[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.
[Free Lance-Star/Star Exponent] 'Ghost' gets a pop-rock spin in spirited Riverside show
“Ghost” may have been released in 1990, but this romantic heavyweight has been enjoying a long afterlife. The iconic film—starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and (ahem, Oscar winner) Whoopi Goldberg—aims for the heart as it illustrated the powerful bond between Molly and Sam, cementing it as one of the most epic cinematic love stories.
[DC Theater Arts] A fun and moving ‘Ghost the Musical’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Ghost the Musical, with book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin and music and lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, based on the 1990 Oscar-winning film starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. Patti D’Beck directs and choreographs this fun, moving production. Toneisha Harris, a finalist on the 18th season of The Voice, takes on the role that won Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and showcases her outstanding vocals. An edgier, more modern show than the classic content that Riverside normally favors, Ghost was a somewhat risky choice for the center, but the gamble pays off in a big way!
'Ghost the Musical' comes to life at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
It’s a big week for Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
On Sunday at 6:30 p.m., the organization will host a special “Celebration 25” gathering. The event will reveal the six shows to take the main stage in 2023 for Riverside’s landmark 25th season (Hint: There will be three shows making a Riverside return and three new ones). Intimate performances, silent auctions and light refreshments will round out the vibe of this first-of-its kind event.
But, before we fast-forward to next year’s happenings, Riverside’s 24th season is still in full swing and its latest show—“Ghost the Musical”—débuted Wednesday. The full rock musical runs through Nov. 6 and promises to be a vocal and visual spectacle.
[DCTA Review] Engaging ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ is served at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
A whirlwind of different viewpoints and an incredibly interesting study of American culture and racism, all handled by the actors beautifully.
[FLS - Letter to the Editor] Riverside is a gem
Letter to the Editor of the Free Lance-Star regarding a patron’s visit to Riverside Center for the Performing Arts from Saint Leonard, Maryland.
[Free Lance-Star] Theater Review: A well-done ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ served at Riverside
After the light-hearted “Nunsense” earlier this summer, Riverside is going for meatier fare with “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
[MD Theatre Guide Review] ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Many dinner theatres run primarily on popular musicals. Patrick A’Hearn, producer of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, Virginia, challenges this trend by presenting at least one non-musical production per year. His selection this year is “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” a bold choice in spite of being based on an award-winning film from 1967.

'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' pays a visit to Riverside Center
The title of the show asks a simple question: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”?
Well, based on Riverside Center for the Performing Arts’ newest big stage production, a lot of locals really should be joining them for dinner for an experience to remember.
The play—concocted by Todd Kreidler and based on the smash 1967 drama-meets-comedy film starring Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn—opened on Wednesday and runs through Sept. 4.
[DCMTA Review] Sally Struthers shines in ‘Nunsense’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents the musical farce Nunsense, starring Sally Struthers as Mother Superior, and with book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin. When the Little Sisters of Hoboken find themselves in a situation that demands fast cash, they decide to put on a hastily planned variety show. The original script derails quickly, and the result is an evening of hilarious entertainment. Directed by Patti D’Beck with musical direction by Carson Eubank, Nunsense is the night of comedic relief that we all need right now!
[Free Lance-Star] Theater Review: ‘Nunsense’ turns up the fun at Riverside
Upon entering Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, some theatergoers might think for a second they’re at the wrong show. A lighted sign for “Grease” hovers over the 1950s-styled mainstage, with diner barstools, a jukebox and cardboard cutouts of a hip-shaking Elvis and a covered-up Marilyn Monroe scattered about.
If you’ve come for “Nunsense,” don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
[Free Lance-Star] Sally Struthers returns to Riverside in ‘Nunsense the Musical’
Legendary actress Sally Struthers has returned to Riverside Center for the Performing Arts for her seventh engagement at the venue.
This time, she’s starring as Mother Superior in the hilariously quirky musical “Nunsense.” The show kicked off on Wednesday and runs through July 10.
![[Riverside Guest] LETTER: This was my first visit to Riverside](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f7f7eb5889cb36dd8c93bd1/1651863007326-AG7KWBUCG371NE7QM1DK/_DSC4413.jpg)
[Riverside Guest] LETTER: This was my first visit to Riverside
It is with a full heart and happy spirit that I reach out to you to say how thankful I am for the opportunity to have been in the audience for the May 4th matinee of Camelot!
[Falls Church News-Press Review] ‘Camelot’ Musical in Fredericksburg Salutes JFK ‘Camelot Era’
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg is currently presenting Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical “Camelot,” but with a twist: it actually tells the stories of two Camelots! The first is the story of King Arthur and his knights at the round table of medieval times, while the second is the story of the John F. Kennedy presidency.
[Free Lance-Star] Theater Review: ‘Camelot’ at Riverside: a tale of two leaders
Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot” is the kind of show audiences can get lost in—a sweeping tale of knights and romance in a faraway land—all set to a gorgeous score. However, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts brings this mythical story closer to home.
Riverside reimagines the beloved musical with an ambitious undertaking that marries the past with the present. “Camelot,” spearheaded by producing artistic director Patrick A’Hearn, connects the Arthurian legend with the Kennedy administration often referred to as the Camelot era. The musical was a favorite of President John F. Kennedy, and his wife, Jackie, cemented the association after his death.
[DCMTA Review] ‘Camelot’ reigns at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
The performances and vocals are stunning, and the live music continues to earn accolades as one of Riverside’s biggest draws.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Camelot, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. David Lee’s book adaptation streamlines the production, and Director Patrick A’Hearn further restructures the show by blending history and legend. Camelot has long been associated with the Kennedy administration for a variety of reasons, and A’Hearn’s imaginative version celebrates this bond, resulting in a truly unique and interesting experience.
[Manhattan Digest] Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway Quality South of Times Square
Patrick A’ Hearn may have ambled from the streets of Broadway, but he brought Broadway quality with him to Fredericksburg, Virginia. Since 2011, he’s been at the helm of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a 36,000 square foot theater and conference facility situated between Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia along Interstate-95.
[Free Lance-Star] ‘Camelot’ begins its reign at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Using “might for right” sure sounds nice amid current global happenings.
A much-needed escape has arrived in the ’Burg in the form of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s “Camelot,” providing a modern and musical spin on the classic tale. The production kicked off Wednesday at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts and runs through May 8.

Listen to Riverside’s King and Queen of Camelot preview the show with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel!
Listen to Christopher Sanders (King Arthur) and Quinn Vogt-Welch (Guenevere) discuss our production of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot alongside Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).