THE WONDER YEARS Musical and More Highlight Riverside Theatre's 2017-18 Season

Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, is excited to announce its 2017-2018 Season. Building on the success and support the theatre has attained over the last few years, Riverside is proud to present our magnificent season of music, comedy, and drama.

"The 2016-2017 Season was one of best seasons ever," says Mr. Cornell. "Ring of Fire, Chicago, Mame and Saturday Night Fever achieved many sold out performances. The critical acclaim and tremendous support of our patrons and audiences continue to encourage us to produce the finest professional productions possible.

"Nothing touches the heart, educates the mind and lifts the spirit like a live performance. That is why next season offers seven Dynamic Productions that will fill our stages - productions that will amaze and delight everyone who experiences Riverside Theatre."

The season begins in October with the world premiere musical The Wonder Years. Based on the award-winning television series, the show features many of the iconic songs from that past era.

January brings the hit Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet, about a fateful night when four of the greatest musicians came together for an incredible recording session at the legendary Sun Records.

Quartet is followed by Lombardi, the play about one of the greatest coaches in football, Vince Lombardi. Next on the Stark Stage is the legendary musical Gypsy and the season concludes with the energetic ABBA musical, Mamma Mia!

Two distinctive theatre pieces play the Waxlax Stage - the award-winning musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood in January and Buyer & Cellar in March.

Subscriptions are now available for 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 show packages for the Stark and Waxlax Stage productions. For more information on prices and subscription options, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.

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The Season:

Stark Stage Shows

The Wonder Years - The Musical
Music by Various Artists, Lyrics by Various Artists, Book by Tim Federle
October 24 - November 12, 2017

A World Premiere!

The musical adaptation of the iconic television series is set in the 1968-1969 school year, and the many historical and cultural events that take place - RFK, Vietnam, Moon Landing, Woodstock. The musical follows Kevin Arnold and his friends and family as they navigate coming of age during this fraught period to a chart-topping score from the mid-late sixties. You'll experience songs: "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Respect," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," and many other 60's era classics!

Million Dollar Quartet
Music by Various Artists, Lyrics by Various Artists, Book by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott
January 2-21,2018

This Tony Award-winning musical takes audiences back to December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins together in what became one of the most memorable nights in music. Based around that historical event, the musical recounts how these legends ended up in the same room at Sun Records in Memphis for one of the greatest impromptu rock 'n' roll jam sessions in history.

Lombardi
By Eric Simonson
January 30 - February 18, 2018

One of the greatest sports legends of all time, Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi is the basis for this exhilarating new play. One of the most inspirational personalities of our time, Lombardi's ambition and passions are on display as well as his ability to influence people to achieve what they never thought possible.

Gypsy
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Arthur Laurents, Based on Gypsy: A Memoir by Gypsy Rose Lee
March 6-25, 2018

Considered one of the finest musicals ever written, Gypsy follows indomitable stage mother Mama Rose as she chases vicarious success and stardom through her daughters on the vaudeville circuit. When younger daughter, June, elopes, Rose turns her attention to her older, less talented daughter, Louise, who eventually becomes the acclaimed burlesque stripper named Gypsy Rose Lee.

Mamma Mia!
Music by Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson, Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson, Book by Catherine Johnson
April 10-29, 2018

The smash Broadway and international hit tells the amusing tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads! On the eve of the daughter's wedding on a Greek island paradise, her quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Waxlax Stage Shows

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Book, Music and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes
Based on The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
January 16 - February 4, 2018

Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens and was the first musical where the audience determined the ending. This hilarious and interactive mystery musical tries to solve the murder of the young and charming Edwin Drood. Was it a romantic rival? The purveyor of opium and vice? The newly-arrived twins from the east? The audience chooses the dastardly villain in this tuneful tale of intrigue.

Buyer & Cellar
By Jonathan Tolins
March 20 -April 8, 2018

Struggling actor Alex More is excited about his new job, even though it's in a Malibu basement. You see, the basement belongs to beloved superstar, Barbra Streisand, who happens to have a shopping mall in her cellar. When Babs comes downstairs to play one day, a real bonding takes place, but will that friendship transfer out of the cellar? Buyer and Cellar is a laugh-out-loud story about one of the oddest of odd jobs.

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Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach. 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 the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.

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