The Shenandoah Valley may be pretty far off-Broadway, but visitors will find a surprising number of professional theater performances even in the relatively small towns up and down the I-81 corridor. The Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro is one such example, offering a wide-ranging slate of plays, films, dance, and concerts, plus educational workshops, a changing art exhibit, and more.
Waynesboro is a major access point for the southern end of Skyline Drive and the northern entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, two of the most scenic drives in Virginia, or anywhere else for that matter. When you’re ready to get out of the car and find some entertainment, the Wayne Theatre is the place to go. Here’s a look at what’s coming up fast at the Wayne.
May 18: “The Modern Gentlemen, the Grand Gala and Silent Disco.” None other than Frankie Valli saw something special in four independent singers and brought them together to perform often with him as The Modern Gentlemen. “They’re the best singers I’ve ever worked with,” said Vallie.
Before the Gentlemen’s show on May 18th show, however, the Wayne is throwing a Grand Gala, “Where the Stars Align.” “This will be the premier party of the year in Waynesboro,” said Tracy Straight, the executive director of the Wayne Theatre. “The Grand Gala will be a special night celebrating the Wayne Theatre, and what it means to the community to have this special venue as a regional center for the live and visual arts.” Tickets to the Modern Gentlemen’s performance only are $42; tickets to the Grand Gala, which include a ticket to The Modern Gentleman performance, run $100 each.
The night will be capped by a Silent Disco beginning at 10 p.m. that is included for all Grand Gala ticket holders and $20 for the general public. At a silent disco, people dance to music broadcast from a radio transmitter and picked up on wireless headphone receivers worn by the participants. Those without the headphones hear no music, giving the effect of a room full of people dancing to nothing.
On June 9, entertainment moves outside where the Wayne presents the South River Music Festival. The event will be held on the banks of the South River, featuring live music, food trucks, beer and wine and more. Tickets are $15 adult and $5 for students.
The Wayne also conducts a popular Monday at the Movies series—on tap this month are: May 7, “The Grapes of Wrath;” May 14, “American Graffiti;” May 21, “The Best Years of our Lives.” Admission for all is “pay what you will.”
While not every performance theater includes an art gallery, the Wayne has a great one.
Running through May 27 is “Art in the 21st Century,” which displays not just works of art but examines how the five guest artists approach their work and how their individuality emerges in their choice of subject matter. It’s a unique look at both art and the artist.
Take a virtual tour of the Wayne here, and if you’re still not sold, consider this recent Facebook comment from a visitor: “Our experience at Wayne Theater is always marvelous! The theater itself has such beauty and comfort you won’t regret buying tickets for any event they offer! It’s spacious and a huge plus is choosing seats for shows! You don’t have to arrive an hour ahead and stand in line to make sure you get decent seats. Ticket prices are reasonable, especially with the seat choices!”