Mystery Solved! Juli Hits the Big Time

Posted by Bruce Miller
Many thanks to Duke Lafoon (and Juli Robbins’ family friend Sara) for responding to my last blog post. Turns out that the Juli Robbins who is now costarring with Duke in A Wonderful Life at Westchester Broadway Theatre is the same Juli whom I fondly remember as “the girl that I marry” in Barksdale’s 2003 hit production of Annie Get Your Gun. She's pictured to the left.

In Annie Get, I decided to ask a woman from the ensemble to join in the number "The Girl That I Marry" with Russell Rowland (Frank Butler) and Robyn O’Neill (Annie Oakley). I wanted someone who was petite and picture perfect to represent the ideal “sweet young thing” whom Annie Oakley imagines when Frank Butler describes the girl of his dreams. I picked Juli because she was, and is, about as adorable as a woman can be.

“The girl that I marry,” sings Frank Butler, “will have to be as soft and as pink as a nursery. A doll I can carry, the girl that I marry must be.”

In true Annie Oakley fashion, Robyn began referring to Juli, good naturedly, as “pretty perfect little Juli.” As in … when I would say something like, “Robyn, when you come out in this ball gown to meet Frank for the first time in years, I want you to dazzle him.” To which Robyn would reply … “Well why don’t you bring on pretty perfect little Juli?”

I guess you had to be there. But it was all good clean fun, having to do with the fact that Juli was remarkably pretty and fully capable of sweeping every guy in the room off his feet without even having to try.

It’s great to know that Juli’s many talents are gaining recognition now in markets larger than Richmond. From what I can gather from a quick Google search, Juli’s last two years have been pretty busy as she continues to build a career on both coasts.

On Feb 9, 2007, she opened in a revival of the Off-Broadway hit Song of Singapore at the International City Theatre in Long Beach, CA. When that show closed in March 2007, she moved immediately into the role of Lady Anne in the national tour of Camelot, starring Michael York (originally) and Lou Diamond Phillips (replacement), produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, the professional production company of Cathy Rigby and her husband.

She stayed with the national tour for more than a year, finally leaving to play a featured role in the World Premiere of a new opera version of Paradise Lost at Boston Court in Los Angeles (see photo immediately above and to the right). After the opera closed in September, Juli was cast in another production of Camelot, only this time she won the leading role of Guenevere and appeared opposite the King Arthur of Broadway leading man Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde) at the White Plains Performing Arts Center in New York (see the photo below with Cuccioli and the photo two above with other cast members). That show closed in October, and she opened opposite Duke in A Wonderful Life in November at the Westchester Broadway Theatre just a few weeks later.

I continue to think it’s GREAT when a rising Richmond star establishes a national career. Just as we were able to lure Duke back for Doubt (and David Winning for The Full Monty and Susan Sanford for The Little Dog Laughed, etc. etc. etc.), perhaps we will one day welcome a nationally prominent Juli back to Richmond for a return engagement.

Until then, see you at the theatre!

--Bruce Miller

They Like Us; They Really Like Us

Posted by Bruce Miller
What a weekend! On Friday we opened our colossal hit production of Guys and Dolls. On Saturday we won an Emmy Award. On Sunday we bid a fond farewell to Greater Tuna at Hano …

Wait a minute! What happened on Saturday? Did you say, “WON AN EMMY!!”??

Well, yes, as a matter of fact I did. The 50th Annual Emmy Awards were presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Capital Region) on Saturday, June 14, at the Ritz Carlton in Washington D. C.

And Barksdale Theatre WON!!! (That's Katherine Heigl of Grey's Anatomy kissing our Emmy!)

To quote from their press release, “The Academy’s Emmy Award is the industry’s benchmark for the recognition of television excellence.” The Capital Region includes all of Virginia, Maryland and Washington D. C. So we were up against some pretty serious competition.

