FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway actor and Fredericksburg native Tug Coker is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in American theater—Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird—as he makes his hometown stage debut at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The production runs May 7 through June 22, 2025.

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After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders and teachers for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.

The offer is open to area educators, fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. All seats are first come, first served, and must be claimed in person at the Riverside Center box office. Valid credentials are required.

“This week has been especially difficult for our first responders,” said Riverside Center spokeswoman Allison Mayberry. “We hope this performance can offer them a moment of peace and appreciation for all they do to keep our community safe.”

A Week of Crisis

The free ticket offer follows a series of disturbing incidents that unfolded in Spotsylvania County, putting significant strain on emergency services.

Triple Shooting Leaves Three Dead

On Tuesday, April 8, deputies responded to a shooting near Olde Greenwich Circle, just outside Fredericksburg. Three young men—identified as Chase Feaster, 18, and Alonzo Goffney, 18, both of Spotsylvania, and an unidentified 20-year-old—were killed. Three others were hospitalized.

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the violence stemmed from an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery. Four individuals, including three juveniles and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, face charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawful assembly.

The shooting prompted Fredericksburg City Public Schools to delay classes by two hours the following day out of an abundance of caution.

Plane Crash in Chancellor Community

On Wednesday afternoon, a Beechcraft aircraft en route from Leesburg to Hampton Roads crash-landed in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road in the Chancellor area of Spotsylvania. The pilot reported oil pressure problems before attempting an emergency landing. The plane’s roof became lodged in a tree.

Both passengers were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating.

Gun Discharges in Elementary School Classroom

On Monday morning, a handgun discharged inside a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School. The weapon was inside a student’s backpack when it went off accidentally. The teacher quickly evacuated all 26 students and alerted the school resource officer. No one was injured.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate, and early indications show that the student did not intend harm.

A Night of Reflection

Friday’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar begins at 7:30 p.m., and arrival is recommended by 6:45 p.m. Those wishing to purchase appetizers before the show must arrive by 6:15 p.m.

The groundbreaking rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice tells the story of the final week of Jesus Christ’s life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Featuring timeless songs like “Superstar,” “Gethsemane,” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” the production dives deep into themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption.

Claim Your Tickets

First responders may claim their free tickets by calling or visiting the box office:

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
95 Riverside Parkway
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406

Box Office Hours:
Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Phone: 540-370-4300

Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The stage is set, the lights are shining, and the electrifying energy of Jesus Christ Superstar is ready to take over the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The iconic rock opera, which first captivated audiences in the early 1970s, officially opened on March 13, 2025, and will run through April 27.

In a recent interview with Potomac Local News Podcast, lead cast members Anthony Nuccio and Kylie Ernest shared their excitement about bringing this timeless production to the local stage. Nuccio, who plays Judas Iscariot, described Jesus Christ Superstar as a fully sung-through rock opera with no traditional dialogue breaks. “It’s an incredibly high-energy show that blends rock music with a powerful narrative,” he said. “Audiences can expect a visceral and emotional experience.”

Nuccio, whose character is known as both the betrayer and confidant of Jesus, emphasized the human complexity of Judas. “The show does a really good job of showing the nuance and humanity in all characters involved. It’s not just about history—it’s about emotion, relationships, and the political climate of the time.”

Kylie Ernest, who portrays Mary Magdalene, also highlighted the deep storytelling embedded in the musical. “Mary is often portrayed as a background character, but in our production, she’s an integral part of the action. She’s always present, reacting, and emotionally invested in what’s happening,” Ernest said. “It’s been so rewarding to bring her character to life in a way that allows the audience to feel her emotions and struggles.”

For those unfamiliar with Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical is entirely driven by its legendary rock score, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Unlike traditional musicals, which incorporate spoken dialogue between songs, this production is non-stop music from start to finish. “Performing in a rock opera is an entirely different challenge,” Nuccio explained. “There’s no vocal break—you’re constantly singing, and that requires incredible stamina. But it also means the energy never dips.”

Ernest echoed that sentiment, noting how music helps convey the intensity of the story. “Even if audiences miss some of the lyrics or political nuances, the music itself carries the emotion. You feel the tension, the joy, the heartbreak—it’s all there in the sound.”

Since its debut in 1970, Jesus Christ Superstar has been both celebrated and controversial. Some traditional audiences initially objected to its portrayal of Jesus and its humanization of Judas. However, the show’s powerful storytelling and musical genius have made it a staple of modern theater. “The show allows us to see Jesus and Judas as real people with complex emotions,” Nuccio said. “That’s what makes it so compelling.”

Beyond its gripping performances, Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside brings a fresh perspective to the classic rock opera, incorporating unique staging and deep character dynamics. “Our version places a strong emphasis on the relationship between Jesus, Judas, and Mary,” Ernest noted. “We explore their dynamic as a trio, which adds another emotional layer to the production.”

