Some fried and I went for one of the after hours shows starting at 930. We got there a bit early to…read moregrab a drink and snack at the bar with the friendly bartender and when the show started it was great. Very "whose line is it anyway" energy but interactive and even the tech guy participated. Overall, fun experience, would definitely recommend

I've attended ComedySportz & took Improv 101. It's a great community and perfect for anyone…read moreinterested in making friends, trying a new hobby, or filling up a Friday or Saturday night. Their classes and Sportz are all very family-friendly, but I've been meaning to attend their late-night 18+ comedy shows too. Prices for shows/classes have great value!

What a beautiful theatre experience, 5th Wall Theatre is a bold artistic team launching unique…read moreplays with talented entertainers! They are taking over the spot formerly called the basement and offer shows in the intimate space, I went opening night for their showing of Our Dear Dead Drug Lord. They had some of the most talented display of local actors and presented the story in a way that was engaging and an amazing use of the small space. They not only have the theatre space but also house a bar in the front that serves drinks and few desserts for enjoying before or during the show. The premier was phenomenal and I am so excited to see what else they brew up! This was a perfect show for the spooky season and their upcoming shows look really promising. I would definitely reccomend checking it out for a date night, night out or if you're interested in seeing some plays that are unique and not often in the rotation at other local theatres!

Bridge 9 is a performing arts company that hosts improv performances and comedy shows with local…read moreperformers of all ages. They also offer classes, and that's where I came in. I went here for an improv class to help me with my speaking. It was fun, fast paced, lively, and safe! You might think that there is no way you could act silly and be unscripted in front of strangers, but you find that not only can you, it's easy. If you are looking for something fun and unique to do - whether you have a dream to be on stage or not- check it out. I think you will enjoy it and learn lots.

An "up-and-coming" improvisational comedy theater aimed at bringing all sections of RVA together…read morethrough laughter. Improvisors from the entire area (state, country, world) are welcome to submit themselves and/or teams to play in the creative space(s) carefully vetted by this non--profit organization. Community outreach, education and support for the improvisational community are paramount. Check it out and watch as they grow

Came to the Empire Theater for a showing of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Seems like different companies…read moreuse this theater like the Barksdale and Theater IV (more history here: http://www.theatreivrichmond.org/company.html#empire). The theater is smallish, maybe half the size of the Carpenter theater. There is a balcony. With the small size it seems like any seat would provide a decent view. We were about 10 rows from the orchestra and stage left (or right?) and the seats were fine. As for the show, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, pretty entertaining, especially the younger Scoundrel. Street parking. It is near Comfort, Tarrants...Depending on the night it can be a little shady or busy with people on that stretch of Broad St.

My wife, daughter and I attended the final showing of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" on August 7th. The…read moreseating selection by the ticket office (Row F 106-108) was well positioned and the acoustics were excellent. The blend of professional performers in the lead roles, coupled with our local performing company was an good marriage of talent, energy and entertainment. I had not attended this this theatre for almost six years. Although small in audience area, the layout and seats were comfortable. Valet parking allowed me to minimize unnecessary walking and added security. The bar was adequately stocked and the desserts looked quite delicious (I did not partake unfortunately). I recommend this theatre to those who want fulfilling enterainment and a great experience.

Hosted a day-long event at the Grace Street Theater. Very easy process and working with Amelia and…read moreLee was seamless. Beautiful, updated space with 225 seats and dressing rooms with showers at your disposal. Clean restrooms (and throughout) Small lobby, but very clean space and comfortable seating. Reasonable pricing. Would definitely use again!

Theatre IV is a division of the VA Repertory Theatre, and it was founded back in '75. Their…read moremission is to provide innovative theatrical productions of the highest national caliber and present these productions in the Richmond area as well as on tour in 31 other states, in addition to DC for schools and educational institutions. The selections include shows such as 'Treasure Island,' 'Hansel and Gretel,' 'Tortoise and the Hare,' 'Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, etc. I had the opportunity to see these guys when they came to perform 'Stuart Little' - it was about an hour-long musical adaptation of the beloved children's book with puppets, singing, and comedy. Definitely great for the younger crowd (K-2nd graders), as they seemed to be the biggest fans and the most engaged! +repertory theater +educational theatrical productions (primarily for K-2nd)

FYI - Back in 1977 (yes, there really were theatres in Richmond then), I had the good fortune to be…read morepart of the cast of the musical OKLAHOMA!, which was presented for several months at the Haymarket Dinner Theatre in Mechanicsville. Later, I was in a production of DIAMOND STUDS at the Barksdale Theatre, when it was still in....Ashburn (was it?) What fun both of those productions were! And during the run of DIAMOND STUDS, I presented a Sunday matinee storytelling performance called BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER at the Barksdale. I had the good fortune to work with Phil Whiteway in OKLAHOMA! and Bruce Miller in DIAMOND STUDS. Incredibly rewarding times those were! And both theatres served the Richmond area well. Both musical productions were well attended, and even my matinee presentation was enjoyed by the (TINY!) audience who showed up. Good memories! It's nice to know theatre is still alive and well in Richmond, and that my buddies are still involved. Even COVID-19 can't keep a good theatre down! Yee-HA! Incidentally, in OKLAHOMA!, I played the role of Aunt Eller (I've done that role three times, and directed the musical once.....that was at Anderson College, Anderson SC). In DIAMOND STUDS I was the piano player who did several vignettes. FYI, I'm sending today (5/13/2021) a packet of 8x10 black-and-white photos from the Haymarket production of Oklahoma. Phil and his wife--they met in this production--are both in several of these photos.

