Generic Theater

We went to see Hand to God play for a Sunday matinee on opening week. This was our first time attending the Generic Theater. After doing the ceremonial walk around the entire Chrysler Hall looking for the entrance door. We finally found the red doors on either side of the Chrysler box office that go down into the garage and then followed the signs. We were really impressed with the set design and how quickly the crew changes in between scenes. The stage is small and the audience is seated within few feet of the performance. We will definitely be coming back.

Descending into the labyrinth depths of the dark, dank parking garage to access the theater is an experience in itself - but well worth the effort! We saw "Hand to God" for our first Generic Theatre production and were incredibly impressed by the quality production. I am a NYC transplant who loves the experimentation and risk of off broadway shows and this show delivered on all counts from the welcoming greeting at the front of the house to the imaginatively clever and versatile set design and the outstanding acting. The detailed dressing and props and musical accompaniment (Van Halen anyone?) all enhanced this terrific show!It is the acting that impressed the most and, as would be expected, it's Brenden Hoyle's portrayal of Jason/Tyrone (his evil hand puppet) that made this production a must-see. Since this review is about the theater experience itself I won't go into detail, however, the director was able to really evoke feeling and character from each actor in an intense, dark play about grief and religion and sex. This play was funny and had LOTS of laughs - only talented actors and directors can straddle this edge! Every member of the cast and crew was exceptional and definitely deserving of the heartfelt standing ovation they received! We can't wait til the next Generic Theater performance!

My first time at the Generic Theater I was a little confused. I was standing beside Chrysler Hall staring up at the building scratching my head asking myself "did I drive past it?" when lo and behold a little sign caught my attention. A bar code with the words "Generic Theater" and an arrow. I bravely follow the arrow down the sidewalk, around the side of the building and to a set of abandoned stairs leading down to the basement level of the building. I gripped my friend tightly by the arm and muttered something along the lines of "what the ..." Well. You know.And then we were there. Our trek led us to a tiny room filled with excited patrons awaiting the performance of "Evil Dead: The Musical". I had never heard of the performance or the theater group until a friend of mine ranted and raved about it. We didn't think we needed to make a reservation, either.BIG MISTAKE. Despite their sold out show they managed to get all of us low-lives who were too stupid to make a reservation inside. We got great seats, second row center!The theater group is small and consists of a group of very talented actors. "Evil Dead: The Musical" was hilarious and featured a "splatter zone" where they generously threw fake blood at us during pivotal zombie moments of the performance. The atmosphere was that of any small theater group. Intimate, lighthearted and fun. You didn't have to be shy about laughing, it was encouraged. The entertainers were energetic and believable. The set was modest but realistic and the staff were helpful and generous.The prices are much more reasonable compared to the alternative of a Broadway show often featured upstairs at Chrysler Hall.I would recommend this theater group to anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Of course many of the performances aren't intended for younger audiences so keep that in mine when perusing their website.The crowd ranged from teens to old people in wheelchairs. You won't feel odd or out of place, I promise.Support local theater groups! Do it! I implore you. I know I'll be back for the Christmas feature: "A Tuna Christmas" and I'll be bringing more of my friends with me.

Bobby & I just went to the performance of 'Boom' at The Generic Theater. Our first visit and we thoroughly enjoyed the play! Three incredible performers! It's about a fish tank and the end of the world ..... You have to go see it! Be prepared!! I guess I need to add that it's for 'consenting adults' only! Very inexpensive! $17 for the play and $10 for the second play 'OR'. OR is a play about a spy writing a play while making out with several people! We're going Feb 15th @ 7PM if anyone wants to join us! Go to: www.doubledogtheater.com for the rest of the story!

This is a nice little theater under the Chrysler Hall. The performers are very talented and the setting is very intimate. This is a great place to enjoy live theater at very reasonable prices...a lot of FUN!!

Better Late than Never - - TodayLast night, My wife and I attended "Tuesdays with Morrie" at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. I haven't been to 1,000 plays, but I've seen 1,000's and 1,000's of films. Very few films bring me to tears, and last night was the first time at a stage presentation. It was wonderful. Thank you to everyone who played a "role" in bringing this to us. Generic Theater is one of the personal jewels of our region. Ronn Ives / FUTURES Antiques