With glistening facades and well-dressed patrons, arts groups can look rich.

But budgets for local theater, music and dance groups and arts centers have been cut in recent years to the bone.

And there are so many unavoidable costs involved in putting on a show, from sets and costumes to musical score rentals to art shipping fees. That's not even mentioning salaries, utilities and building maintenance.

Even still, arts groups like to share some of their offerings with those who can't afford a full-priced ticket these days.

To find the deals, you need to check the groups' websites or connect on social media. Nontech-savvy folks can just give their favorite organizations a call. Discount coupons may show up in the mail or in local publications.

Opera is among the costliest art forms. A company must pay a full orchestra as well as singers, designers and a large backstage crew.

And yet, "you can buy a ticket for as little as $20," said Danielle Canonico, director of communications for Virginia Opera. (That's the discount price for students and military. For

others, the lowest listed price is $25.)

"It's not as though with a $20 ticket you're in these horrible seats," she said. Norfolk's Harrison Opera House, where Virginia Opera performs, "is so intimate, any seat provides a great vantage point and great sound."

For free, opera fans can enjoy a concert in shorts and sandals on Sept. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. The third annual Opera in the Park will feature Virginia Opera singers and choristers presenting music from the season's scheduled operas, including its opener, "Aida."

"It's a really big event for us," Canonico said, "and a great way to introduce opera to Hampton Roads."

Even Lyric Opera Virginia, a brand-new company, is offering free events. On Sept. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the company is staging "LOV Palooza," a family-friendly fest.

During the afternoon program, visitors may watch the cast rehearse at the Virginia Beach theater, where the company opens its first season Sept. 9 with "La Traviata"; subscriptions start as low as $60 for the three-production season.

Symphonies cost a lot to run, too. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra pays 58 full-time musicians plus a support staff and conductors.

Yet it opens its performing season with five free outdoor concerts, all at 7:30 p.m. The first one is at Lake Matoaka Amphitheater in Williamsburg on Sept. 1. In South Hampton Roads, concerts are set for Chesapeake City Park on Sept. 4 and on 31st Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Sept. 21.

Eric Borenstein, president and executive director of the symphony, said there are many reasons for offering free programs, besides spreading the joy of live music.

"Our mission is to strengthen the communities we serve," he said.

"When a community is known for its arts and cultural presentations, people feel a lot better about living and working there or even relocating there."

Virginia Stage Company offers a sweet deal for its previews, mostly polished performances that take place on the three evenings leading up to opening night for each show. For those shows, seats are $25.

A preview subscription costs $90, or $18 a ticket, for all five shows, said Marilyn Johnson, director of marketing. "I paid $10 to go see a movie last night. Eighteen dollars to see live theater is pretty cheap."

The only less expensive alternative is for students and military, who can get $15 tickets the day of the show.

Through the run of the Stage Company's first production, the recent Broadway hit "God of Carnage," anyone presenting a Tide light-rail fare card may buy one ticket to the show and get one free.

"People think of theater as an elitist thing," Johnson said, explaining what motivates the company to provide low-cost options. "But, historically, theater has always been by the people for the people. Theater should be inclusive, not exclusive."

Visual arts venues tend to be much less expensive. For little to nothing, a family can be educated and entertained for hours.

Some art centers charge a nominal fee but offer free admission at times. The Courthouse Galleries in Portsmouth lets people in for free on the first Friday night and Saturday of each month. On those Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m., visitors may tour the shows and enjoy a concert in the courtyard.

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center charges no entry fee on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. On that Saturday, the Newport News center offers hands-on activities geared to families and related to the art on view, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Peninsula center also is free on the third Thursday of every month, and every Tuesday evening, said Mike McGrann, marketing director.

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia stages a free event on the third Thursday evening of each month, usually hosted by a center affiliate group, the Young Contemporaries. On Sept. 15, South African artist and activist Andrew Breitenberg will discuss his work.

Every other month, the Virginia Beach center offers a free family day with hands-on activities; the next one is Sept. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Also, the center is encouraging patronage by offering a $10 discount off memberships through Aug. 31. To get that price cut, art fans must "like" the center on Facebook.

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk eliminated its admission fee nearly two years ago, which has greatly boosted its annual visitation, said Bill Hennessey, director of the museum.

The Chrysler presents lots of free programming through the year, from live jazz with a wine tasting on first Wednesdays to family activities on the second Saturday of each month.

