February 2005 Events in Hampton Roads

February 4
Jerry Seinfeld
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld appears live at Chrysler Hall. Recently hailed as "the master stand-up comic of his generation" and "the best comedian of our time" in a Washington Post article, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. 7 pm. Chrysler Hall. Norfolk, VA.

February 5
Virginia Symphony Pops: Marvin Hamlish and Julie Budd
Marvin Hamlisch has garnered every major award, Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Tonys and Golden Globes and even a Pulitzer Prize for his musical, A Chorus Line. From Broadway to the Silver Screen from heart-wrenching drama to fall-down funny, Marvin Hamlisch demonstrates his unique ability to embellish a story through music. Julie Budd is something to hear as she performs The Barbra Steisand Songbook! 8 pm. Chrysler Hall. Norfolk, VA.

February 8
New Shanghai Circus
This talented troupe, just off a sold out, highly acclaimed Broadway tour, amazes audiences of all ages. The show is a beautifully orchestrated presentation of Chinese circus acts dating to harvest festivals of 2000 years ago. Fabulous choreography, dramatic lighting, enchanting scenery and powerful music enhance this modern day performance. Astounding contortionists, masterful acrobats and clever comedians enthrall audiences. Admission. 7 pm. Ferguson Center for the Arts. Newport News, VA.

February 12
Chocolate Lover's Evening
A friendly competition of local restaurant chefs and individuals who wave their magic spatula and create decadent desserts, which must include chocolate! 6:30 to 8 pm. The Smithfield Center. Smithfield, VA.

February 19 - 20
Presidents Weekend at Colonial Williamsburg
Three of the earliest presidents of the United States spent time in Williamsburg before they were elected president. Washington, Jefferson, and Madison appear during the weekend and discuss their time in and connections with Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg, VA.

February 23 - 27
Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus
The all-new 135th edition of the Greatest Show on Earth comes to Norfolk Scope. Go 90 minutes before the show to meet the animals close up. A coupon for a half-price ticket to opening night is available at wavy.com. Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, VA.

February 25 - May 22
Great Expectations: John Singer Sargent Painting Children
The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of only 3 museums with the privilege of presenting this landmark exhibition. Great Expectations is the first exhibition of Sargent's work to explore his paintings of children. Through oil paintings and drawings executed between 1872 and 1914, visitors will be able to marvel at this aspect of Sargent's art. Read a NY Times review of the exhibition. Chrysler Museum. Norfolk, VA.

February 25 - 27
Sinatra Suite and Grand Pas de Dix from Raymonda
Performed by the Virginia Ballet Theatre and set to Frank Sinatra favorites including "Strangers in the Night," "All the Way," "That's Life," "My Way" and "One for My Baby", Sinatra Suite is an elegant dance piece choreographed by Tony-award winner Twyla Tharp. The work has become a wildly popular Tharp classic. Raymonda is a high-spirited ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and is rarely danced in the United States. The ballet ends with a great wedding festival. The Pas de Dix is an excerpt from that final act, and is often performed as a separate one-act ballet. There is no story, just pure classical dance. Ferguson Center for the Arts. Newport News, VA.

February 26 - 27
Black History Weekend at Colonial Williamsburg
In recognition of Black History Month, a special weekend of activities which recognize the struggles, contributions and successes of 18th-century African Virginians and their contributions to America. Offered for the first time over one weekend: Presentation of African American life in Colonial Virginia; Stories of free and enslaved Virginians; Black patriots and loyalists of the American Revolution; African American music program. Colonial Williamsburg, VA.