Singing, dancing, and nostalgia light up the Riverside Theater stage in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a vibrant journey through the early life and career of one of America’s most beloved songwriters. The story follows a 16-year-old Carole King growing up in Brooklyn, New York, as she chases her dream of becoming a songwriter despite her single mother's insistence that she pursue a more stable career as a schoolteacher. This heartwarming and inspiring narrative is woven with King’s iconic music, celebrating her rise from budding songwriter to legendary solo artist.
Ashlee Waldbauer returns to the Riverside stage with a show-stealing performance as Carole King. Her rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" melts the audience and reminds us why King’s music continues to resonate across generations. Waldbaur, who also starred in Riverside's spring production of They’re Playing Our Song, showcases an ability to channel the emotional depth and vulnerability that made King’s music timeless.
Another Riverside veteran, Zachary Spafford, brings powerhouse vocals to his portrayal of characters like one of the Righteous Brothers, delivering a stunning performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Audiences will remember Spafford from his standout role as Frankie Valli in Riverside’s acclaimed production of Jersey Boys earlier this year, and his talent for hitting those high notes remains an undeniable highlight of the show.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.