Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

In this episode, we sit down with the show’s stars to hear about their roles, what drew them to this production, and how they’re bringing Elvis Presley to life on stage. They share everything from personal connections to Elvis’s thrill of performing in this iconic musical!

Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing musical event, captivating audiences and warming hearts this winter.

Tickets & Info: riversidedt.com

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The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

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Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

The event, hosted by the Prince William County alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is an annual tradition that again drew a crowd in the hundreds.”

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This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.

Actors Step Into the King’s Blue Suede Shoes

In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.

“For me, playing Elvis is both an honor and a challenge,” said Litherland, who is no stranger to the role, having performed as Elvis in two previous productions. “Elvis’ music speaks for itself, but our goal is to show the human side of this icon. The show brings out both the joy and the tragedy of Elvis’ life, and we hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of who he was.”

Luke Purcell, a 15-year-old high school student from Louisa County, shared how his lifelong admiration for Elvis brought him to the production. “Elvis has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I saw the 2022 biopic Elvis that I truly fell in love with his music and story,” said Purcell. “When I heard Riverside was putting on Heartbreak Hotel, I knew I had to audition. It’s been my dream to play Elvis, and doing so alongside such a talented cast is a dream come true.”

Litherland was quick to praise his younger counterpart, revealing how Purcell’s audition impressed the production team so much that they created a special role for him. “Luke is only 15, but his talent is incredible. He knocked everyone’s socks off during auditions. It’s amazing to see someone so young bring such depth and energy to this role,” said Litherland. “Honestly, when Luke leaves the stage, audiences can take or leave me. He’s the real star.”

The pair also discussed the challenges of portraying a figure as iconic as Elvis Presley. “It’s always nerve-wracking to step on stage as Elvis because everyone has their own vision of who he was,” said Purcell. “For me, it’s important to avoid being a caricature. Elvis was a real person with incredible talent and struggles, and I want to honor that.”

Litherland echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balance in their performances. “What sets Heartbreak Hotel apart is its focus on storytelling. It’s not just a concert of Elvis’ hits—it’s a deep dive into his life, the highs and lows, and the humanity behind the legend,” he explained. “The show also touches on the struggles Elvis faced, from the pressures of fame to his relationships with those around him.”

Both actors credited the Riverside production team for creating a supportive and collaborative environment. “This cast feels like a family,” said Purcell. “Everyone, from the directors to the musicians, has been amazing to work with. It makes all the difference when you’re telling such a powerful story.”

The actors also reflected on the broader impact of Elvis’ music and legacy. “There’s a reason his music still resonates today,” said Litherland. “Even for those of us too young to have lived during his heyday, his influence is undeniable. It’s an honor to carry that torch, even if just for a little while.”

Performances and Ticket Information

Heartbreak Hotel runs at the Riverside Center through March 2, 2025, offering audiences a vibrant blend of live music, dance, and storytelling. The schedule includes matinees and evening performances to suit every schedule.

• Wednesday Matinees:
  Meal Service: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 12:45 PM
  Performance Start: 1:30 PM
• Thursday – Saturday Evenings:
  Meal Service: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 6:45 PM
  Performance Start: 7:30 PM
• Sunday Matinees:
  Meal Service: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 2:15 PM
  Performance Start: 3:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

• Dinner & Show: Adults $82, Seniors $77, Children $70
• Show Only: Adults $65, Seniors $60, Children $55
• Military Discount: $77 (limit 4 tickets)
• RUSH Tickets: $35 (same-day purchase, limited availability)

“I saw on the Ring doorbell, a guy with a big check and flowers,” said Shelly’s daughter Vicky. They are now $10,000 richer.

Shelly entered the Publishers Clearing House a few times before and won small prizes but continued to enter their drawing. This time it paid off – hefty, $10,000. However, PCH has given away bigger prizes in the past and continues to have drawings in the millions. 

At the doorstep, there were many smiles and some tears as Guja explained how they drew her name, all while a cameraman hired by the sweepstakes filmed the excitement.

Since the temperature was nearly freezing, everyone migrated inside, as Guja explained further, and got some paperwork out of the way. Included with the check, champagne, and flowers were a few PCH tee shirts, which also brought on smiles. “I’m going to wear this to bowling tonight,” said Shelly.

The check couldn’t have come at a better time. Shelly’s husband, Joe, died on New Year’s Eve, and Vicky has a child due in April, so the money will be handy. Vicky had doubts about the contest.

The commercials on TV and the past promotions didn’t convince her, but now they have pictures, a full bank account, and an oversized check to show their friends. “I always thought it was a scam,” Vicky said.

“Good job, Mom,” Vicky added.

Publishers Clearing House was founded in 1953 as a magazine subscription agency but has now branched out as an “interactive media company,” a description on its website states. They were known as the company the late Ed McMahon was affiliated with, but that was American Family Publishers, which is no longer in business. They said company revenues fund PCH prizes, and no purchase is required to enter.

