Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, announces the start of single ticket sales for the Theatre’s 2021-2022 Season. Tickets will go on sale starting Wednesday, July 7th at 10am.
“The time has come for the lights on our stages to burn bright again,” said Mr. Cornell. “We’ll be back better than ever. And that, in no small measure, is because of the loyalty and commitment this community holds for Riverside Theatre.”
While no public performances took place in the Stark Stage last year and only capacity limited performances of the Comedy Zone in the Waxlax Stage and local musicians on the Live in the Loop Outdoor Stage, Riverside Theatre is proud to present a stimulating season of music and comedy.
The 2021-2022 Season begins in January with a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic about a father’s love for his child, Carousel. February brings the uproarious comedy, A Comedy of Tenors, from the creator of the equally funny, Lend Me A Tenor. March showcases the life and music of entertainment titans Emilio and Gloria Estefan with On Your Feet. Billy Elliot, the musical about a boy fulfilling his dreams to dance, takes the stage in April and the incredible music of legendary singer, John Denver concludes the Stark Stage season in May with Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America. The Waxlax Stage will showcase two productions – the musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change in January and the very funny Bakersfield Mist in March.
Individual tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at http://www.RiversideTheatre.com. Please note: the box office is not currently open for in-person transactions.
The Season
Stark Stage Shows
Carousel Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Book by Oscar Hammerstein II January 4-23, 2022
In a small coastal village in Maine, carnival barker, Billy Bigelow, falls in love and marries local millworker, Julie Jordan. Their romance quickly faces obstacles as both lose their jobs just as they learn she is pregnant. Desperately intent on providing for his family, Billy is coerced into being an accomplice to a robbery. Caught and facing prison, Billy dies, but is given a second chance at redemption fifteen years later when he returns to earth to meet his daughter. She is a lonely, friendless teenager, but Billy’s love for her instills a sense of hope and dignity she never felt before. Featuring much-loved songs “If I Loved You,” “June is Busting Out All Over,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Carousel is one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beautiful and compelling musicals.
A Comedy of Tenors By Ken Ludwig February 1-20, 2022
Written by one of America’s most prolific playwrights, A Comedy of Tenors is an uproarious tale of romantic indiscretions and madcap situations. On the eve of the concert of the century, 1930’s Paris is all abuzz as four renown tenors are set to take the stage in a stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? Apparently a lot, when you have one hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, and three girlfriends. Can producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife from causing operatic chaos?
.On Your Feet Music & Lyrics by Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan, Book by Alexander Dinelaris March 8-27, 2022
Based on the lives and music of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, On Your Feet is a high-energy celebration of the songs that got the world dancing to the rhythm. From humble beginnings in Cuba and exile in Miami, Emilio and Gloria’s passion for music helped them overcome overwhelming odds and personal tragedies. With an estimated 100 million albums sold worldwide, Gloria Estefan is among the most successful crossover artists ever and On Your Feet showcases over 20 of her biggest hits including: “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Anything for You,” and “Get on Your Feet.”
Billy Elliot the Musical Book & Lyrics by Lee Hall, Music by Elton John April 12 – May 1, 2022
Winner of 10 Tony® Awards including best musical, Billy Elliot tells the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle to make his dreams come true. Based on the international smash hit film and set in a northern English town during the 1984 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot features sensational choreography and an explosive musical score by Elton John. Follow Billy’s journey as he struggles to get out of the boxing ring and into ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that changes his life and the lives of those around him.
Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America Conceived by Harold Thau May 10-20, 2022
Described as “among the most beloved entertainers of his era,” John Denver was an American musical icon who achieved great success with his down-to-earth acoustic sound. Almost Heaven celebrates the life and times of this music man with over 25 of Denver’s chart topping hits including: “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy,” “Annie’s Song,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and many more.
Waxlax Stage Shows
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Music by Jimmy Roberts, Book by Joe DiPietro January 18 – February 6, 2022
One of Off-Broadway’s longest-running musicals, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, celebrates the modern-day mating game where the desire for love is fundamental. Filled with comedic songs about love and relationships, this show is everything you’ve ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.
Bakersfield Mist By Stephen Sachs March 22 – April 10, 2022
Inspired by true events, this hilarious new comedy follows Maude, a fifty-something unemployed bartender, who buys a painting for a few bucks from a thrift store. Despite almost trashing it, she’s now convinced it’s a lost masterpiece by Jackson Pollock worth millions. But when world-class art expert Lionel Percy flies in from New York and arrives at her trailer home in Bakersfield to authenticate the painting, he has no idea what he is about to discover.
Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of Florida Professional Theatre Association, the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
Indian River Guardian 