It’s time for the 9th Annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest running June 11–13, 2026. The Coalition Theater hosts this annual event, and is the brick-and-mortar heart of Richmond's alternative comedy ecosystem. Calling it the 2nd Best Fest is a beautifully defensive undersell...
In Richmond’s diverse arts scene, the BLK VA Theatre Alliance (BVTA) is making waves by spotlighting stories that don’t always get center stage. This nonprofit theater company, driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility, is all about creating spaces where marginalized voices can shine.In this interview, we talk with BVTA about...
“Alright, you primitive screwheads, listen up!” – Ash Williams, a guy with a chainsaw for a hand and more brains than most of us. In 1992, Army of Darkness hit theaters, and civilization has been on the decline ever since. Why? Because people still haven’t figured out that this is, without question, one of the greatest movies ever made....
One look at Sweet Pickles, and your immediate thought is that she looks like the living incarnation of a clown doll from your childhood. Which one specifically is up to you, and in fact, the answer that springs to your mind is a good way for her to get a rough idea of just how old you might be. When asked to describe her drag, she sometimes says...
Hello reader! Richmond comedians Elizabeth Byland and Anthony Brazeau have been performing together for five years, building a strong bond through Babe Improv. Their chemistry on stage is a mix of quick wit and heartfelt moments. As they mark their fifth anniversary, they’re excited to present their first fully independent show, "Babe and...
They say good living is to eat, drink and be merry. While you have the rest of RVAMag to get suggestions on where to eat and drink, I can help you find where to be merry with local comedy suggestions since what could be merrier than laughter? Although relatively young, Richmond’s comedy scene regularly offers a wide range of events with the...
Hello reader! Today we are chatting with Mu Cuzzo, a hilarious comedian and producer making waves in the regional comedy scene. He’s now curating the Positive Vibes Only Festival, set to take place on Monday, August 5th at Brambly Park in Richmond, VA. Don't miss it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO3fq_HKF4M Gabe Santamaria: Alright, we're...
Hello reader! Today we chat with the fabulous Kade Wonders, who’s about to dazzle Richmond with "The Gayest Show On Earth" on July 18th at Hardywood Craft Brewery. From navigating the jitters of open mics to hosting big names at the Funny Bone, Kade spills the tea on their comedy journey, the art of bombing gracefully, and the thrill of blending...
Hello reader! Today we are interviewing Rufat Agayev and he is a funny dude. As he gears up for the Comedy Spore show at Cobra Cabana tonight, alongside comedians Weston Suggs, Amber Hendrix, and Mary Jane French, Rufat opened up about how his roots in Christian hip hop, his Armenian-Azerbaijani heritage and his receding hairline has wrapped...
Puppets have long been used as a storytelling device across multiple platforms. A Christmas Carol, various childhood franchises from the '80s and '90s, and now even… Cthulhu? This week, the classic H.P. Lovecraft story comes to life in the form of a musical with puppets. Based in Ashland, Oregon, the theater troupe Puppeteers for Fears is a...