The goal isn't just to get people through the door and increase attendance numbers, Hennessey said.

"We want to make it possible for people who might have been intimidated or found the charge a barrier to come in."

Teresa Annas, (757) 446-2485, teresa.annas@pilotonline.com

THE GUIDE

Details:  Dance - Classical music - Theater - Visual arts

DANCE

SEPTEMBER

Elisa Monte Dance Sept. 24-25, The American Theatre, Hampton. Artistic vision and athleticism combine to create a distinctive style that strives to encompass diverse cultural influences. $30-$35 adults; $27-$31.50 seniors, students and military; $15-$17.50 children. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

OCTOBER

"Dance to the Music" Oct. 2, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Part of Virginia Symphony Orchestra's kid-friendly Peanut Butter and Jam series. Dancers from across Hampton Roads celebrate every style from hoedown to hip-hop while the VSO provides the music. $12. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

"The Kings of Salsa" Oct. 3-4, The American Theatre, Hampton. An homage to the great Cuban performers and dance styles with a contemporary twist. $35 adults; $15 children. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

Parsons Dance and East Village Opera: "Remember Me" Oct. 27, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Choreographed and directed for the stage by David Parsons, "Remember Me" is a high-energy mix of contemporary American dance, opera and rock music. $21-$45. (757) 385-2787, www.sandlercenter.org.

"Gypsy Fire" Oct. 27, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Blending traditional flamenco with contemporary moves, music and looks, "Gypsy Fire" promises an evocative and exciting performance. $29-$44. (757) 594-7448, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Luna Negra Dance Theatre Oct. 29-30, The American Theatre, Hampton. Dedicated to the works of contemporary Latino choreographers, this company steers away from stereotypes to offer audiences energetic, passionate dance that reflects the cultural shift shaping 21st century America. $15-$35. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

NOVEMBER

The Moscow Ballet Presents "The Nutcracker" Nov. 14-15, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. The Moscow Ballet performs this holiday classic with lavish costumes, larger-than-life Russian puppets and nine hand-painted backdrops embellished with 3-D effects. $27.50-$68. (757) 385-2787, www.sandlercenter.org.

DECEMBER

"The Nutcracker" Dec. 3-4 at Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Dec. 10-11 with Symphonicity at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach. Ballet Virginia International, a dance academy and performing company, brings this holiday favorite to life. $20 - $40. (757) 446-1401, www.balletvirginia.org.

JANUARY

Winter Dance Concert Jan. 12-14, University Theatre, Old Dominion University, Norfolk. The talented young dancers attending the Governor's School for the Arts transfer the beauty of the winter season into their expressive annual concert. $15. (757) 628-2746, www.gsarts.net.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Jan. 21-22, The American Theatre, Hampton. The ever-popular Trocks return for another Hampton Roads performance. They provide a playful, entertaining, yet highly polished take on classical ballet, and they do it all in drag. $40. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

FEBRUARY

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana in "La Pasion Flamenca" Feb. 17-18, The American Theatre, Hampton. Journey back to the roots of flamenco in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, and experience the influences of Africa, the Americas and the Middle East combined into dynamic expression. $15-$35. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

MARCH

"Alice in Wonderland" March 3, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and more come to life in this interpretation of a classic tale. $20 - $40. (757) 446-1401, www.balletvirginia.org.

Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia March 6-7, The American Theatre, Hampton. Known for technique, professionalism and artistry, the company won the prize for best Latin American company at the Beijing Olympics. $15-$35. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

Moscow Festival Ballet's "Cinderella" March 10, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Under the direction of legendary Bolshoi Ballet dancer Sergei Radchenko, this company strives to bring timeless classics to life in exciting new productions. $22-$52. (757) 594-7448, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

APRIL

DanceBrazil April 10, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. For more than 30 years, DanceBrazil has performed worldwide with artistry as diverse as the cultural tapestry of Brazil. (757) 385-2787, www.sandlercenter.org.

MAY

New Music and Dance Festival May 17-19, University Theatre, Old Dominion University, Norfolk. The Governor's School for the Arts spring dance concert features a modern expression of music and dance at an affordable price. $15. (757) 628-2746, www.gsarts.net.

- April Phillips

CLASSICAL MUSIC

SEPTEMBER

Lyric Opera Virginia: "La Traviata" Sept. 9 and 11, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach; Sept. 23 and 25, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Verdi takes you to 1840s Paris in the opera's premiere production of "La Traviata." Peter Mark conducts. Season tickets $60-$256, individual tickets $5.40-$25. (757) 446-6666, www.lyricoperavirginia.org.

