River Valley Players proudly features community talent in a

unique dinner theater experience. 

1302 Second Street - (St John XXIII Center) - Henry, Illinois  61537         

                                                               Box Office Phone  

                                                                        309 238 7878

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March 7,8, 13,14, 15

SPRING 2020 Based on the earlier play, "My Sister Eileen" by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov (which is in turn based on stories by Ruth McKenney), Tony-award winning Wonderful Town is a bright and cheery love letter to the colorful experience of living life in New York. Wonderful Town tells the story of two sisters, Ruth and Eileen, who move from a rural town in Ohio to experience the bright lights, the big city, and the crazy characters of Greenwich Village, New York City. Ruth is an aspiring writer and Eileen is a dancer who wants to pursue a life on stage. One sister can’t find a man no matter what she does, the other can’t keep them away. Together, these two sisters take on the world, pursuing their dreams and finding love along the way. Wonderful Town features a bright Leonard Bernstein score, including such classics as “A Little Bit in Love” and “Ohio.”

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COMING THIS SUMMER

Directed by

Robert Eckert &

Christine Gaspardo 

July  24~25~26

Watch for Audition notices in  May  for 5 - 14-year-olds! 

Disney’s worldwide phenomenon is taking Broadway Junior by (snow) storm! The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for your Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Frozen Fans Ages 5-14 ~ Look for Auditions in May! Directed by: Robert Eckert and Christine Gaspardo Production Dates: July 24th, 25th, and 26th

Nov. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15.

This sidesplitting, uplifting musical is the sixth chapter of the story that began with the original Church Basement Ladies. As Mavis, Vivian, and Karin busy themselves with the preparations for their church's participation in the town’s 1964 Centennial Celebration, we get to see their coming and goings through the eyes of the menfolk. Karin’s husband, Elroy, Farmer Carl, and Great War vet, Arlo, are joined in brotherhood by series staple Pastor E.L. Gunderson. Their camaraderie unites them as they tackle their own set of trials and tribulations rising up from furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, and the Pastor’s bad jokes. The series of Church Basement Ladies productions are inspired by the bestselling book Growing Up Lutheran by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson. 

This latest chapter in the lives of these rural Minnesota Norwegians was developed by Greta Grosch, who wrote the scripts for the second, third, fourth, and fifth musicals in the series. Longtime Minneapolis StarTribune theatre critic, Graydon Royce, contributed additional material. Composer and songwriter Dennis Curley wrote the music, with lyrics by Dennis Curley and Greta Grosch. Look for auditions in August! Directed by: Charlotte Balensiefen and Jane Knapp Production Dates: November 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th

Check back for more information!