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The timeless drama All My Sons by legendary playwright Arthur Miller returns to the stage in an Actors Theatre production at the ARTfactory in Manassas. First premiering in 1947, Miller’s powerful exploration of morality, ambition, and the consequences of personal decisions remains as compelling today as it was in the post-World War II era.

Set in the aftermath of the war, All My Sons follows Joe Keller, a businessman whose wartime actions carry tragic repercussions. As the past unravels, Joe and those closest to him are forced to confront hard truths about sacrifice, ambition, and the moral cost of pursuing the American Dream. The play’s deep exploration of human choices and the weight of deception makes it one of Miller’s most enduring works.

The ARTfactory production, directed by Ahryel Tinker, promises to bring fresh perspective to the classic play, with a talented cast and innovative staging designed to highlight the emotional and psychological depth of the characters. The cast includes Scott Murphy-Neilson, Kimberly Kemp, Andrew Chi, Raeanna Nicole Larson, Chris Beatley, Eleanore Tapscott, Joshua Mutterperl, Devyn Tinker, Anastasia Hanchak, and Noah Delune.

Performances will be held at the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory on April 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. The April 3 performance will be a special “pay what you can” event, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the ARTfactory website at virginiaartfactory.org.

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The stage is set, the lights are shining, and the electrifying energy of Jesus Christ Superstar is ready to take over the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The iconic rock opera, which first captivated audiences in the early 1970s, officially opened on March 13, 2025, and will run through April 27.

In a recent interview with Potomac Local News Podcast, lead cast members Anthony Nuccio and Kylie Ernest shared their excitement about bringing this timeless production to the local stage. Nuccio, who plays Judas Iscariot, described Jesus Christ Superstar as a fully sung-through rock opera with no traditional dialogue breaks. “It’s an incredibly high-energy show that blends rock music with a powerful narrative,” he said. “Audiences can expect a visceral and emotional experience.”

Nuccio, whose character is known as both the betrayer and confidant of Jesus, emphasized the human complexity of Judas. “The show does a really good job of showing the nuance and humanity in all characters involved. It’s not just about history—it’s about emotion, relationships, and the political climate of the time.”

Kylie Ernest, who portrays Mary Magdalene, also highlighted the deep storytelling embedded in the musical. “Mary is often portrayed as a background character, but in our production, she’s an integral part of the action. She’s always present, reacting, and emotionally invested in what’s happening,” Ernest said. “It’s been so rewarding to bring her character to life in a way that allows the audience to feel her emotions and struggles.”

For those unfamiliar with Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical is entirely driven by its legendary rock score, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice. Unlike traditional musicals, which incorporate spoken dialogue between songs, this production is non-stop music from start to finish. “Performing in a rock opera is an entirely different challenge,” Nuccio explained. “There’s no vocal break—you’re constantly singing, and that requires incredible stamina. But it also means the energy never dips.”

Ernest echoed that sentiment, noting how music helps convey the intensity of the story. “Even if audiences miss some of the lyrics or political nuances, the music itself carries the emotion. You feel the tension, the joy, the heartbreak—it’s all there in the sound.”

Since its debut in 1970, Jesus Christ Superstar has been both celebrated and controversial. Some traditional audiences initially objected to its portrayal of Jesus and its humanization of Judas. However, the show’s powerful storytelling and musical genius have made it a staple of modern theater. “The show allows us to see Jesus and Judas as real people with complex emotions,” Nuccio said. “That’s what makes it so compelling.”

Beyond its gripping performances, Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside brings a fresh perspective to the classic rock opera, incorporating unique staging and deep character dynamics. “Our version places a strong emphasis on the relationship between Jesus, Judas, and Mary,” Ernest noted. “We explore their dynamic as a trio, which adds another emotional layer to the production.”

With its stunning visuals, passionate performances, and a score that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its debut, Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts promises to be a must-see event this season.

The production runs through April 27. Tickets are available at riversidedt.com. Don’t miss the chance to experience this rock opera phenomenon live in Fredericksburg.

PRICES:

Adult Dinner & Show – $82 (plus applicable taxes)
Seniors (65+) Dinner & Show – $77 (plus applicable taxes)
Children (3-17) Dinner & Show – $70 (plus applicable taxes)
Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID) – $77 (plus applicable taxes)
Adult Show Only – $65
Seniors (65+) Show Only – $60
Children (3-17) Show Only – $55

PERFORMANCES:

Thurs. – Sat. Evenings
5:30pm-6:45pm: Meal Service & Appetizers
6:45pm: Show Only Arrival
7:30pm: Performance Start

Sunday Matinees
1:00pm-2:15pm: Meal Service & Appetizers
2:15pm: Show Only Arrival
3:00pm: Performance Start

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The

Workhouse Arts Center is bringing Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage to the stage from March 8 to April 6, 2025. This heartwarming and comedic play follows a group of formerly incarcerated kitchen staff on a journey of redemption as they strive to craft the perfect sandwich under their tough boss’s rule. Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a special understudy performance on March 29 and an audience talkback on March 30.

