By all indications, Richmond's elegant new performing arts complex CenterStage has been more than worth the wait. We got a first look tonight during dress rehearsal for the grand opening Saturday night in the fully enhanced and expa
nded Carpenter Theatre. It's been meticulously restored and repainted with more bars, more restrooms and inviting lounges and public spaces. First class all the way...and we didn't get to see the 200-seat Gottwald Playhouse and the smaller Rhythm Hall that will afford more intimate venues under the same big roof between 6th and 7th Streets along East Grace. You can take in the big show featuring all of CenterStage's resident companies including the Richmond Symphony, Ballet, Shakespeare and Jazz Society plus SPARC, The African American Repertory Theatre, Barksdale/Theatre IV, Elegba Folklore Society and the Virginia Opera. Tim and Daphne Maxwell Reid proved genial and light-hearted hosts during tonight's rehearsal and the challenging stage changeovers were amazingly smooth.
If you make the scene on Saturday, look for John Winn and his dad Jack (left) blowing twin saxes and crooning "The Best Is Yet To Come" with Desiree Roots Centeio. (That's David Hoggard on drums) And prepare to be impressed by the AART tap and stomp production of Langston Is My Man inspired by Harlem poet Langston Hughes. (below)
Hats off to producer/director Keith Martin who did a sterling job of wrangling hundreds of performers and crew, and this was just rehearsal. Richmond's new star attraction should shine brightly Saturday night. Plus you can tour the place for free during a Sunday afternoon open house. Details and info on all the above on the CenterStage Website. 
Oh, and fittingly, Mother Abbess showed up from the Sound of Music and sang "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." The climb has been challenging and contentious but the view from the top is spectacular.
TT
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