Theater Archives - Potomac Local News

Published August 7, 2025 at 10:30AM

Glyptis

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – International opera and musical theater performer Kelly Glyptis is returning to her roots this month, starring as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

Glyptis, who grew up in Manassas and graduated from what was then Stonewall Jackson Senior High School—now Unity-Reed High School—called the opportunity to perform back home “really special.” She previously toured with The Sound of Music in 2018 and now steps fully into the role for a limited run that begins August 20 and continues through October 26. Glyptis is scheduled to perform through October 6.

Features

Riverside Expands Concert Series with Motown, Rockabilly, Big Band, and More

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 6, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated August 9, 2025 at 6:49PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is tuning up for a year of music, nostalgia, and dance as it formally launches a new concert series featuring tributes to Motown, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra—with even more to come in 2026.

Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn confirmed the lineup will bring a variety of genres to Riverside’s mainstage beginning in August, alongside a newly adopted strategy of shorter theatrical runs to make room for more live music.

News

A Fairy Tale with a Twist Is Coming to Manassas—And It’s Just for Kids (and Their Grown-Ups)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 1, 2025 at 10:56AM

A brand-new theater troupe for young audiences is making its debut this weekend with a playful spin on a classic fairy tale.

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Features

Riverside Center Plans Tighter Runs, Bigger Impact for 2026 Season

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 31, 2025 at 11:18AM

As Next to Normal prepares to close on August 3, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is already looking ahead—unveiling the first details of its 2026 season, which promises to blend musical nostalgia, literary beauty, and patriotic charm.

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Fredericksburg

This One Sticks With You: “Next to Normal” Delivers a Powerful Punch at Riverside

By Potomac Local News

Published July 18, 2025 at 10:58AM

Adrianne Hick leads as Diana, a mother battling bipolar disorder and long-standing grief. [Photo: Suzzanne Rossi]

I went in cautiously. I love musicals, but I knew the subject matter—mental illness, trauma, and grief—would be heavy. Still, after interviewing the whole cast on our podcast (the most guests I’ve ever had at once!), I had a feeling this show would be something special.

Before the performance began, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board spoke to the audience during dinner service—an unusual but fitting gesture. Their message on mental health services set the stage for the powerful experience ahead.

Win Tickets to See Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 4, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated July 7, 2025 at 3:15PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.

This summer, Riverside presents a bold and emotional musical that explores the story of a suburban family facing the challenges of bipolar disorder, grief, and mental health recovery. Set to a gripping contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a Broadway favorite and winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Features

Shrek the Musical Brings Big Laughs, Bigger Heart to Manassas This Summer

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 3, 2025 at 1:30PM | Updated July 4, 2025 at 9:43AM

MANASSAS, Va. – A dragon, a swamp, and a whole lot of heart are taking over the stage at All Saints Catholic Church this summer as the Upper Room Theatre Ministry prepares for its biggest production yet: Shrek the Musical.

Celebrating nearly 25 years since its founding, the Upper Room Theatre Ministry has transformed from a small church program into a regionally recognized theater experience. What began in 2000 with just 14 cast members in Godspell has become a summer tradition that draws talent from across the Mid-Atlantic and fills seats with thousands of theatergoers from around the region.

Win Tickets to See Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 2, 2025 at 3:36PM | Updated July 4, 2025 at 12:48PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.

This summer, Riverside presents a bold and emotional musical that explores the story of a suburban family facing the challenges of bipolar disorder, grief, and mental health recovery. Set to a gripping contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is a Broadway favorite and winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Fredericksburg

Next to Normal Brings Bold, Emotional Story to Riverside Stage This Summer

By Uriah Kiser

Published June 26, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts will launch its summer season with Next to Normal, a Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical that blends rock music with raw emotion to tell the story of a family navigating the stormy waters of mental illness and grief.

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Manassas

Legally Blonde the Musical Hits the Stage in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

Published June 26, 2025 at 1:15PM

MANASSAS, Va. – Elle Woods is heading to Harvard Law — and to the local stage!

Pied Piper Theatre, the youth division of the ARTfactory in Manassas, is bringing the high-energy musical Legally Blonde to life on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Based on the 2001 hit movie and the novel by Amanda Brown, the show follows Elle, a stylish sorority queen who proves she’s more than just a pretty face when she enrolls at Harvard to win back her ex — and ends up finding her true self instead.