March/April 2006

Datebook

SPECIAL EVENTS

Portsmouth Art Walk
March 1—31: Olde Towne Portsmouth transforms into a canvas for young artists and a free gallery for visitors featuring window designs and student art. 757-405-4500. www.otba.biz

The Pirates Laffite
March 2: Special Lecture by William C. Davis on The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf. Members $3, Non-Members $5. 7 p.m. Hampton History Museum. 757-727-1610. www.hampton1610.com

Chesapeake Poetry Festival
March 3—5: Silent auction, homemade baked items, delicious food and plenty of antiques. $5. Friday 11 a.m.-—7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.—5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.—5 p.m. Southampton Academy, Courtland. 757-653-2512. www.southamptonacademy.org

Operatini Night
March 8: Young professionals and singles mix it up with live jazz by Nick Kepics, original “Operatini” martinis, beer, wine and free food provided by Scotty Quixx. Sponsored by the Act One Society of the Virginia Opera. RSVP recommended. info@vaopera.com. www.vaopera.org

Williamsburg Film Festival
March 8—11: 10th anniversary of annual festival. This year’s theme, “Honoring Hollywood’s Golden Era,” will feature movie and TV stars of the Golden Age offering interviews, autographs and photo sessions. View 16mm films on the big screen, visit the Dealer Memorabilia Room, enjoy nightly musical entertainment and a closing Saturday Night Dinner Show. Daily $20. 9 a.m.—10 p.m. 757-482-2490. www.williamsburgfilmfestival.org

Chesapeake Poetry Festival
March 13—17: Readings by nationally renowned and award-winning poets Sarah Kennedy and R.T. Smith, youth programs and open mike night for budding poets. Free. Russell Memorial Library, Chesapeake. 757-410-7024. www.chesapeake.lib.va.us

Second Tuesday Forum: Jamie May
March 14: Lecture by the Senior Archeologist at the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities’ Jamestown Rediscovery Project. Free. Noon. Commodore Theatre, Portsmouth. 757-393-8973

Cingular Wireless St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
March 17: Live music, parade and fun activities. Free. Selden Arcade, Norfolk. www.festevents.org

Greening of Ghent
March 17: 12th annual block party with live music. 6—10 p.m. Colley Avenue, Norfolk. 757-672-4356

34th Annual Killian’s Shamrock Sportsfest
March 17—19: Ranked one of the top 20 marathons in the country, the weekend features a fitness expo, a marathon, half-marathon, 8k and children’s race. 757-412-1056. www.shamrockmarathon.com

Home and Garden Show
March 18—19: Get inspired by beautiful landscape displays. Vendors on hand with goods for the home or garden. Smithfield Center. 757-356-9939

Folly Ball
March 19: Dancing, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and great company to raise funds and awareness to continue the restoration and educational programs of Riddick’s Folly Museum. Nansemond River Golf Club. 757-923-2360

Isabella Stewart Gardner: An Eye for Collecting
March 22: Norfolk Society of the Arts Lecture by Anne Hawley, director of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston. 11 a.m. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk. www.chrysler.org

American Heart Association’s Peninsula-Williamsburg Heart Gala
March 25: Benefit featuring a live and silent auction, dinner and dancing. 6 p.m.—midnight. Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg. 757-623-2075

Spring Camellia Show and Plant Sale March 25: Awards ceremony for top blooms and sale afterwards. Rose Hall, Norfolk Botanical Garden. 757-625-0374. www.vacamelliasociety.org

Doo Dah Parade
March 31: Celebrate silliness. Free. Downtown Norfolk. www.festevents.org

Civil War Weekend in Downtown Suffolk
April 1—2: Re-enactors bring Suffolk’s Civil War history to life through a family-oriented, activity-filled weekend. Features narrated bus tours, guided museum tours and special guest speakers. Downtown Suffolk. 757-923-3880

Gloucester Daffodil Festival 20th Anniversary
April 1—2: Fine arts, handcrafts, entertainment, children’s games and great food. Saturday 9:30 a.m.—5 p.m., Sunday noon—5 p.m. Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. 804-693-1264. www.gloucesterva.info/pr/events/df/homepage.html

Tidewater Community College’s 2006 Literary Festival
April 3—6: Explores understanding other cultures and the freedom to live without war. Authors including Dunya Mikhail and Azar Nafisi discuss their writings and how literature bridges gaps created by war. 757-822-1122. www.tcc.edu/literaryfestival/speakers.htm