Tidewater Classical Guitar Society: guitarist Rafael Aguirre Sept. 15, Kaufman Theatre, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk; Sept. 16 at Williamsburg Regional Library. Aguirre opens the guitar society's season. Season tickets $80 ($65 for students, teachers, seniors and military); concert tickets $20 ($15 for students, teachers, seniors and military). Cash or check only. (757) 625-2330, (757) 566-3304, tcgs@mac.com.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra: "Rachmaninoff Shines on Opening Night" Sept. 16, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; Sept. 17, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; Sept. 18, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. JoAnn Falletta conducts, with soloist Philippe Bianconi, in Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3. $20-$75 Ferguson, $20-$96.95 Chrysler, $22-$87 Sandler. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

Feldman Chamber Music Society: Trio Solisti Sept. 19, Kaufman Theatre, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. Trio Solisti opens the society's 2011-12 season. Season tickets $125 ($50 students, children and music professionals), individual tickets $25 ($10 students, children and music professionals). (757) 552-1630, www.feldmanchambermusic.org.

International Operetta Festival in Virginia Sept. 22-24, Sandler Center, Virginia Beach; Sept. 25, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Well-known songs from famous operettas. Manfred Mussauer will conduct Vienna's Danube Philharmonic and soloists. $20-$98. (757) 664-6464, www.iof-va.com.

OCTOBER

Virginia Opera: Verdi's "Aida" Oct. 1, 5, 7 and 9, Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. The VOA premiere of "Aida" will include dancers from Richmond Ballet and soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams in the title role. $25-$114. (757) 623-1223 South Hampton Roads, (757) 877-2550 Peninsula, www.vaopera.org.

Norfolk Chamber Consort: The Music of Paul Bowles Oct. 3, Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk. In cooperation with the ODU Literary Festival, the consort opens its 43rd season with an evening focusing on writer and composer Bowles. Season tickets $65-$75, individual tickets $22 ($9 for students). (757) 622-4542, (757) 852-9072, www.ncconsort.org.

The Virginia Choral Society: "Back to Broadway" Oct. 7-9, Hampton Roads Academy, Newport News. James Powers conducts this 100-plus choral ensemble in hit Broadway tunes. Season tickets $40 ($35 for seniors, military and students), individual tickets $18 ($15 for seniors, military and students; free for children under 9). (757) 851-9114, www.vachoralsociety.org.

York River Symphony Orchestra: Carulli's Guitar Concerto Oct. 9, Mary Christian Auditorium, Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton. Eric Reiff and the orchestra are joined by guitarist Robin Welch. Charles Gounod's ballet music from "Faust" and selections from "Les Miserables" will also be featured. $10 ($8 for seniors, students and military). (757) 867-7115, www.yrso.org.

Symphonicity Presents Hector Olivera Oct. 16, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. David Kunkel and Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach, are joined by Olivera for organ symphonies by Camille Saint-Saens and Alexandre Guilmant. Season tickets $74-$165, individual tickets $19-$35. (757) 671-8611, (888) 326-9849, www.coxtix.com.

State Choir of Russia Oct. 20, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. This ensemble, founded in 1991, has garnered rave reviews around the world. $22-$37. (866) 614-4183, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Feldman Chamber Music Society: Cuarteto Casals Oct. 24, Kaufman Theatre, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. The Cuarteto Casals are named after famed cellist Pablo Casals. $25 ($10 for students, children and music professionals). (757) 552-1630, www.feldmanchambermusic.org.

Virginia Symphony: "A Musical Gift: Franz Liszt's 200th" Oct. 28, Ferguson Center, Newport News; Oct. 29, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; Oct. 30, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. JoAnn Falletta and the orchestra salute Liszt with Fabio Bidini playing Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the program: "The Miraculous Mandarin" suite by Bela Bartok and Joseph Suk's "Fairy Tale." $20-$75 Ferguson, $20-$96.95 Chrysler, $22-$87 Sandler. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

The Williamsburg Symphonia: Masterworks Concert 1 Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square, Williamsburg. Janna Hymes leads the orchestra in Prokofiev's Sinfonietta in A major and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 "Scottish." Season tickets $147-$198. (757) 229-9857, www.williamsburgsymphonia.org.

