5 things

I’m trying really hard to not talk about the weather because, frankly, it’s depressing. So instead, let’s take a look at five fun things happening this weekend that will hopefully keep your mind off of the fact that your eyes are melting out of your skull (my, that was graphic).

June 24, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

I’m trying really hard to not talk about the weather because, frankly, it’s depressing. So instead, let’s take a look at five fun things happening this weekend that will hopefully keep your mind off of the fact that your eyes are melting out of your skull (my, that was graphic).

1. Books on Broad: Belle Boggs’s Mattaponi Queen

The Library of Virginia is kicking off a lovely summertime series this week with their first installment of Books on Broad, an event that brings Virginia authors and book lovers together on a monthly basis to enjoy some refreshments and good conversation. King William County native Belle Boggs will start things off with a conversation focusing on her book Mattaponi Queen. If you haven’t read it, don’t fret — you’re still encouraged to come check things out.

• Thursday, June 24 (5:30pm to 7:30pm)
• Library of Virginia (800 E. Broad Street)
• Free!

2. RENT

ZOMG RENT IN RVA!!!! Sorry, that’s all I can really say.

• Opens Thursday, June 24 and runs through August 1 (Thursdays through Saturdays only; evening shows are at 8pm, matinees are at 4pm)
• Firehouse Theatre (1609 W. Broad Street)
• Evening performances: $27 for adults; $25 for seniors; $12 for students. Matinees are “pay-what-you will.”
• Special note: The July 4 matinee will benefit the Fan Free Clinic and will also include a talk-back session immediately following the performance.

3. Rick Skye is “A Slice O Minnelli”

Someone in the RVANews office (whose name sounds very much like Rob Batrow) happens to love Liza Minelli. So, naturally, I had to include this gem from the Richmond Triangle Players and Rick Skye. I mean, check out the description:

Displaying Liza’s physical and vocal mannerisms along with a smashing voice, Rick has created an outrageous show, a non-stop production number tracing Liza’s legendary career.

With everyone so grumpy from the stifling heat, this show might be just what the doctor ordered.

• Thursday, June 24 through Saturday, June 26 (8pm); Sunday, June 27 (4pm)
• Richmond Triangle Players (1300 Altamont Avenue)
• $25

4. Tap and Jazz Tribute to Michael Jackson

Friday marks the first anniversary of the King of Pop’s death, so why not spend a little time reminiscing?

• Saturday, June 26 (11am to 1pm)
• Landmark Theatre (6 N. Laurel Street)
• $11 to $16

5. Movies & Mimosas: Pretty Woman

Come on, everyone loves this movie. The big hair! The final scene on the fire escape! The part when Kit says “Oh yo, oh yo, catch this!” Maybe that last one is just me. The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission — particularly due to this song which my 10-year-old self (why was I watching this movie when I was in elementary school???) LOVED:

Hmmm. I don’t remember the song being that long. Really, Roxette? Really? But seriously, go see the movie — it’s the film that made Julia Roberts a super-mega-star. And we all know movie theaters have the best air conditioners, anyway.

• Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 (doors open at 10:30am, movie starts at 11am)
• Movieland (1301 N. Boulevard)
• $5.50, $4.50 with your Criterion Club Card

None of these sound good? Check out our Events Calendar for more fun stuff going on around town.

As always, if you know of something that deserves a shout out, please do so in the comments OR submit it to the calendar yourself!

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

June 24, 2010 6:00 AM 3