Washingtonian: Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” is one of the biggest hits of the summer. The track debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 just below Taylor Swift. There are viral TikTok dances to the song. And it’s catapulted the Woodbridge, Virginia, native into the international spotlight. Read More
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on August 22. The concert will start at 7 p.m. in the museum’s outdoor plaza.
The band, the premier band of the United States Marine Corps, will play various music. This includes patriotic and martial favorites, selections from the wind band repertoire, works by contemporary composers, and scores from film and theatre.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range, and Museum Store will stay open for extended hours until the concert starts. Tun Tavern will offer service from 4 to 6 p.m., and outdoor concessions will be available during the performance. Admission and parking are free, and no tickets are required.
Updates will be posted on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Facebook page in bad weather.
Event Details:
– When:Thursday, August 22, 7:00 p.m.
– Where: National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, established in 1979, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Marine Corps history. The Foundation supports historical programs of the Marine Corps through grants, scholarships, and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. The Foundation funded the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center and continues to expand its programs. More information can be found at MarineHeritage.org.
Prince William County Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps has retired after over 28 years of service. Phelps has been appointed as the Chief of Police for the Jacksonville Police Department in North Carolina.
“Jarad has served the Prince William County community with the utmost distinction for nearly three decades,” said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. “I sincerely congratulate him on his second chapter and future success, and I know he will serve the community of Jacksonville with the same compassion and professionalism he has shown here.”
Phelps began his career with the Prince William County Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer in the Operations Division. Over his career, he held various positions, including lieutenant and captain. As captain, he served as an evening shift commander, the Special Operations Bureau commander, and the Criminal Justice Academy Director. In 2017, he was promoted to major and later to deputy chief in 2019. He briefly served as acting chief in 2020 during a period marked by civil unrest and the coronavirus pandemic.
Phelps was in command when the department declared its first riot in 50 years. On May 30, 2020, a peaceful protest in response to the death of George Floyd turned violent. Protestors threw objects at drivers and police, leading to a riot in which several people were injured and businesses damaged.
Multiple police agencies responded, resulting in five arrests and injuries to four Prince William police officers. One officer required hospital treatment for a significant head injury. Phelps addressed county officials the following day, facing criticism from Democrats on the Board of County Supervisors for the use of tear gas to control the riot.
Phelps holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and an undergraduate degree from James Madison University. He has attended the FBI National Academy and other leadership and senior management schools.
Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps’ retirement is effective August 1, 2024.
Nestled in the corner of a Stafford shopping center, a new restaurant has arrived off White Oak Road: Wild Waylon’s BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its scratch-made barbecue and weekend specials.
Founded by the Murphy family—David and Molly, and David’s parents Tom and Linda—Wild Waylon’s BBQ is the culmination of a lifelong passion for cooking and a deep love for barbecue. David Murphy said he grew up smoking pork for family events alongside his father, Tom. He followed his mother’s footsteps, working in restaurants after college. In 2023, David and his mom Linda worked in the same restaurant and decided it was time to launch their own family spot. Waylon is David’s son, and the restaurant’s namesake.
“We wanted to create a place where we could share the food we love and make everything from scratch,” David explained. They offer seven varieties of house-made sauces for smoked meats like baby back ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, all prepared using an offset barrel smoker and hickory wood. David said “since I was young my dad always said [hickory] gave you the best smoke flavor.”
Wild Waylon’s BBQ offers more than just traditional barbecue. The menu features rotating weekend specials like brisket cheesesteaks, smoked Reuben sandwiches, smoked soft shell crab sandwiches, and homemade desserts crafted by Tom, like pecan pie and banana pudding.
The restaurant sources fresh produce daily and partners with local businesses like Working Man Bread Company, Charlie’s Crab House, and the Fredericksburg Farmers Market to provide seasonal ingredients. This community-focused approach has helped the restaurant establish strong local ties, and they have been active in contributing to Stafford High School’s athletic and theater programs.