9th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival
April 5—8: The finest jazz artists in the world, educational programs, workshops and master classes. Hosted by WHRV jazz host and producer Jae Sinnett. Sponsored by the City of Newport News. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

American Cancer Society Virginia Beach Relay for Life
April 7—8: Overnight celebration of life filled with food, games and entertainment where teams of 8—15 people raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. Contact Dan Thorpe, 757-853-4105

25th Annual Writers’ Conference
April 7—8: Writing workshops, contest and keynote speaker Orson Scott Card, the international best-selling author of science fiction novels Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow. 757-594-7568. http://lifelonglearning.cnu.edu

Easter Decoy and Art Festival and Auction
April 14—15: About100 local and national carvers and artists exhibit their work, featuring awards and an auction at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Adults $3, Children (Under 12) free. Chincoteague High School, Chincoteague Island. 757-336-6161. www.chincoteaguechamber.com

Eggs-travaganza
April 15: Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Virginia Zoo. Fun and educational look at animals and eggs, live demonstrations, activity stations, hayrides, games and more. 10 a.m.—2 p.m. The Virginia Zoo, Norfolk. 757-441-2374. www.virginiazoo.org

International Children’s Festival
April 15: Countries showcase their heritages in this exciting, multi-cultural learning experience for children and adults alike. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of exotic places. Free. 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Mill Point Park, Hampton. 757-727-8311. www.hampton.gov/parks/icf

Hampton Spring Crafts Festival
April 21—23: More than 200 juried artists offering fine art, pottery, jewelry, woodcraft and more. Adults $6, Children (Under 13) free. Friday—Saturday 10 a.m.—6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton. www.emgshows.com

25th Annual Herb Sale and Festival
April 22: Enjoy a variety of hard-to-find herbs, herbal products, a variety of plants, plant-related goods, garden accessories and crafts. 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Fred Heutte Center, Norfolk. 757-441-2513. www.fredheutte.org

Paddle for the Lynnhaven River 2007 Challenge
April 22: Competitive, 7-mile race in Linkhorn Bay, with a “LeMans Start.” Also features a “Fun Paddle” of approximately 3 miles in Crystal Lake. An American Canoe Association sanctioned event benefiting the Lynnhaven River 2007, a non-profit organization working for a clean and healthy Lynnhaven River. $30 for pre-registration or $50 the day of the race. www.wildriveroutfitters.com

Patriot’s Day
April 22: Reenactment of Thomas Jefferson and Meriwether Lewis by Clay Jenkinson and other events promoting history and family-oriented education. Smithfield Center. www.partiotday.org

Portsmouth Power in the Park
April 22—23: The Virginia Boat Racing Association’s hydroplane Virginia State Championship. Noon—6 p.m. Portsmouth City Park. 757-630-1951

Historic Garden Week in Virginia
April 22—29: Step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and landmarks. 757-238-9654. www.vagardenweek.org

8th Annual Cruisin’ Virginia Beach Auto Super Show
April 29: Hot rods, classic cars, street machines, motorcycles and antique automobiles line the Virginia Beach boardwalk. www.beachstreetusa.com

60th Annual Garden Symposium
April 30—May 3: Explore the process of unifying the home and garden and using the garden as a space for relaxation and entertainment. Events begin with a reception in the Governor’s Palace Gardens and end with a Garden Party. Colonial Williamsburg. 757-220-7255. www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/conted

ART

Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
Through March 26: Artists Who Teach March 31—April 23: The Next Generation. College and high school student juried exhibitions. Opening April 8: Flying High. Tidewater Art Alliance juried art exhibition. 4205 Victoria Blvd., Hampton. 757-727-1490. www.hamptonarts.net

