[Free Lance-Star] America in motion: ‘Ragtime’ aims for the heart
It’s been a while since Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has had a large-scale production on its stage. Think “Les Misérables” or “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” or in recent memory, “Bright Star.” And what better way to roll out its 25th anniversary season than with “Ragtime,” a show that’s also hitting its own 25th milestone.
Just last week, stars from the original Broadway cast — including Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald — reunited for a one-night-only benefit concert in New York. Even if they weren’t lucky enough to catch that performance, local theatergoers have time to experience this epic heartbreaker, which is onstage at Riverside through early May.
[DC Theater Arts] ‘Ragtime the Musical’ soars at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
In a celebration of 25 years of Broadway quality musicals in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Ragtime the Musical lit up the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts with emotional performances by Jacquez Linder-Long, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, Alan Hoffman, Kadejah Oné, and Adrianne Hick.
This show was masterfully directed by Patrick A’Hearn, Riverside’s producing artistic director. The 25-year-old, Tony award-winning show, is based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow and has a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Carson Eubank’s music direction and conducting helped this musical soar.
[Free Lance-Star] Chasing the American dream: ‘Ragtime the Musical’ rolls into Riverside Center
What has a nice ring to it? Twenty-five years after opening on Broadway, “Ragtime the Musical” will hit the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts stage during the theater’s very own 25th anniversary year.
The show — full of raw emotion and commanding tunes — débuted at Riverside yesterday and runs through May 7.
[DC Theater Arts] ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ charms at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off its 25th year with one party of a production! Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville has everything a good celebration needs: tropical drinks on the beach, lively music and dancing, romance, and even a smattering of zombies (you read that right).
[FLS] Review: Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ pours on the charm at Riverside
With these cold, gray days and talk of a wintry mix, a trip to Margaritaville sounds pretty nice right about now. The reality is that it’s not an actual place, but it sure feels like it at Riverside.
The performing arts center has been transformed into a piece of paradise in the Caribbean, where vacation-starved tourists, bachelorettes and colorful locals come out to play, hook up or just chill out. Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville,” onstage through March 5, is a feel-good show wrapped in the sun-drenched sounds of the Key West-loving crooner.
[MD Theatre Guide] Theatre Review: ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Cast your line off the askew wooden dock, a distressed beach shack behind you, and dangling fairy lights overhead, and you’re sure to catch a nostalgic performance of the jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville” at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Showcasing a compendium of songs by Jimmy Buffet with a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, this crew of Fredericksburg beach bums brings you dinner and a show like no other.
[Free Lance-Star] Make a break for ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ at Riverside
The 25th season at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off with a big ole party.
That party comes in the form of Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville,” which is loaded with sunny vibes, hints of romance and, oh yes, Buffett jams that span the classic to obscure spectrum. The show débuted at Riverside on Wednesday and runs through March 5.
“This is a show that has been doing incredibly well in regional theaters, primarily because it’s so laid-back and has a charming little message in the end,” said Patrick A’Hearn, producing artistic director at Riverside. “Besides, who doesn’t love a little fun in the sun, music and margaritas?”
Theater preview: Riverside Christmas Spectacular brings home the holidays
If it’s not beginning to look a lot like Christmas just yet, take a look at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts and think again.
Yesterday, the Fredericksburg entertainment staple kicked off the 2022 stint of its Christmas spectacle, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays through the end of the year.
[MD Theatre Guide] Theatre Review: ‘Ghost: The Musical’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
“Ghost” first appeared in movie theaters in 1990. A tragic love story with supernatural and occasional comedic elements, the film was an unexpected success. It became the top-grossing movie of that year, winning two Academy Awards—Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg) and Best Screenplay for Bruce Joel Rubin. In 2011, Rubin revisited “Ghost,” providing the book and contributing to the lyrics for “Ghost: The Musical.” Nominated for three Tony Awards, the show played on Broadway and London’s West End.
Just in time for the Hallowe’en season, the show is now appearing in Fredericksburg, Virginia at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
‘The Voice’ runner-up Toneisha Harris talks ‘Ghost: The Musical’
7NewsDC — It’s hard to believe it was 32 years ago when ‘Ghost’ first hit theaters. The timeless film was a global hit, earning more than $500 million and winning two Academy Awards. The movie was eventually adapted for the stage and you can catch ‘Ghost: The Musical’ right now at Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Star of the show and ‘The Voice’ season 18 runner-up Toneisha Harris joined us to discuss the production.