NOVEMBER

Tidewater Classical Guitar Society: Johannes Moller Nov. 3, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk; Nov. 4, Williamsburg Regional Library. $20 ($15 students, teachers, seniors and military). Cash or check only. (757) 625-2330, (757) 566-3304, tcgs@mac.com.

Norfolk Chamber Consort: "The Handel Obsession" Nov. 7, Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk. The Norfolk Chamber Consort offers a trio sonata, a concerto grosso and an organ concerto from this German master who conquered musical London. $22 ($9 students). (757) 622-4542, (757) 852-9072, www.ncconsort.org.

Virginia Symphony: Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien" Nov. 11, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; Nov. 13, Sandler Center for the Arts, Virginia Beach; Nov. 19, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. JoAnn Falletta conducts Tchaikovsky's works and Berlioz's "Harold in Italy" with violist Beverly Baker. $20-$75 Ferguson, $20-$96.95 Chrysler, $22-$87 Sandler. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

Symphonicity: "Tchaikovsky & The Dream" Nov. 20, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Annika Jenkins returns to play the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. David Kunkel conducts Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique." $19-$35. (757) 671-8611, (888) 326-9849, www.coxtix.com.

Virginia Opera: Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" Nov. 12, 16, 18 and 20, Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. The children from a Grimm fairy tale search for food and find a witch. $25-$114. (757) 623-1223 South Hampton Roads, (757) 877-2550 Peninsula, www.vaopera.org.

Bellissima! Women's Choral Ensemble Nov. 20, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Kings Grant Road, Virginia Beach. Deborah Carr leads the ensemble in its unique blend of classical, contemporary, sacred, secular and folk repertoire. Suggested donation $5. (757) 468-0631, www.bellissimachorale.org.

DECEMBER

Feldman Chamber Music Society: Aviv Quartet Dec. 5, Kaufman Theatre, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. $25 ($10 students, children and music professionals). (757) 552-1630, www.feldmanchambermusic.org.

"Vienna Boys Choir Christmas" Dec. 14, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Holiday favorites from this famous choir founded in 1498 by Emperor Maximilian I. $35-$75. (757) 385-2787, www.sandlercenter.org.

JANUARY

Lyric Opera of Virginia: "The King and I" Jan. 6 and 8, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach; Jan. 27 and 29, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Rodgers and Hammerstein's story tells of a king who finds love with an unlikely woman. $5.40-$25. (757) 446-6666, www.lyricoperavirginia.org.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Jan. 13, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Famed violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman leads this London orchestra. $39-$69. (866) 614-4183, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Virginia Symphony: "Gil Shaham Plays Barber" Jan. 20, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; Jan. 21, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; Jan. 22, Sandler Center, Virginia Beach. Shaham plays the Barber Violin Concerto. JoAnn Falletta conducts Dvorak's "New World Symphony." $20-$75 Ferguson, $20-$96.95 Chrysler, $22-$87 Sandler. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

The Williamsburg Symphonia: Masterworks Concert 2 Jan. 23 and 24, Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square, Williamsburg. Janna Hymes and the orchestra perform Delius' "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring," Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 with Nikolai Lugansky and Haydn's Symphony No. 98. (757) 229-9857, www.williamsburgsymphonia.org.

Virginia Opera: "Orphee" Jan. 28, Feb. 1, 3 and 5, Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Philip Glass' opera follows the psychological journey of the French poet Orphee in Paris. $25-$114. (757) 623-1223 South Hampton Roads, (757) 877-2550 Peninsula, www.vaopera.org.

Feldman Chamber Music Society: Ariel Quartet Jan. 30, Kaufman Theatre, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. Chamber music from the Ariel Quartet. $25 ($10 students, children and music professionals). (757) 552-1630, www.feldmanchambermusic.org.

FEBRUARY

Trio Voronezh Feb. 2, The American Theatre, Hampton. Hampton Arts presents this lively Russian trio featuring domra, bayan and the awesome double bass balalaika. $25-$30. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

St. Olaf Choir Feb. 3, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Anton Armstrong directs the famed choir in music to lift people's hearts and spirits. $22-$37. (866) 614-4183, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Norfolk Chamber Consort: "A French Valentine" Feb. 13, Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk. The consort plays music of Debussy and Ravel for that special valentine. $22 ($9 for students). (757) 622-4542, (757) 852-9072, www.ncconsort.org.

