What’s Booming RVA: Silly Cat Videos IRL, Fireworks, Maggie Walker

Honor Maggie Walker’s birthday and Independence Day, catch two theatrical openings, tap your toes to fantastic female fiddlers, and see Acrocats performing tricks. This week’s What’s Booming comes one day early, so you can better plan your Independence Day – and so Boomer staff can better enjoy it! Presenting “What’s Booming RVA: See Silly Cats IRL.”

Find Independence Day events at What’s Booming, RVA: July 3 to 11

“Doctor Faustus”

July 4 to 21, Thursday through Sunday evenings, at Agecroft Hall, Richmond

The Richmond Shakespeare Festival continues with Christopher Marlowe’s classic tragedy. A brilliant, embittered, and solitary academic has exhausted the confines of human knowledge. Frustrated with the futility of religion, law, and science he is desperate for a deeper understanding of the universe – and for fame. He makes a deal with the devil: absolute knowledge and infinite power in exchange for his soul.

Della Mae

July 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond

The all-woman roots string band was founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith and two-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker. Joined by guitarist Avril Smith and bassist Vickie Vaughn.

Two-Week Celebration of Maggie L. Walker’s Birthday

July 2024 marks the 160th birthday of Richmond’s pioneering Black banker, community leader, and woman of faith, hope, and courage. Honoring her life through art, community events, volunteer service, special tours, and presentations.

• The celebration kicks off with speakers, entertainment, and a student art show, during First Fridays. July 5, 5 p.m., at Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza and Gallery 5, Richmond.
• Oral History House Tours. Including historical audio recordings of Maggie Walker’s grandchildren describing what it was like to grow up in her home. July 9 to 20, at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Richmond.
• Volunteer Community Service Day. Service projects in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. July 13, volunteers assemble at 8 a.m. in the courtyard of Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Richmond.
• Lecture by Elvatrice Belsches: “A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker: A Woman for All Seasons.” July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch, Richmond.
• Youth-oriented financial literacy workshops and a market pop-up. July 13, noon to 4 p.m., at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richmond.

“Buried Child”

Runs July 5 to 21 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond

Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores the disintegration of the American Dream through the eyes of a dysfunctional family in rural Illinois. Long-buried family secrets are unearthed, including a haunting mystery in the backyard. “Buried Child” explores themes of decay, denial, and the inescapable grip of the past, as Shepard powerfully critiques the disillusionment with traditional values in contemporary America. July 3 is a pay-what-you-will preview performance.

Amazing Acrocats

July 10 to 14 at Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond

See silly cats in real life at a cat circus from Rock Cats Rescue, presenting formerly abandoned rescue and stray cats that have been trained to do tricks, like riding skateboards, going through hoops, and playing instruments.

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.

More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides silly cats IRL

Food and more fun to fill your plate

Boomer’s featured flavor of the week: