Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) has announced the 2023-24 Legends on Grace– Nightcaps & Stories season. The five-part series features conversations and traditional cabaret style performances designed to showcase Virginia talent.
According to a press release: The upcoming season will feature a number of artists local to the Richmond area including Ali Thibodeau, Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers, Crystal Monee Hall, and DJ Harrison. “You can expect an array of performance styles and experiences ranging from a theatrical concert that explores the relationship between Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen to an inside look into the world of Broadway and music production.
Season subscriptions are on sale now with single tickets following on July 10. All performances are hosted out of Dominion Energy Center in the downtown arts district and each performance runs 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. To purchase tickets, visit rpaaliance.com.
Here is the lineup with descriptions provided by the organizers:
Sept. 23, 2023: Legends on Grace: Bobby Smith at 8 p.m. at Rhythm Hall
“Virginia native, actor, teacher, choreographer, and director, Bobby Smith
has graced the stages of Broadway and national theaters across the
country – receiving numerous nominations and winning three Helen Hayes
Awards. He has also directed and choreographed and is featured in the
new film ‘Burst the Silence,’ based on a world premiere musical by Robbie
Schaefer that will be released later this year. The evening will be hosted by
Richmond native, music director, and pianist, R.L. Rowsey.”
Dec. 2, 2023: Legends on Grace: Both Sides Now at 8 p.m. and December 3, 2023 at 2 p.m at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse
“Fresh off a two-week sold-out run at Signature Theatre, Both Sides Now is a theatrical concert that explores the music and lives of long-time friends
and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Starring Robbie
Schaefer and Danielle Wertz, the evening navigates decades alongside
songs such as ‘A Case of You,’ ‘Hallelujah,’ ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ ‘Suzanne,’ and
many more, offering us a story about the messiness of being human, the struggle to stay connected, and the importance of truly seeing one another.”
Feb. 24, 2024: Legends on Grace: DJ Harrison at 8 p.m. at Rhythm Hall
Grammy-nominated producer, singer, and songwriter, Devonne Harris –
better known as DJ Harrison – grew up with music inspired by the diverse
local music scene in the greater Richmond area. Harris founded Jellowstone Studio and co-founded the record label of the same name with No BS! Brass Band leader Reggie Pace. The studio has birthed countless projects by local artists in Virginia — including Harris and his bandmates in Butcher Brown. The evening will be hosted by Style Weekly music journalist Peter McElhinney.”
April 13, 2024: Legends on Grace: Crystal Monee Hall at 8 p.m. at Rhythm Hall
“Richmond native, singer, songwriter, actor, and professor, Crystal Monee
Hall’s varied career includes roles on Broadway, tours with award-winning
artists, and three albums. Her original songs have been sung by numerous
artists, including Kristin Chenoweth, and she has been a featured singer
and performed alongside award-winning artists, Thomas Rhett, Ben Platt,
Cynthia Erivo, Mariah Carey, and Kanye West. The evening will be hosted
by TEDx speaker and author Sheila E. Battle.”
May 25, 2024: Legends on Grace: River City Spotlight at 8 p.m. at Rhythm Hall
“Some of RVA’s hottest artists come together to close out the season to
deliver a celebration of local talent. Ali Thibodeau, better known as Deau
Eyes, creates music from a melting pot of influences. She was recently
recognized on NPR as Slingshot’s 2023 Artist to Watch and her
sophomore album Legacies won the 2023 Newlin Music Prize. Ali will be
joined by Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers whose band blends blues and folk in a way that takes you from the New Orleans Bayou to the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