With its stunning visuals, passionate performances, and a score that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its debut, Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts promises to be a must-see event this season.

The production runs through April 27. Tickets are available at riversidedt.com. Don’t miss the chance to experience this rock opera phenomenon live in Fredericksburg.

PRICES:

Adult Dinner & Show – $82 (plus applicable taxes)
Seniors (65+) Dinner & Show – $77 (plus applicable taxes)
Children (3-17) Dinner & Show – $70 (plus applicable taxes)
Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID) – $77 (plus applicable taxes)
Adult Show Only – $65
Seniors (65+) Show Only – $60
Children (3-17) Show Only – $55

PERFORMANCES:

Thurs. – Sat. Evenings
5:30pm-6:45pm: Meal Service & Appetizers
6:45pm: Show Only Arrival
7:30pm: Performance Start

Sunday Matinees
1:00pm-2:15pm: Meal Service & Appetizers
2:15pm: Show Only Arrival
3:00pm: Performance Start

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering events—including the inauguration of President Donald Trump—Boutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theater’s menu.

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Don’t miss out on the exciting “Seussical Jr.” performance at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

This limited-run show features the classic Dr. Seuss story of Horton the Elephant and his journey to protect the Whos and an egg left in his care. The show runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from February 4 to March 1, 2025, with an additional Saturday show on March 1. Tickets are just $20 per person, and children under three are free.

The Children’s Theatre returns with an amazing performance for all ages! You can even bring your own lunch to enjoy before the show on Tuesday and Thursday performances. Group tickets are available for Tuesday and Thursday shows by calling 540-479-1356, while Saturday matinees can be purchased online or by calling 540-370-4300.

Do you have a local event to share? It’s FREE to submit your event to our site! Just follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Simply fill out the form, and your event could be featured in our upcoming listings.

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

In this episode, we sit down with the show’s stars to hear about their roles, what drew them to this production, and how they’re bringing Elvis Presley to life on stage. They share everything from personal connections to Elvis’s thrill of performing in this iconic musical!

Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing musical event, captivating audiences and warming hearts this winter.

Tickets & Info: riversidedt.com

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This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

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In this episode of the Potomac Local News podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Ashlee Waldbauer, Kadejah Onè, and Sarah Andersen, three lead performers in Riverside Center for the Performing Arts production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Story.”

The trio shares their experiences portraying iconic figures, their challenges, and the timeless music shaping this beloved musical.

Here’s what listeners can expect:

Host Uriah Kiser introduces the three talented actresses from Beautiful, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about their roles and the production.

1:00 – Ashlee Waldbauer on Playing Carole King
Ashlee, who plays Carole King, discusses how stepping into the shoes of such a well-known figure came with its own set of challenges. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome during rehearsals and how she ultimately found confidence through her connection to the role.

4:00 – Sarah Andersen on Playing Cynthia Weil
Sarah talks about her portrayal of Cynthia Weil, a dynamic woman with a powerful presence. She explains how she developed her character, the chemistry between Cynthia and Barry Mann, and how both onstage and offstage friendships helped her bring authenticity to the role.

6:00 – Kadejah Onè on Her Powerful Character
Kadejah shares insights into her character, part of a Black girl group trying to navigate the segregated music industry of the time. She talks about how her character’s assertiveness and courage were critical in achieving a Billboard hit, especially during the civil rights movement.

8:00 – The Energy of the Production
The cast reflects on the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the show. Ashlee notes the constant costume and set changes, while Sarah highlights the joy of being part of a production where there is always something happening on stage—even during scene transitions.

10:00 – The Evolution of Music
Uriah and Kadejah discuss the shifting landscape of the music industry in the 1960s, when artists like Carole King began to take creative control. They reflect on how the music of that time had a lasting impact and continues to resonate with audiences today.

12:00 – Why This Show Matters
The actresses express their belief in the emotional depth of the show. Kadejah speaks about the power of the story and its ability to inspire hope, while Ashlee and Sarah emphasize the importance of showcasing female empowerment through music and storytelling.

14:00 – Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with the cast sharing what they hope audiences take away from Beautiful. Ashlee highlights Carole King’s journey to creative self-discovery, while Sarah reflects on the rare chance female composers had in the music industry and the importance of this story.

Tune in to this insightful podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at “Beautiful: The Carole King Story, and hear more about how these actresses bring the legend of Carole King to life on stage.

This October, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Children’s Theatre is set to delight audiences with its staging of Roald Dahl’s "Willy Wonka." The musical, scheduled for performances every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the month, except for a break on Thursday, October 24, promises a captivating adventure for all ages.

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At the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, the stage lights up with spotlights and stories of legendary musicians and songwriters who shaped a generation. "Beautiful: The Carol King Story," currently showing, offers more than just a musical experience—it's a deep dive into the history, pressures, and personal journeys of some of the music industry's most iconic figures.

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