[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.
[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.
[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.
[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!
[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.
[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.
[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!