Guja lives in New York City, and he flew to Richmond with his cameraman, rented an SUV, and drove to the Fredericksburg area for the presentation. First, they stopped to pick up some flowers from Giant Food, where Christina Milstead, the florist, helped them with a bouquet. 

They weren’t roses, though. “We try to mix them up,” Guja said. Milstead had a brush with fame before working at the Giant floral section in Woodbridge. “Dan Akroyd came in the store,” she said. After the event, they jumped back in the SUV, went to Richmond Airport, and returned to New York. It’s all part of the job, he said.

At Thursday’s check presentation, the WFLS radio station van was also on-site with their morning show host, Grayson Williams, helping the Hansens celebrate the day. 

“Don’t give up,” Shelly advises people who have played in the past.

Fredericksburg celebrated the grand opening of its new Visitor Center on January 10, 2025, with an open-house event that drew hundreds today at the newly renamed City Center government building, formerly known as the Executive Plaza. Community members gathered at 601 Caroline Street to explore the revamped space, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about the Visitor Center’s offerings.

The new facility, described as brighter and more accessible, provides an inviting hub for showcasing Fredericksburg’s artists and businesses. “The center is fabulous,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “It has space for showcasing our artists and businesses, and we’re just so excited to welcome people to this new center.”

Rita McClenney, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, emphasized the importance of the Visitor Center as a resource for wayfinding and discovering unique experiences in Fredericksburg. “A lot of people research before they travel, but there’s nothing like being on the ground and finding out about a place through the people who know it best,” said McClenney.

With its central location between Northern and Central Virginia, Fredericksburg serves as a crossroads for visitors exploring the state. Tourism remains a vital economic driver, with Virginia seeing $33 billion in visitor spending in 2023, equating to $91 million daily.

The opening of the new Visitor Center highlights Fredericksburg’s commitment to fostering growth and promoting its rich historical and cultural offerings. Officials noted the city’s dedication to being business-friendly and inviting diverse enterprises downtown, contributing to a thriving community.

As Fredericksburg prepares for significant events like the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the new Visitor Center positions the city as a prime destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.

The center moved from 706 Caroline Street to the first floor of 601 Caroline Street. The new location is significantly larger, more modern, and more ADA accessible – concluding a five-year initiative to provide visitors with an accessible space.

For 11 years, Fredericksburg marked the new year by dropping a six-foot paper mâché pear from a spot above Caroline Street.

The drop-off platform was a building or the raised ladders of a fire truck. Still, it was a celebratory moment that the partiers in Fredericksburg celebrated at midnight on December 31.

“It was a big event,” said Amena Thornton, the artist at Amena Art at 810 Caroline Street. That building at 810 Caroline Street is several stories, so some drops went off that roof. A few were dropped off an extended fire truck ladder as well.

“I think there was an apple for some time, but then they switched to the pear,” she added.

Fellow artist Ken Crampton was the creator of the pear at his studio in that building, and there was some disagreement about the procedure, so this was discontinued. Crampton looked back on his six-foot pear. “We would lower it at midnight,” he said.

It was a pear because there used to be unique pear trees up and down Caroline Street, but the fruits caused a mess, so they took them down. The pear drop was part of the “First Night America” festivities that used to occur in Fredericksburg. “I was one of the artists involved,” Crampton said. He thought this was around 1991 but he wasn’t sure of that year.

The pear became known as “Ken’s Pear,” but its whereabouts are unknown. One thing is for sure, though: it is not being dropped on New Year’s Eve 2024.

Crampton has an art studio called “Eyeclops Studio,” where he practices his art in an artsy spot off the beaten path on Charlotte Street. There, he specializes in fine art, photography, parade puppetry, lessons, paint parties, graphic design, and branding. Drum circles are part of that. “Ken Crampton’s multifaceted approach has undeniably left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape, fostering creativity and connection within the community,” read the description on his website.

Drumming does have positive elements to it, says Crampton, who maintains a webpage called “Everybody Drum.” It says that drumming transcends its role as a mere musical activity, extending its impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

During the school year, Crampton worked as a nutrition specialist managing the Walker Grant Middle School Café with Fredericksburg schools. First, he’s an artist, though, with drum circles attracting about 10 to 30 people, including families.

This year, the City of Fredericksburg is officially not part of any activity on New Year’s Eve. However, several restaurants are having specials to ring up and down Caroline Street in the new year.

Brock’s Riverside Grill
503 Sophia Street
540-370-1820
Two parties, upstairs and downstairs
Live music and dancing
$20 cover charge
Champagne Toast

Rehana’s
104 Wolfe Street
540-491-9227
8 pm 4-course dinner with wine
11 pm-1 am After party
Alpine Chef
200 Lafayette Boulevard
540-656-2101
Live classical guitarist Chris Ladd, 5-9 pm

Reclaim Arcade
2324 Plank Road
Turn Back Time party
The Wavos, ‘80s sounds
75 pinball games