Photo Courtesy of Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Norfolkâs Chrysler Museum of Art will expand horizons and challenge perceptions this fall arts season with what museum director Erik Neil calls a groundbreaking exhibit, exploring the connection between famed African American artist Jacob Lawrence and other international creatives of his time through the Nigerian publication Black Orpheus, which in 1957 became the first African literary periodical published in English and featured visual art, poetry, fiction, commentary and literary criticism.
Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club (see image on facing page) opens Oct. 7 and will be on view through Jan. 8, 2023. The exhibit, Neil explains âis very much of a moment when people are [recognizing] that modernism is much more diverse. Itâs not monolithic. There are things happening in the world, and modernism takes many forms.â The sought-after exhibit will travel to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Toledo Museum of Art after it closes at the Chrysler.
Itâs just one of a plethora of intriguing offerings from museums, galleries and performance venues large and small around the region over the next several months. Check out our editorial picks for the seasonâs arts events and reserve your tickets today.
Fall Arts Editor’s Picks
Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story Keeper
Through Dec. 31, 2022
Barry Art Museum
Highlighting the 30-year career of Rhonda Holy Bear (Cheyenne River Lakota), renowned for her exquisite sculpture, the indigenous tradition of dollmaking using micro-beading and meticulous processes to create intricate, highly detailed work. BarryArtMuseum.odu.edu
To See the World in a Grain of Sand
Through Jan. 22, 2023
Chrysler Museum of Art
Featuring glass and glassware created by melting sands collected from around the world by Nadine Sterk and Lonny van Ryswyck of the Dutch design studio Atelier NL to produce glass with unique colors and textures linked to their sources. Chrysler.org
Suffolk Plein Air Festival
Sept. 6-11, 2022
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Second annual Suffolk Plein Air Festival expanded to include 45 outstanding plein air artists traveling from across the United States and as far away as the Netherlands to capture Suffolkâs waterways, landscapes and cityscapes. SuffolkPleinAir.org
Dracula
Sept. 9-Oct. 2, 2022
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
Everyoneâs favorite blood-thirsty count is center stage at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach as Dr. Van Helsingâs beloved daughter Lucy Seward is âbittenâ by a mysterious illness that leads audiences through a thrill-filled theatrical experience. LTVB.com
Wicked
Broadway in Norfolk
Sept. 14-25, 2022
Chrysler Hall
The Broadway sensation that has been âdefying gravityâ and transfixing audiences with its wildly inventive retelling of what happened in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy dropped in on a certain misunderstood emerald-green witch. BroadwayinNorfolk.com
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Virginia Stage Company
Sept. 14-Oct. 2, 2022
Wells Theatre
One of many local productions halted in its tracks because of COVID, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tennessee Williams classic is back in action at the Wells as Big Daddy and Maggie the Cat navigate love, death, lies and sexual tensions in the steamy Mississippi South. VaStage.org
2022 Virginia Artists
Various Artists
Sept. 17-Nov. 12, 2022
Charles H. Taylor Visual Art Center
A much-anticipated annual juried exhibition showcasing many of Virginiaâs finest artists and artisans from all across the Commonwealth, working in all styles, genres and media and vying for cash prizes awarded to Best in Show and other distinctions. HamptonArts.org
Swan Lake
Kyiv City Ballet
Sept. 22, 2022
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
The most iconic story ballet in the classical canon taking flight for a once-in-a-lifetime performance in Suffolk as star ballet dancers dazzle audiences while serving as cultural ambassadors during a time of war in Ukraine. SuffolkCenter.org
Rhythm and Respighi with Simone Porter
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 23, 2022âFerguson Center
Sept. 25, 2022âSandler Center
Virginia Symphony collaborating for the first time with Norfolkâs own Rhythm Project All Stars to bring local flavor to Louis Gottschalkâs Creole-inspired favorite and Respighiâs explosive âPines of Rome,â featuring incredible young violinist Simone Porter. VirginiaSymphony.org
Paremski Plays Rachmaninoff
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 29, 2022
Williamsburg Community Chapel
Williamsburgâs own professional symphony, under the baton of new music director Michael Butterman, kicking off a busy concert season with guest artist Natasha Paremski at the piano for Rachmaninoffâs âRhapsody on a Theme of Paganiniâ and more. WilliamsburgSymphony.org
The Valkyrie
Virginia Opera
Sept. 30-Oct.2, 2022
Harrison Opera House
