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.
[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.
[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.

'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.

Listen to the stars of Souvenir discuss the encore production with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel!
Listen to Andrea Kahane (Florence Foster Jenkins) and Carson Eubank (Cosmé McMoon) discuss our production of Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins alongside Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).

Listen to leading couple Ally Dods and Jackson Hurt preview Meet Me in St. Louis with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel!
Listen to Ally Dods (Esther Smith) and Jackson Hurt (John Truitt) preview our production of Meet Me in St. Louis alongside Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).
[Free Lance-Star] ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ arrives at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
You’ve seen the Judy Garland classic on the big screen. And now, you can experience the magic locally onstage.
“Meet Me in St. Louis” and all of its uplifting, turn-of-the-century-infused charm débuted at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday and runs through Dec. 31. Shows will take place Thursday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Letter: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is a local gem
Riverside Center is a local gem
Just over the river in Stafford, within sight of Interstate 95 in a quiet business park, musical theater to rival the best in the country is on stage five days a week at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

Listen to Bright Star’s Danny Martin, Evan Bertram, and Robert John Biedermann talk Bright Star with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel!
Listen to Danny Martin (Billy Cane), Evan Bertram (Margo Crawford), and Robert John Biedermann (Daddy Murphy) give a behind-the-scene peek at our production of Bright Star alongside Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).
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[FLS - Letter to the Editor] Don’t miss ‘Bright Star’ at Riverside
Don’t miss “Bright Star.” Kudos to Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, its cast, orchestra and artistic director for lifting the spirits of this audience member. The food was great, too.
Thank you for bringing the theater back after too long an absence.
[FLS - Letter to the Editor] Go see 'Bright Star' at Riverside
Hey, Fredericksburg! There’s a “Bright Star” shining over Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss it!
This beautiful story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell is brought to life with powerful singing, flawless acting and the joy of performing that we consistently find at Riverside.
[DCMTA Review] ‘Bright Star’ shines at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell Bluegrass musical Bright Star, an invigorating showpiece about hope and renewal, themes that are perfectly timed for the post-pandemic audience. With expert direction from Patrick A’Hearn, Bright Star truly earns its name!
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[Free Lance-Star] 'Bright Star' musical beams into Riverside after 18-month wait
It’s happening, folks.
Nearly 18 months after being postponed and with its set literally tucked aside at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts since, “Bright Star” and all of its bluegrass glory is a go.
The nostalgic, feel-good musical with a score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell kicked off its local stint on Wednesday and runs through Oct. 31.

Listen to Bright Star’s Adrianne Hick, Douglas Ullman, Jr. and Carson Eubank preview Bright Star with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel!
Listen to Adrianne Hick (Alice Murphy) and Douglas Ullman, Jr. (Jimmy Ray Dobbs) preview our production of Bright Star at Riverside music director Carson Eubank and Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA).

Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A’Hearn talks ‘Grumpy Old Men’ and ‘Bright Star’ with Town Talk’s Ted Schubel
Listen to Riverside Center's Producing Artistic Director, Patrick A'Hearn and Town Talk's Ted Schubel (NewsTalk 1230 WFVA) as they discuss Riverside’s current production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical as well as the highly-anticipated premiere of Bright Star on September 15!
[Free Lance-Star] Review: Riverside's 'Grumpy Old Men' musical is a sweet charmer
The news is looking pretty grim these days, with the exception of the pandemic-delayed Olympics (go, USA!), but the theater is a place we can go to escape for a few hours.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts continues its run of nostalgia-heavy shows, following the recent “Marvelous Wonderettes” that was overflowing with crowd-pleasing songs from the 1950s and ’60s. For its latest production, however, the theater isn’t going that far back.
“Grumpy Old Men” is a sweet surprise for another movie-turned-musical. Based on the 1993 classic starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, the story follows two neighbors feuding over the town’s foxy newcomer as they also grapple with changing times, financial troubles and—for one of them—a ridiculously persistent tax collector.