Chrysler Museum of Art
Ongoing: Civil War Photographs from the David L. Hack Collection Ongoing: Civil War Redux: Pinhole Photographs by Willie Anne Wright March 8: Lecture. Images Through a Pinhole: A 30-Year Review. 7 p.m. March 11: Film Series. Forever Free (1990) from The Civil War Series by award-winning documentarian Ken Burns. 1 p.m. Opening March 25: Collecting the Impressionists: Masterpieces from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Twelve masterpieces, including portraits by Renoir, landscapes by Monet and Pisarro, a still life by Manet and a ballet scene by Degas. March 31: Friends of African-American Art’s First Annual Q-Down. Enjoy BBQ, libations and dancing to raise funds for the purchase of African-American artwork for the Chrysler. $35. 6:30—10 p.m. 757-965-2045. Opening April 30: Masterpieces from an English Country House: The Fitzwilliam Collection. Presented by the Masterpiece Society. Every Wednesday: The Art of Jazz featuring local performers. The Fine Art of Wine is the first Wednesday of every month. 6:15-—8:45 p.m. Every Saturday: Public Tour. Theme varies. 2 p.m. Every Wednesday: Gallery Chat. 12:30 p.m. 245 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk. 757-664-6200. www.chrysler.org

Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
Through March 5: Urban Epistles: An Open Letter to America Through March 6: The Migrant Series: Works by Benny Andrews Through March 12: Generations: African-American Art in the VMFA Collection Through March 12: Successions: African-American Art by Contemporary Artists March 12—April 30: Leigh Ann Chambers March 16—May 7: Me, Myself and I: Artist Self-Portraits from the Heather & Tony Podesta Collection. Opening reception March 23, 5:30—8 p.m. March 23—May 14: LIKENESS: Portraits of Artists by Other Artists. Opening reception March 23, 5:30—8 p.m. 2200 Parks Ave., Virginia Beach. 757-425-0000. www.cacv.org

The Courthouse Galleries
Opening in March: Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Selected sculptures on display in the museum’s courtyard. Through March 26: The Civil Rights Movement in Virginia Opening April 7: Annual Portfolio: Tidewater Artists Alliance. Juried multi-media exhibit. Through April 23: Trompe L’Oeil: The Art of Illusion High and Court Streets, Portsmouth. 757-393-8543. www.courthousegalleries.com

Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Through March 26: Seeing the Unseen: Photographs by Harold Edgerton Through March 26: Kinetic Sculpture by Gregory Barsamian Through March 26: Really Digital March 2, 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13, 20, 27: Arts Café. Live music and other activities. Free. 5:30—8 p.m. March 25: Community Day. Artistic versus, youth poetry event. 10:30—noon. Poetry illustration art activity for children. Noon—1 p.m. March 25: Viva Las Vegas: An Artfully Delicious Adventure. Sing along to faithful covers, try your hand at roulette or poker and sample fine hors d’oeuvres and libations. Members $50, Non-Members $60. 7 p.m. 757-596-8175 for reservations. March 31: Caribbean Cruise: An Artfully Delicious Adventure. Feast on delicious local cuisines and sway to the sultry island ‘riddims.’ Members $50, Non-Members $60. 7 p.m. 757-596-8175 for reservations. April 8—May 25: Out of the Fire: Wood Fired and Salt Glazed Ceramics. Highlighting contemporary artists from across the country using the oldest form of firing. April 8—May 25: The Cutting Edge: Contemporary Wood Art. Wide range of aesthetic and technical approaches including examples of work by the founders of the contemporary wood art movement. April 8—May 25: New Works by Tom Wessells. A look at the art and fine craftsmanship of the local woodworker, including latest creations of art and furniture and award-winning pieces. April 8—May 25: Ceramics from the Studio Art School. Works by Pfac’s own Studio Art School teachers and students. April 8—May 25: Genesis 2006 College Student Juried Exhibition and Prefaces 2006 High School Student Juried Exhibition 101 Museum Drive, Newport News. 757-596-8175. www.pfac-va.org

Portlock Galleries at SoNo
March 3—April 2: Significant Expressions. Work by members of the Tidewater Art Alliance. Opening April 7: Glass Works. An exhibition highlighting artists Ali Rogan and Neil Duman. 3815 Bainbridge Blvd., Chesapeake. 757-502-4901

Smithfield Cultural Arts Center
Through March 26: Outsider Art by Virginia Insiders March 31—April 30: It’s Raining Cats and Dogs 346 Main St. in the Historic District, Smithfield. 757-357-7707. www.smithfieldarts.org

Suffolk Museum
March 1—31: 21st Annual Juried Photography Exhibit. Annual exhibit by regionally and nationally known photographers. 118 Bosley Ave., Suffolk. 757-923-2371

