Before the official RiverPark Center show season begins, they will host the “The Taste of Owensboro” on Oct. 1. This all-you-can-eat evening of entertainment and cuisine samples features more than 30 area restaurants and regional wineries ready to let you sample their best culinary delights. According to RiverPark Center Director of Development and Marketing Faith Holley, proceeds from the event benefit RiverPark’s educational programs which serve 21,000 area students each year.
The RiverPark Center’s 26th Broadway season officially opens on Oct. 30 with “Chicago,” the longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.
“Thanks to the generous donation of time, talent and treasure from our community we just celebrated our first 25 years,” said Jeff Ebelhar, RiverPark Center Board Chair.
On Feb. 7, the Broadway season continues when the yellow brick road leads munchkins and flying monkeys into Owensboro with “The Wizard of Oz.” The hilarious musical “Something Rotten” hits the stage on Feb. 26.
On April 3, take a step in the right direction and discover that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out with “Kinky Boots.”
“The Illusionists–Live from Broadway” will be presented on April 22 for a non-stop show packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
“It may surprise many, but the ticket costs for our events barely cover more than just the actual show costs,” Ebelhar said. “Donations from the City of Owensboro, Daviess County Fiscal Court, Kentucky Arts Council, other sponsors and many, many generous individuals and corporate donors help us pay for some of our annual expenses such as utilities, insurance and maintenance of the facility.”
Along with hit Broadway shows, the season offers plenty of options for younger audiences including “Diary of a Worm, a Spider & a Fly” from the books by Doreen Cronin on Nov. 4, Owensboro Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 1, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!” on Dec. 19.
Auditions for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “Robin Hood” are set for Feb. 11. There are roles for students in Kindergarten through grade 12. Approximately 50 to 60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the tour actors and directors. They will perform on Feb. 16.
This season’s lineup features two free concerts. The US Air Force Band of Mid-America will offer a free concert on Oct. 14 and the Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors performs on Nov. 14.
Purchase or reserve tickets for any RiverPark event at to box office or on OwensboroTickets.com. To stay informed about new events and concerts that may be added to the season, follow RiverPark Center on Facebook or go to RiverParkCenter.org to subscribe to their eNewsletter.
