Christmas Day, 1911! The consensus among those in attendance seemed to be that last night's read through/sing through went incredibly well. Tonight Leslie has her first choreography rehearsal. I'm excited and scared to be underway. The Empire herself must be pretty excited too. Steven Spielberg and his actors will be filming inside our landmark performance hall soon. They've completely transformed the inside of the theatre--removing seats, leveling the floor, constructing a full, beautiful period set on stage. I'm not allowed to say much more than that. But what I can say is that the design team for this film, led in part by Richmond-based art director David Crank (who also works, when we're lucky, as a Barksdale designer), is extraordinarily talented. What a nice pre-centennial birthday tribute for the magnificent Empire. Spielberg is going to make her a star!

What better way to celebrate Halloween than by going to the theatre, where people wear costumes all year long! We have two treats running this weekend: Becky's New Car at the Tavern and Kimberly Akimbo (special Wednesday matinee tomorrow at 2) at Theatre Gym. Call 282-2620 for your tickets today! Also, the restored art deco marquee is going up on the Empire this week, and we're repainting the lobby at Willow Lawn (with help from Altria volunteers!). And, we're presenting 51 live performances. Here's some of what's happening at your theatre.

Monday, Oct 24
Frog Prince - 1 show Flint MI
Hugs and Kisses - 2 shows Richmond VA
Sleepy Hollow - 1 show Topeka KS
Tales as Tall - 2 shows Henrico Co VA

Tuesday, Oct 25
Hugs and Kisses - 2 shows Caroline Co VA
Little Red Hen - 1 show Spotsylvania Co VA
Snow White - 1 show Halifax Co VA
Tales as Tall - 2 shows Henrico Co VA

Wednesday, Oct 26
Kimberly Akimbo - 2 pm Theatre Gym
Frog Prince - 2 shows in Albemarle Co VA
Hugs and Kisses - 1 show Norfolk VA, 1 show Isle of Wight Co VA
Little Red Hen - 2 shows Rockbridge Co VA
Sleepy Hollow - 2 shows in Roscommon MI
Tales as Tall - 2 shows Henrico Co VA

Thursday, Oct 27
Becky's New Car - 8 pm Hanover Tavern
Frog Prince - 1 show Dinwiddie Co VA, 1 show Chesterfield Co VA
Hugs and Kisses - 2 shows Suffolk VA
Little Red Hen - 2 shows Chesterfield Co VA
Sleepy Hollow - 1 show Euclid OH
Snow White - 2 shows Louisa Co VA
Tales as Tall - 2 shows Henrico Co VA

Friday, Oct 28
Becky's New Car - 8 pm Hanover Tavern
FIELD Arts Project - 2 classes Henrico Co VA
Frog Prince - 2 shows Chesterfield Co VA
Hugs and Kisses - 2 shows Isle of Wight Co VA
Little Red Hen - 1 show Henrico Co VA, 1 show Richmond VA
Sleepy Hollow - 2 shows Fairfax Co VA
Snow White - 1 show Hanover Co VA, 1 show Richmond VA
Tales as Tall - 2 shows Henrico Co VA

Saturday, Oct 29
Becky's New Car - 8 pm Hanover Tavern
Kimberly Akimbo - 8 pm Theatre Gym
Snow White - 2 shows Phoebus VA

Sunday, Oct 30
Becky's New Car - 2 pm Hanover Tavern

Hope to see you at the theatre!

--Bruce Miller