Symphonicity: "Bruckner and Respighi" Feb. 19, Sandler Center for the Arts, Virginia Beach. David Kunkel leads Symphonicity in Bruckner's "Te Deum" and Respighi's "The Pines of Rome" and "The Fountains of Rome." $19-$35. (757) 671-8100, (888) 326-9849, www.coxtix.com.

Virginia Symphony: "The Grieg Piano Concerto" Feb. 24, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; Feb. 25, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; Feb. 26, Sandler Center for the Arts, Virginia Beach. Featuring pianist Natasha Paremski. $20-$75 Ferguson, $20-$96.95 Chrysler, $22-$87 Sandler. (757) 892-6366, www.virginiasymphony.org.

MARCH

Moscow Festival Ballet March 10, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Prokofiev's ballet "Cinderella" and Tchaikovsky's ballet "Swan Lake," with leading dancers from Russia. $22-$52. (866) 614-4183, http:// fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Virginia Opera: Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado" March 10, 14, 16 and 18, Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Victorian society's pompous denizens are skewered in this comic opera. $25-$114. (757) 623-1223 South Hampton Roads, (757) 877-2550 Peninsula, www.vaopera.org.

Symphonicity: "The Moods of Beethoven" March 18, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. David Kunkel conducts an all-Beethoven program including "Leonore Overture" No. 3, the "Emperor Concerto" with Yue Chu and the "Pastoral Symphony." $19-$35. (757) 671-8611, (888) 326-9849, www.coxtix.com.

APRIL

Virginia International Tattoo April 27-29, Scope, Norfolk. More than 800 performers from around the world, with bands, bagpipes and more. $20-$100. (757) 282-2819, www.vafest.org.

MAY

Lyric Opera of Virginia: "Carmen" May 4 and 6, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; May 23 and 24, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. A jewel box edition of Bizet's sizzling story of a gypsy and the soldier she betrays. $5.40-$25. (757) 446-6666, www.lyricoperavirginia.org.

York River Symphony: "The Fertile Crescent" May 20, Mary Christian Auditorium, Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton. Eric Reiff conducts Ketelbey's "In a Persian Market," Loden's "Overture to David and Bathsheba," Verdi's "Triumphal March" from "Aida," and more. $10 ($8 for seniors, students and military). (757) 867-7115, www.yrso.org.

- Raymond Jones

THEATER

SEPTEMBER

"Enron" Sept. 9-Oct. 2, Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. The Southern U.S. premiere of a play that chronicles the largest corporate collapse in history and shows how one of America's greatest companies became America's biggest con job. $12-$15. (757) 441-2160, www.generictheater.org.

"God of Carnage" Sept. 13-Oct. 2, Wells Theatre, Norfolk. Winner of the 2009 Tony Award for best play, this show brings two sets of upper-class parents into a dark comedy of grown-ups behaving badly and delivers a power punch to the hypocrisy of modern society. Preview shows Sept. 13-15, $25. All others $45-$50. (757) 627-1234, www.vastage.com.

OCTOBER

"The Importance of Being Earnest" Oct. 11, The American Theatre, Hampton. Oscar Wilde's classic tale of deception and the resulting series of hilarious discoveries that threaten to spoil the romance. $32.50. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

"Young Frankenstein" Oct. 14-15, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Mel Brooks' classic movie is "alive!" with great acting and show-stopping musical numbers. $37-$67. (757) 594-7448, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

"Red" Oct. 18-Nov. 6, Wells Theatre, Norfolk. The 2010 winner of six Tony Awards, including best play, features an artist who struggles to create the commission of his lifetime for the famed Four Seasons restaurant. Contains adult language. Preview shows Oct. 18-20, $25. All others $45-$50. (757) 627-1234, www.vastage.com.

"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" Oct. 21-Nov. 20, Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. This riches-to-rags story hilariously mirrors the nation's economic crisis. $15-$18. (757) 441-2160, www.generictheater.org.

NOVEMBER

"Beauty and the Beast" Nov. 4-6, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Based on the animated film, this Broadway smash features favorite characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers. (757) 664-6464, www.sevenvenues.com.

DECEMBER

"A Christmas Carol" Dec. 2-25, Wells Theatre, Norfolk. It wouldn't be the holidays in Hampton Roads without the annual production of Dickens' famous story. $45-$50. (757) 627-1234, www.vastage.com.

