If you want to see Richmond in its unfiltered, underground glory, it’s time we introduce you to the RVA Central Show.
If you want to see Richmond in its unfiltered, underground glory, it’s time we introduce you to the RVA Central Show.
Happening at The Shop off E. 4th Street, the RVA Central Show features an off-beat perspective of current events and relevant topics in Richmond. Diana Tan and Melissa Olive, also involved with L.I.P.S.T.I.C.K. RVA, are a couple of the co-founders and spoke recently over the phone about the show and its success.
“We’ve really taken off these past couple of months,” said Tan. “We all started out doing ‘Throwback Thursday’ events separately. But once L.I.P.S.T.I.C.K. and Capital City Comedy got together, we knew we wanted to do something more. Richmond is super busy and collaborative and it’s really motivating seeing locals come out and give us feedback. And now we’re starting to do more with promotions so we can grow even bigger.”
Olive, the choreographer for the RVA Central Show, spoke about the creative outlet the show provides for the audiences.
“Dance and performance is obviously really important here in RVA,” said Olive. “The city has a strong dance foundation and is super artistic and diverse. Our dances kind of have a jazzy cabaret feel to them. It’s nothing overly provocative, we just want to have fun and get our audiences engaged.”
Jason Velez and Patrick Nowaczyk, of Rich Girls Comedy, are two contributors to the RVA Central Show. Both have been doing stand up comedy for years now and are excited to be bringing laughs to the monthly events.
“Rich Girls Comedy does a lot of stand up in the Richmond area in places like Bigs BBQ and Mojos.” said Velez. “We’re just a couple of twentysomethings that got pretty lucky by running into something unique as the RVA Central Show. We don’t let an audience member leave frowning.”
“And the cool thing about stand up is the variety that brings as well,” said Nowaczyk. “It gives us a chance to hop on stage and wing it just by showing off our personalities.”
So what can you expect when you come to see the RVA Central Show over at The Shop? Tan warns audience members to never assume anything.
“Literally anything could happen on that stage,” said Tan. “We had a drag queen performance one time. We ragged on Ebola and Bob McDonnell another time… that’s what makes it such a fun variety show. The only thing we guarantee is good music, talent and a fun time.”
The next RVA Central Show is November 21st at 8pm.
Musical guests include Rome Montana
Guest Hosts include Casey Longyear of Rumors Boutique
Check out rvacentralshow.com for more information.
