Under the guidance of a new director, the American Theatre in Hampton, will usher in several national and regional acts plus classic movies and a jazz festival starting this month.
Jody Madaras took over as artistic director just four months ago after leaving the entertainment industry in Branson, Missouri. Prior to that, he spent 28 years on Broadway.
In addition to shows and programs, one of Madaras’ first adjustments at the Theatre was to change the smell of the building.
“When I came in for an interview, I toured the theatre. I noticed it smelled very clean,” he said. “When I was leaving the hotel (to return home) I told myself if I get the job, I want it to smell like popcorn. Shows are more fun with popcorn.”
The first season curated by Madaras will begin in August with the annual visit from the Tibetan monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery to create a sand-painted mandala.
The mandala is created and then deconstructed. The sands are taken to the water and spread throughout the world for planetary healing.
“It is very creative,” Madaras said.
The Capitol Fools will perform Sept. 5 to poke fun at Washington D.C.’s politics, a few weeks before early voting begins.
A special charity event for the 2024 Supernova International Festival follows Sept. 12. It’s dedicated to supporting music education in the United States and Jamaica.
The gala will feature Ska pioneers The Toasters and an exhibition of photos and videos of the band’s legendary career, captivating stories plus a chance to ask questions.
A highlight for Madaras is “The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke starring Darrian Ford” on Sept. 14.
“I am excited for this. His music is fun,” he said. Cooke’s famous songs include “Twistin’ the Night Away” and “Another Saturday Night.”
The three-day Phoebus Jazz Fest is also coming back at the end of September.
Presented by Hampton Roads Jazz, it will feature WHRO’s Jae Sinnett, trumpeter Duane Smith and his visionary quartet, vocalist Tierney Sutton, the Headhunters and pianist Justin Kauflin.
To go along with the new popcorn scent, Mardaras is bringing back classic movie nights on five Thursday nights. The first of five showings will feature an evening of classic movie trailers including films like “High Society” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Always a sell-out is the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live actors accompanying the film on Halloween.
Musical acts aren’t the only entertainment at the theater, there’s comedy with hypnotist, The Incredible Boris Cherniak in October. He is known for combining fun, inspiration and interactive demonstrations of mind control, Madaras said.
In November, the classic music of Carol King’s 1971 album “Tapestry” will be performed by Richmond’s Susan Greenbaum. She will also perform a few of her own songs inspired by King.
The next month will feature Independent Music Award nominee CeCe Teneal who will “blow the top off the Theatre,” Madaras said in “Portrait of Aretha.”
Teneal will perform personalized interpretations of pieces of Aretha Franklin’s 50-year-career, including “Chain of Fools” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
In addition to the national and regional acts, Hampton’s Riddick Dance company will perform two shows in November and the Hampton Roads Philharmonic will perform in October and a holiday show in December.
For a complete schedule and tickets to events, visit the American Theatre.
