Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara, and others, and a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary, and Des McAnuff. Directed by Brittny Smith, Donna is an upbeat musical revue from the catalog of “Th e Queen of Disco.” Scenic designer Milo Bue needs to keep the stage clear for large ensemble dance numbers, instead choosing to extend the stage with two raised platforms that reach into the audience. Dancers use these platforms throughout the show, highlighting the popular “Go-Go” style from ’70s disco. The majority of the technical atmosphere comes from sound designer Cheyenne Tenda and lighting designer Weston Corey. The use of multiple spotlights and bold colors and patterns makes the tone very clear — you’re here for a party! Of course, the elemental crown jewel of all of Riverside’s shows is its notable live orchestra, conducted by musical director Carson Eubank. Riverside has built and maintained a reputation for being one of the best places in the region to experience live music. In 2025, the venue was voted one of the “Top 10 Dinner Theatres in the Country” by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and Donna continues its tradition of excellence. Toneisha Jones Harris (center, as Diva Donna) and ensemble in ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.’ Photo by Suzanne Carr-Rossi. Toneisha Jones Harris plays Diva Donna, the eldest of three versions of Donna Summer depicted in the show. She serves as the main narrator, threading together her life story between songs. Yandria Jaaber is Duckling Donna, the youngest of the trio, who reminisces about growing up in a large Boston family in the number “I Remember Yesterday.” Young, eager, and rebellious, Donna defies her strict father (played by Benjamin Bryant) and drops out of high school to pursue a singing career. When she lands a touring role in Germany, we meet Disco Donna, played by Jahnay Star. At the height of her fame, Star portrays Donna Summer as a sultry sex-kitten, with hits such as “Love to Love You Baby” and “Bad Girls,” touted as “the Black Marilyn Monroe.” However, as her career builds, Donna breaks out of that comparison to shine brightly on her own. Costume designer Caroline Tyson must have had fun with this show. From high-waisted hotpants and sequined gowns to rhinestone jumpsuits and feather boas, the looks are decadent and daring. Simply put, they’re disco! Toneisha Jones Harris as Diva Donna, Jahnay Star as Disco Donna, and Tyandria Jaaber as Duckling Donna in ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.’ Photo by Suzanne Carr-Rossi. The plot moves at breakneck speed — we see Donna get pregnant, married, and divorced all in the number “White Boys.” Her Oscar win is casually mentioned in a swift conversation and then never brought up again. We see that Donna dealt with domestic abuse in the number “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” and met her future husband, Bruce Sudano (Jake Jervis), in “Heaven Knows.” It’s a life packed with adventures and achievements, and it all goes by in a whirlwind. To be fair, Donna herself acknowledges that her life was fast and furious, and the plot certainly mirrors that. So yes, the plot is dizzying — turn your attention elsewhere for a few seconds and suddenly you’ve missed a couple of decades — but it serves its real purpose, as a foundation to showcase her work. Donna Summer has been credited with changing the face of pop culture and as a pioneer in her genre, and this production celebrates this distinction.  There are plenty of thrilling song-and-dance numbers throughout the show, including “On the Radio” and “She Works Hard for the Money.” One of the best numbers is the memorable “Hot Stuff,” followed by one of her biggest hits, “Last Dance.” Throughout the show, Diva Donna often comes onstage with her younger selves. She gives earnest advice that is (of course) ignored, while shooting them worried glances and the rare indulgent smile. When a jubilant Disco Donna yells, “I feel like I’m on top of the world!” Diva Donna responds dryly, “Great, now try to keep your balance.” When she finally settles into the role of motherhood in the number “Unconditional Love,” we see that she’s able to enjoy her rewards after fighting through an exciting, but often turbulent, adventure. The actors, dancers, and vocalists all do great jobs with their material. The three Donnas — Harris, Star, and Jaaber — all deliver stunning vocals in particular. While Summer: The Donna Summer Musical is an introspection on her personal and business life, what you’ll remember most are the passionate musical numbers — and I think she’d be just fine with that! Running Time: About two hours, without an intermission. Summer: The Donna Summer Musical plays through March 1, 2026, at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA. Tickets ($65–$82) are available online or through the box office 540-370-4300, open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mon.-Wed.; 10 am to 7:30 pm, Thu.-Fri; 12 pm to 7:30 pm, Sat.; 12 pm to 3 pm, Sun. Discounted senior group rates are available (for details, click here.) Evening performances start at 7:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Matinee performances start at 1:30pm with meal service beginning at 11:30am on Wednesday and 3:00pm on Sunday with dinner service beginning at 1:00pm. Adult Dinner Show – $82 (plus applicable taxes)Seniors (65+) Dinner Show – $77 (plus applicable taxes)Children (3-17) Dinner Show – $70 (plus applicable taxes)Adult Show Only – $65Seniors (65+) Show Only – $60Children (3-17) Show Only – $55There will be a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket. Cast, creative, and crew credits are in the online program here. The menu is here. 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