NEWS RELEASE

Allen D. Cornell, Riverside Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, and Ken Clifton, Riverside’s Musical Director, have teamed up to create a special theatrical event showcasing some of the most beloved music by Broadway legend, Richard Rodgers. My Romance: The Work of Richard Rodgers takes place on the Stark Stage on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.

Featuring four highly accomplished Broadway and New York performers, this musical journey through the Richard Rodgers catalogue is an insightful look into the talents of a man that changed Broadway forever.

“After last season’s success with David Pittsinger in concert, Ken and I wanted to showcase the remarkable work of a musical master,” says Mr. Cornell. “These memorable tunes are lush, comical, romantic, and indicative of the lasting impression of a good song. I’m excited for our audiences to hear these timeless classics performed by our exceptional cast.”

Richard Rodgers was a pioneer in crafting what became the quintessential American musical, integrating stories from books and plays and creating seamless storytelling from speech to song. Rodgers won every major award possible in his field becoming the first person to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) and the Pulitzer Prize. His collaborations with the Lorenz Hart and later with Oscar Hammerstein II created indelible theatrical musicals including: Oklahoma, Pal Joey, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Babes in Arms, and Cinderella, to name a few.

“It’s been a great deal of work to translate this music to just pianos and vocal, but so fun and worth the effort,” said Ken Clifton. “Such truly beautiful and memorable music is timeless and dare I say eternal. We have brought together four remarkable singers and with the artistry and talent of Anne Shuttlesworth, this promises to be one of the highlights of our season. This is more than a walk down memory lane…. It’s a celebration of music.”

My Romance: The Works of Richard Rodgers stars Kristin Carbone (Cinderella, Mary Poppins, Into The Woods), Peter Lockyer (Les Misèrables, Miss Saigon, La Bohème), Michael St. John (Les Misèrables, The Pirates of Penzance, The Little Prince), and Jennifer Hope Wills (The Phantom of the Opera, Wonderful Town, The Woman in White) with direction by Allen D. Cornell and musical direction by Ken Clifton. Performers will be accompanied by two grand pianos played by Mr. Clifton and Ms. Shuttlesworth.

The evening will include songs: “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Oklahoma,” “Funny Valentine,” “The Sound of Music,” “Cock Eyed Optimist,” “Do Re Mi,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “My Romance,” and many, many more.

Mr. Clifton and Ms. Shuttlesworth will also shine in their instrumental piano interpretations from the Rodgers songbook.

My Romance: The Music of Richard Rodgers performs November 14, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. on the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre. Tickets are $45. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at http://www.riversidetheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre’s 44^nd Season includes: Million Dollar Quartet (January 2-21), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (January 16 – February 4), Lombardi (January 30 – February 18), Gypsy (March 6–25), Buyer & Cellar (March 20 – April 8) and Mamma Mia (April 10-29). 

The 2017-2018 Season is sponsored by: Wilmington Trust, Fidelity Investments, Dale Sorensen Real Estate, The O’Haire Group – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Sea Turtle Real Estate, Northern Trust, Indian River Press Journal, GYL, Ocean FM, Vatland Honda, Marriott SpringHill Suites, and Nelson Morgan Wealth Management – Merrill Lynch.