"Mr. Marmalade," a play about a lonely little girl named Lucy, her imaginary friends and the real adults who live largely in her periphery, opens Friday at the Generic Theater's down-under venue at Chrysler Hall. It runs through March 4.

NORFOLK

Stress was the catalyst.

Tyler Gaca, a junior at Salem High School in Virginia Beach, said he was anxious about his family’s upcoming move to West Virginia. So about a month ago, he painted a self-portrait he called “Inside the Subconscious.”

NORFOLK Hundreds of local teens are expected to show up Saturday with their artwork for a chance at a cash prize and a sure bet on an exhibition. The Hampton Roads Student Gallery kicks off at Selden Arcade with registration from 8 to 11 a.m., after which judging takes place. Awards will be announced onsite at 3 p.m.

Claire Cucchiari-Loring's captivating voice and personal strength still ring clear in the memories of many. The 22-year-old Old Dominion University senior's life was cut short Dec. 8, 2006, when she was shot twice by her ex-boyfriend, who then shot and killed himself.

Did you hear the one about the geek who went to the comedy club? If not, and you've been wanting to let your geek flag fly, check out "The Geek Comedy Show, Episode II" on Tuesday at the Virginia Beach Funny Bone. The show is designed for lovers of all things geeky, which these days covers a lot of ground, says comedian Sid Bridge, one of the event's creators.

The idea wasn't new. TV shows featuring teens dancing while popular acts performed their latest hits had been done. But before 1971, nothing like "Soul Train" existed. The variety show took the template Dick Clark had set with "American Bandstand" and made it funky, showcasing almost exclusively black dancers and artists.

NORFOLK
The Virginia Stage Company’s 2012-13 season will feature two world premieres, including one based on real accounts from local military spouses.
The five-show season, now on sale, also includes an August Wilson drama, a classic Neil Simon comedy and a mystery title.

By Paul Sayegh
Correspondent
NORFOLK

VIRGINIA BEACH The biggest mystery in "Getting Away With Murder" is why the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach chose to produce a play with such a dreadful track record. The play is one of the few flops in composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim's mostly triumphant career.

As long as the title character is singing, Virginia Stage Company’s “Black Pearl Sings!” is a piercing, compelling entertainment.
The play is sparked by Jannie Jones’ stunning performance as Pearl, but the work is more entertainment than drama.