If you’ve been reading these reviews for a while, you’ll notice I love me some context. Especially surrounding William Shakespeare’s plays. One of my favorite things about the existence of Richmond Shakespeare is that they’ve forced me to go back to the English Lit...
If you haven’t heard of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory yet, you’re missing out on a childhood classic that has stood the test of time. Roald Dahl’s unforgettable story of Willy Wonka and his magical chocolate factory has captivated generations through its book, movies, and stage productions. The latest version, now playing at Virginia Rep,...
Earlier this year, Virginia Repertory Theatre came dangerously close to closing its doors. After facing a potential shutdown, the company rallied with help from more than 1,500 donors who raised over $600,000 to keep it alive. Now, Virginia Rep is celebrating its survival the best way it knows how—by inviting audiences into a world of pure...
Hello reader! This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matteo Lane, a comedian whose humor is as sharp as it is unapologetically authentic. Matteo’s the real deal—a blend of Italian, Mexican, and Irish heritage, and 100% loud and proud. We talked about his lifelong love for Storm from The X-Men, a hilarious (and slightly surreal) exchange...
Few songs have captured the public imagination like “Y.M.C.A.,” the 1978 disco hit by Village People. Over four decades later, it continues to spark dance floors, wedding receptions, and even political rallies. However, its role as a “gay anthem” is now a hot topic of debate. Recently, Victor Willis, the lead singer and lyricist for Village...
For over half a century, Health Brigade—formerly the Fan Free Clinic—has been Richmond’s quiet, unshakable healthcare safety net. No glitz, no glamour, no trophies on the wall. Just care for anyone who walks through their doors, no questions asked. But now, they’re reaching out. An email landed in our inbox the other day—direct, urgent, and...
Richmond has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal policies, services, and laws. Released annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), this year’s MEI evaluated 11 cities and towns in Virginia, with Richmond standing proudly alongside nine...
I recently met with Sare Harvell, a local florist and owner of Warm Flowers, following their floral feature via the Hirschler Flower Fund at the VMFA. We had a long conversation that stemmed from our mutual appreciation of flowers and their language. I have known Sare for quite some time, but I was hesitant to write this article, given the power...
Halloween seemed to fly by this year—I barely made it to any haunted houses or ghost tours before Thanksgiving’s brown-and-orange gloom settled in. My antidote? Heading to the Byrd on Tuesday, November 19th for the premiere of WIGGLERS by Seyla Hossaini, alongside The Dirt Eater by Jim Stramel, Traders by Olivia Gropp, and Doctor Drain Brain by...
We Will Remain How RVA’s Chicest Burger Joint, and the non-profit Oakwood Arts, explored Richmond racial dynamics and history while documenting the new-age inclusivity of RVA with local design talent. An Albert Camus quote that has resonated with me in the aftermath of the elections is this: “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to...