I couldn't type this review fast enough omg Lolol. So I just discovered an interesting policy I…read morehave never heard of (I'm not from Virginia) that does not allow me entry to a showing (Jurassic) if I'm 15 minutes "late". Ironically, I showed up late on PURPOSE to avoid the previews. I asked the reason for this policy, and the black female manager did not tell me the reasons. Her exact response was "we don't let anybody in past a certain time". (Redundant). I don't think it was a difficult question that I asked, nor did I present as nasty or flustered. I asked very plainly the WHY, not the WHAT, and she could barely make eye contact with me. I then asked "well, is it because it interrupts/distracts other patrons?" And she said "yes that's one of many reasons". Lmao Why she couldn't just share the reasons with me, was very unprofessional. Perhaps she's used to disgruntled customers and was prematurely impatient with me?.... But girl.... I am kind and being patient with this very weird theater lmao. Or maybe she actually didn't have the answer for me. Who knows. 1 Since late patrons are being stopped at the ticket booth, does this mean they're not allowed to purchase popcorn if the previews are about to end? 2 By this logic of interrupting other patrons, doesn't that mean we aren't allowed to use the bathroom once the movie has begun? Anyway, I asked for a refund which I could not get due to me purchasing my ticket via Fandango. My other option was to catch the next movie showing , which would be a $3 up charge because it's in 3D. I don't like 3D but at this point... I've already lost the battle I asked the manager..... "so do I pay for the $3 up charge via fandango, Since you guys have nothing to do with my initial payment transaction? " Of course the answer was no. I was obligated to pay them directly. (Capitalism?) My goodness... The inconsistency in conjunction with the weird nonchalant attitude of the manager was an unnecessary annoyance for me. Like... I can't get a refund NOR CAN I GET A CLEAR EXPLANATION?! I'm from NYC and have never heard of this policy before, so an explanation would have actually made things clear for me. But instead I was met with no eye contact and weird body language. I was sincerely confused and not being an asshole. I'm also an actress and therapist, hence my attention to personalities and communication. Anyway I ended up paying the $3 difference, and was then instructed to go inside the theater, 20 minutes early. LMAO !!! I guess she missed the part where I said I don't like previews (may I suggest a customer service course for all staff?) I asked "how much time do I have"? And she said "15 minutes". So I ended up waiting in my car. *sigh* This is why movie theaters are going out of business now . All this trouble, and overpriced movie snacks, when I could just wait for the film to be streamed online, with popcorn that doesn't cost $1,266. Bonus: I was here last week to see Megan 2.0. There was an afternoon showing, that my friend and I were unable to purchase online for some reason (the night before...) So we decided to just purchase tickets here in person, the day of. Turns out, the showing was completely removed as an option. From both the kiosk and the staff operating system. We ended up leaving and driving to regal cinemas near Ashland instead. I prob shouldn't have returned to this place after the Megan 2.0 issue, but I decided to give bow tie a second chance. But honey, I'm not baseball so there won't be any third strike options with me. This is my first (and last time) in RVA. Lord! I am realistic, so I do not expect for other businesses to thrive like the ones we have in NYC, but whew! It's very very very clear why it will never compare. I mean, Jesus... it's a slow Monday afternoon. The theater is VERY empty and this whole thing was so dramatic and avoidable. Maybe consider using this specific policy ONLY during peak hours? I'm no business woman, nor am I an entitled Karen, but im a sincerely confused out of town visitor who wants y'all to do better. Also, Please don't be harsh with that black manager by the way, it's not her fault that these policies exist. But she could definitely use a customer service refresher course.

The Bow Tie Cinema is my favorite place to see movies in Richmond. They always have multiple…read moreshowings of all the best movies as well as online ticket buying options, so you're able to go see exactly what you are hoping to with all of your friends and family. It's always keep very tidy and clean. The concessions are full of popcorn, candy, soda, and more. The parking lot is huge which is super convenient. Also the theater is located right across the street from multiple restaurants and even Gelati Celesti, so grab a bite before or after your movie to complete your fun day!

This month (March 2019), Virginia Opera has 7 performances of Madama Butterfly scheduled. I…read moreattended the penultimate performance at the Carpenter Center two nights ago. This is not a review of Madama Butterfly or Carpenter Center, but how well VO executed it. I believe it was done quite well. Casting was flawless. The role of Cio-Cio-san (Madama Butterfly) seems to be made for mezzo-soprano Danielle Pastin. Her anguish in the final minutes is palpable and contagious. And I cannot imagine a better Suzuki than Kristen Choi. The selection of Carpenter Center as the venue was quite good, although for future performances, I hope VO considers larger venues. It appeared to be sold out. But even at max capacity, the flow of people was very smooth. Acoustics at the Center were quite good, and VO had a "closed caption" screen above the stage for those (like me) that don't know Italian. A plethora of parking options. I chose a parking deck, less than 1/2 block away, $10. See how far $10 gets you in NYC. :) Adequate concessions, at reasonable prices. Lots of ushers, eager to help me find my seat. My only complaint is that they do not have a senior discount. (As does the Williamsburg Opera, for example,) I believe Virginia Opera put it all together quite well. I look forward to more performances from VO in the future.