Dogwood Dell summer season kicks off June 11

By: RACHEL TILGHMAN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: June 07, 2009

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• Dogwood Dell summer season kicks off June 11

• Dogwood Dell schedule

Plan to be entertained this summer at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, which promises a mix of new acts and talent with some old favorites.

The season begins with a pre-season "curtain-warmer" on Thursday at 8 p.m., featuring teachers from the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, as "The Faculty Lounge Lizards."

On Friday, Susan Greenbaum and her band will perform for the official season opening at 8 p.m., playing a set of original music and a set of cover songs by Carole King.

Performances will continue throughout the summer on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Dogwood Dell will celebrate 50 years of Motown on June 28 at 8:30 p.m., highlighting a musical review of the founders of Motown. This commemoration will feature singers covering songs from The Supremes, James Brown, The Four Tops and others.

For those who can't make it to the nighttime shows, Dogwood Dell will have a new program, "Tuesday Blue Plate Specials," at the Carillon Stage, which is up the hill from the Dell Main Stage. On four Tuesdays this summer, acts will perform at 12:30 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to bring lunch and enjoy some afternoon music.

In addition to the musical acts, Dogwood Dell will produce its own show this year, a British farce by Ray Cooney called "Out of the Net," starring local talent.

"We are creating our own production rather than having someone else do it," said Barbara Brock, recreation program specialist. "We want to open up the opportunity to folks who may not be musical, but still want to participate."

The show will run July 9-11 on the Dell Main Stage.

Children and families are encouraged to attend shows on the Ha'Penny stage, featuring acts such as Jonathan the Juggler and SPARC's musical theater.

"I am really pleased with the season we've got put together," said Brock. "It's even more fantastic that we're able to offer it free to the public, and that Richmond has such an excellent cultural resource like the programs at Dogwood Dell."