Arts Undercurrent with Rebecca Evans

Local artist Rain Spann works in painting, graphic design, and mixed media. His art is abstract, thoughtful, energetic, and surprising. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about a recent acrylic, spray paint, and oil pastel piece called “Flare.”

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet runs in a weekend-long celebration at the Plot in Norfolk's NEON District. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the show's leads, Enver Siddiky and Noelle Peterson.

Last month, Christopher Newport University announced an initiative called the New Musicals Lab. The New Musicals Lab brings together writers, directors, composers, designers, and performers from all over the country to create and workshop musical theatre in the safe haven of Hampton Roads. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Artistic Producer Colin Ruffer, as well as one of the creative teams going through the lab: Ilana Ransom Toeplitz and Shoshana Shattenkirk.

A brand new play and a twist on a classic work take the stage this weekend in Hampton Roads. Rebecca Weinstein interviewed Moriah Joy, director and writer of the Little Theatre of Norfolk's "For the Honor and Glory," streaming beginning June 25. She also spoke with Matthew Gorris of Tidewater Community College about Shakespeare in the Grove in Chesapeake. Outdoor performances of "Twelfth Night" run June 23 through 27.

Hampton Roads Pride presents a vaudeville-style variety show on Saturday, June 19 at the Attucks Theatre. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with two featured performers, burlesque and belly dance artist Coko Galore, and musical theatre performer Kai B. White, about the show and their backgrounds.

Joel Casanova is a local hip-hop dancer and educator. He teaches private students of all ages through his company BeatHunter Dance, focusing on personal style, joy, and helping others process their feelings through movement. Rebecca spoke with him about his approach to teaching and how he fell in love with performing.

The Williamsburg Players are presenting an outdoor "Golden Age Musical Revue" beginning June 5, and a Broadway summer camp from July 26-August 8. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with theatre artists Rosemary Allmann and Jennifer Lent about these offerings.

The Virginia Beach Chorale commissioned a new piece of music from renowned choral writer Daniel E. Gawthrop, with text by his wife, Jane Griner. The piece, Resplendent Light, was written in memory of those lost during, and in honor of those touched by, the tragic events at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31 of 2019. A video recording of this piece will be featured in the city of Virginia Beach's upcoming virtual remembrance ceremony. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Artistic Director Don Krudop, composer Daniel Gawthrop, and Chorale member Lee-Ann Lanciaux about the project.

Sofia Mifsud is a storyteller, photographer, videographer, and writer based in Hampton Roads. She's been sharing bright, whimsical shots around local landmarks since she moved to the area about two years ago. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Sofia about her work, creative process, and collaborators.

Ballet Virginia presents a new production called "Visions of Hope" live at the Zeiders American Dream Theater on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. The program will also be available for streaming May 21 through June 7. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the choreographers behind the show, Lydia Roberts Coco, Suzanne Lownsbury, and Janina Michalski.

The 757 Creative ReUse Center aims to make second-hand arts and crafts supplies accessible and affordable to all. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with President and Shop Manager, Beth Dryer, and Board Member, Jennifer Hand, about the ReUse Center's work and their upcoming "Postcard Project" exhibit at the For All Handkind Gallery in the MacArthur Center beginning May 11.

Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) president and co-founder, Asa Jackson, about the importance of collaboration in the arts, and CAN's upcoming think tank for artists.

Regent University presents the classic musical, “The Fantasticks,” in an unexpected setting due to COVID restrictions. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the director, Margaret Morrow, about the show, running April 23-May 2.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and sound artist Ellen Reid presents her public art experience, SOUNDWALK, on the Elizabeth River Trail in Norfolk and the Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Virginia Beach beginning Thursday, April 15. In SOUNDWALK, a GPS-enabled app on your phone provides the soundtrack for your journey, and the path you take determines the music you hear. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Reid about the project.

Artist Jorge Saenz will be featured in the d'Art Center's exhibit, "Tribute," beginning April 9. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about the wonders and struggles of making art.

This spring, multimedia artist Heidi Peelen has been working on a four-part mystery puzzle series called "Buried in the Begonias." Rebecca spoke with Heidi about her inspiration and creative process.

Our local creators have persevered through a year of unparalleled challenges. Rebecca looks back over the performers and artists we’ve spotlighted since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Local opera singer, Amber Garrett, has been forging new paths throughout the pandemic, and holding tight to the memory of what it feels like to sing for a live audience. Rebecca spoke with her about her love of singing and her ideas for ways to engage new people in opera.

The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach begins streaming a cabaret called “Their Own Words" on March 12. It celebrates the strength and resilience of women in our creative community. Rebecca spoke with cast members Charity Robinson and Cristina Loyola about the show.

