[MD Theatre Guide] ‘‘Theatre Review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts”
Channeling a band’s life onstage can be a tricky endeavor. The musical “biopic” is a tempting stage device, with its ready-made score and built-in name recognition. But it also has the danger of going off-kilter (see ABBA and the whimsical, paper-thin plot of “Mamma Mia.”) “Jersey Boys,” the musical sensation based on the life and hits of The Four Seasons, certainly does not make that mistake. Its gritty and often eye-opening portrayal of Frankie Valli and his band members adds gravitas to their well-known iconic songs. As soon as the rights to the show were available, Riverside snapped it up. Jersey is now located in Stafford County and the effect is, “Oh, What a Night!”
[The Free Lance-Star] ‘‘An enjoyable ‘Jersey Boys’ takes the stage at Riverside”
“Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Bye Bye Baby” — we’ve all heard these classic songs by the Four Seasons either on the radio, in a commercial or in a movie. Or perhaps for a lucky number of you, live in concert.
However, behind those breezy popular hits was a lot of hustling, hard work, determination and drama. “Jersey Boys,” now playing at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, charts the successes and struggles of this iconic pop-rock group while also ramping up the nostalgia with an endless parade of musical numbers.
[Potomac Local News] ‘‘ ‘Jersey Boys’ hit the stage: A musical journey from streets to stardom”
Stafford County’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is set to heat up even in the chilly winter weather as the “Jersey Boys” take center stage for their opening weekend.
Snow, ice, or wind won’t deter audiences from experiencing this award-winning musical’s phenomenal music, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling.
[The Free Lance-Star] ‘‘A charming ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ marches into Riverside”
This holiday season, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is taking audiences to one of the most Christmassy places in the country: New York City — 34th Street to be exact.
[Potomac Local News] ‘‘Miracle on 34th Street’ at Riverside gets everyone in the holiday spirit”
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is decked out for Christmas, and its Christmas show reminds us what it means to be kind this holiday season.
[DC Theatre Arts] ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ is a heartwarmer at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Meredith Willson’s tune-filled musical, based on the classic film of the same name, is a seasonal treat that’s fun for all ages.
[Free Lance-Star] A swoonworthy ‘Bridges of Madison County’ takes hold of Riverside
As the fall weather turns cooler, the desire for all things cozy and heartwarming becomes stronger. And Riverside’s beautiful production of “The Bridges of Madison County” exceedingly fits the bill.
[Potomac Local News Review] ‘Bridges’ at Riverside is southern, slow, sultry, steamy
The performances by all of the cast were outstanding, and the singing quality was excellent. One party member commented that this production would not be out of place in a London West End Theater.
[DC Theater Arts Review] ‘Bridges of Madison County’ combines music and forbidden romance at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Like the rock band The Clash, The Bridges of Madison County asks the question “Should I stay or should I go?” Director Patrick A’Hearn and the cast at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts have put on a musical that is a triumph of high art.
[Free Lance-Star] ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ arrives at Riverside
When Patrick A’Hearn, producing artistic director of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, saw the movie “The Bridges of Madison County,” he recalls thinking it would make a wonderful musical.
The movie — which opened in 1995 starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood and is based on a 1992 novel by Robert James Waller — tells “such a beautiful love story,” A’Hearn said.
“I always thought to myself, ‘This would make a good musical, and luckily someone else did, too,” he said.