Weaving together this tragic and theatrical narrative of more than twenty different victims and survivors of the Great Richmond Theatre Fire of December 26, 1811, Clay McLeod Chapman gives voice to compelling stories of love, loss, and history that offers surprising insight into our own times. Directed by the author, this wry and emotional work grips the audience with a series of blisteringly honest accounts of not only the before and after of the fire, but the immediate panic of the evening itself. Based on eyewitness accounts of this historic tragedy that inspired a nation-wide religious revival, volume of smoke is a beautiful, moving and surprisingly funny journey into the heart of disaster and our responses to it.

• Sept 28-29, Oct. 4-6 - 7:30 pm
• Sept. 30 & Oct 7 - 3:00 pm n HS Matinees Tues., Oct. 2 & Wed., Oct. 3 - 10 am

This new adaptation of Dracula restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to stage. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances – in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate. Rich with both humor and horror, this play paints a wickedly theatrical picture of Stoker’s vampire. Driven by unwelcome fear, uncontrollable passion and unsolved mysteries that science can’t explain, the characters voyage into the unpredictable future to find answers. Dietz brings us along for a frightening journey interspersed with daring special effects and the inherent humor of human nature in crisis.

• Nov. 9-10, Nov. 15- 17 - 7:30 pm
• Nov. 11 & 18 - 3:00 pm n HS Matinees Tues., Nov. 13 & Wed., Nov. 14 - 10 am
  

‘For Colored Girls...” is a choroepoem that illuminates the journey of life, love and transformation in the lives of young women. Choreopoetry is poetic drama that moves, sings and speaks to the immediate feelings, soul and spirit of our inner most being. The stories told by the ensemble of “colored girls” are passionate, poignant and ultimately triumphant. “For Colored Girls...” has been described as spellbinding and piercingly truthful. It weaves together the universality of lives lived through wit, humor, pain and joy. Music, dance and song impel the women of this rainbow to reveal themselves and their inner most thoughts, feelings and experiences as we all discover
the truth of who they really are. It is pure theatre and rings clear with universal appeal.

• Feb. 15-16, Feb. 21 - 23 - 7:30 pm
• Feb. 17 & 24 - 3:00 pm n HS Matinees Tues., Feb. 19 & Wed., Feb. 20 - 10 am

“Wilkommen” to the Cabaret, sings the Emcee of the Kit Kat Club through painted lips, and we follow - into the decadent, provocative world of 1929 Berlin in this dazzling Broadway musical hit. Set in a time when political unrest racks Germany, its economy destroyed, and millions of unemployed roam the streets. Enter into this chaos an American cabaret dancer, working at the downtown "Kit-Kat Klub" where anything goes on the stage. Cabaret is alive with memorable songs, political commentary and breathtaking dancing.

• April 10-12 , 17-19 & 24-26 at 7:30 pm
• April 13, 20 & 27 at 3:00 pm
• High School Matinees 10 am:
  • Tues. April 15
  • Wed. April 16

Raymond Hodges Theatre
Singleton Center for Performing Art
922 Park Avenue
Richmond Virginia 23284

Theatre VCU Box Office: 804.828.6026
For more information call 804.828.2695