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.
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