News Summary
River City Theatre, a new nonprofit performing arts organization in Jacksonville, will debut with the musical ‘OLIVER!’ from July 17-20 and 24-27. The organization emphasizes community involvement and inclusivity, offering affordable tickets for an immersive theatrical experience. Led by artistic director Stephen Billy, the production aims to enrich the local arts scene and foster collaboration among local talent. As families look forward to these performances, River City Theatre invites the community to join in this celebration of arts and storytelling.
Jacksonville – River City Theatre, a new nonprofit performing arts organization, is set to launch with an innovative production of Lionel Bart’s classic musical “OLIVER!” The inaugural performances will take place from July 17-20 and July 24-27 at the Betsy Lovett Hall, located at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Each performance is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The organization is committed to reimagining the role of performing arts in the Jacksonville community through storytelling, collaboration, engagement, and empowerment. River City Theatre aims to foster inclusivity and community involvement, welcoming participants of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Tickets for the production are priced at $25 and are available for purchase at rivercitytheatre.com. This performance will feature eight family-friendly showings, allowing audiences to enjoy this beloved tale of young Oliver Twist and his adventures in Victorian England.
Stephen Billy, the executive artistic director of River City Theatre, along with a team consisting of choreographer Katie Raulerson and music director Clint Weinberg, launched the organization in January. Billy, who has a strong background in both education and theater, drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences, particularly performing in “OLIVER!” at the age of 10. This experience ignited a desire to create a platform focused on fostering community and shared experiences through the arts.
The unique production of “OLIVER!” promises to engage audiences in an immersive theatrical experience. The show will be performed in the round, enabling the audience to encircle the action, thereby fostering a dynamic connection between performers and viewers. Highlighting the creativity of the team, River City Theatre plans to think outside the box with their productions, including future plans for expanding educational programming that enriches the local arts scene.
As an integral part of Jacksonville’s theater landscape, River City Theatre seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents through the arts. The organization emphasizes collaboration and is eager to involve local talent and stories, furthering its mission of community engagement. The performance of “OLIVER!” features several well-known songs, including “Consider Yourself” and “As Long As He Needs Me,” ensuring that both young and old will enjoy the classic melodies and heartwarming tale.
This upcoming production not only marks a significant milestone for River City Theatre but also reflects their commitment to becoming a vibrant force within the local arts community. By prioritizing inclusivity and creative storytelling, the organization aims to cultivate a love for the performing arts among Jacksonville residents and contribute positively to the cultural fabric of the area.
River City Theatre’s emphasis on empowering individuals through participation and fostering collaboration among local artists aligns with its vision for a more connected and enriched community. With the launch of its first production “OLIVER!” on the horizon, the organization invites everyone in Jacksonville to join in this exciting theatrical journey.
As July approaches, anticipation grows for the chance to experience this remarkable rendition of a time-honored musical that promises to entertain families and individuals alike.
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Additional Resources
- Folks Weekly: River City Theatre
- Visit Jacksonville: River City Theatre presents Oliver
- First Coast News: River City Theatre presents Oliver
- News4Jax: Amelia Community Theatre
- Folks Weekly: Surf’s Up Duval
- Wikipedia: Theatre in Jacksonville
- Google Search: Jacksonville theater news
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville theater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- Google News: Jacksonville theater events
