The RiverPark center kicks the year off right with three wonderful productions: the Tony Award winning musical Movin’ Out, The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of Cinderella, and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra’s production of The Four Seasons!  You do not want to miss these outstanding productions, so get out of the house and enjoy the arts!

Movin Out 2 © 2007, JOAN MARCUS.jpg

On January 28, Broadway at RiverPark does it again with the rockin’ musical Movin’ Out! Directed and Choreographed by dance legend, Twyla Tharp, this production will make you want to hop up out of your seats and boogie right along with these talented characters. Set to the classic hits of rock legend, Billy Joel, Movin’ Out is “the story of lifelong friends as they live through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography.”

            The story of these five friends- characters taken directly from Joel’s song lyrics- is told completely through dance; there is no dialogue whatsoever! And perhaps the fact that this emotional story is told without dialogue only makes it that more sensational. One critic describes this extraordinary production as “the movement and music of a jukebox heart beating in a Broadway soul.” What a beautiful description! This truly is a one-of-a kind production!

            Movin’ Out is in town for one night only and you do NOT want to miss this incredible new twist on entertainment!! Tickets can be purchased at the RiverPark Center Box Office, online at www.riverparkcenter.org, or charge-by-phone at 270-687-2787.

On the flip side of theatre, The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents the classic story of Cinderella! The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) is the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre group and has been touring and visiting nearly 1,000 cities all across the country. MCT touring productions come complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup---all that is missing are the actors. The team holds an open audition and casts 50-60 local students to perform in the production-- this is where you and your child become involved. MCT's mission is “the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.” By participating in theatre, your child has the opportunity to learn very important social and communication skills and improve their self-esteem….and have tons of fun in the process! And what parent wouldn’t want that!

Auditions will be held on Monday, January 7 at 4pm. Students grades Kindergarten through 12th grade are encouraged to audition; no advance preparation is necessary.  A few of the roles set to be cast are Cinderella, her two stepsisters, the Stepmother, the Fairy Godmother, the King, the Prince, Cleo the Cat, Fido the Dog, Beggars, Lords and Ladies, Mice and Pumpkins. MCT Tour Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. If you want to participate, please be available to attend all rehearsals.     

“Audiences of all ages will get a fresh look at an old favorite when MCT and more than 50 local students present Cinderella.” This unique production will come together on Friday, January 11 at 12 p.m. for schools and Saturday, January 12 at 2 p.m. for the public. Tickets to the public show are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

The HON Company and RiverPark Center present the Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Owensboro locally with support from Messenger-Inquirer and the Kentucky Arts Council. For more information, contact Donna Conkwright at 270-687-2770.

On January 26, The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra presents their delightful production of The Four Seasons: Beethoven, Mozart, and Vivaldi’s Classic “the Four Seasons.” 

The talented, Violin sensation, Alison Dalton, formerly with the New York Philharmonic and veteran member of the first violin section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will dazzle you with her rendition of The Four Seasons in a program that also features Mozart's "Haffner" Symphony. Special guest, Mihail Agafita, one of Europe's most talented young conductors, will display his talent as well.

Sponsored by Chase Bank and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, you do not want to miss this beautiful program by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra! Tickets for the Masterwork series range from $12, $25 to $32. Visit www.theoso.com or call RiverPark Center Box Office at (270) 687-2787 for more information and details.