MUSEUMS, HISTORIC HOUSES

Children's Museum of Virginia
March 6—April 28: Children’s Art Show. Art by children undergoing cancer therapy reflecting the fear and hope of the lives of patients and their families. April 23: National Day of Puppetry. Spend a day with the Tidewater Puppet Guild as they show how to create puppets that dance on strings, pop on sticks and put on a puppet show. 11 a.m.—4p.m. 221 High St., Portsmouth. 757-393-5258. www.childrensmuseumva.com

Endview Plantation
March 18—19: Civil War Reenactment. 145th anniversary of the Battle of Big Bethel. Living history programs, encampments and battles. $7. 10 a.m.—4 p.m. April 8: Committed to the Cause: Women’s Contribution to the War Effort 362 Yorktown Rd., Newport News. 757-887-1862. www.endview.org

Hampton History Museum
March 2: The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf. Special lecture by William C. Davis. Members $3, Non-Members $5. 7 p.m. March 6: Separate Worlds: Native American Women in the Colonial South, Port Hampton Lecture Series: Dr. Eiryls Barker, Professor at Thomas Nelson Community College. Members free, Non-Members $3. 7 p.m. March 11, April 8: History Hounds Kids Club: Children ages 6—10 learn exciting historical aspects. March 15: Lunch in Time Series. Lunch with the Suffragettes presented by the History Chicks. Noon. April 3: Wythe: The Story of the Street Car Suburb. Panel discussion. 7 p.m. April 8: Four Centuries of Fun. Family-oriented festival showcasing games, activities and performances drawn from the past 400 years. Most activities free. 10 a.m.—4 p.m. April 30: Landing Day. Meet visitors from Hampton’s past including Indians, colonists, sailors, Mary Peake, soldiers and watermen. $3. 1—5 p.m. 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton, 757-727-1610. www.hampton1610.com

The Hermitage Foundation Museum
March 4: Finley Rose Garden Pruning Workshop. Learn the art of pruning and transplanting rose bushes with Curator of Gardens and Grounds Yolima Carr. 10 a.m.—noon. March 11: The Event of 2006. A vintage black-tie affair with live music, full bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Members $150, Non-Members $175. 7—11 p.m. 757-423-2052 ext. 205 to reserve tickets. March 6—March 31: Virginia Arts School Spring Exhibition Through March 31: Mend Our Broken Heart. Work from the Sloan Collection that is in need of conservation is on display to be sponsored to provide necessary funds to restore and conserve the art. March 6, April 3: Tea and a Tour. 10:30 a.m.—noon. April 7—May 3: Norfolk Public Schools Middle School Exhibition April 29: Choose from a broad selection of heirloom plants to start a tradition in your garden. 8 a.m.-—3 p.m. Thursdays: White Glove Tours. Behind the scenes with the Curator of Collections. 7637 North Shore Rd., Norfolk. 757-423-2052. www.thfm.org

Jamestown Settlement
March 18—19: Military Through the Ages. Chronological display of military history with re-enactors showing how uniforms, weapons and military tactics have evolved throughout the centuries. Route 31 in James City County. 757-253-4838. www.historyisfun.org

Lee Hall Mansion
March 18: Defending the Peninsula. Follow the advance of the Army of the Potomoc with Michael Moore. Tour includes Fort Monroe, Monitor-Merrimack Overlook, Young’s Mill, Warwick C.H. and more. $40. 9 a.m.—4p.m. April 15: The Easter Bunny and Great Egg Hunt. Face painting, crafts and games culminating with a parade and egg hunt. For children under 12. $5. 10—11 a.m. April 15: The Battle of Fredericksburg. Visit the Stone Wall, Marye’s Heights, Lee’s Hill and more with Michael Moore. $50. 8 a.m.—5 p.m. 163 Yorktown Rd., Newport News. 757-888-3371. www.leehall.org

The Mariners’ Museum
March 10—12: 4th Annual Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend. Keynote speaker James McPherson, nationally renowned scholars, Civil War encampments and various tours. Witness the construction of the new USS Monitor Center opening March 9, 2007. Through April 24: Life’s a Beach 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. 757-591-7739. www.mariner.org

The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center
March 5—April 18: The Davis Sisters: Portrait of an East End Family. Exhibition documenting successful women who made their mark on the community. Opening reception March 5, 2—4 p.m. March 11: Quiltmaking Workshop with Valeria Hundley. Learn the fundamentals of quilting while incorporating historical facts about patterns and designs. $5. 11 a.m.—1 p.m. Reservations required by March 7. April 22—June 27: Hampton native Stacy Whiting exhibits his photography and digitization of architectural scenes and marbles. Opening reception April 22, noon—2 p.m. 2803 Oak Ave., Newport News. 757-247-2360. www.newsomehouse.org