The second of Wagnerâs four-opera epic Ring Cycle, following the Operaâs hit production of Das Rheingold last year, adapted from Norse mythology (think Thor) and exploring a heroâs destiny and a confrontation between godsâcontinues in Fairfax Oct. 8-9, Richmond Oct.14 and 16. VAOpera.org
Proteus Festival
Oct. 1-8, 2022
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Fresh-out-of-the-box plays and performances on tap for a festival that includes the Proteus New Plays Festival, TasteBreakers Concert Contest, Creative Teams performances and a free block party on Oct. 8 with entertainment and participatory art. TheZ.org
A Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebration Concert
Oct. 3, 2022
Roper Theatre
TCC Performing Arts Center
TRDance and TCC celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a full concert performance and pre-concert talk from Artistic Director Ricardo Melendez, a native of Puerto Rico, on how dance transforms Hispanic culture and stories into dance and movement. TRDance.org
Grease
Virginia Musical Theatre
Oct. 7-9, 2022
Sandler Center
A feast of toe-tapping 1950s fun for âHopelessly Devotedâ fans of all ages, swinging and jiving onto the Sandler Center stage by popular demand as Danny and Sandy break hearts and delight audiences in this award-winning romantic comedy musical. VMTheatre.org
The Savannah Sipping Society
Oct. 7-30, 2022
Smithfield Little Theatre
A laugh-a-minute comedy in which four unique Southern women, all needing to escape their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fateâand an impromptu happy hourâand decide itâs high time to reclaim their enthusiasm for life. SmithfieldLittleTheatre.org
Black Orpheus: Jacob
Lawrence and the Mbari Club
Oct. 7, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023
Chrysler Museum of Art
More than 125 objects, including Jacob Lawrenceâs little-known 1964â65 Nigeria series, exploring the connection between the African American artist and his contemporaries through the Nigerian publication Black Orpheus. Chrysler.org
Made in VA 2022
Various Artists
Oct. 8, 2022âFebruary 5, 2023
Virginia MOCA
A celebration of regional artists in the form of an annual juried exhibition at MOCA in Virginia Beach, now in its 26th year (formerly known as New Waves), founded in the roots of a concerned and connected artist community in Coastal Virginia. VirginiaMOCA.org
Never Break the ChainâThe Music of Fleetwood Mac
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 13, 2022âFerguson Center
Oct. 15, 2022âChrysler Hall
A Virginia Symphony-sized twist on âLittle Lies,â âLandslide,â âDonât Stopâ and other beloved hits by the famed British-American pop-rock band whose 1977 classic album Rumours was one of the biggest selling of all time. VirginiaSymphony.org
Mars Fest 2022
Oct. 14-16
Barry Art Museum
Last year the moon, this year Mars on view at the second annual Public Arts Festival at ODU, featuring a large-scale sculpture of the red planetâat nearly 23 feet in diameter and an approximate scale of 1:1 millionâby UK-based artist Luke Jerram, along with activities. BarryArtMuseum.odu.edu
Jitters
Peninsula Community Theatre
Oct. 14 – 30, 2022
Village Theatre
A warm-hearted, lively and truly hilarious examination of backstage shenanigans by one of Canadaâs leading playwrights, focused on the trials and tribulations of a provincial theatre company as it approaches opening night of its latest production. PCTLive.org
Dynamic/NFKâs NEON Festival
Various Artists
Oct. 15-Nov. 19, 2022
dâArt Center/NEON District
DâArt Centerâs annual contemporary arts exhibition, taking place in conjunction with NFKâs NEON Festival, which returns to the NEON District in Norfolk Oct. 20 and 21 and celebrates the energy, passion and creativity in Downtown and the region. d-ArtCenter.org
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Masterworks I & II
Symphonicity
Oct. 16 & Nov. 13, 2022
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Virginia Beachâs own Symphonicity kickoff to their masterworks series with two concerts at the Sandler Center, the first featuring âThe Firebird Suiteâ by Stravinsky and the second âSymphony No. 1 (Winter Dreams)â by Tchaikovsky. Symphonicity.org
The Hobbit
Virginia Stage Company
Oct. 19-Nov. 4, 2022
Wells Theatre
A charming stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkienâs classic tale of Middle Earth, as reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins takes the audience on an epic adventure from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain, encountering trolls, elves and the legendary dragon Smaug. VaStage.org
NEON Festival
Oct. 20-21, 2022
Norfolkâs NEON District
Seventh Annual NEON Festival featuring Glass After Dark at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, an exhibition opening at dâArt Center, The Plot Beer Garden and main stage entertainment, new murals, pop-up galleries, tours and more. NEONNFK.com
Power and Promise
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 21, 2022âFerguson Center
Oct. 22, 2022âChrysler Hall
Oct. 23, 2022âSandler Center
