Inside the Gothic-revival sanctuary on Market Street under sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows, a woman is getting a massage. Flowers decorate tables in the dining area, where the day’s breakfast menu offers an omelet with meat, mushroom and onion, grits, granola and yogurt, using as much locally sourced food as possible.
In a different kind of religious revival, Broadway musical Godspell delivers a jazzed up and dressed down interpretation of the final seven days of Jesus’ life. The spectacular Stephen Schwartz play imbibes the gospel of Matthew with jazz, country and of course, gospel tunes—all accented with fantastic costumes. As biblical as the plot is, don’t expect a Sunday service—the show is packed with unabashed fun performed by the Black Box Players in conjunction with Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Thursday 7/31. Free, 7:30pm. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 Rio Rd. www.blackboxplayers.com
Folk fingerpicker Peyton Tochterman is a veteran of the local scene. His acoustic prowess has taken him across the country and the globe, playing shows for delighted fans as well as soldiers in Afghanistan. He chronicles his travels on his website, with articles, reviews, and a blog that offers candid access into the performer’s thoughts and feelings about the road. In his latest musical incarnation, Tochterman is joined by Randall Pharr and Stuart Gunther performing as Man on a Horse. The talented trio pulls together for Tochterman-penned originals, as well as on old American classics.
Wednesday 7/30. No cover, 10pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St. 293-9526.
The Commonwealth’s ban on same-sex marriages is the latest such law to be declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court, clearing the way for a Virginia suit to move on to the Supreme Court.
In a 2-1 decision Monday, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond ruled that Virginia’s 2006 state constitution amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman violated the 14th Amendment. It’s the third appeals-court blow to state gay marriage bans since the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act last summer. The ruling applies to similar bans in West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, which are also in the 4th Circuit.
The suit was originally brought by a Norfolk couple, Timothy Bostic and Tony London, who were denied a marriage license by a court clerk, and was expanded to class action status with support from gay rights groups. It gained national attention earlier this year when Attorney General Mark Herring announced his office would not defend the ban in court. A conservative group stepped in to represent the clerks named as defendants in the case, and is seeking a stay of the decision pending further appeal.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Herring supported a stay should there be an appeal.
“Today is a great victory for equality and justice in Virginia,” said Del McWhorter, vice-chair of locally based advocacy group Virginia Organizing, in an e-mail shortly after the ruling. “A major obstacle for families has been overcome because of this decision. While we know this ruling could be appealed, Virginia Organizing is hopeful and confident that marriage equality, including the financial and legal equality that entails, will be realized in the near future.”
James Parrish, executive director of state gay rights organization Equality Virginia, shared the sentiment.
“Today in the Commonwealth of Virginia, love and fairness won,” he said in an e-mailed statement. “A federal appeals court ruled what the majority of Virginians already know—marriage is a fundamental freedom that should not be denied to lesbian and gay couples regardless of what state they call home. While we hope this ruling will not be stayed, we are still one step closer—in Virginia, the south, and America – to recognizing and celebrating equality and the diversity of love, commitment, and family.”
It’s no secret that the lack of convenient restaurant parking can make dining in Belmont a little less than desirable, especially on the weekends. Now, on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 6pm, drivers from Southern Star Valet are on hand outside tavola and The Local to deal with the hassle of parking your car so you don’t have to. It’s only $5 per car—cheaper than taking a cab.
As of a couple weeks ago, the Ivy Road Chinese favorite Dragon Lady is under new ownership. After 25 years of serving up staples like sesame chicken, meat dumplings, and vegetable spring rolls, former Dragon Lady owner Fay Chang announced that the restaurant has changed hands, and the space will soon re-open as Osaka Eastern Hibachi Restaurant. According to the Facebook announcement, Chang’s nephew David Chiang will “continue to manage the restaurant with the high quality ingredients, preparation, and service that has been in our tradition.” The building is currently under renovation, and the new restaurant’s estimated grand opening is Friday, August 15.
Do you go ga-ga for ground beef? Can you feel yourself start to salivate as you envision all the toppings you’re going to load onto the patty between those two slices of bread? If you think you could give the pros a run for their money when it comes to designing the perfect burger, check out Zinburger’s third annual burger contest, which invites burger fans to submit their own creations via the restaurant’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/zinburgereast.