Asia Caraballo is a local teen singer-songwriter, and the featured artist for a streaming performance through Teens With a Purpose on Thursday, February 18. Rebecca spoke with Asia about what led her to pursue music, what it's done for her life, and the impact she hopes her songs will make.

Asia Caraballo is a local teen singer-songwriter, and the featured artist for a streaming performance through Teens With a Purpose on Thursday, February 18. Rebecca spoke with Asia about what led her to pursue music, what it's done for her life, and the impact she hopes her songs will make.

Photographer and historian John Plashal offers tours of the President Heads in Williamsburg and other wonders in the state of Virginia. Rebecca spoke with him about his love of photographing, researching, and sharing forgotten and abandoned sites.

James Cooper is the owner and operator of Norfolk’s Venue on 35th, and runs TLC Puppet Workshops. He’s a lighting designer, director, performer, and master puppeteer. Rebecca spoke with him about why he fell in love with creating, and how he maintains that strong relationship with his art form today.

An anonymous artist, who goes by the pseudonym, "Lenni," launched the initiative #FreeArt757 ten years ago in Hampton Roads. They have gifted our region with countless original paintings since. Rebecca interviewed them about where they get their inspiration and how to get involved in the movement.

Norfolk artist Andy Harris has an exhibit opening on January 9 at the Gordon Art Galleries at Old Dominion University, called “Bikes, Brands, Words, and Wheels.” Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about where he gets his inspiration and how he fosters his creativity.

Virginia Stage Company and Norfolk State University present a new rendition of “A Christmas Carol" this year. Rebecca spoke with director, adaptor, and actor Patrick Mullins about the show.

Virginia Choral Society’s season screeched to a halt at the onset of the pandemic. They had to find new ways to make music and find fellowship. On top of virtual rehearsals and exercises, the group’s recently been doing drive-in rehearsals using wireless microphones and a radio transmitter. Rebecca spoke with members Patti Grayson and Aaron Gregory, plus Artistic Director Bryson Mortensen.

Joel Casanova is a local hip-hop dancer and educator. He teaches private students of all ages through his company BeatHunter Dance, focusing on personal style, joy, and helping others process their feelings through movement. On Saturday, November 21, he's offering a free virtual class through the Slover Library. Rebecca spoke with him about his approach to teaching and how he fell in love with performing.

Flexibility and creative thinking are often taught in college theatre programs, but in the age of COVID, the ability to adapt as a performer has never been more important. This weekend, Old Dominion University presents a live-streamed show called “Symptomatic IRL,” a response to the pandemic and the isolation many are facing. Rebecca spoke with Assistant Professor and director Brittney Harris about the production.

It’s been said that cultural life in Hampton Roads began with the arrival of two women: Irene Leache and Annie Wood. Note: The pandemic has had a disastrous effect on our local arts community. This month, in honor of our many local artists and performers on pause, Arts Undercurrent will take a look back at memorable moments in Hampton Roads arts history. These four special episodes were written by and produced in collaboration with Norfolk Tour Company.

In the summer of 1882, the little port town of Norfolk, Virginia, welcomed a memorable visitor: one of the giants of literature at the time, Oscar Wilde. Note: The pandemic has had a disastrous effect on our local arts community. This month, in honor of our many local artists and performers on pause, Arts Undercurrent will take a look back at memorable moments in Hampton Roads arts history. These four special episodes were written by and produced in collaboration with Norfolk Tour Company.

In a Portsmouth church in 1932, a legendary R&B singer was born. That’s where Ruth Brown — then known as Ruth Weston — made her singing debut. Note: The pandemic has had a disastrous effect on our local arts community. This month, in honor of our many local artists and performers on pause, Arts Undercurrent will take a look back at memorable moments in Hampton Roads arts history. These four special episodes were written by and produced in collaboration with Norfolk Tour Company.

When was the last time 20,000 people split the bill? In Hampton Roads, it was 1966-1967, when residents donated money towards the purchase of a painting by Auguste Renoir. Note: The pandemic has had a disastrous effect on our local arts community. This month, in honor of our many local artists and performers on pause, Arts Undercurrent will take a look back at memorable moments in Hampton Roads arts history. These four special episodes were written by and produced in collaboration with Norfolk Tour Company.

When was the last time 20,000 people split the bill? In Hampton Roads, it was 1966-1967, when residents donated money towards the purchase of a painting by Auguste Renoir. Note: The pandemic has had a disastrous effect on our local arts community. This month, in honor of our many local artists and performers on pause, Arts Undercurrent will take a look back at memorable moments in Hampton Roads arts history. These four special episodes were written by and produced in collaboration with Norfolk Tour Company.