If you have an event to share, you can submit it for FREE using this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the form with your event details, and we’ll help spread the word!

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Triune Entertainment is set to open its production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on February 21, 2025, at the Journey Theater in Vint Hill, an event for audiences of all ages.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Story

Directed by Matt Moore, this production breathes new life into the classic tale of Joseph, a dreamer whose jealous brothers sell him into slavery, only for him to rise to prominence in Egypt. With a vibrant score, unforgettable characters, and an inspiring message, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 1968.

Triune Entertainment’s rendition boasts an all-star cast, with professional performer Shakil Azizi starring as Joseph. Azizi’s recent credits include Man 1 in Songs for a New World and Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone at Workhouse Art Center. Other notable roles in the Northern Virginia theatre scene include Rooster in Annie (Little Theatre of Alexandria), Hot-Blades Harry in Urinetown (Workhouse Art Center), and Henrik in A Little Night Music (Reston Community Players). Azizi also performed internationally in Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue.

Playing the Narrator is award-winning vocalist Katy Benko Miner, a two-time World Champion Vocalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts and a two-time WAMMIE Award Winner. Her resume includes sharing the stage with country music icons Brad Paisley, Glen Campbell, Trace Adkins, and Kenny Rogers. She has performed the National Anthem for major sports teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals, and Washington Commanders. Recently, she starred as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins (Allegro Community Players) and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (Hope Theater). Benko Miner is also a respected theatre and choral teacher at Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia.

A Stellar Supporting Cast and Creative Team

The production features an ensemble of actors, including Peter Marsh as Pharaoh, Scott Pierce as Potiphar, Dawn Gaynor as Potiphar’s Wife, and Paul Correll as Jacob. The show’s performances will be complemented by high-impact choreography from Christie Dubansky and musical direction by Cate Murray.

Audiences can expect to be enchanted by show-stopping numbers such as “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door,” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” With innovative staging and high-energy performances, this production is sure to keep theatergoers on the edge of their seats.

Following its successful runs of Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, the world premiere of Peter Filichia’s Larry the Big-Time Broadway Producer, and Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World, Triune Entertainment continues to provide opportunities for performers and creatives to showcase their talents in innovative ways.

Show Dates and Ticket Information

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will run for three weekends from February 21 through March 9, 2025, at the Journey Theater in Vint Hill, VA. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at triuneentertainment.com/joseph.

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Boutchyard

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering events—including the inauguration of President Donald Trump—Boutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theater’s menu.

A Culinary Journey to Riverside

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Don’t miss out on the exciting “Seussical Jr.” performance at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

This limited-run show features the classic Dr. Seuss story of Horton the Elephant and his journey to protect the Whos and an egg left in his care. The show runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from February 4 to March 1, 2025, with an additional Saturday show on March 1. Tickets are just $20 per person, and children under three are free.

The Children’s Theatre returns with an amazing performance for all ages! You can even bring your own lunch to enjoy before the show on Tuesday and Thursday performances. Group tickets are available for Tuesday and Thursday shows by calling 540-479-1356, while Saturday matinees can be purchased online or by calling 540-370-4300.

Do you have a local event to share? It’s FREE to submit your event to our site! Just follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Simply fill out the form, and your event could be featured in our upcoming listings.

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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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Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

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.

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The Wagner Family at Journey Theater

Triune Entertainment is producing Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical at Journey Theater in Vint Hill, Virginia, with performances on December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29. The musical, based on Barbara Robinson's beloved story, features orchestrations by Malcolm Hillgartner and a book by Jahnna Beecham. It tells a heartwarming story of grace, kindness, and community, becoming a holiday classic.

More in a press release:

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North Stafford High School students will perform "The Brothers Grimm Spectacularthon" on November 14 and 16, packing 209 dark fairy tales into one farcical show.

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, known as the "Brothers Grimm," were German academics who collected and published folklore in the early 19th century. While many of their tales have become light and family-friendly through modern-day adaptations, like Disney movies, the original works were darker with moral lessons and often tragic or gruesome endings.

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