Zinburger has nine east coast locations, and the Charlottesville spot opened in the Barracks Road Shopping Center in March of this year.
The last day for contest entry is Tuesday, August 12, and the guidelines are as follows: certified Angus beef only, must utilize a Zinburger’s bun, and any and all toppings and sauces are fair game. The winning burger will be chosen by Zinburger chefs and Facebook fans based on taste, mass appeal, name, complete recipe, creativity, accessibility of ingredients, overall cost to produce, and ability of the submitter to participate in media promotions.
We’re always keeping our eyes and ears open for the latest news on Charlottesville’s food and drink scene, so pick up a paper on check out c-ville.com/living each week for the latest Small bites. Have a scoop? E-mail us at bites@c-ville.com
As the month of August arrives, everything slows down a bit. Outside, we drown in the humid air, dense as an ocean wave pushing against flesh. There’s little to do but laze away in air-conditioning or spend hours floating in the cool waters of a swimming pool. It’s the time of year when I used to haunt the movie theater, its dark and frigid stadia never more appealing. This summer though, two local theater productions provide even better options. Offerings by both the Heritage Theatre Festival and the Hamner Theater offer laugh-filled escapes from the heat.
The Heritage Theatre Festival has been an annual highlight of the UVA arts scene since 1974. Every summer, talented directors, actors, and production staff travel to Charlottesville to create a season of plays. Serving as UVA’s professional theatre, Heritage is led by Artistic Director Bob Chapel, who has been with the festival since 1987. In the course of his career, he has produced more than 200 productions, directed more than 120, and acted in countless others across the country. Chapel also notably provided the genesis for UVA’s Arts Dollars program, which allows students to attend local arts events for no cost.
This year, the festival mixes things up a bit with a season full of musicals, slapstick, and farce. Onstage at the Ruth Caplin Theatre, the production of Avenue Q is already a hit. The play brings back director and choreographer Renee Dobson, who has performed in two and directed five Heritage Theatre Festival productions since 2001. This production of Avenue Q features a live band, award-winning script, and plenty of puppets. But don’t think for a moment that it’s kid-friendly.
Rather, Avenue Q is foul-mouthed in a way that’s endearingly honest and entertaining—but certainly only for adults. The play spent years on Broadway and won the rare Tony Triple Crown (Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book). Based on a book by Jeff Whitty, it’s a coming-of-age story that depicts a recent college graduate’s fervor and frustrations as he moves to New York City and struggles to find meaning or purpose in life. Hilarious, right? Actually, yes. It certainly doesn’t disappoint on the laughs.
But wait, where do the puppets come in? Since the narrative makes no distinction between characters played by humans and those that are puppets, the play requires a suspension of disbelief. Dobson relates that “The show makes you think about what some of your favorite childhood characters might be like when they get older. There is something about puppets that just takes you back to your childhood.” These puppets have sex though, and aren’t afraid to be caught cussing. Described by The New Yorker as a “combination of ‘The Real World’ and ‘Sesame Street,’” Avenue Q is the extra serving of satire that your summer needs. Catch a performance of it a through August 2.
If you’re looking for something a bit more family-friendly, the Hamner Theater Summer Shakespeare Tour returns this year to present a local production of Much Ado About Nothing. In the hopes of bringing the Bard to as many people as possible, the Hamner opted to perform in public parks this year—a change from winery venues in the past two years. On afternoons and evenings in August, you can enjoy free performances of the play in Tonsler, Belmont, and Washington Parks.
A funny and accessible work, Much Ado About Nothing offers a great way to rid children—or reluctant spouses—of Shakespeare fears. The play was written in prose and provides an easy-to-follow narrative. Further, it’s on the more upbeat end of Shakespeare’s spectrum, ending with happy reunions and marriages rather than deaths. There are plenty of eavesdroppers, schemes, and disguises along the way too, mixed with hilarious hijinks aplenty.
Co-directed by mother-daughter team Carol and Boomie Pedersen, this production also asks the audience to suspend disbelief—albeit in a different way than is required by Avenue Q. To maintain the mobility and flexibility required for outdoor, transitory performances, this Much Ado About Nothing set includes little more than a clothesline. It’s a well-conceived accommodation, allowing the play’s narrative to be situated in the front garden of the house where the characters are gathered.
