These don’t-miss arts events for fall include timeless classics, hot new works, celebrated performers, exciting exhibitions and more
FALL ARTS EDITOR’S PICKS
As the weather starts to cool off in Coastal Virginia, local arts organizations will be heating things up with a “little something for everyone” lineup of shows, concerts, plays, festivals and art exhibitions. Included here are our editorial picks for just a few of the season’s most tempting tickets.
Check venues and organizations for the most current event and ticket information.
A Grand Menagerie: The Sculpture of Anna Hyatt Huntington
Through Oct. 6, 2024
Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center
Christopher Newport University
A Grand Menagerie examines the work of this pioneering early 20th-century sculptor, bringing together nearly 100 works from more than 30 museums across the United States.
Also Upcoming at The Torggler: Reflections: Surface and Substance, Nov. 2-Feb. 23
thetorggler.org
Made in Virginia Biennial
Various Artists
Through Jan. 5, 2025
Virginia MOCA
The inaugural Made in VA Biennial juried exhibition celebrates the extraordinary talent of Virginia artists and features more than 87 works of exceptional contemporary art from 61 artists.
Also on view at Virginia MOCA:
Nikki Leone: Rule Breaker, Through Jan. 5
virginiamoca.org
Peter Bremers: Ice to Water
Sept. 5, 2024-Jan. 19, 2025
Chrysler Museum of Art
Celebrated for his monumental, abstract cast glass sculpture, Peter Bremers’ new work is influenced by his journeys to Iceland and meditations on vanishing glaciers.
Also upcoming at the Chrysler Museum of Art:
Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism, Oct. 11-Jan. 5
chrysler.org
Misery
Sept. 13-Oct. 6, 2024
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan” and wakes up captive in her secluded home.
Also upcoming from Little Theatre of VB:
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Nov. 15-Dec. 8
ltvb.com
The Purple Piano
Sept. 27, 2024
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
The Purple Piano features Prince’s hits, masterfully delivered with vocals and solo piano. Live from
his Las Vegas Residency, Marshal Charloff brings you this interactive and highly entertaining show.
Also upcoming at Suffolk Center:
Suffolk Plein Air Festival, Sept. 10-14
suffolkcenter.org
Tarrytown
Generic Theater
Sept. 27-Oct. 20, 2024
Chrysler Hall (basement)
In this modern musical inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod befriends married couple Katrina and Brom. Their unexpected bond forces them to confront ghosts from the past.
Also upcoming from Generic Theater:
A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes, Nov. 5-Dec. 1
generictheater.org
Arsenic and Old Lace
Virginia Stage Company
Sept. 4-22, 2024
Wells Theatre
This classic madcap dark comedy keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as theater critic Mortimer Brewster discovers his two spinster aunts’ macabre secret, poisoning lonely old men as an act of mercy.
Also upcoming from Virginia Stage:
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really Oct. 16-Nov. 3
vastage.org
Phoebus Jazz Festival
Sept. 27-29, 2024
The American Theatre
This three-day festival features some of the area’s best jazz performers and national stars, from trumpeter Duane Smith to vocalist Tierney Sutton, to the legendary Headhunters and pianist Cyrus Chestnut.
Also upcoming at American Theatre:
A Portrait of Aretha, Dec. 7
hamptonarts.org
Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Oct. 4-27, 2024
Little Theatre of Norfolk
In this infamous tale, Sweeney Todd is an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th-century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.
ltnonline.org
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Virginia Musical Theatre
Oct. 4-6, 2024
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
From her chart-topping hits for music’s biggest acts to her own trailblazing success with the multi-Grammy Award-winning album Tapestry, Beautiful The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began.
Also upcoming from Virginia Musical Theatre:
A Christmas Carol, Dec. 6-8
vmtheatre.org
Don Giovanni
Virginia Opera
Oct. 4-6, 2024
Harrison Opera House
Virginia Opera opens its 50th anniversary season with Mozart’s masterpiece, the story of a handsome playboy, Don Giovanni, as he blazes a path to his own
destruction in a single day. (Continues in Richmond, Oct 12-13)
Also upcoming from Virginia Opera: Carmen, Nov. 8, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 24
vaopera.org
Proteus Festival
Oct. 5-12, 2024
Zeiders American Dream Theater
The Proteus Festival weekend is your chance to be among the first to discover amazing local and emerging talent in our midst with new plays, music, comedy and more. And don’t miss the
big Saturday block party.
Also upcoming at Zeiders: Holidivas, Dec. 19-21
thez.org
Mean Girls
Broadway in Norfolk
Oct. 22-27, 2024
Chrysler Hall
Suburban Illinois newbie Cady Heron falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George in this hilarious hit musical from a creative team that includes Tina Fey.
Also upcoming from Broadway in Norfolk: Les Misérables, Sept. 10-15
broadwayinnorfolk.com
Psycho in Concert: A Film with Orchestra
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 26 & 27, 2024
Ferguson Center & Sandler Center
Enjoy Hitchcock’s timeless thriller projected on the big screen as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs Bernard Herrmann’s spine-tingling score live.
Also upcoming from Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Sept. 20-21
virginiasymphony.org
Elevate
Ballet Virginia
Nov. 8-9, 2024
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Under the direction of Lydia Roberts Coco, this dynamic and diverse company opens their season with an exciting program of contemporary works by celebrated choreographers and showcasing local talent. (Pictured at top of page, photo courtesy of Ballet Virginia)
Also upcoming from Ballet Virginia: The Nutcracker at Sandler Center, Dec. 20-22
balletvirginia.org
For more current events see our Datebook section starting on page 115
