Advertise on podcast: Arts Undercurrent with Rebecca Weinstein

Local artist Rain Spann works in painting, graphic design, and mixed media. His art is abstract, thoughtful, energetic, and surprising. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about a recent acrylic, spray paint, and oil pastel piece called “Flare.”

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet runs in a weekend-long celebration at the Plot in Norfolk’s NEON District. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the show's leads, Enver Siddiky and Noelle Peterson.

Last month, Christopher Newport University announced an initiative called the New Musicals Lab. The New Musicals Lab brings together writers, directors, composers, designers, and performers from all over the country to create and workshop musical theatre in the safe haven of Hampton Roads. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Artistic Producer Colin Ruffer, as well as one of the creative teams going through the lab: Ilana Ransom Toeplitz and Shoshana Shattenkirk.

A brand new play and a twist on a classic work take the stage this weekend in Hampton Roads. Rebecca Weinstein interviewed Moriah Joy, director and writer of the Little Theatre of Norfolk's "For the Honor and Glory," streaming beginning June 25. She also spoke with Matthew Gorris of Tidewater Community College about Shakespeare in the Grove in Chesapeake. Outdoor performances of "Twelfth Night" run June 23 through 27.

Hampton Roads Pride presents a vaudeville-style variety show on Saturday, June 19 at the Attucks Theatre. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with two featured performers, burlesque and belly dance artist Coko Galore, and musical theatre performer Kai B. White, about the show and their backgrounds.

Joel Casanova is a local hip-hop dancer and educator. He teaches private students of all ages through his company BeatHunter Dance, focusing on personal style, joy, and helping others process their feelings through movement. Rebecca spoke with him about his approach to teaching and how he fell in love with performing.

The Williamsburg Players are presenting an outdoor "Golden Age Musical Revue" beginning June 5, and a Broadway summer camp from July 26-August 8. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with theatre artists Rosemary Allmann and Jennifer Lent about these offerings.

The Virginia Beach Chorale commissioned a new piece of music from renowned choral writer Daniel E. Gawthrop, with text by his wife, Jane Griner. The piece, Resplendent Light, was written in memory of those lost during, and in honor of those touched by, the tragic events at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31 of 2019. A video recording of this piece will be featured in the city of Virginia Beach's upcoming virtual remembrance ceremony. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Artistic Director Don Krudop, composer Daniel Gawthrop, and Chorale member Lee-Ann Lanciaux about the project.

Sofia Mifsud is a storyteller, photographer, videographer, and writer based in Hampton Roads. She's been sharing bright, whimsical shots around local landmarks since she moved to the area about two years ago. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Sofia about her work, creative process, and collaborators.

Ballet Virginia presents a new production called "Visions of Hope" live at the Zeiders American Dream Theater on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. The program will also be available for streaming May 21 through June 7. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the choreographers behind the show, Lydia Roberts Coco, Suzanne Lownsbury, and Janina Michalski.