Virginia Opera brought in four emerging operatic artists for a residency beginning with a two-week quarantine. Now the group will perform weekly concerts outside of the Harrison Opera House, in addition to programming at the Virginia Zoo and a virtual showcase. Rebecca spoke with singers Symone Harcum and Nick Martorano about their upcoming performances.

Virginia Opera brought in four emerging operatic artists for a residency beginning with a two-week quarantine. Now the group will perform weekly concerts outside of the Harrison Opera House, in addition to programming at the Virginia Zoo and a virtual showcase. Rebecca spoke with singers Symone Harcum and Nick Martorano about their upcoming performances.

Over the last few months, the arts community in Hampton Roads has quickly adjusted to a new normal of virtual performances. The Pulitzer Prize-winning murder mystery called “A Soldier’s Play” is running in the Virginia Arts Festival courtyard August 5 through 15. Rebecca interviewed director Anthony Stockard and actor Terrance Livingston, Jr. about how the show came to be and their unconventional rehearsal process.

Over the last few months, the arts community in Hampton Roads has quickly adjusted to a new normal of virtual performances. The Pulitzer Prize-winning murder mystery called “A Soldier’s Play” is running in the Virginia Arts Festival courtyard August 5 through 15. Rebecca interviewed director Anthony Stockard and actor Terrance Livingston, Jr. about how the show came to be and their unconventional rehearsal process.

Classical musicians Sterling and Brendon Elliott will perform live on Facebook on Thursday, July 30 in a concert presented by Soundscapes. Rebecca interviewed the Elliotts about the concert, the impact they hope to make on the classical music landscape, and their creative processes.

Classical musicians Sterling and Brendon Elliott will perform live on Facebook on Thursday, July 30 in a concert presented by Soundscapes. Rebecca interviewed the Elliotts about the concert, the impact they hope to make on the classical music landscape, and their creative processes.

Lemon Pepper & Sazon is an all-POC improv and sketch comedy group based in Hampton Roads. Rebecca spoke with three performers about the group and the comedy scene in Hampton Roads.

Lemon Pepper & Sazon is an all-POC improv and sketch comedy group based in Hampton Roads. Rebecca spoke with three performers about the group and the comedy scene in Hampton Roads.

Generic Theater was planning on presenting the musical A Chorus Line this summer. When the pandemic hit, every part of their creative process, from auditions, to dance rehearsals, to the actual show, went virtual. Rebecca spoke with General Producer Shon Stacy about directing, rehearsing, and filming in the age of COVID-19.

Generic Theater was planning on presenting the musical A Chorus Line this summer. When the pandemic hit, every part of their creative process, from auditions, to dance rehearsals, to the actual show, went virtual. Rebecca spoke with General Producer Shon Stacy about directing, rehearsing, and filming in the age of COVID-19.

The Push Comedy Theater is presenting a live outdoor improv show featuring poet Tim Seibles on Thursday, July 2 at the Plot in Norfolk. Rebecca interviewed Brad McMurran about how the Push Comedy Theater is adapting and what’s in store for the summer.

The Push Comedy Theater is presenting a live outdoor improv show featuring poet Tim Seibles on Thursday, July 2 at the Plot in Norfolk. Rebecca interviewed Brad McMurran about how the Push Comedy Theater is adapting and what’s in store for the summer.

C.I.P.H.E.R. Tuesdays is a long-running weekly open mic at the Train Station Restaurant in Newport News. The event went virtual in March due to the pandemic. Rebecca interviewed host Q5 about the online open mic and the passion he hopes to inspire in local artists.

C.I.P.H.E.R. Tuesdays is a long-running weekly open mic at the Train Station Restaurant in Newport News. The event went virtual in March due to the pandemic. Rebecca interviewed host Q5 about the online open mic and the passion he hopes to inspire in local artists.

CoLABoration Theatre presents a new theatrical adaptation of the Karen Joy Fowler novel “The Jane Austen Book Club” online this weekend. Rebecca interviewed playwright, director, and CoLABoration Theatre founder, Dan McGary, plus actor and producer Jackie Adonis, about what to expect, and what their thought process was like when the pandemic hit.

CoLABoration Theatre presents a new theatrical adaptation of the Karen Joy Fowler novel “The Jane Austen Book Club” online this weekend. Rebecca interviewed playwright, director, and CoLABoration Theatre founder, Dan McGary, plus actor and producer Jackie Adonis, about what to expect, and what their thought process was like when the pandemic hit.

Local musician Caroline Scruggs is presenting a virtual concert on Thursday, March 26. Rebecca interviewed her about her music and how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected her life and work.