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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It is with deep regret that we are announcing the cancellation of our summer youth program and our fall production for 2020. We are disappointed beyond belief, but with the current situation, we have no other option. It is our intention to present "Disney's Frozen Jr." next summer and look forward to seeing all of our youth performers then. See information below for "Chuch Basement Ladies; Rise Up O Men"

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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It is with deep regret that we are announcing the cancellation of our summer youth program for 2020. We are disappointed beyond belief, but with the current situation, we have no other option. It is our intention to present "Disney's Frozen Jr." next summer and look forward to seeing all of our youth performers then.

Directed by

Robert Eckert &

Christine Gaspardo 

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

River Valley Players’ production of “The Church Basement Ladies; Rise Up O Men “ Has been canceled for November  2020 due to COVID 19.
We have cleaned up each hot dish, emptied all the coffee pots, and put away the jello molds until next spring. The sturdy and steadfast women are now peeling off their good girdles and getting on with their daily chores. Meanwhile, they are dusting off their knickknacks, milking cows, and congregating with their lovable family until we can get together safely once again. 

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!