Riverland Community College Theatre Director Lindsey Duoos Williams announced the Theatre Department’s 2013-2014 season today. This season brings a fresh set of plays and musicals that haven’t previously been seen at Riverland Theatre.

The season opens Oct. 3 with Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. “It’s astounding…this cult classic is finally time warping into Austin,” Williams said. It’s been 40 years since Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first debuted in London, but the musical remains as campy, fresh, and funny as ever. Join Brad, Janet, Riff-Raff, Magenta, and one sweet transvestite in this kitschy and edgy rock ‘n’ roll send-up of science fiction B movies. You’ll shiver with “antici…PATION!” Contains adult themes and strong language—parental guidance recommended.

The fall season continues with Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti, translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Revival, this 1960's French farce features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German, and American fiancées--each one a beautiful airline hostess with frequent "layovers.” He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Bernard's apartment at the same time—with hilarious results! Mild adult themes—recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Drowsy Chaperone book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, will be the first production of 2014, opening on Febr. 24. This hysterical Broadway comedy begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable…and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room! The show-within-a-show tells the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love—but with a truly unique twist. The Drowsy Chaperone pays tribute to the Jazz-age shows of the 1920's and the power those shows held to transport us into a dazzling fantasy and to lift our spirits in times of sadness. Mild adult humor—recommended for ages 12 and up.

The season finishes with the classic drama Picnic by William Inge. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this classic drama by master American playwright William Inge was recently revived on Broadway. In 1953, a small Kansas town eagerly anticipates the annual Labor Day picnic. When a handsome stranger shows up and steals the heart of the prettiest girl in town, buried passions are ignited. Soon, the town is entangled in failed relationships, family feuds, and broken hearts. Inge’s themes of longing, desire, and hope still resonate today. Mild adult themes—recommended for ages 12 and up.

Theatre Director Lindsey Duoos Williams says, “For this season’s theme, I pulled a quote from The Rocky Horror Show: ‘Don’t dream it, be it.’ Each of these shows are about people dreaming, and then turning those dreams into a reality. In a way, it’s exactly what we do in the theatre! I think there’s something inspirational to be taken from that—instead of just dreaming, start finding a way to make those dreams come true.”

“Usually we do one contemporary and one classic musical each season,” continues Williams. “This year, it’s sort of flipped: The Rocky Horror Show feels like a very edgy, contemporary musical, but it’s actually 40 years old! It’s our ‘classic’ musical this year. On the other hand, The Drowsy Chaperone is a very new show—it premiered on Broadway in 2006—but it pays tribute to the classic musicals of the 1920s. It feels much more traditional, even though it’s our ‘contemporary’ show!”

Season Ticket subscriptions to Riverland’s 2013-2014 season are $50 and are on sale now through October 12. Individual tickets to each of the four productions will go on sale September 4, when the box office officially opens for the season. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.riverland.edu/tickets, or in person and by phone after September 4. To purchase a season ticket or 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. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. Individual ticket prices for The Rocky Horror Show and The Drowsy Chaperone are $16, and $13 for Boeing Boeing and Picnic. Riverland students receive two free tickets to each production.

Riverland’s Theatre Department is a high-energy performance-oriented program. Plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and from full-scale large cast musicals in intimate small cast plays. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theatre production including, but not limited to, acting, stage managing, set building and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges in and out of the classroom.

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a regional comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living through a personalized educational environment. Approximately 4,900 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,400 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Facilities are located in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minn. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 277,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 157,000 students in non-credit courses.

The 2013-2014 Riverland Theatre Season Up-Close:

Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien

October 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 @ 7:30 pm

It’s astounding…this cult classic is finally time warping into Austin! It’s been 40 years since Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first debuted in London, but the musical remains as campy, fresh, and funny as ever. Join Brad, Janet, Riff-Raff, Magenta, and one sweet transvestite in this kitschy and edgy rock ‘n’ roll send-up of science fiction B movies. You’ll shiver with antici…PATION! Contains adult themes and strong language—parental guidance recommended.

BOEING BOEING By Marc Camoletti Translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans November 20, 21, 22, 23 @ 7:30 pm, November 24 @ 2:00 pm Winner of the Tony Award for Best Revival, this 1960's French farce features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German, and American fiancées--each one a beautiful airline hostess with frequent "layovers.” He keeps "one up, one down and one pending" until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Bernard's apartment at the same time—with hilarious results! Mild adult themes—recommended for ages 12 and up.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison

Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar

February 27, 28, March 1, 6, 7, 8 @ 7:30 pm, March 9 @ 2:00 pm

This hysterical Broadway comedy begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable…and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room! The show-within-a-show tells the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love—but with a truly unique twist. The Drowsy Chaperone pays tribute to the Jazz-age shows of the 1920's and the power those shows held to transport us into a dazzling fantasy and to lift our spirits in times of sadness. Mild adult humor—recommended for ages 12 and up.

PICNIC

By William Inge

April 30, May 1, 2, 3 @ 7:30 pm, May 4 @ 2:00 pm

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this classic drama by master American playwright William Inge was recently revived on Broadway. In 1953, a small Kansas town eagerly anticipates the annual Labor Day picnic. When a handsome stranger shows up and steals the heart of the prettiest girl in town, buried passions are ignited. Soon, the town is entangled in failed relationships, family feuds, and broken hearts. Inge’s themes of longing, desire, and hope still resonate today. Mild adult themes—recommended for ages 12 and up.

Curtain times for all evening theatre performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.

Riverland Theatre strives to provide quality productions that are entertaining and challenging to both the audience and the artists. Because we reach such a diverse audience, some audience members may find some subject matter, language, or situations objectionable. If patrons are concerned about a specific production, they are encouraged to become familiar with the material before attending the performance.

Audition Information for The Rocky Horror Show and Boeing Boeing:

Auditions for The Rocky Horror Show and Boeing Boeing will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, August 27 and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin Campus, East Building. Actors will be given sides to read from the show and, if auditioning for The Rocky Horror Show, music will be taught. Callbacks may be held on Thursday, August 29 at 6 pm by invitation only. Although Riverland students are given priority in casting, auditions for all Riverland theatre department productions are open to the public. Contact Lindsey Williams at 434-7390 or Lindsey.Williams@riverland.edu for more information.