In the category “Commercial – Single Spot,” there were five nominations and Barksdale came home a WINNER. All right, I think, actually, WWBT – Joel Traylor, Producer came home a winner. At least it looks like he or they get to keep the tchotchke. But when they read the name of the winner from the dais on Saturday night, they read “Barksdale Theatre Commercial,” and so, as far as I’m concerned, WE WON AN EMMY! (That's Ryan Seacrest of American Idol admiring our Emmy!)

After all, we initiated the commercial, we paid for it, our Marketing Director Sara Marsden art directed it, our actors performed in it, our designers created the sets and costumes that appear in it, our staff brainstormed about what to include in it, our Board approved it, and our theatre’s name is the only name listed in the title.

I in no way want to shortchange or under-recognize the masterful work and creative talent exerted by Joel Traylor and our other friends at WWBT-12. They all did a great job and we couldn’t have done squat without them. But hopefully they won’t mind my swelling with pride over our part in all this either. (That's Jeremy Piven of Entourage smelling our Emmy!)

Congratulations on a job well done to our marketing staff; our directors, choreographers and designers; and our actors: Rachel Abrams, Ford Flannagan, Audra Honaker, Amy Hruska, Katrinah Lewis, Katherine Louis, Billy Christopher Maupin, Robyn O'Neill, Joe Pabst, Steve Perigard, Zak Resnick, Andrea Ross, Russell Rowland, Craig Smith, Eddie Tavares, Harriet Traylor, Jennings Whiteway, Eric Williams and Hannah Zold.

And ... pssst ... if anyone knows where I can acquire an extra one of those attractive statuettes to display in our lobby, call me. Until then, we will simply sign off as – Barksdale Theatre, Central Virginia’s Emmy Award-Winning Stage Company.

I mean, after all, WE WON AN EMMY!!

Here's the Emmy winning commercial:



--Bruce Miller

"Into the Woods" Singers Knock 'Em Outa the Park

Posted by Bruce Miller

The Musical Theatre Cabaret that cast members from Into the Woods performed this past Saturday night at midnight (and will trot out again this Tuesday evening, Aug 7, at 8pm) is nothing short of fantastic. The lively, 2-hour show is presented on the lobby stage at Barksdale Willow Lawn, with the audience sitting at tables and enjoying unbelievably delicious homemade baked goods from the kitchen of Zak Resnick’s mom, and spirited libations from mix master Russell Rowland at the cash bar.

All proceeds go to support the Richmond Theatre Artists Fund, which is a good and important cause. The Fund exists to provide immediate financial relief to members of our theatre community if and when severe illness or accident places them in a financially untenable position. Over the past 15 or so years, I can remember at least four times when beloved theatre artists found themselves in desperate situations through no cause of their own. In each instance, the whole community jumped in to help with thousands of dollars of life-saving support.

Some of us old timers started the fund, which is administered by RAPT and managed by the Community Foundation. But in this instance, it’s the young Turks who have decided to lend their voices, literally, to get us one step closer to raising our ultimate goal of $200,000—enough to pay out about $10 K per year without dipping into the principal. I know, I know, it may take 15 years to reach our goal, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Tickets are $25, or $20 for Barksdale and Theatre IV subscribers, or $10 for cast members from other shows. Or if you can’t afford the $25 or the $20 and you want to come, I’m sure no one will object terribly if you pick a show that you’d like to be in and ask for the $10 rate. But come hungry. Proceeds from the scrumptious desserts also go to the Fund.

The high wattage cast includes Zak Resnick (who headed the whole thing up and is a Broadway star in the making if ever there was one), Amy Hruska, Jackie Jones, Katrinah Lewis, Rita Markova, Kim Reuter, Drew Siegla, Craig Smith and Hannah Zold. Robyn O’Neill makes a great cameo appearance, and Rachel Abrams is a high hoot as host. Best of all is the incomparable Sandy Dacus, making the piano sing during every number.
Every number is a high point, but if I had to pick out a few to highlight, I could not resist praising:

Opening – The New World from Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown, sung by the entire cast;

Unusual Way from Nine by Arthur Kopit & Maury Yeston, sung by Rita Markova;

Run Away with Me from The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown by Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, sung by Zak Resnick;

Way Back to Paradise from Marie Christine by Michael John LaChiusa, sung by Katrinah Lewis;

Captain Piggle Wiggle from The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Chad Henry, sung by Jackie Jones; and

Run, Freedom, Run! from Urinetown by Greg Kotis & Mark Hollman, sung by the entire cast. (And don't forget, Urinetown opens soon at the Mill and it should be really great!)