"The Laramie Project" Dec. 9-12, Governor's School for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Norfolk. Governor's School actors stage the heart-wrenching true story of the murder of a gay college student in Wyoming, written after hundreds of interviews with those who witnessed the crime or knew those involved. $5-$25. (757) 451-4711, www.gsarts.net.

"The Santaland Diaries and Season's Greetings" Dec. 9-31, Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. David Sedaris' best-selling story comes to the stage in hilarious fashion just in time for the holidays. $12-$15. (757) 441-2160, www.generictheater.org.

JANUARY

"Damn Yankees" Jan. 21-22, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. A middle-aged baseball fanatic trades his soul to the devil for a chance to lead his favorite team in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. $37-$62. (757) 594-7448, http://fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

"Black Pearl Sings!" Jan. 17-Feb. 5, Wells Theatre, Norfolk. A Library of Congress song collector finds Pearl imprisoned for murder. Pearl must decide whether to entrust her with the songs of her ancestors and a chance at freedom. Preview shows Jan. 17-19, $25. All others $45-$50. (757) 627-1234, www.vastage.com.

"Macbeth" Jan. 27, The American Theatre, Hampton. Shakespeare's enduring tale of ambition, madness and darkness is made new with the clever staging of the Aquila Theatre Company. $32.50. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

FEBRUARY

"Mr. Marmalade" Feb. 10-March 4, Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. With imaginary friends like Mr. Marmalade, the creepy title character in a 2005 play by Noah Haidle, what 4-year-old needs enemies? Believe it or not, this zany comedy about emotionally disturbed children is both hilarious and heartbreaking. $12-$15. (757) 441-2160, www.generictheater.org.

"Death of a Salesman" Feb. 21-March 11, Wells Theatre, Norfolk. Director Chris Hanna brings to life Arthur Miller's tale of the quest for the American dream. Willy Loman wanted society's version of success, but he was tragically blind to the people who loved him. Preview shows Feb. 21-23, $25. All others $45-$50. (757) 627-1234, www.vastage.com.

MARCH

"Proof" March 3, The American Theatre, Hampton. Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for best play, this is the story of a young woman who has given up college to take care of her brilliant yet mentally ill father. $32.50. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

"Wicked" March 7-25, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Ever wonder what happened in Oz before Dorothy? This award-winning musical offers an unexpected history of the Wicked Witch of the West. (757) 664-6464, www.sevenvenues.com.

"Julius Caesar" March 30-31, The American Theatre, Hampton. One of the greatest political dramas of all time, this is the classic story of pride and envy, arrogance and honor, opportunity and strategic errors. $32.50. (757) 722-2787, www.hamptonarts.net.

APRIL

"Cabaret" April 20-May 13, Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. This haunting musical by Kander and Ebb about good times that go horribly bad is still relevant for contemporary audiences. $15-$18. (757) 441-2160, www.generictheater.org.

MAY

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" May 5-8, GSA Black Box Theatre, Norfolk. Everyone's favorite detective comes to life thanks to the young talents at the Governor's School for the Arts. $5-$25. (757) 451-4711, www.gsarts.net.

- April Phillips

VISUAL ARTS

AUGUST

"Pulp Fiction: The Art of Paper" Through Oct. 16, Courthouse Galleries, Portsmouth. Physicist Robert Lang makes highly detailed origami insects using only single, uncut sheets of paper. He's among the artists represented in this show who fold, cut, carve and sculpt paper. $3, free at times. (757) 393-8543, www.courthousegalleries.com.

"Corapeake: A Small Community on the Verge of Change" Through Nov. 23, Hampton University Museum. New York photographer Kendall Messick made environmental portraits of the elders of Corapeake, N.C., and collected their stories for an exhibition now at the campus museum. Free. (757) 727-5308, http://museum.hamptonu.edu.

"The Old Plantation: The Artist Revealed" Through February 2013, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Williamsburg. This exhibition looks at the clues that led to identifying the artist who painted an 18th century watercolor depicting slave life. After the painting spent some 70 years in the museum's collection, that mystery finally was solved. $4.95-$9.95. (757) 220-7724, www.history.org.

"VWC 50th Anniversary Alumni Art Show" Friday through Nov. 3, Neil Britton Gallery, Virginia Wesleyan College. For this Norfolk school, the campus gallery has put together an alumni show, opening Friday, with a reception Sept. 8. Free. (757) 455-3257, http://ww2.vwc.edu/the-arts-at-virginia-wesleyan-college/art.

