Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts has planned a captivating lineup of productions for the 2018-2019 season beginning Sept. 14 with The Music Man, a, deliciously delightful, theatrical slice of apple pie that pays tribute to the early twentieth century old-fashioned manners and mores of small-town Americana opening.
"What a year it’s going to be at Rivertown Theaters!” said co-artistic/managing director, Kelly Fouchi.” For our 7th season, we are adding a seventh show to the line-up which will include endearing and enduring Broadway hits, a Ricky Graham-written satire, a rousing musical revue and a crowd- pleasing comedy. This is local theatrical entertainment at its best! Our diverse season offers a variety of shows for all ages of theatergoers.”
“We are also thrilled to be going into our 7th season with the incredible support and response that we have received over the years from our very loyal and ever-growing patrons. Each of the shows last year played to rave reviews, sold out houses, added performances and enthusiastic audiences. Our goal is to continue to present productions that are full of high entertainment value featuring some of the area's most talented performers," Fouchi added.
A new addition for each Rivertown theater production is a raffle of a specially created Muses-style shoe depicting signature features associated with each show. Raffle proceeds go to support Rivertown Theaters.
Rivertown Theaters 2018-19 Season Shows
The Music Man
September 14-30, 2018
Directed by Kelly Fouchi
“Oh, we’ve got trouble, right here in River...town!” It may be indecent to meet boys at the footbridge, according to the Mayor’s daughter Zaneeta Shinn, but you'll definitely want to meet the fast-talking Harold Hill and these cast of colorful Iowans in our season opener! One of the most cherished musicals in American theatre, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, marches onto our mainstage this September. Look for the Wells Fargo Wagon along with 76 trombones, a lovely librarian and the classic songs and dance we all know and love. Described "as American as apple pie" by the New York Times, this great American classic is a six-time, Tony Award winning musical comedy that has been entertaining audiences since 1957.
Gone Pecans!
November 2-18, 2018
Directed by Ricky Graham
A musical & comedic celebration of the New Orleans Tricentennial! Ya gotta be nuts to live in New Orleans, and here’s the historical proof! Celebrate 300 nutty years of New Orleans with the creators of Ditzyland, Steel Poinsettias, and Hello Dawlin’! This original and locally penned main stage musical stars Ricky Graham, Sean Patterson, Varla Jean Merman and Jefferson Turner, with a singing/dancing ensemble and a swinging band, as they enact their comic alternative facts about the City That Care Forgot. Surprise local celebrities round out the cast each night with a special variety show throwback. Come celebrate New Orleans the best way we know how — with laughter and music!
Let it Snow! Winter Show Add On
December 7-23, 2018
Directed by Rich Arnold
The Big Easy Boys & Babes are "coming to town" with a brand new, spectacular holiday revue! LET IT SNOW! A Big Easy Boys Christmas is a delightful mix of holiday standards and classic hits that is sure to have you and yours “rockin around the Christmas tree.” Following the success of Under the Boardwalk and Let the Good Times Roll, the Boys’ signature blend of tight harmonies, slick dance moves, and a live big band orchestra is sure to get the whole family “in the mood” for the holiday season. The Times Picayune raves: "The Big Easy Boys and Babes have created a show that will brighten and delight audiences...the level of showmanship has been taken to a new level." You won't want to miss their unique spin on timeless holiday favorites and traditions. So load up the sleigh with all your little elves, we’re gonna blow Santa off the rooftop this December!
Greater Tuna
January 11-27, 2019
Directed by Gary Rucker & Sean Patterson
Welcome back to Tuna, Texas! Greater Tuna is a hilarious and irreverent comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of Tuna citizens – men, women, children, and animals alike - are portrayed by ONLY 2 performers, making this satire on life in rural America both crazy and delightful as they change characters and costumes at breakneck speed. Called “a good ol’ down-home laugh-out-loud fest,” Greater Tuna has enjoyed worldwide success, including long-running engagements both on and off-Broadway, at the White House, and as an HBO special. 2 Actors, 20 Characters, 20 million laughs!
Into The Woods
March 15-31, 2019
Directed by Gary Rucker
The Brothers Grimm hit the stage in this epic fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. Journey into the woods with us for this fanciful, visually enchanting show and discover what happens to your favorite, yet tragically flawed fairytale characters before and after the words “happily ever after.” Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece skillfully twists storybook tales and brings the characters together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.
Me & My Girl
May 3-19, 2019
Directed by TBA
Oi! This grand ol’ musical comedy was hailed, “the freshest and funniest musical to hit Broadway in ages”. Me & My Girl exploded in London’s West End where it entertained audiences for 8 years as well as 3 years on Broadway. This multiple Tony & Olivier award winning show whisks you back to the glittering 1930s, where the aristocratic Hareford family are seeking the legitimate heir to the title of Earl. Bill Snibson, a common-as-muck Lambeth cockney turns out to be the long lost Earl of Hareford, and chaos ensues as Bill does his best to learn the art of being posh. With rousing song and dance production numbers and side-splitting physical comedy, audiences will be “doin the Lambeth Walk” long after the curtain comes down.
Mamma Mia! - Summer Musical – Add On
July 11 – 21, 2019
Directed by TBA
ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's 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, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!
ABOUT RIVERTOWN THEATERS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – KENNER’S MULTI-AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL TREASURE!
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts kicked off its inaugural “BROADWAY SERIES AT RIVERTOWN” SCHEDULE FOR THE 2012-2013 SEASON with a new name, a new management company, Theatre 13, and new artistic directors, Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi. The mission of Theatre 13 is to bring new and exciting productions to the New Orleans area while providing local theater artists an opportunity to perform and create, as well as teach and showcase the talents of children of all ages. Now beginning its 7th season, Theatre 13 is producing a wide range of award-winning, professional theatrical performances, from Broadway musicals to children’s theater for Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts.