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.
The New Dominions a cappella group celebrated its 35th anniversary concert Saturday evening in the Chemistry Building with unique pieces sung by both alumni from varying years and current New Dominion members. The concert included two acts from current student singers and with a set in the middle of the concert wholly dedicated to alumni performances. The evening showcased the a cappella group’s camaraderie and the special place it has in the heart of the University.
Publishing house Valparaíso Editions’ newest poetry publication, “Herbarium” was written by Elizabeth Mirabal, third-year Spanish Ph.D student at the University. Originally from Havana, Cuba, Mirabal wrote “Herbarium” as a 205 page collection of free verse poems about the flora of Cuba.
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?
Composer, bass player, singer and Beach Boy Brian Wilson drew deep on American traditions. “Brian Wilson was an incredibly important musical figure,” said Jack Hamilton, a professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia. “He made a lot of contributions to post-war American pop music, introducing innovations in harmonic sophistication and orchestral arrangement.”
10 University music students had their original compositions performed in Old Cabell Hall for the first time Saturday. With faculty performers Ayn Baliya, Jiyeon Choi, John Mayhood and David Sariti, as well as a brass quintet composed of University students and a student choir, these students’ compositions were given the chance to be performed. From pre-recorded scores to arrangements for live instruments to a choir performance, there was an abundance of unique music on display.
From recent on-Grounds workshops to city-wide festivals, University students and community members all across Charlottesville have begun to embrace the unique medium of zines. The art form can be traced back to the 1920s, when they were used to spread the message of the Harlem Renaissance. Since then, artists have also used zines to speak on crucial subjects such as rights for the disabled, women’s reproductive rights, the dismantling of racial discrimination and more.
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.
With the arrival of the 2025 graduation weekend, student musicians went above and beyond to deliver memorable last performances. Whether it was their own last hurrah or in commemoration of their band members graduation, University bands set the Corner abuzz with music and bittersweet nostalgia as fellow fourth-years flooded to the bars to toast their achievements.
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.
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. The Early Music Access Project collaborates with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Rita Dove for Bellringer, a program that celebrates the intersection of poetry and music. For Arts This week, we spoke to EMAP’s artistic director, David McCormick.
When the Rotunda burned down in October of 1895 — faulty wiring was to blame — University of Virginia officials immediately pushed to rebuild, and in 1896, after a false start with McDonald Brothers of Louisville, Kentucky, the Board of Visitors hired prominent New York architects McKim, Mead & White. Stanford White, the artistic force of the firm, was the lead architect on the Rotunda redesign. The University also hired the firm to design three new buildings to enclose the South Lawn. These buildings, also designed by White, came to be Rouss, Cocke, and Cabell Halls, and White also went on to design Garrett Hall as well as Carr’s Hill, the UVA president’s home.
