Guest User 10/10/23 Guest User 10/10/23

[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.

Guest User 10/2/23 Guest User 10/2/23

[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.

Guest User 9/20/23 Guest User 9/20/23

[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.

Guest User 8/3/23 Guest User 8/3/23

[Free Lance-Star Review] A grand '42nd Street' makes its way to Riverside

If you ever wondered what happens before the curtain goes up opening night, take a journey to “42nd Street.”

Beyond the marquee lights, there’s also a lot of sweat and tears—not to mention broken ankles, thugs, meltdowns and romantic entanglements.

This Tony-winning classic, onstage at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, is absolutely pure enjoyment as it throws audiences into the Golden Age of musicals.

Guest User 7/20/23 Guest User 7/20/23

[Free Lance-Star] '42nd Street' dances into Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

A show within a show has arrived at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

“42nd Street” — based on an iconic 1932 novel-gone-film starring Warner Baxter and Bebe Daniels — débuted yesterday and will run Wednesdays through Sundays through Sept. 10.

And, by all indications, its gearing up to be a showstopper.

Guest User 6/11/23 Guest User 6/11/23

[MD Theatre Guide] Theatre Review: ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is currently presenting “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Director and producer Patrick A’Hearn correctly describes this as a “fun show,” and for its 25th Anniversary, Riverside wanted a family friendly show just such as this.

Guest User 5/30/23 Guest User 5/30/23

[DC Theater Arts] ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ is a vibrant must-see at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, produced and directed by Patrick A’Hearn, with musical direction by Carson Eubank. This vibrant, spirited production is a must-see for fans of musical theater, and is a great choice if you’re looking to please the whole family.

Guest User 4/18/23 Guest User 4/18/23

[Free Lance-Star] Letter: Experience Broadway in Virginia

The current production of “Ragtime” at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg is one of the best shows we’ve seen anywhere. The entire production is Broadway caliber, including the large, talented cast, singing, acting, dancing, live orchestra and elaborate set. The classic story is extremely moving and strikingly relevant to current issues facing our country. It focuses on three divergent families and how their lives converge over time. “Ragtime” is beautifully executed and is something special and memorable.

Guest User 4/16/23 Guest User 4/16/23

[MD Theatre Guide] Theatre Review: ‘Ragtime’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, VA is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. It is including some very special shows this year, including the current production of “Ragtime: The Musical,” based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow.

Guest User 4/5/23 Guest User 4/5/23

[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.

Guest User 4/3/23 Guest User 4/3/23

[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.

Guest User 3/16/23 Guest User 3/16/23

[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.

Guest User 2/5/23 Guest User 2/5/23

[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).

Guest User 1/25/23 Guest User 1/25/23

[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.

Guest User 1/16/23 Guest User 1/16/23

[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.

Guest User 1/11/23 Guest User 1/11/23

[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?”

Guest User 11/16/22 Guest User 11/16/22

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.

Guest User 10/13/22 Guest User 10/13/22

'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.

Guest User 7/28/21 Guest User 7/28/21

[Free Lance-Star] Heartwarming 'Grumpy Old Men' makes its regional debut at Riverside Center

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts’ production of “Grumpy Old Men” is a salve for pandemic-weary audiences. It’s got a lot of laughs, but it’s got heart, too. That’s according to co-lead Jim Lawson who plays Max Gustafson in the musical.

He and co-lead John Hollinger, who plays fellow grumpy old man John Gustafson, began performing July 21. The show runs through Sept. 5 and is the first regional performance of the “Grumpy Old Men” musical—and the first performance of it after theaters reopened following COVID-19 shutdowns.

9/18/20 9/18/20

Riverside's Patrick A'Hearn previews Souvenir with Town Talk's Ted Schubel

Listen to Riverside Center’s Producing Artistic Director preview our upcoming production of Souvenir: A Fantasia about the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins at Riverside with Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).

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