The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, with the restaurant quickly becoming a beloved spot in White Oak. David said the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are popular with customers, but special offerings like the smoked soft shell crab sandwich draw a lot of attention. The staff favors the homemade bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.
David said, “We love BBQ and I love getting up every day and getting to make fresh food that people enjoy.”
Wild Waylon’s BBQ is located at 43 Town and Country Drive. They are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton announced its 2024-2025 theater season, featuring a lineup of musicals and comedies. The season begins with “Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors” from September 6 to October 27, followed by “Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame” from December 7 to January 12, 2025. “Clyde’s” will run from March 8 to April 6, and “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be performed from May 10 to June 15. Shows will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 to $40 on the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.
Press release:
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
By Steve Rosen and Gordon Greenberg
Loosely based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker
September 6 – October 27
September: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pm
October: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 4 pm
Special October Twilight Performances: Dracula show combined with admission to our haunted trail that same evening. See website for details.Synopsis: Filled with clever wordplay and pop culture references, Dracula is a gender-bending, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic. In the treacherous mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent takes a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client, the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known: Count Dracula! Famed female vampire hunter, Jean Van Helsing, and company chase Drac from Transylvania to the British countryside to London and back.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Peter Parnell
December 7, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pm
Special Performance on Tuesday, December 31 with New Year’s Eve Post Show PartySynopsis: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated feature. Set in fifteenth-century Paris, the musical tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be in the outside world. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
Clyde’s
By Lynne Nottage
March 8 – April 6
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pmSynopsis: Clyde’s, a truck stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at redemption. Even as the shop’s callous owner tries to keep them down, the staff members learn to reclaim their lives, find purpose, and become inspired to dream by their shared quest to create the perfect sandwich.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Lyrics by Time Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
May 10 – June 15
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pmSynopsis: Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. The rock opera is loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire.
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Updated July 31 — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts held a press conference on Monday, July 29, 2024, to announce its transition from a for-profit business to a non-profit entity. Theater Director Patrick A’Hearn made the announcement, outlined the theater’s new direction, and announced upcoming changes.
“We have become one of the premier regional theaters on the Atlantic coast,” A’Hearn said. “This transition to a non-profit status lowers the burden on the people who run the theater, allowing us to apply for grants, sponsorships, personal donations, and corporate sponsorships.”
A’Hearn highlighted potential changes, including the planned introduction of new seating and a shift away from the dinner theater format in favor of a traditional theater-going experience. “If we take out those tables and we put in theater seating, you’re looking at 900 to 1,000 seats here at Riverside Center,” A’Hearn explained. He also discussed plans to establish a school for the performing arts at the center, aiming to provide training in various aspects of theater production.
A’Hearn emphasized the importance of community support and funding from local governments in Stafford County and Fredericksburg, along with corporate funding and state grants. “We need to open a dialogue and a discussion to possibly get to be aligned on those budgets,” he said, noting the support Riverside has already received from Stafford County EDA and tourism, as well as the city of Fredericksburg.
Joining A’Hearn at the press conference were actress Sally Struthers, a longtime Riverside performer whose performing at the Riverside in “Love Letters,” and Dorothy Mondak, President of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Board of Trustees. Struthers, who has been involved with Riverside since her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2011, expressed her admiration for the theater and its staff. Mondak highlighted the need for more volunteers and community involvement to support the theater’s mission.
The transition to non-profit status was completed on January 1, 2024. “It normally takes a transition like we have accomplished three to five years. We did it in one,” A’Hearn stated. The theater plans to start new programs in the fall and into 2025, with a vision to make Riverside a regional performing arts center.
The theater’s future plans also include collaborating with local governments and businesses to enhance the cultural and economic landscape of the area. “We can bring in small Broadway national tours and even host national or regional events here,” A’Hearn said.
