Yes, the town is going crazy for “Crazy for You,” Riverside Theatre’s tap-filled spectacular that is sure to spawn an epidemic of face ache from grinning.
And then there’s a very different production opening Tuesday in Riverside’s black box theater. “Underneath the Lintel” starring James Van Valen, a four-time Riverside veteran, plays the role of a Dutch librarian who discovers that a travel guide has suddenly been returned – 113 years overdue. He vows to nail the borrower with the “fine of his life,” and his journey results in discoveries of a different sort. “Underneath the Lintel” runs through Feb. 8. Tickets start at $45.
“Crazy for You,” created in 1992 around the 1920s and ‘30s show tunes of brothers George and Ira Gershwin, runs through Feb. 1. Created entirely in house by Riverside, down to the casting of its triple-threat, singing-acting-tap dancing ensemble of top drawer talent and its stunning sets and backdrops, this is an eye-popping production and one people are sure to be talking about for years to come. Tickets start at $35. Consider buying in triplicate – you may want to see one this again and again, if your smile muscles can take the workout.
Call Riverside’s box office at 772-231-6990 or go to www.riversidetheatre.com.
Across town, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild found a formula for success a few years back when it tapped into the trove of farces written by Michael Parker. Since 2004, the community theater has staged five of Parker’s plays, the latest, “Whose Wives Are They Anyway?” wrapping up its run this weekend.
This time, the story turns on two guys off on a golf weekend who suddenly run into their boss – a woman – who declares no employee of hers would ever show up without his wife. Instantly, they start contriving and conniving, recruiting wifely stand-ins in a full-court press and finally resorting to drag to try to keep their jobs. Needless to say, the real wives show up. Havoc ensues. And the house howls.
Which is the very best reason to see community theater – and get to laugh at your friends and neighbors on stage making complete fools of themselves.
Art Pingree directs. Don Croteau and Jason Avery are the golfing goofballs.
The show runs through Jan. 25. Tickets are $24 and $22; students 18 and under half-price. Call the box office at 772-562-8300 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or go to www.verobeachtheatreguild.com.
It’s a good weekend to drop in at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, as two exhibits open: one of photography having to do with environmental issues; the other, of the sculpture of Howard Ben Tré. A pioneer of the technique of casting in glass, Ben Tré has used architectural shapes to inspire many of his latest works in a series called “Lightness of Being.” At the same time, many have elements in common with the human form.
Also opening: Environmental Photography, a show of several contemporary photographers whose work demonstrates their concern over climate change, over-development, pollution and endangered wildlife.
The photographers include James Balog, a nationally known photographer who gave a multi-media presentation at the museum several years ago. His parents, Jim and Alvina Balog, are ardent supporters of the museum and live in Vero.
Balog does portraits of endangered animals including the Florida panther. He is also founder of the Extreme Ice Survey, a photo and video effort to show the art in the science of diminishing ice on the planet. The project partners with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research at the University of Colorado and the Polar Research Center at Ohio State University.
Tonight at 7:30, the State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico is playing at Community Church as part of the Indian River Symphonic Association’s season. Conducted by the group’s founder, Enrique Bátiz, the orchestra is also performing a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday at the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce. The accidental double-booking gives concert-goers an option of venues as well as a break in ticket price. Tickets for the Vero concert are $65; at Sunrise, they are $39 and $45, with student tickets $20. For tonight’s Vero concert, call 772-778-1070; or go to www.IRSymphonic.org. For tomorrow’s concert in Fort Pierce, call 772-461-4775 or go to www.sunrisetheatre.com.
There’ll be more reason to drop in on Fort Pierce’s downtown tomorrow, with a festival of craft brews, artisan booze and fine wine planned for Saturday on the rooftop of the parking garage. Bluebird Education Foundation is presenting Groovin’ and Tastin’: the Sunrise City Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest, which organizer Darryl Bey hopes to make an annual event.
The festival goes on from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine, with vendors pouring craft beer from Sailfish Brewery, and wine, bourbon, gin and vodka vendors pouring samples of their products, too. Ian’s Tropical Grill and Paella King are providing the food, and three bands, including Bobby and the Blisters, are playing the music. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Recycling in the Key of E, the musical instrument donation program. For information go to www.webegroovin.com.
Also at Sunrise, while there’s little chance of a seat popping up for Michael Bolton this Sunday, there were still a few at press time for Olivia Newton-John Friday Feb. 6, ($85 and $75); and still more seats available for Michael MacDonald Saturday the 7th ($65.) Both shows are at 8 p.m.
Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band play the Sunrise Wednesday, Feb.18 at 7 p.m. But he’d better be your favorite Beatle at these prices: $175, $125, and $85.