Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Archives

Published November 13, 2025 at 3:43PM | Updated November 13, 2025 at 4:29PM

Martha Watson (played by Kathy Halenda), Judy Haynes (played by Sarah Mae Andersen), and Phil Davis (played by Jordan Thomas Burnett) share a festive moment in *Irving Berlin’s White Christmas* at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg. [Suzanne Carr Rossi]

When my wife and I walked into the lobby, the holiday spirit hit us right away. The halls are decked, a big Christmas tree shines in the center, and the sound of carols fills the room. As we sat down to dinner, she looked around and said, “This just feels like Christmas.” And she was right — it did.

If you’ve seen the 1954 movie, you’ll recognize the story. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are Army buddies turned entertainers who cross paths with the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. There’s romance, comedy, and plenty of old-fashioned charm as the two acts head north to put on a show — and maybe fall in love along the way.

Features

“White Christmas” Opens Today at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 5, 2025 at 2:13PM

The holiday season has arrived early at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, where Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens today!

This beloved holiday musical follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a successful song-and-dance duo after World War II. When they meet a pair of talented singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, romance and comedy ensue as the group travels to Vermont to perform a Christmas show. The twist? The inn hosting their holiday spectacular is owned by the men’s former army commander.

Features

Holiday puppet show “The Velveteen Rabbit” coming to Riverside Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:53PM

“The Velveteen Rabbit, filled with gentle humor and warmth, is Margery Williams’ classic tale of a toy rabbit that dreams of becoming real,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts announced. “Told with hand puppets, storytelling, and song by a solo puppeteer, the story highlights friendship, changes, magic, and what it means to love and be loved.”

The family-friendly 60-minute puppet show arrives November 22 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, following the success of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music. Children will also have a chance to visit Santa after the show. Tickets can be reserved by calling 540-370-4300.

Features

Win Free Tickets to Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (Final Post Before Our Drawing)

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 7, 2025 at 3:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away two tickets to see the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it takes the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 12, 2025. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Click here to enter the giveaway.

The 15-piece orchestra, known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” will bring silky-smooth swing, toe-tapping rhythms, and timeless ballads that defined an era. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and Riverside is opening a space down front for those who want to dance along. Tickets are $55 online, and the show lasts 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

Features

Win Free Tickets to See the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Swing into Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 10:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away two tickets to see the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it takes the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 12, 2025. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Click here to enter the giveaway.

The 15-piece orchestra, known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” will bring silky-smooth swing, toe-tapping rhythms, and timeless ballads that defined an era. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and Riverside is opening a space down front for those who want to dance along. Tickets are $55 online, and the show lasts 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

Fredericksburg

This Sound of Music at Riverside Will Have You Singing All the Way Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 4, 2025 at 3:56PM

From the moment the curtain rises at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, it’s clear The Sound of Music is something special. The production delivers one of Riverside’s finest performances in years, a show that captures the heart, lifts the spirit, and fills the theater with music audiences can’t stop humming.

Sarah Mae Andersen carries the show as Maria Rainer, leading with warmth, humor, and conviction. She anchors the story with a magnetic stage presence that makes you believe in Maria’s journey from the abbey to the Von Trapp home. Opposite her, Tim Rogan is a commanding Captain Georg von Trapp, projecting both the authority of a military man and the tenderness of a devoted father. Together, their chemistry grounds the show.

Features

Riverside’s The Sound of Music Drawing Crowds, Tracking with Jersey Boys Ticket Sales

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 28, 2025 at 5:03PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is two weeks into its run of The Sound of Music, and ticket sales are already tracking alongside one of its biggest recent hits, Jersey Boys.

More than 6,000 tickets have been sold with eight weeks remaining. Jersey Boys drew more than 11,000 during its run in 2024.

Features

Riverside’s Sound of Music Is Now On Stage

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 20, 2025 at 4:10PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The hills—and the Riverside stage—are alive with The Sound of Music as the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic officially opens today in Fredericksburg.

The cast and creative team at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts say they’ve “poured their hearts into every note, step, and scene,” according to a Facebook post announcing the show’s debut. The production tells the inspiring story of Maria and the Von Trapp family, brought to life through cherished songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”

Neighborhood Notes

The Hills Are Alive at Riverside—Here’s a Behind-the-Scenes Look!

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 17, 2025 at 4:10PM

The team at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts just gave Potomac Local News an early peek behind the curtain as they gear up for The Sound of Music, opening this Wednesday.

From hand-painted marble floors (yes, hand-painted) to humming rehearsals and detailed costume fittings, it’s clear the Riverside crew is pouring heart and soul into this classic production. The sets are coming together, the cast is in fine voice, and the stage is nearly set for opening night.

Features

What’s On Stage This Weekend: August 15–17

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2025 at 8:37AM

Cast members of “A Bridgerton Too Far” bring Regency-era antics to the stage at Allstate Community Theater in Fredericksburg, August 15–16. Photo courtesy of Stage Door Productions Fredericksburg.

Live music, theater, improv, art, and even a bit of history are all taking center stage across the region this weekend. From Manassas to Fredericksburg, here’s a look at what’s happening August 15–17.

At NOVA Live, the summer tribute concert series wraps up on Saturday, August 16, with all-day performances at theYARD Stage. Headliner Nightrain – A Guns N’ Roses Tribute will close the night. The 12-acre entertainment campus at 9901 Discovery Boulevard includes 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Black Sheep Restaurant, Proof Kitchen + Bar, and more, offering plenty of food and drink options before and after the show.