Hylton Performing Arts Center Archives

Published April 15, 2026 at 1:00PM

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas announced its full 2026-27 season today, featuring a mix of big-name performers, family shows, and local arts partners. Highlights include Broadway star Bernadette Peters making her Hylton debut, a special extra performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and returning favorites like Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The season kicks off Sept. 19 with An Evening with Bernadette Peters and the American Festival Pops Orchestra in Merchant Hall. Other Hylton Presents shows include Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s David Bowie tribute on Oct. 4, a live Mountain Stage taping hosted by Kathy Mattea on Oct. 18, and holiday performances by Chanticleer, the Vienna Boys Choir, and more. Winter and spring bring Cirque Éloize, Trinity Irish Dance Company, and Straight No Chaser.

Manassas

Manassas’ New Ballet Brand ‘R-Class’ Masters the Art of Rugged & Dainty Pointe Shoes

By Mike Salmon

Published March 30, 2026 at 11:00AM

Natalya Balatsenko displays shelves of the Russian-made ballet shoes

A very important part of ballet is shoes. For dancers dressed in tights and tutus, getting up on pointe is a move known as “pointe,” and it requires a rugged pair of ballet shoes. Rugged yet dainty is the combination that sets apart outfitter R-Class, a new ballet outfitter in Manassas.

“It’s important to really work on the fit,” said Jennifer Fitzpatrick, who is one of the founders of R-Class with fellow dancer Natalya Balatsenko. Ballet dancers start out at a young age, wearing socks or tights, but haven’t reached the pointe level with fancy shoes. That comes with experience. “When you get on pointe shoes, it’s a real big deal,” she said.

Features

Manassas Chorale Hosts Voices United Concert

By Potomac Local News

Published March 16, 2026 at 9:00AM

The Manassas Chorale presents “Gathered As One” on Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Merchant Hall in Manassas. This annual Voices United concert unites the Chorale with the Voices United Festival Choir, directed by a nationally renowned guest clinician. More than 150 singers join the Chorale’s instrumentalists for a program of fifteen selections that celebrate shared music and community spirit.

The Manassas Chorale, founded in 1994 as a small group of about 25 singers, has grown into a 100-voice auditioned community choir under the direction of Artistic Director Rebecca Verner since 1997. Based in Manassas, Virginia, the organization promotes appreciation for quality classical and contemporary music through four major concerts each season and community events. It also sponsors the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir, established in 2015 to offer performance opportunities for young singers in grades K-8.

Features

Prince William Little Theatre brings “It’s a Wonderful Life” to life as a 1940s radio play this December

By Potomac Local News

Published November 7, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated November 7, 2025 at 11:49PM

The Prince William Little Theatre will bring one of America’s most cherished Christmas stories to the stage this December — not as a traditional play, but as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast.

From December 12 through 21, 2025, audiences at the Gregory Family Theater inside the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas will step back in time for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. The show reimagines Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic through the lens of a vintage radio studio, complete with actors at standing microphones, an “On Air” sign, and a live Foley artist creating real-time sound effects.

Features

Free Tickets Available for U.S. Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ Veterans Day Concert at Hylton Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 5, 2025 at 1:15PM

“Join us for an afternoon of music and meaningful moments as we give a thunderous ‘thank you’ to our nation’s heroes,” The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” announced. “We’re shining the spotlight on the loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage of our Veterans.”

The U.S. Army Band is partnering with George Mason University’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative to present A Salute to Veterans!—a free concert honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The performance will be held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and tickets are available at no cost through the Hylton Center Ticket Office.

Features

ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre announces cast for Grease at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 27, 2025 at 12:17PM

The Hylton Performing Arts Center outside Manassas.

“Announcing the cast of Grease, presented by ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre,” the Virginia ARTfactory posted. “Performances will be held in the Gregory Family Theater at Hylton Performing Arts Center January 16–25. Sunday, January 18th will be an understudy performance.”

Tickets for the production are now on sale through the ARTfactory’s ticket link. The community theater’s rendition of the classic musical will feature local youth performers, continuing ARTfactory’s tradition of fostering arts education and live performance in Prince William County.

Manassas

Hylton Center Launches 2025–26 Season Subscriptions as This Year’s Top Shows Revealed

By Potomac Local News

Published June 23, 2025 at 11:15AM

Hylton Performing Arts Center [Courtesy photo]

MANASSAS, Va. – The Hylton Performing Arts Center is inviting the community to “share in the joy of the performing arts” with the launch of subscriptions for its newly announced 2025–26 season. The announcement comes as the center celebrates its most popular shows of the current season, led by the world-renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

Subscriptions for the upcoming season are on sale now and include a dynamic mix of returning audience favorites and exciting new performers. The 2025–26 season kicks off with Broadway and television star Jeremy Jordan on Saturday, September 21. Jordan is currently performing in the critically acclaimed Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center and is best known for starring roles in The Great Gatsby, Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, NBC’s Smash, and The CW’s Supergirl.

Prince William

Prince William Schools Celebrate Nearly 300 Retirees at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Potomac Local News

Published May 14, 2025 at 11:05AM

[Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

MANASSAS, Va. – Hundreds gathered last night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to honor nearly 300 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees who are retiring this year.

According to PWCS, 278 educators, administrators, and support staff were recognized during the ceremony for their years of dedication to students across the county. The honorees included those who officially submitted retirement notices between April 2024 and April 2025.

Manassas

Manassas Says Thanks: 15 Volunteers Honored for Making the City Shine

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 12, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Fifteen residents were named Outstanding Volunteers by the City of Manassas during a recognition dinner and reception held Tuesday, April 29, at the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts. One award was given posthumously. The honorees were chosen from among more than 450 individuals who regularly give their time to support the city.

According to a city press release, these volunteers were celebrated for their work across historic preservation, emergency response, civic boards, and community outreach. From guiding museum tours to running community holiday events and supporting zoning appeals, each has made a lasting mark on the city.

Press Release

Prince William County Names 2025 Outstanding Educators

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 11:13AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 2:02PM

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024-25 Outstanding Educator Awards. These exceptional employees have demonstrated a profound commitment to the success and well-being of our educational community. This year, PWCS recognized finalists in the categories of Support Employee, Novice Teacher, Teacher, and Principal of the Year.

Each winner received a $1,500 award, sponsored by PWCS business partner, Apple Federal Credit Union.