All in all, it’s a glorious night at the theatre. Please call for tickets today at 282-2620.

--Bruce Miller

Stretchin' Season Finale

Posted by Russell Rowland

If you're looking for a chill way to enjoy your weekend, head on over to the lobby of Barksdale Willow Lawn. Sunday the 8th will conclude a season of spectacular artists with their roots firmly planted in Virginia. Some may be national touring acts, but with the tremendous charm and magnetism of BJ Kocen and his helpers we get a night of pure organic entertainment.

I have been lucky enough to attend four of the performances and it feels so good to be in that room soaking in the music. It is almost as if you are listening to a jam in someone's living room. The intimacy of the space lends itself so well to the music being created ... and hey, you can't beat the price.

If you haven't been before, think of the Unplugged series on VH1. Make sure you catch this final performance of the season ... but don't worry about it's fate, word is we'll have a brand new lineup beginning in the fall.

So if you're looking for a laid back evening of musical spontaneity at Barksdale Willow Lawn from some of the area's finest performers, come on down. The show will run from 6 to 8pm. No advance ticket sales.

A few performers from the first season include BJ Kocen, Jackie Frost, Drew Gibson, Billy Ray Hatley, Jim Wark, Scott Elmquist, and Sheryl Warner & The Southside Homewreckers.

July 8th, 2007
THE ALL STAR JAM
Brad Tucker, Craig Evans, Harry Gore, Chris Fuller, Jackie Frost, Stephen Leckey & BJ Kocen
**10 dollars
Cash bar

-Russell Rowland

Helping "Into the Woods" into their clothes

We would be a cast of bedraggled actors on Barksdale's stage if it wasn't for one special woman keeping us together during every performance of Into the Woods. That person is Renee Jones and she is the Dresser/Quickfixer/Magician, and every actors' best friend behind the scenes. Ever wonder how an actor can somehow magically appear three lines of dialogue later entering on the other side of the stage in a completely different costume head to toe and no sweat? .... No we do not conjure up magical fairy dust .... it has a name and that name is Renee Jones.

To explain more about the phenom that is Renee, we must understand where she comes from and what brought her to us here at Barksdale Theatre. She lives in the house she was born in right here in Richmond. Renee is a graduate of the dance program at Henrico High School's Center for the Performing Arts which, coincidentally is where Into the Woods director Robin Arthur was the school's first Head Director. Renee is also a graduate of UNC Wilmington. You may recognize the campus from Dawson's Creek episodes, as it was used as the set for the High School in the series. Her first professional production in Richmond was Theatre IV's Charlotte's Web at the Empire Theatre followed by Proof at Barksdale Theatre. Following other local shows she headed off to HersheyPark in PA to hone her skills even more. Recent credits since her return to Richmond include Mame, Intimate Apparel, and Beehive. On the right is a picture of Renee making sure everything is perfect on Adanma Onyedike's costume during Intimate Apparel.

It takes a person with a strong constitution to see and do the things Renee does. We're talking actors sweating buckets everywhere and people literally falling out of costumes. This woman has seen it all. Each costume change is like a choreographed dance between Renee and each actor. As you can imagine each actor has a different "modus operandi" so she has to accomodate each one. Although I do enjoy my time with Renee, I am lucky enough to have only one real costume change....of course this change is from a carniverous wolf in full make-up exiting stage left, and coming in 1/2 a page later as a dashing (sweat-free) prince entering stage right (see photo on the left). Not only does she keep us dressed, she also keeps us in good repair. The costume designers and staff do a superb job at assembling all our phenomonal costumes, but as you can imagine falls, tears, weight loss....or gain, and missing buttons happen. Renee can be seen post-show, intermission, and at many times doing upkeep on our costumes. She is a huge asset to this summer's production of Into the Woods, she is truly a star.

