Lights…. Camera…. Action! Let us entertain you with a plethora of theatrical, musical and dance performances this season. Whether you’re a fan of national touring concerts, professional theatre, world-class opera, ballet, or local productions, you’re sure to be entertained!
“The Sunrise Theatre in historic downtown Fort Pierce is excited to announce the Broadway and Beyond on 2nd Street series with seven fabulous shows including One Night in Memphis, a Chorus Line, Gobsmacked, Charlie Brown Christmas, and Rhythm of the Dance.” exclaimed Anne W. Satterlee, Marketing Director for Sunrise Theatre. “Our 12th season promises the best and brightest stars and offerings throughout the 2017-2018 season for all audiences.” There are literally dozens of shows scheduled for the upcoming season. Many are one-night only special performances by legends in the music industry. Others highlight stand up comedians, tribute bands, dance productions, and children’s plays.
Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach produces Broadway musicals, contemporary plays, and children’s theatre on three stages as it enters is 44th season. “We are thrilled by the variety of the shows selected,” said Oscar Sales, Marketing Director for Riverside Theatre. “I am personally looking forward to Mamma Mia as it showcases the music of ABBA, a band I enjoyed growing up in the 70’s and 80’s.”
Other performances include Hank Williams, Lost Highway, Million Dollar Quartet, Mystery of Edwin Drood, Lombardi, Gypsy and Buyer Cellar. Allen Cornell, CEO of Riverside Theatre explains the artistic philosophy behind the shows. “ The work you see on our stages is created by some of the theatre industry's finest artists. Supported by our talented resident staff, our creative teams bring their own special voice to the work. From an artistic standpoint, we are not interested in replicating a particular show that you may have seen on the Great White Way. Rather, we challenge ourselves to find a new light to familiar works.”
For an even more localized theatrical experience, be sure to attend one or all of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild’s new shows. “As the Guild’s newly elected President, I’m honored to be at the helm as we launch our 60th Anniversary Season,” said Jon Putzke. “Come out and see your friends, neighbors and business associates as they take the stage and help steer the Guild in a new direction!” This year’s lineup begins with The Lady with All the Answers followed by Little Shop of Horrors and Lend Me a Tenor.
Across town the Theatre Go Round has live dinner theatre at its best. “We’re celebrating our 10th Anniversary and we have one of the most diverse lineups of shows this year” said Jon Putzke, who is also owner of the area’s only dinner theatre company. Enjoy dinner at the Quilted Giraffe while being serenaded to the sounds of Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond, Sinatra and Andrew Lloyd Webber done in four-part harmony. “We’ve got something for everyone this season!”
Vero Beach Opera is pleased to announce collaboration between VBO and Atlantic Classical Orchestra, two outstanding Indian River County non-profit performing arts organizations according to Joan Ortega-Cowan, President of the Vero Beach Opera. Atlantic Classical orchestra will perform for Vero Beach Opera’s Madama Butterfly on January 14 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. Other performances include An Evening with Verdi on Feb 3rd and Deborah Voigt Live on March 21. Following her performance Voight will host an International Vocal Competition March 22-24 with a grand performance by the winner on the 24th.
Dance is a universal language and there is nothing more magical and elegant than ballet. Ballet Vero Beach will perform Nutcracker on the Indian River at the Vero Beach Performing Arts Center on Dec. 29-30 giving viewers a local backdrop to this holiday classic. “Everything about this production is a love letter to the beauty of our natural surroundings and I am certain it will become our area’s newest tradition,” said Adam Schnell, CEO of Ballet of Vero Beach. Additional ballet performances are scheduled for January, February and March.
Page Howell, Vero Beach High School Bands Director, is excited about this year’s lineup of performances. “One of the highlights from this coming year is the 25th Annual Celebration of the Red, White and Blue Concert in March. The patriotic concert will feature guest conductors and a look back at the past 25 years of concerts. And in February you don’t want to miss our spring musical, Annie.”
If the reality of politics and economics is more your style, Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series enters its 20th season in 2018 and welcomes the Right Honourable David Cameron, as one of the season’s four guest lecturers on Feb 25th. Frannie Atchinson and Debbi Peniston, DLS Co-chairs, reveal that the other speakers include Secretary Ash Carter on January 22, Senator Phil Gramm on Feb. 19th and Ambassador Christopher Hill, former ambassador to South Korea on March 12th. These lectures sell out quickly so reserve your seats early.
So, the stage is set. The cast is ready! All you have to do is fit as many performances into your schedule as possible. You’ll find all the culture you need right here on the Treasure Coast.