Blog User Mentions VSC

Susan A. Kitchens mentions VSC’s production, Line in the Sand, in one of her blog posts.

She writes:

Writing plays about local events

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What do you do after the stories have been recorded? This WaPo story about the Virginia Stage Company, who produces one play a year on a local theme. They develop or adapt the play with material emerges from community dialog. The current production, A Line in the Sand, is about a civil rights struggle fifty years ago as the local community grappled over the question, Will we prevent our schools from being racially integrated?…

To read more of this post please click on the blog’s title…

Published in:  on March 6, 2009 at 10:43 pm Comments (1)
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Mal Vincent’s Review

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Acclaimed Virginian Pilot Arts Critic, Mal Vincent, reviewed Line in the Sand.

He writes:

“Line in the Sand” is a play that takes place in Norfolk amid social upheaval and inherent moral crisis.

Written by Chris Hanna, the artistic director of the producing Virginia Stage Company, it is, according to his program notes, “an imagined drama based on historical events.” Most notably, and with relief, it is a play – not a documentary, not a bitter social tirade, not a whining wallow in the past, not a sermon.

It narrowly avoids all these pitfalls by playing the events before and during Norfolk’s infamous school closings of 1958-59 as if they were suspenseful twists in an ever-expanding thriller. The controversy long forecast for this play is largely missing. Hanna’s script plays it meticulously safe.

The line in the sand on the national issue of school integration was drawn here in Norfolk. Everyone from Life magazine to CBS’ Edward R. Murrow covered the drama here and, yes, it remains alarmingly dramatic even now, 50 years later…

For more on the review…please check out the Virginian Pilot online.

Published in:  on March 4, 2009 at 7:22 pm Leave a Comment
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Washington Post Takes Notice

In today’s Washington Post, writer Celia Wren takes notice of Line in the Sand.  Her article speaks to the history of Massive Resistance in Norfolk as well as the importance of Chris Hanna’s play.

Please take a look at the Washington Post website to have a look at this feature story.  VSC is honored to not only be featured in such a reputable paper, but to have such a lengthy review by the talented Celia Wren.

Published in:  on March 3, 2009 at 11:48 pm Leave a Comment
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A Big Night for “Line in the Sand”

This past Friday was Opening Night for Line in the Sand.  People from all over the Hampton Roads area came to honor those involved with the battle of Massive Resistance.

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Our lobby displays showcase photos and information on Massive Resistance.

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picture-0501Our lobby displays attracted a lot of attention on Opening Night

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picture-121We also have a Massive Resistance booklet with the history behind the battle and pictures of the Norfolk 17

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Playwright, Chris Hanna, was very pleased on Opening Night

picture-129In the Box Office we got Opening Night flowers

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picture-202Director, Timothy Douglas, with some of the actors

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Published in:  on at 11:39 pm Leave a Comment
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Making Headlines

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VSC’s newest play, “Line in the Sand,” is making headlines.  Channel 13 News came by the theater and taped parts of rehearsal as well as interviewed many involved with the play.  Those who were interviewed include Chris Hanna, the playwright;  Caroline Clay, who portrays Vivian Carter Mason and director, Timothy Douglas.  

We have also made our way into the Virginian-Pilot The story that ran in yesterday’s paper discussed how this show is a “massive undertaking.”  We here at VSC our very honored to be the place where this story is shared with the rest of the community.

“Line in the Sand” opens tomorrow night, Friday Feb 27th and runs through Sunday, March 15th.  For any questions about tickets please call 627-1234.

Published in:  on February 26, 2009 at 5:44 pm Leave a Comment
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A Massive Play

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Our NEXT production is the much talked about play, “Line in the Sand.”  We will be showing this production Feb 24th-March 15th.  Please tell your family and friends to spread the word about this play dealing with a topic very prevalent in our area.  Massive Resistance happened in Norfolk 50 years ago and yet it is still an issue that needs to be addressed today.

Be on the look out for upcoming blog features such as an exclusive interview with the playwright, Chris Hanna!

Published in:  on February 16, 2009 at 8:17 pm Leave a Comment
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