Though Boomie was born and raised in New York City, she’s made her home in Charlottesville since 1995 and co-founded the nonprofit Hamner Theater a decade after that. She currently serves as the theater’s artistic and managing director. The actors are all from the Charlottesville area and local musician Tanya Kae Man will performs original music alongside members of the cast. It’s a homegrown production that provides a great excuse to enjoy a cool summer evening outside.
So, pack a picnic, unfurl a blanket, and let the lightning bugs keep you company during a performance—or two—of Much Ado About Nothing. For info visit www.hamnertheater.com.
Where do you escape the summer heat? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings in the comments section.
On Fridays we feature five food finds selected by local chefs or personalities. This week’s picks come from Doug McLeod, chef of Duner’s. McLeod’s picks:
1) Chicken and Waffles at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue. “One of my guilty pleasures, best Southern food in town.”
2) Dried Fried Eggplant Szechuan Style at Taste of China. “I find myself craving them. And the service is always friendly.”
3) Chorizo Taco at La Tako Nako. “My late night Mexican fix.”
4) Lamb Saagwala at Maharaja. “I also love the smell of incense and vibrant Indian decor.”
5) Popeye Pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie. “Lots of whole garlic. Vegetarian favorite. Plus anecdotes from Mike McCarthy.”
The Charlottesville 29 is a publication that asks, if there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29? Follow along with regular updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Literacy Volunteers Holds Record-breaking July Tutor Training
Last Saturday, Literacy Volunteers hosted one of its most successful summer tutor trainings yet. “July is historically a tricky month to pull in a large numbers of new tutors since many people are on vacation,” said Executive Director Ellen Osborne. Twenty-two tutors attended the all day training.
At the training, Literacy Volunteers’ Program Director Deanne Foerster provided new tutors with an overview of the program, resources available to them, and good tutoring practices. During the lunch provided by fellow Jefferson School tenant Vinegar Hill Cafe, tutors shared their stories about what drew them to volunteer their time. Many of them are new to the area and wanted a way to connect with the community; others had known about Literacy Volunteers for a long time and were finally read to make the commitment.
Foerster will spend the next few weeks matching tutors with students on the waiting list. “We brought in a good group of tutors who are very interested in helping our students. We look forward to them being part of our program and helping someone become more integrated into our community by improving their literacy and English skills,” Foerster said. The next tutor training is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2013. Call 434-977-3838 for more information.
African American Heritage Center Exhibit Opening
Frank Walker’s exhibit “Black Stories,” opens at the Jefferson School City Center’s African American Heritage Center this weekend. The opening reception will be Saturday, July 26, 6pm-8pm, with a talk by Walker at 7pm.
Walker’s exhibit features a series of commissioned portraits. Before painting, Walker researches and interviews his subjects to get a better sense of who they are and how to best represent their essence. The exhibit also includes images highlighting unsung heroes of African American history and everyday life. He works in a variety of mediums including graphite and red and white chalk, sometimes using paper bags and plywood as canvases.
Walker recently retired from the University of Virginia Hospital where he worked as a medical illustrator. He received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in painting and printmaking. His work has been shown in numerous exhibitions, most recently in 2012 at the McGuffey Art Center. His paintings and drawings can be found in numerous private collections.
Frank Walker: Black Stories is made possible through the generous support of the Blue Moon Fund and albermarle magazine.
Carver Rec Hosts Hiking 101 Tuesday
On Tuesday, July 29, Marit Gay of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will discuss gear for those new to hiking and share some of her favorite local trails. The talk, scheduled for 7pm at Carver Rec, is free and open to the public.
Additionally, Charlottesville Parks and Recreation has released a new mobile app and it is now available for free download on Apple or Android devices. This free app will help individuals connect with Carver Recreation Center and other parks and recreation facilities with a variety of functions. To download the app, visit either the Apple iTunes store or Google Play depending on your device.
Mobile App Functions:
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
The New York based trio Hospitality throws convention to the wind in order to create a sound that is truly authentic. Every song on the recent album Trouble has its own life, with lyrics and melodies crafting an experience that takes fans beyond listening. There’s no borrowing from other artists or rehashing of classic genres here. This is pure, unhindered experimental music inspired by a distinctly innovative muse.
Sunday 7/27. $10-12, 7pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. 977-5590.