-Russell Rowland

* Firsthand account by Amy Hruska, one of Renee's "Dance Partners":

"After I walk onstage as "Sleeping Beauty", I have 3 lines and then appear again as "Granny". Renee has my "Granny" wig sitting atop her head and as she is velcroing me in, I snatch the wig off of her and place it on my head. A pair of glasses completes the ensemble. Remember all is done in 3 quick tempo lines. Renee stays calm through all of this and gets me back onstage on time every time."

** Sidenote: We also have a "Set" Dresser, in a way. His name is Ronnie, and among his other jobs is fitting Amy Hruska two times a show, in and out of a 9'-10' tree "costume" , moving branches and all.

*** Personally I miss my appearance as a large piece of white celery (Prize to the first person,vegetable , or mineral who can guess the show)

Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV employees void.

Anyone else like to share their strangest or most outrageous costume?

Meet the Cast of "Into the Woods" – Part I

There’s an age-old theatrical saw that says that casting is 80% of the director’s job. If you cast a show well, the saying goes, everything else takes care of itself.

Well, not exactly. But it’s certainly true that casting well is a unique and invaluable skill. Director and choreographer Robin Arthur (along with musical director Jimmy Hicks) has cast Into the Woods brilliantly, with a mix of talented actors both proven and new.

Blog entries are not meant to go on forever—our blog chiefs are trying very hard to drum this into my thick skull. So today, I’m going to talk about six returning veterans, and then later I’ll focus on three incredible newcomers and our amazing supporting cast.

Steve Perigard and Rachel Abrams play the Baker and the Baker’s Wife, the two “everyman” characters around whom the fantasy swirls. Steve is Barksdale and Theatre IV’s not-so-secret weapon, our Associate Artistic Director. In many ways he is the artistic conscience of our theatres—the partner who is always advocating for more artistic risk-taking and professionalism. He is also an acclaimed actor, having appeared in leading roles in The Constant Wife, Fifth of July and They’re Playing Our Song at Barksdale; You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Seussical the Musical and Honk! at Theatre IV; A Devil Inside and Fit to be Tied at Theatre Gym; and Avow and Bat Boy at the Firehouse.

Rachel works out of New York, and this is her second summer gig at Barksdale. Last season she performed in the Joplin track in our revival of Beehive at Steward School. Those who have been involved in Richmond theatre for a while will enjoy knowing that Rachel was “practically raised” by R L Rowsey after he moved from Richmond to Maryland, Rachel’s home turf, in the 1990s.


Barksdale cornerstone Robyn O’Neill returns to play the Witch, a role she’s been longing to play for years. Robyn is cursed with the reputation of being “Bruce’s favorite,” (sorry, Roby) because I cast her as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and Sonia Walsk in They’re Playing Our Song. “Richmond favorite” is a more apt descriptor. Outstanding directors Robin Arthur, Tom Width, John Glenn and Steve Perigard cast her in leading roles in Into the Woods, Seussical the Musical, Children of Eden, Floyd Collins, Me and My Girl, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Sunday in the Park with George, and James Joyce’s The Dead.Visit Robyn's website

Audra Honaker is knockin’ ‘em dead every night (literally?) as Little Red Riding Hood. I think I’m right in crediting Susan Sanford for introducing Audra to the Richmond audience in Theatre IV’s production of The Secret Garden. I know that’s when I first had the pleasure of seeing Audra on stage, and subsequently wooed her for the role of Mary Warren in The Crucible here at Barksdale. Since then, Audra has become a Richmond All-Star, dazzling audiences in Brooklyn Boy and The 1940’s Radio Hour at Barksdale; The Miracle Worker and The Diary of Anne Frank at Swift Creek; and Seussical the Musical and Sing Down the Moon at Theatre IV.

