I am thrilled to be able to say to you all – our long 2 year intermission is over!

Welcome Back to The American Theatre

2022-2023 represents our 35th Anniversary Season presenting the entire Coastal Virginia region with performing arts excellence from around the world, and around the corner!

The last 35 years have presented audiences with diverse and crowdpleasing repertoires. We have been privileged to have artists like Bea Arthur, Mavis Staples, Manhattan Transfer, Sandra Bernhard, David Sanborn, The Shanghai Ballet, John McCutcheon, The Mystical Arts of Tibet, Nell Carter, Arlo Guthrie, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and hundreds more! Our Lighthouse Series highlights our region’s talented arts organizations that make Hampton Roads home – and our Family Fun Series is chock full of family friendly programming with our Saturday Morning Club!

As Artistic Director, it is my goal to combine bold artistic statements with innovative creative approaches, to engender strong support from the entire community.

It is with this in mind, I am ecstatic to introduce our audiences to the 2022-2023 35th Anniversary Season!

From innovative modern music to cutting-edge American jazz, from Broadway blockbusters to a variety of Christmas and Holiday celebrations— next season’s performers are all storytellers! With or without words, these 35th Anniversary performances are telling these stories just for you!

As part of our ongoing growth, I am proud to announce some exciting changes for Season 35 – starting with the grand opening of our new Studio Theatre. This newly renovated, intimate space will provide an opportunity for audiences to have a more personal performance experience with a variety of artists. I hope you share our excitement in the addition of this space to our regular annual programming!

We also continue our price-accessibility with tickets starting at $35 – with a number of preferred seating for those who want to guarantee the most sought-after seats early in the season. As always, patrons save the most money with our Subscription Passport.

I am tremendously grateful for everyone’s patience and commitment during our long intermission. We are glad to have the opportunity to once again share the magic of the performing arts with you. Creativity and imagination are the threads that weave our cultural tapestry and advance our mission to enhance the quality of life for the artists and audiences we serve.

Now, lean forward in your seats and get ready for a memorable year of joyful stories as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary!

I will see you at the Theatre!

Richard M. Parison, Jr.
Artistic Director

NEW SQUID ON THE BLOCK features penguins, a submarine, MORE PENGUINS, orcas, and a curious squid. Journey to Antarctica, and encounter unusual creatures in the depths of the ocean. Featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets, a magical set, and an original score by Ned Haskins, this comedic, wordless performance celebrates the ability to create connections despite our differences. Ages 4 and up.

Barefoot Puppet Theatre is on a mission to activate imaginations through the art of puppetry. The company has been touring performances, building puppets, presenting workshops, and participating in arts residencies. Founded in 1997 by Heidi Rugg, Barefoot Puppet Theatre weaves original works blending whimsy into their works as they handcraft each puppet, focusing on sustainable materials including locally-produced wool and papier mâché. The company tours throughout the country (and beyond!),  sharing the art of puppetry with schools and libraries as well renown venues such as The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Puppet Showplace Theater in Boston, The Smithsonian Discovery Theatre, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and The American Theatre.

Performed by Heidi Rugg and Nicole Moran
Script by Heidi Rugg
Puppets and Scenery by Heidi Rugg and Nicole Moran
Set Construction by Sam Rugg
Props by Tegwyn Rugg
Music Composed and Recorded by Ned Haskins
Movement/Comedic Puppetry Coaching by Christopher Hudert
 

Emperor Penguins can grow to be over 4 feet tall!
There are different species of penguins in Antarctica.
There are no penguins in the North Pole.
All the puppets were made in Richmond, Virginia by the performers.
The puppets in this show are ~98% biodegradable and made using sustainable materials.
There are eighteen species of penguins, but only a handful of species make their home in Antarctica.