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[Free Lance-Star Year in Review] 2018: a big and bright journey to the past
In 2018, I saw nearly 30 area productions (not to mention “Frozen” on Broadway and “West Side Story” sung entirely in Spanish while on vacation). That number is only a small dent in the incredible theater that was presented on local stages.
Here are a few of my favorites:
BWW Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Riverside Center For The Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts continues its season with the Disney classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. If audience response is any indication, this musical extravaganza is enjoyable for the entire family. Arrive early as the dinner theatre offers its audiences a variety of three-course meals that are appetizing and perfectly-themed for this production. Kids will also appreciate a meet and greet with some of Disney's most iconic characters following the performance.
DCMetroTheaterArts Review: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
A beloved classic, Beauty and the Beast is a popular choice amongst audiences. When a show’s high status is paired with Riverside’s well-earned reputation for providing Broadway-quality performances for the NOVA region, the result is a packed auditorium. I wasn’t at all surprised to see so many people at my performance (or lots of little girls in sparkly yellow ball gowns), nor was I surprised when that performance received an enthusiastic standing ovation at curtain call.
Culpeper Times CURTAIN CALLS: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” Roars On
For many years of reviewing regional theatre, I have looked around the audience with growing concern at the many grey and balding heads. Where, I asked myself, in this age of Netflix, YouTube, video games, and movie theatres with reclining chairs will the next generation of live theatre patrons come from?
Now I have an answer.
Free Lance-Star Review: Riverside's 'Beauty and the Beast'
Everyone knows the story of “Beauty and the Beast.” One of Disney’s most beloved and popular movies, it tells the story of a vain, cruel prince who is cursed to live as a beast after turning an old woman away from his castle for her appearance. Only by learning to love someone and be truly loved in return can the prince break the spell. Enter Belle, an independent village girl who dreams of more outside her quaint little village.
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts brings this classic story to life with all of the favorite songs and characters from the 1991 animated feature, but it also offers fans and newcomers so much more to enjoy. What makes this show stand out are the quieter moments that resonate with the audience. That is what Riverside is trying to shine a light on: the relationships at the heart of the story.
Discover the charm and grandeur of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' at Riverside
“Song as old as rhyme ... Beauty and the Beeeeaaaaaaaaast!”
You know the lyrics. You’ve seen the iconic Disney flick. And now, it’s time to experience it live.
Through Nov. 25, “Beauty and the Beast” and all of its timeless glory is at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Directed by Riverside’s producing artistic director Patrick A’Hearn, this one is full of storybook and “once upon a time” charm.
Review: ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, with a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and music by Gene de Paul, including new songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. Penny Ayn Maas directs and choreographs a terrific ensemble for this fun, jovial musical. If your favorite thing about theater is large, lively song-and-dance numbers, then you absolutely should not miss this production!