Andre Previnâs evocative song cycle âHoney and Rue,â inspired by jazz, blues and American spirituals, along with Danish composer Carl Nielsenâs âThe Inextinguishable,â led by Virginia Symphony guest conductor Thomas Wilkins. VirginiaSymphony.org
Blue Man Group
Oct. 23, 2022
Ferguson Center for the Arts
âStill blue, but all new,â the smash hit phenomenon Blue Man Groupâs signature drumming, colorful creativity and quirky comedy featuring pulsing original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity. FergusonCenter.org
Afro Funk
Riddick Dance Company
Oct. 28, 2022
The American Theatre
Hampton-based company Riddick Dance, returning to the American Theatre stage with a powerful vision of contemporary dance including the world premiere of a piece called âDeconstruction of the âBooty in The Groove.ââ HamptonArts.org
Hogwarts Hullabaloo: The Magical Music of Harry Potter
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 28, 2022
Sandler Center
Harry Potterâs world of wizardry and wonderment as told through the breathtaking scores, performed by the Virginia Symphony, written by the legendary John Williams and others for the film versions of the hugely popular fantasy book series. VirginiaSymphony.org
Season Opening Mixed Repertoire
Ballet Virginia
Oct. 28-29, 2022
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Ballet Virginiaâs 15th season debuting with an exciting mixed repertoire of contemporary and classical ballet to include a work by Dwight Roden, artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and a sought-after choreographer. BalletVirginia.org
Bell, Book and Candle
Oct. 28-Nov. 20, 2022
Little Theatre of Norfolk
A love spell cast on her handsome neighbor by a modern-day witch spells and a little romantic comedy magic in this play, originally produced on Broadway in 1950, and popularized by the 1958 film version starring Kim Novak and James Stewart. LTNOnline.org
Ansel Adams: Compositions in Nature
Oct. 29, 2022-March 5, 2023
Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center
Christopher Newport University
A compelling selection of more than 80 of this major photographerâs most iconic and beloved images, presented alongside some rarely exhibited early photographs, shedding new light on Ansel Adams as an artist, musician and advocate for conservation. TheTorggler.org
An Evening with Bruce Hornsby
Nov. 4, 2022
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Williamsburgâs native son, multitalented musician and composer Bruce Hornsby, live and still exploring, including songs from his latest album Flicted, the third in a trilogy of sorts inspired by film âcuesâ written and recorded for director Spike Lee. FergusonCenter.org
The Pirates of Penzance
Virginia Opera
Nov. 4-6, 2022
Harrison Opera House
A modern spectacle for the entire family about a young apprentice pirate, his newly found sweetheart, long-winded but well-intentioned father and a pirate king and his merry band of buccaneersâcontinues in Fairfax Nov. 12-13, Richmond Nov.18 and 20. VAOpera.org
An Evening With Natalie Grant
Featuring Bernie Herms
Nov. 5, 2022
Chrysler Hall
An elegant, intimate evening with world-class vocalist Natalie Grant and her husband, songwriter, producer, pianist Bernie Herms, on their first-ever co-headlining tour, inspired by their popular social media duets during the pandemic. SevenVenues.com
Anastasia
The New Broadway Musical
Nov. 7, 2022
Ferguson Center
Inspired by the beloved films, a romantic and adventure-filled new musical that transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. FergusonCenter.org
Dear Evan Hansen
Broadway in Norfolk
Nov. 8-13, 2022
Chrysler Hall
Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, the hit story of a high school student whose social anxiety and desire to fit are woven into a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. BroadwayinNorfolk.com
Diane Shuur
Nov. 12, 2022
The American Theatre
Grammy-winner Diane Schuurâs powerhouse vocals and dynamic range, influenced by the great Dinah Washington, in a canât-miss concert of contemporary jazz celebrating a storied career that began with her 1979 discovery at the Monterey Jazz Festival. HamptonArts.org
Always Patsy Cline
Virginia Musical Theatre
Nov. 18-20, 2022
Sandler Center
More than just a tribute to the legendary country singer, a true story about Clineâs friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and featuring some of the iconâs greatest hits of the 1950s and â60s. VMTheatre.org
Todd Rosenlieb Dance Fall Concert
Dec. 2-3, 2022
University Theatre
Old Dominion University
Coastal Virginia professional modern dance company Todd Rosenlieb Danceâs Fall Concert Series featuring a mixed program of contemporary ballet, modern and new works from choreographer Ricardo Melendez. TRDance.org
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Dec. 17, 2022
The American Theatre
Famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins, Big Bad Voodoo Daddyâs decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music and bring joy to audiences around the world, live on stage in Hampton. HamptonArts.org
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