The Old Coast Guard Station
March 7—April 9: Virginia Beach—Founding of Our Town. A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Virginia Beach. Includes photographs and artifacts documenting changes from 1906 to 2006 as well as student art. April 11—May 29: Fort Story & Cape Henry: 1607—2007. Gearing up for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the English’s first landing in the new world. Takes a look at the development of Cape Henry from 1607 to the present. 24th St. and Boardwalk, Virginia Beach. 757-422-1587. www.oldcoastguardstation.com

Riddick’s Folly Museum
March 1—13: Up From Slavery. View artifacts dating back to 1844, including an original list of slaves and their value belonging to Mills Riddick. 510 North Main St., Suffolk. 757-934-1390. www.riddicksfolly.org

Virginia Air & Space Center
Ongoing: Science Under the Big Top 600 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton. 757-727-0900. www.vasc.org

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Through March 12: Whale Watching Boat Tours. 757-437-BOAT April 8—15: Spring Break Splash. Special events and activities. Through April 30: Animal Grossology 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach. 757-425-FISH. www.VirginiaAquarium.com

Virginia Living Museum
March 25: Weekend Safari: Fossil Collecting for Kids. Half-day fossil collecting trip to privately owned local area. Ages 6—14. Registration required. Members $16, Non-Members $28. Through April 2: Deep Impact Planetarium Show Through April 30: Lego Ocean Adventure Ongoing: Laser Shows. $8. Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and midnight. 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. 757-595-1900. www.valivingmuseum.org

Virginia War Museum
March 4: World War I Reenactment. Re-enactors portray Allied and Central Powers. Barbed wire, bunkers, trenches and machine guns nests promise a realistic battleground. Held at Lee Hall Mansion. $7. 9 a.m.—5 p.m. April 23: Yom HaShoah Ceremony. United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula commemorates the 6 million Jews who died during the Holocaust. 2 p.m. 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 757-247-8523. www.warmuseum.org

STAGE

The Foreigner
March 2—5, 9—11: Non-stop hilarity of a play about British visitors to rural Georgia with a wildly funny climax in which everything goes awry. Smithfield Little Theater. 757-357-7338. www.smithfieldlittletheater.com

Lily and the Gypsies
March 3—5: A young girl in 1800s Croatia is lured into the dark world of magic by a gypsy queen but rescued by the power of love. Presented by the Masterworks Performing Arts Company. $10—$12. Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Regent University Theatre, Virginia Beach. 757-548-2122. www.masterworksusa.com

Death of a Salesman
March 3—5, 10—12: Famous story of the last days of a failing salesman. $15. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Peninsula Community Theatre. 757-595-5728. www.peninsulacommunitytheatre.org

I Have a Dream
March 4: Compelling dramatization of the life and times of Dr. King. Presented by Theatre IV. $6. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Annie
March 7—12: Family favorite returns to Hampton Roads. $45—$55. 8 p.m. March 11, 2 p.m. and 1 p.m., March 12, 6:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall. 757-761-8100. www.ticketmaster.com

Sleeping Beauty
March 8: Presented by the Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra. $25.75—$45.75. 7:30 p.m. Willet Hall, Portsmouth. 757-393-5144 or Ticketmaster 757-671-8100. www.willethall.com

Russian National Ballet: Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake
March 12: Magnificent Tchaikovsky scores, exquisite costumes, beautiful scenery and tour-de-force classical dancing. $35—$45. Sleeping Beauty 2 p.m., Swan Lake 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

The Prisoner of Second Avenue
March 14—15: Neil Simon’s classic tale of a married couple trying to survive in New York. Performed by LA Theatre Works. $25—$30. 7:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Bellini’s Norma
March 17, 19, 22, 25, 27: The clash between ancient Druids and Romans and the conflict between love and public duty. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. 757-623-1223. www.vaopera.org

Seussical ... The Musical
March 17—19, 24—26: Presented by the Hurrah Players. 3 p.m. March 17, 24, 7 p.m. $17—$24. 757-627-5437. www.hurrahplayers.com

