In 2018, I saw nearly 30 area productions (not to mention “Frozen” on Broadway and “West Side Story” sung entirely in Spanish while on vacation). That number is only a small dent in the incredible theater that was presented on local stages.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts continues its season with the Disney classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. If audience response is any indication, this musical extravaganza is enjoyable for the entire family. Arrive early as the dinner theatre offers its audiences a variety of three-course meals that are appetizing and perfectly-themed for this production. Kids will also appreciate a meet and greet with some of Disney's most iconic characters following the performance.

A beloved classic, Beauty and the Beast is a popular choice amongst audiences. When a show’s high status is paired with Riverside’s well-earned reputation for providing Broadway-quality performances for the NOVA region, the result is a packed auditorium. I wasn’t at all surprised to see so many people at my performance (or lots of little girls in sparkly yellow ball gowns), nor was I surprised when that performance received an enthusiastic standing ovation at curtain call.

For many years of reviewing regional theatre, I have looked around the audience with growing concern at the many grey and balding heads. Where, I asked myself, in this age of Netflix, YouTube, video games, and movie theatres with reclining chairs will the next generation of live theatre patrons come from?

Now I have an answer.

Everyone knows the story of “Beauty and the Beast.” One of Disney’s most beloved and popular movies, it tells the story of a vain, cruel prince who is cursed to live as a beast after turning an old woman away from his castle for her appearance. Only by learning to love someone and be truly loved in return can the prince break the spell. Enter Belle, an independent village girl who dreams of more outside her quaint little village.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts brings this classic story to life with all of the favorite songs and characters from the 1991 animated feature, but it also offers fans and newcomers so much more to enjoy. What makes this show stand out are the quieter moments that resonate with the audience. That is what Riverside is trying to shine a light on: the relationships at the heart of the story.

“Song as old as rhyme ... Beauty and the Beeeeaaaaaaaaast!”

You know the lyrics. You’ve seen the iconic Disney flick. And now, it’s time to experience it live.

Through Nov. 25, “Beauty and the Beast” and all of its timeless glory is at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Directed by Riverside’s producing artistic director Patrick A’Hearn, this one is full of storybook and “once upon a time” charm.

Listen to Wyn Nicki Elledge (Belle) and Rj Pavel (Lumiere) preview our upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Riverside alongside director and Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA). 

Listen to Wyn Delano (Beast) and director and Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn preview our upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Riverside alongside Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA). 

Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs September 26 through November 25, 2018. Tickets are available via our website or by calling our box office at 540-370-4300!