Quill Theatre and their Community Partner, the University of Richmond Downtown, have announced 3 new one-night-shows in their Historical Reading Series. This year’s theme is Celebrity and Calamity, exploring highlights from our city’s theatrical past.

TAINTED GLORY: An Evening with Oscar Wilde (in collaboration with Melissa Rayford) will feature Wesley Young (head of Performance Studies at Radford University) as Oscar Wilde. In 1882, Wilde embarked on a series of lectures in the US promoting the Aesthetic Movement. The tour ended before an audience of 200 in the Richmond Theatre.

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Anthony Russell (Associate Professor of English, University of Richmond) will provide historical context. 9/19, 7pm, Richmond Triangle Players, $15

LUMINOUS ONE: An Evening with Ethel Barrymore (directed by Melissa Rayford) with Melissa Johnson Price as Ethel Barrymore.  Stage and screen powerhouse Ethel Barrymore looks back on her career, as she contemplates a return to the silver screen. Date and location TBD.  

THE TOP OF BRAVERY: An Evening with Bert Williams (directed by Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates) with Jeremy Morris as Bert Williams. Presented in collaboration with Community Partner the Robinson Theatre Community Arts Center. Bert Williams was one of the most beloved entertainers of the Vaudeville Era. In 1916, Ziegfeld Follies cancelled the local performance because “it was not thought wise” for a black actor to appear in a show with white performers. 2/19/16, 7pm, $10 ($5 special discount for Church Hill residents with ID).

Tickets are available on the website or by calling the box office (340-0115)