A Prom to Die For
Through March 18: School dance murder mystery. Adults $36.95, Children $26.95. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 p.m. Mystery Dinner Playhouse, Williamsburg. 888-471-4802. www.mysterydinner.com

The Search for Gold
March 18: Puppets, magic and a retelling of The Emperors New Clothes. For children K—6. Presented in cooperation with Rainbow Puppet Productions. $7. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Peninsula Community Theatre, Newport News. 757-595-5728. www.peninsulacommunitytheatre.org

Frozen
Through March 19: A riveting exploration of three people whose lives are connected by the disappearance of a 10-year-old girl. Generic Theater. 757-441-2160. www.generictheater.org

Of Mice and Men
Through March 19: Steinbeck’s classic tale of two friends who discover the underside of the American Dream. Presented by the Virginia Stage Company. $8-—$42.50. Wells Theater. 757-627-1234. www.vastage.com

Ballet Gala
March 22—23: An evening of ballet’s greatest moments. $30—$35. 7:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
March 24: Musical theater for the entire family. Presented by the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration on Tour. $9—$15. 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

We Had it Good: A Pieced Together Folk Opera Production
March 24—April 9: True stories make up this community performance blending traditional hymns and indigenous songs with new instrumental and vocal works. Adults $15, Seniors $12, Students $8. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 3 p.m. Yoder Barn Theatre. 757-249-4187. www.yoderbarn.com

Tap Dogs
March 25: Unprecedented tap show combining the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing that started with six guys from a steel town north of Sydney, Australia. $30-—$45. 4 p.m., 8 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

Under Southern Skies
March 28—29: Internationally acclaimed North Carolina Dance Company celebrates the music and artists of the South. With live music by Christine Kane and The Greasy Beans. $30—$35. 7:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Shirley Valentine
March 30—April 22: A hilarious, poignant and honest play about everyday life and our ability to change our circumstances. Presented by the Williamsburg Players. Adults $15, Students/Seniors $12, Children $8. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. on select Saturdays. 757-229-0431. www.williamsburgplayers.org

Brian Regan
March 31: Hit comedian on his “You Too” Tour. $33.50. 8 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. www.ticketmaster.com

History of Rock, Volume II
March 31: World premiere about the classic rock hall of fame and how it all began featuring party band Bad Dog. 7:30 p.m. Produced by Playwrights Premiere Theatre. Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg. 804-725-3645. www.pptva.com

The Will Rogers Follies
March 31—April 2: The life and career of Will Rogers comes to stage starring award-winning country star Larry Gatlin. $40—$50. Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

I Do, I Do
March 31-—April 9: The charming story of a 50-year marriage presented by Virginia Musical Theatre. Contemporary Art Center of Virginia. 757-340-5446. www.vmtheatre.org

The Song of Mulan
April 1: Noble Chinese tale featuring an extraordinary heroine, authentic costumes and lovely songs. Performed by Theatre IV. $6. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Chicago
April 4—9: Bob Fosse’s smash musical featuring the music of Kander and Ebb in a vaudeville fashion. 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m., Sunday 6:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall. www.sevenvenues.com

Contact
April 4-—23: Theater-dance hybrid telling the tales of people in the wild pursuit of love. Winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Presented by the Virginia Stage Company. $8-—$42.50. Wells Theater. 757-627-1234. www.vastage.com

Clifford the Big Red Dog Live!
April 6—9: Brand new story with same energetic spectacle for the whole family. $12—$30. Thursday 10:30 a.m., Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Constant Convocation Center. 888-411-4TED. www.constantcenter.com

Jar the Floor
April 7—30: Four generations of African-American women gather for their mother’s 90th birthday. Generic Theater. 757-441-2160. www.generictheater.org

Who Killed the Rock Star
Through April 22: Riotous rock concert murder mystery. Adults $36.95, Children $26.95. Friday, Saturday 7:30 p.m. Mystery Dinner Playhouse, Virginia Beach. 888-471-4802. www.mysterydinner.com

Rejoice Dear Hearts: An Evening with Brother Dave Gardner
April 22: New play following the life of Dave Gardner, comedian on The Tonight Show. $25—$30. 8 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Miami City Ballet
April 23: An acknowledge force in the international dance world with a unique South Florida ambience. $35—$45. 3 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