SEPTEMBER

"In Memory Still: A Kiowa Legacy in Art" Sept. 10-Nov. 13, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg. Five Plains Indian artists from the Kiowa tribe have had a lasting impact on some contemporary American Indian artists, including T.C. Cannon. This show explores that legacy. $10. (757) 221-2700, www.wm.edu/muscarelle.

"Lebende Bilder: Photography by Yola Monakhov" Sept. 10-Oct. 23, Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries, Norfolk. Lebende bilders were 19th century tableaux with real people posed like a painting. Monakhov toys with that idea as he photographs the outdoors. Part of Old Dominion University's literary festival (Oct. 3-7), "The Lie That Tells the Truth." Free. (757) 683-6271, www.al.odu.edu/art/gallery.

"Reclamation: Works by Travis Cohn and Ed Pollard" Sept. 22-Nov. 15, Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk. Cohn collects mankind's throwaways and reclaims them as sculptural assemblages. Pollard photographs structures being reclaimed by nature. $2-$5. (757) 423-2052, www.hermitagefoundation.org.

"Mark Rothko: Perceptions of Being" Sept. 28-Jan. 8, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk. Rothko was an important modernist painter whose best-known later works have a visionary quality, using the simplest of forms. This show of six Rothkos - five from the National Gallery of Art, one from the Chrysler's collection - coincides with a Virginia Stage Company production of John Logan's drama "Red," about the painter. Free. (757) 664-6200, www.chrysler.org.

"Bob the Builder - Project: Build It!" Sept. 30-Jan. 2, Virginia Air & Space Center, Hampton. Before they have to work, kids think labor is fun. With this exhibition, they learn about tools and big, exciting equipment like steamrollers. $9.50-$11.50. (757) 727-0900, www.vasc.org.

OCTOBER

"Full Circle and Beyond" Oct. 5-30, d'Art Center, Norfolk. Mixed media artist Pamela Pine Winslow rented her studio just a few months after the d'Art Center opened. Now her 25-year survey show is part of the center's own 25th anniversary celebrations, which include a "Stars of the Silver Screen" gala art auction Sept. 24. Free. (757) 625-4211, www.d-artcenter.org.

"Colorama" Oct. 15-Dec. 31, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk. This amusing, nostalgic show of color photographs presents the advertising-driven dreams of an all-American lifestyle from half a century ago. Free. (757) 664-6200, www.chrysler.org.

DECEMBER

The Peninsula Glass Guild's 24th Annual Juried Exhibition Dec. 10-Jan. 22, The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, Hampton. Glass is an increasingly important art medium; the guild has been carrying that torch for nearly a quarter century. One of the group's leading lights, Ali Rogan, has an accompanying solo show. Free. (757) 727-1490, www.hamptonarts.net.

JANUARY

"Art and the Animal" Jan. 21- March 25, Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Newport News. A touring show of the national Society of Animal Artists will hibernate this winter at this fine arts center. The group is made up of top-notch painters and sculptors who mostly work in a realist style. $4-$7.50, free at times. (757) 596-8175, www.pfac-va.org.

"Indiana Artists: Charles Gick and Sigrid Zahner" Jan. 21-March 8, Visual Arts Center, Tidewater Community College at Olde Towne, Portsmouth. For this provocative, multimedia show, Gick will create a site-specific installation with video, photography, paintings and earth, and Sigrid Zahner will show clay objects and prints about war, religion, family and politics. Free. (757) 822-1888, www.tcc.edu/vac.

Robert Sites Jan. 26-March 11, Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, Virginia Beach. The Norfolk painter combines elaborately patterned backgrounds with costumed circus characters, and suggests a link between theater and real-life situations. $3-$7. (757) 425-0000, www.cacv.org.

APRIL

"Abandon Ship: Stories of Survival" April 21-March 31, 2013, The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, This show coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. The focus is on the survivors' experiences as they were cast adrift on the ocean. $7-$12. (757) 596-2222, www.marinersmuseum.org.

TAA Portfolio Exhibition April 28-June 8, Suffolk Art Gallery. The Tidewater Art Alliance organizes several shows a year for its members, but this annual juried exhibition is an opportunity for a few strong artists to show a larger collection of works. Free. (757) 514-7284.

MAY

"Andy Warhol: Portraits" May 24-June 30, Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, Virginia Beach. From The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, this show features more than 200 portraits produced by the king of pop art from the 1940s to the 1980s. $5-$10. (757) 425-0000, www.cacv.org.

- Teresa Annas