Norfolk, Virginia may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Broadway shows, but the city actually has a robust performing arts scene. While Norfolk may lack the giant theaters of Broadway in New York City, several touring Broadway productions make stops at local venues each year. For theater fans in Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk offers a chance to see top-quality theater without traveling far.
Current and Upcoming Broadway Shows in Norfolk
The main venue for touring Broadway shows in Norfolk is the Chrysler Hall Theater, located in the Scope arena complex downtown. With a capacity of over 1600 seats, Chrysler Hall has hosted numerous national touring productions over the years. Here are some of the current and upcoming Broadway shows scheduled to play in Norfolk this year:
- Cats – October 18-23, 2022
- Jesus Christ Superstar – November 1-6, 2022
- Anastasia – January 10-15, 2023
- Hadestown – February 7-12, 2023
- Dear Evan Hansen – April 4-9, 2023
- Hamilton – May 9-28, 2023
This impressive lineup includes some of the most popular recent Broadway shows touring the country. Norfolk audiences will get their chance to see the magical musical Cats, the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, the fantasy Anastasia, folk-inspired Hadestown, powerful Dear Evan Hansen, and, of course, the musical phenomenon Hamilton.
Broadway Shows That Have Played in Norfolk
In addition to upcoming shows, many top Broadway productions have made stops in Norfolk over the past several years. Here are some of the most notable Broadway shows that have played limited engagements at Chrysler Hall and other Norfolk theaters in recent memory:
- The Lion King
- Wicked
- The Book of Mormon
- Aladdin
- Les Miserables
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Rent
- Jersey Boys
- The Color Purple
- Kinky Boots
This list demonstrates the caliber of shows that have delighted audiences in Norfolk. Combining classics like Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera with more recent smashes like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, Norfolk receives its fair share of Broadway magic.
Other Venues Hosting Broadway Shows
While Chrysler Hall is the premiere destination for touring Broadway productions in the region, other local theaters sometimes host Broadway shows as well. Here are some other venues to check for Broadway performances:
- Harrison Opera House – Historic downtown theater that occasionally presents Broadway shows.
- NorVa – Popular local music venue that books limited musical theater engagements.
- ODU’s University Theatre – Hosts student productions of Broadway shows.
- Zeider’s American Dream Theater – Musical and live entertainment venue in Virginia Beach.
So while Chrysler Hall remains the consistent spot to see touring Broadway shows, be sure to keep an eye on other local venues for special engagements. Norfolk’s vibrant arts scene means Broadway-caliber theater turns up in interesting places.
How Norfolk Attracts Top Broadway Shows
For a mid-sized city like Norfolk, hosting touring Broadway shows is no small feat. Bringing blockbuster musicals like Hamilton to town takes much planning and investment. Here are some of the ways Norfolk has become a destination for major Broadway tours over the years:
- Chrysler Hall – The crown jewel performing arts venue provides Broadway tours a big theater with the technical capabilities required for major shows.
- Local theater patronage – Longstanding community support for Chrysler Hall and other Norfolk theaters demonstrates consistent demand.
- Proximity to larger markets – Being within driving distance for much of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina expands the potential audience.
- Historic downtown – Norfolk’s vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown around Chrysler Hall provides an accommodating setting for show-goers.
- Tour routing – Norfolk conveniently fits into the routing between Broadway touring stops in major markets like Raleigh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
These advantages have allowed Norfolk to draw in Broadway shows each season despite not having the population size of top touring markets. Local audiences have demonstrated their passion and willingness to turn out for high-quality theater.
Benefits of Broadway Theater in Norfolk
Beyond just entertaining audiences, regularly hosting touring Broadway productions provides many benefits for Norfolk and the surrounding region:
- Supports and sustains the local arts and culture scene
- Attracts theater fans from around the region to downtown Norfolk
- Provides creative inspiration and education for local performers and students
- connects Norfolk audiences with the top productions in live theater
- Boosts the local economy through dining, hotels, and other tourism spending
- Raises the national artistic profile and reputation of the city
Broadway shows also provide many local jobs for stagehands, technicians, and theater staff in Norfolk. Overall, Broadway in Norfolk delivers a major economic and creative boost to the city.
Theater Tips for Broadway Shows in Norfolk
To help make the most of a Broadway show experience in Norfolk, keep these tips in mind:
- Book early – Tickets sell out quickly so reserve seats as soon as sales open.
- Join pre-sales – Sign up for early ticketing access by joining the Broadway in Norfolk email list.
- Look for deals – Chrysler Hall offers some discounted ticket programs on select shows.
- Arrive early – Give yourself time to park, get situated, and browse the lobby.
- Do dinner and a show – Pair your show with a great downtown Norfolk restaurant.
- See multiple shows – Subscribing to the Broadway season is the best way to see all the shows.
Following these tips will help you make the most of Broadway magic when it rolls into Norfolk!
The Future of Broadway in Norfolk
As Norfolk continues evolving into an arts and entertainment destination, theaters like Chrysler Hall will likely expand their offerings and draw even more high-profile Broadway tours. Here are some predictions for what’s ahead:
- Longer and more frequent engagements of blockbuster shows.
- Increased variety – more dramas and offbeat shows interspersed with big musicals.
- More shows direct from Broadway seasons instead of just tours.
- Enhanced productions using Chrysler Hall’s updated technical capabilities.
- Creative partnership engagements with local theater companies.
All signs point to Norfolk audiences enjoying even more phenomenal Broadway experiences in the years to come. For theater fans, it’s an exciting time in the 757 area code.
Conclusion
While New York City remains the epicenter of American theater, Broadway has long extended its magic to audiences across the country through touring shows. Thanks to grand venues like Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, Virginia has become a thriving outpost for premier Broadway productions outside of the Big Apple. With a lineup of shows delivering equal parts glitz, fun, and inspiration, Broadway in Norfolk enriches the local arts community and delights audiences of all ages. For classic musicals, family favorites, and the hottest new shows, Broadway shines brightly in Norfolk.