Howls pierce through the darkness as you make your way through the moonlit gardens at the Hermitage – or should we say Anderson Academy. The Hermitage has temporarily transformed into an institution for well-to-do students where something’s not quite right.
Virginia Stage Company and the Hermitage have teamed up for a thrilling immersive theater experience. Night School is presented by Baldwin Advisory LLC + The Goode Family Foundation. The world attendees will be entering is only partially fictional. Authentic museum artifacts and displays are incorporated into the plot, while some items are from only the Anderson Academy’s world. This blurring of story and reality gives the experience a certain level of charm that entices you to believe.
The occasion of the night is a ‘friendraiser’ for Anderson Academy, where “the strength of the pack is the wolf.” Anderson students and staff, whom I might add are not afraid of a good howl, guide attendees through the academy. The tour starts much like any school tour, showcasing classrooms and emphasizing the Sloane family history. The rumors and whispers are abundant as visitors’ unease increases regarding this campus mystery. Is it just a friendly fundraiser for families, or is there something more insidious afoot at this little school?
You’ll be whisked into passageways and escorted through rooms as groups break up and rejoin in a well-orchestrated choreography. You may even become an unwitting part of the plot as the storylines progress. From the dimly illuminated trails through the gardens, attendees should plan on encountering more than just a few spooky vibes. The twists and turns aren’t constrained to your journey across the campus; the story will take you places you genuinely won’t expect. The performance moves fluently through bits of mystery, spookiness, and even some comedy for a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. The Virginia Stage Company team takes the chance to flex the range of their skills. It’s clear why last year’s performances sold out repeatedly.
There’s only a handful of nights in October that this interactive theater experience runs, and you’d be howling mad to miss it ????. Bring your friends and show up a bit early to enjoy a beverage in the Great Hall. And don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of your typical haunted house events, this is much more restrained. You’ll still get a few solid moments of fear, however.
Thursday, October 21 Preview, 7:20 and 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 23, 7:20 and 8:30 pm
Thursday, October 28, 7:20 and 8:30 pm
Friday, October 29, 7:20 and 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 30, 7:20 and 8:30 pm
Members: $35 | Non-Members: $45
Preview Tickets: $30 all tickets
Paul Stetson Rice
Chelsea, NFK
Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.