Reduced Shakespeare Company presents All the Great Books (Abridged)
April 26—30: See at least 89 of literature’s greatest hits in 89 minutes. Three amazing actors take you through the syllabus in this comedic tour-de-farce. Co-presented by the Virginia Arts Festival and the Virginia Stage Company. $15—$35. Wednesday—Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.vafest.com

Lazer Vaudeville
April 28—30: Evening of glow in the dark juggling acts and rope tricks performed by three aces. $20. Children (Under 12) $10. Friday, Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

MUSIC

Taste of Chaos Tour
March 1: Seven hard rock bands including The Deftones, Thrice and Story of the Year in second annual tour managed by Vans Warped Tour mastermind Kevin Lyman. $22.75. 5 p.m. Ted Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk. 888-411-4TED. www.constantcenter.com

Winterfresh SnoCore
March 1: Featuring Shinedown and Seether, Flyleaf and Halestorm. $22.50 in advance, $25 at door. 6:45 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Dropkick Murphys
March 2: With Sick of it All, Horrorpops and The Tossers. $17.50 in advance, $20 at door. 6:30 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Sub City Take Action Tour
March 3: Featuring Matchbook Romance, Silverstein, The Early November, Amber Pacific and Paramore. $16.50 in advance, $18 at door. 7 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Classics at the Ferguson Center: Larger Than Life
March 4—5: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Strauss Til Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks and John Adams The Chairman Dances. Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Black Dahlia Murder
March 5: Presented by Revolver Magazine. With Throwdown, The Red Chord and The Agony Scene. $13 in advance, $15 at door. 7 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Classics: Turkish Delights
March 9—10: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra showcases violinist Vahn Armstrong performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5. Thursday 8 p.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg. Friday 8 p.m. at Regent University Theatre, Virginia Beach. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Our Sinatra: A Musical Celebration
March 10: A heartfelt tribute to Sinatra featuring three up-and-coming stars from the Broadway stage. $30. 8 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Totally Tormé
March 10: Steve March Tormé, son of legendary jazz vocalist Mel Tormé, will sing many of his Dad’s songs, tell stories and share photos. Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.jazzongranby.com, www.ticketmaster.com

Homage to Pablo Casals
March 12: Tribute to the legendary cellist featuring music, poetry, anecdotes and autobiographical narrative. $25—$30. 2:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

The Reggie Show
March 12: Featuring Reggie and the Full Effect, Fluxation, Common Denominator and more. $10 in advance, $13 at door. 7 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Virginia Symphony Orchestra
March 12: Conducted by JoAnne Falleta. 3 p.m. Arts Enter Cape Charles. 757-331-2787. www.artsentercapecharles.org

The Chieftains
March 14: Original Irish folk band full of charm and undying spirit. $40—$50. 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

Mavis Staples
March 17: Performance by legendary soul and gospel artist with one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary music. $25—$30. 8 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Polish Chamber Orchestra with Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway
March 18: Legendary music masters and flutists in celebration of Mozart and his 250th birthday. $40—$55. 8 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

Symphony Pops: A Tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
March 18: The music of 1940s musicals brought to life by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Family Classics: Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage
March 19: Learn about Mozart’s life and hear more than 24 excerpts from his most important and engaging works by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Presented in conjunction with Classical Kids. 3 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Children of Bodom
March 20: Presented by Hot Topic. With Chimaira and Bullets for My Valentine. $15 in advance, $17.50 at door. 6:30 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

The Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour
March 21: Featuring Relient K, The Rocket Summer and Maxeen. $15. 7 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Ewell Concert Series: Susan Via and Christine Niehaus
March 23: Via, a renowned violinist, and Niehaus, a Steinway Artist pianist, have appeared throughout the U.S. and Europe. 8 p.m. Ewell Recital Hall. College of William and Mary. www.wm.edu/music/calendar.php

Michael Feinstein & Linda Eder
March 23: Two powerhouse performers with an evening of masterpieces from the American songbook. $33—$53. 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-594-8752. www.cnu.edu/fergusoncenter

Classics: Robert and Clara
March 25—26: Rare opportunity to hear both Robert and Clara Schumann’s Piano Concertos in one evening performed by Jean Louis Steuerman and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Saturday 8 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, Sunday 2:30 p.m. at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Saves the Day
March 28: With Circa Survive, Moneen and Pistolita. $15.50 in advance, $18 at door. 7 p.m. The Norva. www.ticketmaster.com