It’s great to have Russell Rowland back on stage at Barksdale as Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf. It’s hard to believe, but Russell started his career with us when he was a child. If memory serves, he was in 9th or 10th grade, somewhere in Chesterfield County Public Schools, when he auditioned with lots of other children for a Theatre IV production of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. He was so tall, and sang with such a rich baritone, I cast him in the adult ensemble. It’s been all uphill from there. Russell played El Gallo in the national tour of The Fantasticks; Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, the Captain in Anything Goes, Sir Francis Chesney in Where’s Charley?, Teddy in The Full Monty, and Valvert in Cyrano de Bergerac (all here at Barksdale); and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Lancelot in Camelot, and Tommy Albright in Brigadoon in regional theatres outside of Richmond.Visit Russell's website

Last but in many ways first is Ford Flannagan. Among the various talented cast members, Ford is the one I’ve known the longest (with Jackie Jones and Amy Hruska—we’ll talk about them later—tied for close second). Ford’s been working for Theatre IV for 28 years, but I actually met him when he was still in high school. Ford’s brother Alan, who began working with Theatre IV in ’76, had been a college buddy of mine in the early 70s at the University of Richmond. When U of R students would have theatre parties, Ford would occasionally accompany his brother. You seldom see Ford today without a GI haircut, but in those days, his hair was really long, cut well below his shoulders, very blond and very straight.

Ford may be playing the Mysterious Old Man and Narrator in Into the Woods, but in many ways he’s forever young. He’s probably in better shape than almost anyone else in the cast, and his fanciful personality keeps him eternally youthful. In fact, in the spring of ’08, he’ll be returning once again in the title role of Peter Pan at Theatre IV. Ford is another of Barksdale and Theatre IV’s not-so-secret weapons. He’s won the hearts of Richmond audiences in The Full Monty, Scapino! and The 1940’s Radio Hour here at Barksdale; in Greater Tuna, Little Shop of Horrors and The Hasty Heart at Swift Creek; The Robber Bridegroom at TheatreVirginia; and Peter Pan, Da, Of Mice and Men, Four Part Harmony, Crimes of the Heart and Cotton Patch Gospel at Theatre IV.

I hope all of you will join us this summer for Into the Woods. The stellar cast is not to be missed.
--Bruce Miller

"Into the Woods" Earns Rave from T-D

The first critic has spoken, and declared Into the Woods to be a “MAGICAL” summer hit! Susan Haubenstock’s assessment appeared in Monday morning’s Times-Dispatch (April 18), and the review’s headline and sub-headline said it all: “Barksdale gets Ambitious, Scores” and “Work on Sondheim Classic is Dazzling in All of its Facets.”

Stephen Sondheim is almost universally recognized as the greatest Broadway composer and lyricist of the final third of the 20th Century. Described by Frank Rich in the The New York Times as "the greatest and perhaps best-known artist in the American musical theater," he is one of the few people to win an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards (seven, more that any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize. His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, A Little Night Music (my favorite musical), Follies, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods, as well as the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy (probably my second and third favorite musicals).

The stellar cast we have assembled for Into the Woods is second to none. “The performers are a true ensemble,” writes Haubenstock, “with Steve Perigard’s low-key baker and Rachel Abrams as his spunky wife perhaps at the center. Robyn O’Neill is vibrant as the witch, and Rita Markova makes a lovely Cinderella. Russell Rowland and Zak Resnick are both hilarious as lascivious wolves and roving-eyed princes; Ford Flannagan’s narrator reminds one of Joel Grey with his lightness and grace. Drew Seigla plays Jack (of beanstalk fame) as naive but lovable, and Jacqueline Jones is his brash, exasperated mother.”

