Volunteers Transform a Masonic Temple Hall into Norfolk's Newest Theater

NORFOLK, Va. - EntSun -- Generic Theater of Virginia will open its new home inside the Norfolk Masonic Temple on Friday, Nov. 6th with Stephen Sondheim's musical revue "Putting It Together." The production runs weekends through Nov. 29 and marks the start of Generic's 46th season.

"We're quite literally putting it together, bit by bit, piece by piece," said board President Randy Miller.

A New Home, Built by Volunteers

For 18 years, Generic performed in Little Hall, the studio space beneath Chrysler Hall. When the city's plans for Chrysler Hall and Scope Arena meant that space was going away, the company began looking for a new home. Norfolk Masonic Temple Treasurer, Ricky King reached out with an offer: bring live theater into the 1954 building on Granby Street as part of opening it up to the wider community.

Generic's new home includes a 3,600-square-foot black box theater, plus a lobby and an office. Just as important, the company no longer works around another venue's schedule. The room is Generic's, year-round.

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Phase One of the buildout began in May and wraps up on opening night. Contractors and volunteers worked side by side to install a lighting grid, stage curtains and new electrical and sound systems, and to paint and fireproof the room.

"Over 100 volunteers from the community have been involved over the last five months, transforming this space into an intimate theater where stories can be told," said Julianne Baker, Generic's secretary and volunteer coordinator.

The Show

"Putting It Together" strings together songs from "Company," "Into the Woods," "Sweeney Todd" and more.

Dr. Shelley Nowacek directs. A veteran theater educator and director, she has staged Sondheim before, with "A Little Night Music" at the Little Theatre of Norfolk.

"A musical is a musical, but then there's Sondheim," Nowacek said.

The cast features Sarah Kingsley, Alicia Searles, Jeff Joyner, Caden Barley, Alexander McDaniel, Bethany "B" Biggs and Mady Slater.

Performance Details

• What: "Putting It Together," words and music by Stephen Sondheim; devised by Stephen Sondheim and Julia McKenzie; orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
• When: Weekends, Nov. 6–29, 2026. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
• Where: 7001 Granby St., Norfolk, VA
• Tickets: https://www.generictheater.org/tickets/

"Putting It Together" (1999 Broadway Version) is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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About Generic Theater of Virginia

Founded in 1981, Generic Theater of Virginia is Norfolk's off-Broadway community playhouse, dedicated to bold, intimate and lesser-known theatrical works. The all-volunteer nonprofit is now in its 46th season and its new home at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. https://www.generictheater.org