VERMILION — Broadway star and Vermilion native John Riddle returned to his hometown Thursday night, taking the stage at Vermilion High School for a performance that blended music, storytelling, and local pride. The evening, hosted by the Harbor Town Fine Arts Center (HFAC), drew a packed audience and highlighted ongoing efforts to restore Vermilion’s historic Town Hall theater.
Riddle, a 2005 Vermilion High School graduate, shared memories of growing up in the lakeside community, performing in school musicals, and finding his passion for theater right on the VHS stage. “This is where I got my start,” Riddle said during a post-show interview. “I used to have all these dreams of being on Broadway, and I’ve now got to come back 20 years later and say that I did it.”
A Journey from VHS to Broadway
During the show, Riddle reflected on his Vermilion roots — from childhood sailing trips and family traditions to discovering theater at Vermilion High. He performed selections from his Broadway career, including hits from The Phantom of the Opera, Frozen, and the smash off-Broadway parody Titanique.
Over the past decade, Riddle has built an impressive résumé, performing alongside theater icons like Chita Rivera and starring in productions across New York and internationally. Yet returning to Vermilion, he said, brought him back to where it all began.
Advice for Aspiring Performers
Riddle’s return wasn’t just about celebration; it was also about inspiring the next generation of artists in Vermilion. When asked what advice he’d give local students dreaming of the stage, he emphasized passion and balance:
“You have to love what you do because it’s a challenging career,” Riddle said. “But also, do everything — sports, student council, theater — because all of that makes your life on stage fuller, and an audience feels that.”
Supporting the Arts in Vermilion
The event also highlighted the Harbor Town Fine Arts Center’s ongoing capital campaign to restore Vermilion’s historic Town Hall, built in 1883. HFAC board members shared plans for turning the aging venue into a revitalized hub for local performances and community events. Riddle voiced his support, encouraging attendees to envision the space’s potential.
“I think it’s nearly criminal that the theater is sitting there unused,” Riddle said on stage. “Imagine what we could create together — the arts belong here.”
Looking Ahead
With Thursday’s performance, Riddle bridged the past, present, and future of Vermilion’s artistic community. From his beginnings on the VHS stage to starring on Broadway, his story resonated deeply with the audience — and offered a reminder of what’s possible when local talent meets community support.
For more information on HFAC’s restoration campaign, visit Harbor Town Fine Arts Center’s website or community members can support HFAC’s restoration campaign by donating online at Donate Here.
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