“But the scene-stealer here is Audra Honaker as Little Red Riding Hood, who earns a laugh with every line and applause with every exit. The character is written funny, to be sure, but Honaker’s deadpan performance ratchets every gag up from chuckle to guffaw.” Haubenstock goes on to praise our brilliant director and choreographer (Robin Arthur), our music director (Jimmy Hicks) and our designers (set – Mercedes Schaum, costumes – Terry Snyder, and lights – Lynne Hartman). To those well deserved kudos, I’d like to add a special thanks to our indefatigable production crew, led by my greatly respected and invaluable colleagues: Bruce Rennie, Tech Director; Richard Koch, Production Manager; and Ginnie Willard, Production Stage Manager.

As Haubenstock suggests, Into the Woods is a hugely ambitious production for a theatre of our size. Phil and I feel privileged to be producing such a rewarding show, and to have the opportunity to work with such talented theatre artists.

For the full review of Into the Woods, go to: Richmond Times-Dispatch review

FOLLOWUP-Read another rave from Richmond.com, go to: Richmond.com review

To puchase tickets, call our Box Office today at 282-2620. I know you’ll enjoy this glorious production.

Special thanks to the Title Sponsor of Into the Woods, Village Bank, who helped make this production possible.

--Bruce Miller

"Into the Woods" for a Wonderful Summer

It was so much fun to attend the exhilarating Opening Night of our ’07 Summer Musical, Stephen Sondheim’s glorious Into the Woods. Joining in Friday evening’s celebration of Director/Choreographer Robin Arthur’s magnificent production were past and present Board leaders (and spouses) Rhona Arenstein, Roy Burgess, Kevin and Jeannie Kilgore, Charlotte and Andy McCutcheon, and Sara Belle and Neil November. Bifocals All-Stars Tom and Carlene Bass, John and Mary Jane Board, Vaughan Gary and Lyde Longacre lent enthusiastic support, as did Richmond theatre luminary Suzanne Pollard, who was beaming ear to ear throughout intermission.

The irresistible Essie Simms, who, legend has it, hasn’t missed a Barksdale production since the founding in 1953, brought Connie Sarvay, former Program Director at Westminster-Canterbury. Melinda Scott, Theatre Coordinator at Westminster, came as a special guest of the Novembers. Isabella Witt, who has been irreplaceable in the Barksdale family for decades, joined them for the evening’s festivities.

Also raising a glass to the new production were steadfast volunteer Jean Hartley, and dedicated staff members Sara Marsden, Andy Boothby, Joy Corbin, Judi Crenshaw, Catherine Dudley, Jackie Gann, Sarah Grady, Amy Sullivan, Wendy Vandergrift and Jennings Whiteway (who staged the tantalizing post-show reception).

Chase Kniffen, director of this summer’s Disney’s High School Musical, escorted his sister, Mary Carter Kniffen, in celebration of her high school graduation earlier this week. High School Musical cast members Gray Crenshaw, Hannah Miller and Andrea Ross eagerly soaked in the performances, anticipating their rehearsals that begin on Monday.

Several of Central Virginia’s most talented theatre artists were particularly enthused to realize that this was Barksdale’s first Sondheim since Sweeney Todd in 1982. Sandy Dacus, Paul Deiss, Tony Foley, Richard Koch, Dee Lynch, Jennifer Massey, Vickie McLeod, Joseph Papa, Melissa Johnston Price, Jim Smith-Parham, Linda Snyder, Jill Bari Steinberg, Erin Thomas, Robert Throckmorton, Lynn West, Donna Whiteway and Joy Williams enhanced the evening with their presence.

To whomever I’m leaving out, please forgive me. It was a busy night.

Director and Choreographer Robin Arthur, Musical Director Jimmy Hicks, Lighting Designer Lynne Hartmann, Costume Designer Terry Snyder, Props Master Jay Dempsey, Light Op Lynwood Guyton, and deck crewmates Virginia Varland and Jason Weinbarger all graciously accepted kudos as the audience waited for the actors to transform from witches, wolves etc. and join the party. Stage Manager Ginnie Willard, Assistant Stage Manager Rick Brandt, and Sound Op Wendy Vandergrift worked diligently to address various technical issues that needed their attention.

