Theater lovers will have their plates full with three shows worthy of their consideration.
After having to cancel most of its season due to COVID, the professional Riverside Theatre returns with “Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America,” a music revue of songs by the late, great John Denver. The show celebrates Denver, who brought us some of the best-loved, chart-topping hits including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy” and, of course, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Denver began playing guitar when he was 11 years old. Fame came to him with the song “Jet Plane,” which was performed by Peter, Paul and Mary. He wrote more than 300 recorded songs, winning Grammy and Emmy awards. He had 12 gold and four platinum albums. He was also respected for his work in humanitarian and environmental causes. He even had a little stint as an actor, appearing with George Burns in the 1977 movie “Oh, God!” The musical revue, “Almost Heaven,” was conceived by Harold Thau, who produced “The Homecoming” and “Spring Awakenings.” It opens Tuesday, May 10, and runs through May 20 at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Tickets start at $45. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild has two shows on its stages – “Native Gardens” and “Chicago Gypsies.” Its mainstage is set for “Native Gardens,” a lighthearted comedy exploring some hot-button issues. Written by Karen Zacarias, the new comedy brings cultures and gardens together in a story about good people getting into a feud. Set in the Washington, D.C. area, Frank and Virginia are an older couple who tend their prize-winning English garden. All is well until their new neighbors, an attorney named Pablo and his pregnant wife Tania, prepare for a barbecue celebration. Border lines became metaphor for border disputes and fodder for conflicts over race, class and privilege. “Native Gardens” opens Wednesday, May 11 and runs through May 22. Tickets are $35. The Theatre Guild’s new, intimate Second Stage is the place for “Chicago Gypsies,” a tender, coming-of-age comedy revolving around Charley, a young girl growing up in a show-biz touring family during the Great Depression. This is a family-friendly show that could be a springboard for some good conversations. It performs Sundays only, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is at 2020 San Juan Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
The Mike Block String Camp is returning to the First Presbyterian Church. The organization is now accepting enrollment applications for its 13th annual workshop, the first in-person workshop since the pandemic. The workshop will run July 4-9. It is geared for string players of all ages and backgrounds. It focuses on non-Classical and contemporary styles. Moreover, instruction will emphasize learning by ear, creativity, collaboration and performance. The program began in 2010 and caters to all training and skill levels from middle-school age to adults. Some students come from as far away as China and New Zealand. For more information, visit MikeBlockStringCamp.com.
The third annual “Mother of All Races” is scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, May 7 in downtown Vero Beach. Organized by the Buggy Bunch, it invites you to bring along your friends and your moms to take part in this family-fun event. Funds raised will go to the Buggy Bunch’s mission to support free programming for moms and their families throughout Indian River County. There will be awards, and food and beverages after the event. Free for children 5 years and younger. It begins and ends at the home of the new Buggy Bunch Family Center, 1450 21st St. Online registration ends Thursday, May 5, at 11:59 p.m. You can still register in person on Friday at Runner’s Depot and on race day on site, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. Registration fee starts at $30. Call 772-226-0066 or visit TheBuggyBunch.com.
