At the Center of It All: CenterStage Turns Three

Standing tall in the heart of Richmond on Grace Street is Richmond CenterStage, home to a cadre of world-class performing arts facilities, and the site of the biggest three-year birthday party in town.

Richmond CenterStage is made up of a multi-use space called Rhythm Hall; the intimate Gottwald Playhouse; the Showcase Gallery, for exhibition of the visual arts; The Genworth BrightLights Education Center, and the Carpenter Theatre.

Inside the fully-renovated facility sits a number of bragging rights for RVA, such as the, 83-year-old, nearly 1,800-seat Carpenter Theatre; the multi-use space Rhythm Hall; the intimate Gottwald Playhouse; the Showcase Gallery; and The Genworth BrightLights Education Center that promotes arts in education to the region’s PreK-12 students.

Celebrating three years since its launch, Richmond CenterStage opted for GRAMMY award winning singer Wynonna Judd to serve as its signature artist at its birthday gala. “On the heels of one of our most successful years yet, it’s only fitting to celebrate with a legendary performer like Wynonna to kickoff the performing arts season and celebrate our third birthday,” says Richmond CenterStage Executive Director Richard M. Parison, Jr.

In addition to the birthday bash, CenterStage has plenty of other news to buzz about. This summer the CenterStage Foundation announced a $10 million contribution from Altria as part of a naming rights agreement for the Landmark Theater, which is part of the CenterStage family and located nearby in the Fan District.

[top] The 83-year old Carpenter Theatre is a fully renovated facility that seats nearly 1,800-seat Carpenter Theatre.[bottom] Jim Ukrop, Shelia Johnson, Bobbie Ukrop, and Bob Mooney are among the many Richmonders who today enjoy the world-class performing arts facilities that make up Richmond CenterStage.

The announcement of this leadership gift to the Foundation’s Landmark and Legacies Capital and Endowment Campaign was made by Parison, along with Altria Chairman and CEO Martin J. Barrington and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, in the lobby of the Altria Theater. In addition to a new name, there will be a new round of renovations approved by City Council to the Altria Theater, including significant safety and infrastructure improvements as well as an upgrade to acoustics systems and several patron-centered amenities.

“We are fortunate to have a partner like Altria which understands the power of the arts and the impact it can make as a corporate citizen on our community,” says Parison.

Altria Chairman and CEO and Chairman Martin J. Barrington adds, “We know from our experience that a thriving arts and cultural scene helps make cities more vibrant, engaging, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”

The news of birthday candles and new names comes on the heels of a number of successful fundraising campaigns by CenterStage, such as the inaugural “Single in the City Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction,” presented by bravo!, Young Professionals for Richmond CenterStage.

Thanks to the support of over 250 in attendance, the event raised more than $40,000 in funds to fatten the coffers of CenterStage’s Bright-Lights Education programs, which advance arts education opportunities in classrooms throughout Greater Richmond.

In the coming months, Richmonders will continue to see CenterStage make headlines as it begins the second annual U.S. TRUST Life is a Cabaret! Series: A Celebration of the Greater American Song Book, with Virginia’s own Desiree Roots along with pop culture icon Molly Ringwald. Presented in CenterStage’s sleek Rhythm Hall, patrons will have the chance to enjoy food and drinks at cabaret tables while experiencing world-class entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to present such a diverse group of performers in our second Cabaret season here at CenterStage,” says Parison. “Each signature artist brings a unique musical perspective on the American Songbook. Whether it is Amanda McBroom’s rendition of her GRAMMY Award-winning song ‘The Rose’ or Molly Ringwald’s jazz influenced pop standards — this impressive list of artists will build on the success of our inaugural season.”

From silent auctions filled with locally donated products to auctioning off bachelors and bachelorettes — Richmond CenterStage is celebrating its third year in existence with an eye on the future. “CenterStage will continue to serve as a catalyst for the arts in the RVA community as it works to foster relationships between CenterStage and the community by creating unique and exciting cultural events and experiences,” says Parison. “We know from our experience that a thriving arts and cultural scene helps make cities more vibrant, engaging and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”