When at last they appeared, the 17 actors who make up our amazing cast were greeted with praise and admiration. The multi-talented ensemble includes Rachel Abrams, Ford Flannagan, Audra Honaker, Amy Hruska, Jackie Jones, Katrinah Lewis, Rita Markova, Robyn O’Neill, Steve Perigard, Zak Resnick, Kim Reuter, Russell Rowland, Drew Seigla, Craig Smith, Harriett Traylor, Eric Williams and Hannah Zold.

Appreciation was also showered upon our gifted orchestra, including musicians named above plus Claire Archer, Taylor Barnett, Jay Calabro, Bentley Cobb, Sarah Davis, Susan Davis, Doug Draucker, Rusty Farmer, Damian Muller, Roxanne O’Brien, Robert Quallich and Alex Samawicz.
As always, I will leave it to others to critique the show. But Phil Whiteway and I are thrilled with the production and proud of all the talented artists involved. We look forward to a long and glorious run of this enchanting American musical.

If you love great theatre, don’t miss this funny, soaring masterpiece from the foremost Broadway composer and lyricist of the last forty years.

Richmond Times-Dispatch review

Special thanks to the Title Sponsor of Into the Woods, Village Bank, who helped make this production possible.

--Bruce Miller

Thinking Inside the Box: What Goes on Behind That Little Barred Window

This is a wonderful article from playbill.com that goes in depth into what it entails being a box office professional. It was brought to my attention by Billy Christopher Maupin, one of our distinguished box office personel.

Click here to read "Thinking Inside the Box: What Goes on Behind That Little Barred Window"

For more information on theatre beyond our fair River City take a peek at these websites:
Playbill
Broadway.com
Broadway World
Theatre Mania
IBDB
Tony Awards

***American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards June 10

-Russell Rowland

Coffee & Conversation Audio - "Intimate Apparel"

As a courtesy to our patrons who are not able to attend our wildly popular Coffee & Conversations series, sponsored by Rostov Coffee & Tea, we will begin providing links to audio recordings of highlights from these intriguing dialogues, recorded live from the lobby stage of Barksdale Willow Lawn.

Here's your chance to learn the backstage story of every onstage performance, and finally hear the answers to the questions you’ve been eager to ask. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month (with a few exceptions) for informal, moderated discussions with Barksdale’s leading actors, directors, and designers.

This first installment includes actors from the cast of Intimate Apparel - Adanma Onyedike, Chris Lindsay, and Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, moderated by Joy Corbin.



Click here to listen to the Coffee & Conversations audio

*Audio edited and recorded by Chase Kniffen

To hear the next full discussion and meet the actors and other theatre professionals join us Tuesday, May 8, 2007 for Sidekicks & Second Bananas: Your Favorite Supporting Actors from the Season Discuss their Work--Jan Guarino, moderator.



Barksdale Willow Lawn
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Admission is FREE
Free Coffee, Tea, & Pastries Provided

*All dates and topics are subject to change. For confirmation of programs, please call the Box Office at 282-2620 on the Friday prior to the discussion.

-Russell Rowland

Staff Spotlight - Eric Thompson

Every couple of months we will be shining a spotlight on a staff member who really makes everything come together at Barksdale Theatre. Our first Staff Spotlight focuses on an amazing person you may not have seen on our stage, but someone who is nonetheless vital to making sure that you as an audience member get to see a first rate production.

ERIC THOMPSON, Master Electrician

As the Master Electrician for Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV, Eric is responsible for all electronics used during performances. That means maintaining and repairing equipment, and overseeing the hanging, connecting, gelling, focusing and safety chaining of all stage lighting fixtures.

One of the most interesting things about Eric is his background as an opera singer. Among the operas that he's performed in, his favorite is Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. His dream opera is Le Villi by Puccini. We asked Eric how an opera singer ends up as a Master Electrician; his response- "Lighting is my second passion. And it helps to pay the bills."

Hopefully we’ll see Eric onstage soon, singing his lungs out.