Dinner changes
During the press conference, Patrick A’Hearn discussed a planned transition from the dinner theater format, noting that more area restaurants would benefit from the change. He acknowledged that while some patrons appreciate the combined dining and theater experience, shifting to traditional theater seating would open new opportunities for local eateries.
A’Hearn mentioned that this transition would encourage theatergoers to explore and dine at nearby restaurants before or after performances, thus boosting the local economy. A’Hearn also addressed concerns from long-time patrons who enjoy the dinner theater experience, assuring them that there would still be options for food and beverages but in a more flexible, bistro-style format.
Patrick A’Hearn addressed the concerns of people who believe it takes too long to see a show at Riverside. He mentioned that many individuals are unaware they can purchase tickets for the show without the dinner.
“So many people didn’t even know that. So if we can be that to some people who are working, especially on a Thursday and Friday night, you know, I’d like to get to the point where we can do six or seven shows a week, not just five, but we need to make ourselves accessible to everybody,” he added.
Improved performances over the years
Over the years, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has seen significant performance improvements, earning a reputation for quality Broadway-style shows. A notable enhancement has been the introduction of live music, elevating the theater’s productions. Actress Sally Struthers, a Riverside staple since her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2011, reminisced about her early experiences at the theater. “When I first came here to do ‘Hello, Dolly!’ in 2011, we had to perform to a recorded track,” Struthers recalled. The transition to live orchestras has enriched the audience’s experience and attracted top-tier talent, further solidifying Riverside’s status as a premier regional theater.
School for Performing Arts
A’Hearn outlined a vision for a school for the performing arts at Riverside that would provide comprehensive training in various aspects of theater production. “We can have our school for the arts right here at Riverside Center,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be just a school for the arts to train in performance, which we will do, but we can also train people in anything that has to do with production.”
The school will offer programs in stage management, scenic design, lighting design, costume design, and construction, among other disciplines. A’Hearn emphasized the unique opportunities the school would provide due to Riverside’s existing facilities. “We build all our sets here right behind the theater. So if people want to train as stage managers, scenic designers, lighting designers, they can do it here.”
A’Hearn also highlighted the potential for students to learn from experienced professionals, including performers like actress Sally Struthers. “Wouldn’t it be great if some of our youth in this area get a master class from Sally Struthers?” he asked.
The establishment of the school is seen as a multifaceted approach to community engagement and workforce development. “We can train people in anything that has to do with production,” A’Hearn reiterated, pointing out that the facility’s comprehensive resources would allow for diverse training opportunities.
The initiative aims to launch programs starting in the fall and into 2025, with a longer-term goal of becoming a central hub for performing arts education in the region. “It’s always been a hope of mine, maybe in the next two to five years, to have our own school for the arts right here at Riverside Center,” A’Hearn stated.
2025 season
The theater will unveil its 2025 program at a special “Sip and Sing” event on August 7. A’hearn was tight-lipped about what performances supporters should expect next year. The “Sip and Sing” has been canceled.
In the meantime, A’hearn will appear alongside Struthers in the play Love Letters during a limited engagement through August 4, 2o24. Afterward, the theater will present “Murder on the Orient Express” from August 14 to September 8.
Children’s theater returning
A’hearn also discussed the return of children’s theater to Riverside. It will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka TYA, a musical adaptation that brings the story of Charlie Bucket and his adventure in Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory to life. The show features a mix of songs from the classic 1971 film.
Performances will be held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday except Thursday, October 24, 2024. Tickets are priced at just $20 per person, offering an affordable and theatrical family experience. Children under three years old can attend for free. Doors will open early for lunch on weekdays and a convenient 1 p.m. start time on Saturdays.
The Prince William County Animal Shelter has introduced a new van equipped with 10 adjustable kennels, enhancing the efficiency and comfort for animal control operations. This addition is a significant upgrade from the existing four-by-four vehicles that house fewer vehicles and lack modern amenities.
