After choreographing and watching the Broadway musical “Into the Woods” dozens of times, you might think University of Virginia alumnus Matthew Steffens would be tired of the show. But when Virginia Theatre Festival artistic director Jenny Wales asked Steffens if he would be interested in directing a production of “Into the Woods” for the festival’s 51st season, he jumped at the chance.
Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction, graduation weekend has arrived. From theater to media studies to even architecture, graduating arts students are soaking in their final days as University undergraduates, begging time to slow down, even considering graduate school to prolong their tenure in Charlottesville. Inevitably, however, after diplomas are received and caps tossed high above the Rotunda, these students must reckon with the ultimate question — what comes next after the University?
As they prepare to walk the Lawn, graduating fourth-year leaders are leaving their mark on student arts organizations. From increased accessibility for student dancers and comedians, to a more inclusive community established in the theater and music scenes, the University’s robust arts community has undergone tremendous change under its class of 2025 leaders.
The Virginia Theatre Festival will launch its 51st season with Into the Woods, the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine Tony Award-winning musical that follows some of our favorite fairy tale characters on a journey toward, and beyond, happily ever after. Into the Woods, directed and choreographed by UVA alum Matthew Steffens, who directed VTF’s highly acclaimed 2023 production Cabaret, will run from June 27-July 6. Tickets start at only $15, with $5 tickets available for children 12 and under.
As the academic year winds to a close, students begin to reap the fruits of their labors from the previous two semesters. Some students have particularly tangible, triumphant final projects — namely those who debuted their short films Monday night to a crowd of around one hundred attendees at the Ruth Caplin Theater during the Overcranked Student Film Festival.
Shakespeare's classic tragedy "Hamlet" is getting a fresh, funny, and modern twist with "Fat Ham," now playing at Austin Playhouse. This unique adaptation brings a queer perspective to the timeless tale, promising audiences a theatrical experience like no other. Cast members Marc and Yunina shared their excitement about the production, highlighting its innovative approach. "It's Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' but with a funny, modern, queer twist," they said, inviting theatergoers to witness this bold reimagining.
he Virginia Theatre Festival has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of playwright Lloyd Suh’s The Heart Sellers. The Heart Sellers will run from July 11-July 20 and will be directed by Desdemona Chiang, who returns to VTF, where she directed Harvey in 2018. Pulitzer Prize-finalist Lloyd Suh’s sweet, funny, and deeply moving play highlights the experiences of two 20-something immigrant women, one from the Philippines and one from South Korea, who meet, by chance, in a grocery store on Thanksgiving night. Set in 1973, eight years after the passing of the Hart-Celler Act, which abolished immigration quotas in America, the play finds Luna and Jane bonding over their common longing for the homes they left behind and the excitement for what lies ahead in a new land.
The Virginia Theatre Festival has announced the creative team for its season-ending production of Get Happy! A Celebration of the World’s Greatest Entertainer with Jenna Pastuszek. The show lives up to its name by taking audiences on a joy-filled journey powered by the songs of the legendary Judy Garland.
David J. Getsy, the Eleanor Shea Professor of Art History at the University of Virginia, has been awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. The honor recognizes his groundbreaking research at the intersection of art history, queer studies, trans studies and performance studies. Getsy's work has significantly contributed to understanding how non-normative genders and sexualities have shaped art and cultural history.
The Persimmon Tree Players will be performing the play, “All Bark, No Bite” on April, 26th and 27th and May 3rd and 4th at the historic Victory Hall Theater in Scottsville, Virginia. For Arts This Week we spoke with the director and the assistant director/ stage manager, about the play.
The Virginia Theatre Festival has announced the cast and creative team for its season-opening production of Into the Woods. Set to run June 27-July 6 in Culbreth Theatre at the University of Virginia, Into the Woods will be directed and choreographed by Matthew Steffens, who directed and choreographed the highly acclaimed 2023 VTF production of Cabaret and returns to VTF and his alma mater from recently serving as Associate Choreographer on the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival and subsequent national tour of Into the Woods.
On a cool Wednesday night in early April, a group of University students gathered in the Helms Theatre for a rehearsal of “I Am My Mother’s Daughter,” written and directed by fourth-year College student Mary Hall.