Eric has been happily married for 14 years and has three beautiful children. As a final note, Eric says, "If you happen to be in the Newport News area check out Mitty’s Ristorante for a romantic and delicious night out."

*Information gathered by Catherine Dudley.

For more information on staff from Theatre IV go to http://www.theatreivrichmond.org/blog.html

Ruby Red Robbery

Posted by Russell Rowland

I enlisted the help of Gordon Bass to take us back to the turn of the century and the stolen slipper epidemic that swept the country in the subsequent years. Let's hope this sordid past is behind us forever. I warn you this is a first hand account and it may be disturbing to some readers.

"During the last run of The Wizard of Oz in 1999, we had very large slippers made of styrofoam, all decked out in red glitter and mounted and wired up on the top of the marquee. One morning, I arrived at the theatre to find that one of the shoes was missing! I could not believe that anyone would have the intestinal fortitude to pull off the theft of the symbol of one of the most popular movies of all times. I called the police and after some careful investagative work, they followed the glitter trail up the sidewalk and up to an apartment above the street. There, they found the pieces of the shoe and after talking to the college age occupants of the apartment, found the rest of the ruby slipper in the dumpster out back. We were able to piece it back together and back up it went. We could not have bought all the press that the theft got us! Something good out of something bad..."

Gordon Bass
Tour Manager
Theatre IV

ps. You can see the new ruby slippers in the previous blogs slideshow.
pps. For any further First Friday, Theatre IV, and sundry other Empire info check out our NEW THEATRE IV BLOG at www.TheatreIVRichmond.org/blog.html

For info on the hoodlums who took the REAL slippers from the movie check out theses sights
http://rainbowz.deltacomm.com/rubyslipperfanclub/stolen_slippers.html
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4857921

--Russell Rowland

First Friday Fun at the Empire

You really missed out on something great if you weren’t braving the slight chill on Broad Street this past Friday for Theatre IV’s first time participation in the First Friday Artwalk. The event is held on the first Friday of each month, rain or shine. This unique cultural event showcases Richmond's thriving arts community, focusing on the diverse arts and cultural venues located along the Historic Broad Street Corridor. The Empire got dressed in it’s best for the event which featured The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra, which resides in Richmond, Virginia, where members grow gourds, make instruments and create music. They really drew in the crowds with their unique sound and dramatic look. I was behind the bar serving up drinks with another familiar face to local theatre-goers, Eddie Tavares.

In front of house giving tours of the inside of the theatre was Catherine Dudley (who also designs the sites slideshows), explaining its history and taking care of our featured artist Robert Meganck, who had his wares on display and for sale. You may recognize his name as the award-winning illustrator of the last 2 seasons of Barksdale Theatre show posters. The Empire has come under the spell of The Wizard of Oz and has sprung 2 huge ruby red slippers on top of the marquee. If you haven’t driven by recently it’s really a cool sight. Let’s hope they remain here this time (see the ps). We were servin’ up some libations behind the full bar which spotlighted the Ruby Red Slipper Sipper in honor of the night. Unfortunately we won’t be able to participate in May’s Artwalk, but we are excited to be using the space for our huge production of The Wizard of Oz. We will be back in June stronger than ever with all new artists and performances. More to come on that next month. We hope to see you there.

http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/
http://www.gourdorchestra.com/
http://www.meganck.com/

ps. If you’re interested in what happened to the slippers back in the day look back here for a future post explaining their mysterious disappearance.

Inaugural

Welcome one and all to an exciting new chapter in Barksdale Theatre's online adventure. We have created this blog aka "The Buzz" to give you a deeper insight into every aspect of the company from the actor's starring in you favorite shows to the costumes, production peeps, interns, touring, special projects, directors, etc. You'll be able to get backstage access for it all. Posts will start arriving in the following weeks and we'd love input from all of you out there online as to what you would like to know more about. My name is Russell "Master of Blogs" and you can reach me at r.rowland@theatreivrichmond.org

ps. This pic from Cyrano de Bergerac is why perms went out of fashion for men, but check out those killer duds.