Riverside Theatre Works is a family theatre devoted to entertaining and bringing a family together for an affordable night out. Each year, we choose productions that make people laugh, wonder, and relax through songs and comedic moments. RTW Performing Arts Centre's school and mainstage theatre work closely together to also ensure that students in the school have an opportunity to perform on stage. Plays and musicals are chosen with this in mind, thus have roles for children ages 5-18 throughout the season.

Mainstage Productions

Mainstage productions are those which feature children and adults in the cast and are suitable and enjoyable for the entire family. RTW produces 3 mainstage shows per year which run four performances for two full weekends. Anyone interested in auditioning for the season or any individual shows, see audition page for information. If you are interested in getting tickets to any of these shows or buying a subscription, please see our box office page .

Big River / October 17-26, 2008

Twain's timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel - the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck's partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck's drunken father, the sinster Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled from an award-winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brillianty theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

Tickets: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors, $15 children

Miracle on 34th St. / Dec. 5-14, 2008

Kris Kringle is the perfonification of good will and Christmas spirit. As Macy's holiday Santa, he enchants children and shoppers so completely that he is deemed dangerous by fellow employees who question his competency and plot to ruin him. A small girl's belief in Santa and the magic of the holiday is at stake in the climactic courtroom decision. This hilarious, tender, and heartwarming show for the entire family is a Christmas classic.

Tickets: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors, $15 children

The King and I/ May 8-17, 2009

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly-textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when and English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the king to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the west and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the king grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Along with the dazzling score, the incomparable Jerome Robbins ballet, "The Small House of Uncle Thomas," is one of the all-time marvels of the musical stage.

Tickets: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors, $15 children

Special Event Productions

Because we know that people have other interests, RTW is committed to bringing special event productions to our audiences who are interested in more than just our general family-oriented shows. We produce a cabaret, an opera and a children's musical theatre production every year. These productions run at special times rather than according to our mainstage schedule. Often, additional stages are built for these shows and are even taken to other venues for various audiences.

Opera: Hansel and Gretel / February 6-15, 2009

Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Hansel and Gretel are trapped inside the deceptively decorated house of the witch Griselda who wishes to fatten Hansel so that he may be baked into a delicious gingerbread treat. Hansel and Gretel may be lost in the woords, but they are protected by many magical beings. Of course, they must and do meet the witch in her delicious house and she does try to cook Hansel in the oven. And naturally, they do live happily ever after.

Tickets: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors, $15 children

Cabaret Fest! Smokey Joe's Cafe / March 7, 14, and 21st, 2009

Leiber and Stroller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n roll and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized 50s setting, the classic themes of love, lost and imagined, blend with slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE isn't just great pop music - it's compelling musical theatre.

Tickets: $23 adults, $20 students/seniors, $15 children

Children's Theatre: Sister for Sale / April 17-26, 2009

A World Premiere Musical Event!

This has always been a widely successful show, often selling out completely. Past shows have included Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. This year it’s a delightful tale of mazes and poems based on the poetry of Shel Silverstein. Performances run throughout April vacation week.

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children

For ticket and subscriber information, visit our Box Office Page .