Debbie Haight, spokesperson for the county animal shelter, detailed the van’s layout and its capacity to adapt to various sizes of animals. “It has 10 containers, and these units can be modified to accommodate larger animals if necessary,” Haight explained. Unlike the current units that require animals to be brought back immediately due to inadequate facilities, the new van features a sophisticated HVAC system, allowing officers to manage multiple pickups without returning.
The van, operated by the shelter’s animal control officers, represents an upgrade over the older trucks. “The current trucks have a capability of just four units and are often congested with equipment,” Haight said. In contrast, the new van dedicates more space to animal containers, providing a less cramped environment.
Haight highlighted the types of calls the van would respond to, including scenarios with multiple animals. “This van is assigned to one of the supervisors, and it will be dispatched for calls involving multiple animals,” she noted, emphasizing its role in improving response times across the county’s more than 300 square miles.
The shelter picks up many animals, from common pets like cats and dogs to more exotic ones like peacocks and potbelly pigs. “We’ve even picked up strays like cows and have facilities for larger animals,” Haight shared.
Amid rising pet surrenders, Haight also addressed the shelter’s current capacity challenges, explaining that they are nearing full capacity and now require appointments for animal surrenders. “It’s a combination of factors, including economic pressures and lifestyle changes post-COVID,” she observed, indicating a broader trend affecting shelters throughout the region.
This van is the first of its kind, with plans to introduce a second similarly equipped van soon. Additionally, the shelter will continue to update its fleet with more trucks suited for diverse terrain and needs. The shelter, which moved to a new 28,000 square foot facility in November 2021, is also expanding its capacity to better accommodate large animals and improve its service offerings in the community.
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The event featuring the Faycez-U-Know Band played from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are brought lawn chairs to enjoy the live music, family activities, and food trucks.
Additional concerts are planned for August 10 and August 24. Admission is free.
@DumfriesTownVA held a summer concert at Garrison Park, behind the town hall, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. pic.twitter.com/fSt9XwoJjo
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 28, 2024
Stafford County welcomed a new addition to Aquia Landing Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest playground installation. The event, overseen by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary, celebrated the arrival of new play equipment designed to accommodate the park’s unique environment, including space constraints and a high flood risk. The $144,000 project introduces a play set featuring a slide, swings, and climbing apparatus.
Gary shared her personal connection to the park during her speech. “When we were looking for a home about ten years ago, we drove down Brook Road and ended up here at a quiet landing,” said Gary. “There was no playground yet, but we really enjoyed the facilities here. It was a nice place to be for our family.”
The installation was completed smoothly despite delays in equipment arrival, and the park now boasts a much-needed recreation area for local families. “This is what we did it for,” Gary remarked, noting the presence of families and a church service co-occurring with the event. “So what could be better than this?”
@staffordvagov @MonicaGary13 and children cut the ribbon on a new playground built at Aquia Landing Park on the Potomac River & Aquia Creek on Saturday, May 27, 2024. pic.twitter.com/W9w9qPpK41
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 28, 2024
Supervisor Deuntay Diggs also attended the ceremony, which featured free gift bags distributed by the county’s parks and recreation department to children at the park.
Gary emphasized the broader benefits of the new playground. “It’s so special to have something where people can just go and be with their family stress-free. It’s very helpful for our mental health, not just as parents, but for our children who spend more and more time indoors on devices.”
Concluding her speech, Gary invited several children from the audience to join her in cutting the ribbon, marking the playground officially open for enjoyment. She pledged continued improvements to the park, reinforcing its role as a valuable community resource.
Aquia Landing Park, open throughout the year, offers a sprawling quarter-mile beachfront along the Potomac River, set against a picturesque backdrop of woods and marshes. This pristine natural environment is situated at the eastern boundary of Stafford County on Brooke Road, just 15 miles east of the Stafford County Courthouse.
Park amenities include restrooms, picnic pavilions, horseshoe Pits, a sandy beach, and a new playground. Parking is limited, and park staff turned drivers away from entering the park about 10 a.m. after reaching capacity.