Classics: Appalachian Spring
March 31—April 2: Cellist Zuill Bailey of the HBO series Oz joins conductor Giancarlo Guerroro and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Friday 10:30 a.m. at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, Saturday 8 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Sunday 2:30 p.m. at Chrysler Hall. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
April 2: New Orleans septet that has existed in one form or another for more than 50 years. 3 p.m. Arts Enter Cape Charles. 757-331-2787. www.artsentercapecharles.org

Ewell Concert Series: Cleary Brothers Band
April 5: Lively string band weaves together bluegrass, old time and rural mountain music. 8 p.m. Ewell Recital Hall, College of William and Mary. www.wm.edu/music/calendar.php

I Hear America Singing, Presented by the Virginia Chorale
April 8—9: Salute to the legendary chorale arranging team of Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Multimedia presentation accompanies performance. Saturday 8 p.m. at the TCC Roper Theater, Sunday 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Hampton. 757-627-8375. www.vachorale.com

Joyce Yang
April 20: Young Korean pianist and winner of the silver metal in the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. $25—$30. 7:30 p.m. The American Theatre. 757-722-ARTS. www.hamptonarts.net

Lang Lang
April 20: 23-year-old international sensation and known showman, Lang was the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic and all “Big Five” American orchestras. Presented by the Virginia Arts Festival. $20—$55. 7:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.vafest.com

Classics at the Ferguson Center for the Arts: Sibelius by Change
April 21: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents violinist Sarah Chang. 8 p.m. Ferguson Center for the Arts. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

John McCutcheon
April 21: One of America’s most loved folk musicians plays a range of instruments, tells stories and sings his beloved songs. Adults $22, Seniors/Students $20. 8 p.m. Yoder Barn Theatre, Newport News. 757-249-4187. www.yoderbarn.com

Classics at Chrysler Hall: Sibelius by Chang
April 22—23: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents violinist Sarah Chang. Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

The Duhks
April 26: Blending elements of Irish fiddle tunes, Canadian French and Scots/Maritime Folk into high-energy acoustic rock and roll. $25—$50. 7:30 p.m. TCC Performing Arts Center, Norfolk. Contact the Dwelling Place 757-624-9879, www.dwellingplaceva.org or www.ticketmaster.com

Symphony Night Live! Devilish Desires
April 27: Stravinksky’s A Soldier’s Tale is the centerpiece for an evening of dancing and hors d’oeuvres. 8:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Granby Theatre, Norfolk. 757-892-6366. www.virginiasymphony.org

Mary Preston
April 28: Performance by the concert organists co-presented by the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Virginia Arts Festival. $20. 8 p.m. Christ & St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.vafest.com

Virginia International Tattoo
April 28—30: Thrilling show of pageantry and patriotism rolling out 750 artists from six countries. Presented in the tradition of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Multi-media performance includes marching bands, massed pipes and drums, Celtic dancing, choral groups, precision drum teams and more. Presented by the Virginia Arts Festival in cooperation with NATO and Norfolk’s International Azalea Festival. $20—$45. Friday , Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Scope Arena, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.vafest.com

Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
April 30: Hailed as the “finest big band in the world today,” this 15-member ensemble is among jazz’s leading groups. Presented by the Virginia Arts Festival. $35—$75. 7:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. 757-671-8100. www.vafest.com

SPORTS

Arena Racing
March 3—4: Drivers race one-half-scale stock cars capable of speeds up to 100 mph on a custom-designed, high-banked indoor track. Norfolk Scope Arena. www.sevenvenues.com

Harlem Globetrotters
March 3—4: The world-famous team on its 80th consecutive season. Ted Constant Convocation Center. 888-411-4TED. www.constantcenter.com

Norfolk Admirals
Home Hockey Games: March 10—11 (Bridgeport), March 17—18 (Hartford), March 24—25 (Portland), April 5 (Philadelphia), April 8 (Hershey), April 12, 14 (Binghampton). Times vary. 757-640-1212. www.norfolkadmirals.com

NCAA Women’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Round
March 19, 21: Eight of the top women’s basketball teams in the nation will come to compete for the title. For all six games: Adults $45, Children $30. 12 p.m. Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk. 757-683-444. www.constantcenter.com

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
April 5—8: See the country’s best college basketball players take a short at going pro in the nation’s oldest amateur tournament. Celebrity Luncheon April 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel. Churchland High School, Portsmouth. 757-393-5327. www.portsmouthinvitational.com