History

Commonwealth Musical Stage was incorporated in 1991 as the State's only professional theatre committed exclusively to production of musical theatre. To more clearly reflect the company's identity, the name was changed in 1997 to Virginia Musical Theatre. VMT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. A volunteer board of trustees oversees the fiduciary responsibilities of the company.

Now in its seventeenth season, VMT remains Hampton Roads only professional arts organization devoted exclusively to musical theatre. This focused commitment ensures its contributions enhance efforts of other institutions to complete the region's cultural fabric. VMT provides: 1) affordable, professional, high quality productions; 2) added breadth to alternative popular fare offered by Broadway touring and other groups; and 3) educational performances for school audiences.

Each year, VMT produces four or five musicals that bring together the talents of nationally recognized professionals with approximately 100 Virginia-based performers, musicians, designers, and young theatre aspirants. Boasting significant Broadway, national and international credits, the artistic leads inspire regional talent to create superb productions like Camelot, Phantom of the Opera, Oliver and a variety of classical Broadway Musicals. Critical acclaim accompanies these productions, with comments such as [the production] was "marked with a rare artistic completeness," adding the performance "reaffirmed the importance of good directing and the value of this company."

To date, VMT has produced 83 different musical revivals that represent the diversity of the genre (Oklahoma to The Scarlet Pimpernel), it ever-changing musical styles (Tintypes to Chorus Line), and the genius of it creators (Man of La Mancha to South Pacific). America's foremost composers and lyricists are represented, collectively mirroring the history and popular culture of Twentieth Century America and offering a comprehensive survey of the art form's development.

While revivals of classics are its primary mission, VMT also produces under-appreciated current works, including the 2002 season's local premiere of Arthur Kopit's and Maury Yeston's Phantom. One local critic called the score "quite melodious and inventive," the production "a quite pleasurable theater adventure," and applauded VMT's "miracle" of "producing musicals this big on a regular basis." VMT has also produced three new commissions, including Yankee Doodle Cohan and I'll Be Seeing You.

Finally, to kindle interest among young audiences, VMT actively cultivates student groups. In particular, it produces study guides to enhance understanding and appreciation; and it includes productions with significant education and historical value (1776 and Shenandoah). For each production, VMT offers discounted matinees for student groups.

VMT operates under agreements with Actor's Equity Association and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the unions representing American Theatre professionals. Like the other principal art organizations in the region, VMT combines guest artists with regional professionals in its productions. An average of 300 performers, musicians, designers, directors, choreographers and technicians are employed each season.