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Riverland Community College Theatre faculty, Susan V Hansen, has announced the 2024-2025 theater season. The shows this year will include two musicals, a classic Shakespeare, and a showcase of Riverland student work. Tickets are now on sale.

Just in time for Halloween, the season opens on Oct. 30 with “Carrie: The Musical,” with music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, book by Lawrence D. Cohen, based on the novel by Stephen King. 

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. 

This production is based on a horror novel and contains acts of bullying, violence, and metaphysical concepts. Appropriate audience is 16 and over. “Carrie: The Musical” is directed by Randy Forster.

The second production, Dec. 6-7, is The Spotlight, an evening of performances showcasing Riverland Theatre students. The night is an evening of scenes, monologues, and songs performed by Riverland Theatre students as they prepare to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, Iowa this January. Hansen will direct.

“Richard III” by William Shakespeare opens Feb. 26. Richard of Gloucester shares his every move with the audience as he begins his unscrupulous climb to the top. This charismatic tyrant manipulates and murders his way to governing. He promises, charms, and encourages as he disposes men and conquers women. 

The York family comes to realize that although they might have fought to reach the safety of leadership, their most lethal enemy is among their own party. The play is a gripping exploration of ambition, power, and the consequences of moral corruption. Adapted and directed by Hansen.

Closing out the season is the musical “Footloose,” set to the energetic rhythms of its Oscar and Tony-nominated score. 

Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small town where dancing is banned by a strict local preacher. As Ren challenges the town’s rigid rules, he catches the eye of the preacher’s rebellious daughter, sparking tension with her boyfriend and the community. 

The story explores the clash between generations and the healing power of music. Footloose celebrates the importance of understanding and guiding youth with compassion and an open mind. Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford, Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman.

Individual tickets to all shows are now on sale for the season. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.riverland.edu/tickets, or by phone.  To receive more information, call the Riverland Theatre Box Office at (507) 433-0595, email boxoffice@riverland.edu, or visit the web site and download the brochure at www.riverland.edu/theatre. Individual ticket prices for “Carrie: The Musical” and “Footloose” are $16 and $13 for The Spotlight and “Richard III.” Riverland students receive two free tickets to each production. 

 The 2024-2025 Riverland Theatre Season Up-Close:
Carrie: The Musical

Directed by Randy Forster

Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

 The Spotlight

Directed by Susan V. Hansen

Dec, 6, 7 at 7 p.m.

Richard III

Directed by Susan V. Hansen

February 26, 27, 28 March 1 at 7 p.m.; March 2 at 2 p.m.

 Footloose

April 23, 24, 25, 26 at 7 p.m.; April 27 at 2 p.m.