Riverside Theatre is ushering in the season with a major production on its Stark Main Stage – “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” running through May 11. This Broadway favorite tells the story of the legendary singer-songwriter’s rise to fame. With beloved hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Natural Woman,” the show offers a nostalgic journey through King’s remarkable career. Tickets begin at $66.95. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the original musical “The 28th Street Boarding House” by grandmother/granddaughter duo Tara Giovannone and Katherine Knaub Planker. You get to see the creative process of costuming, set designing and more. There will be a sneak peek of rehearsal footage, a 1920s-style photo booth, raffles, perks and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The musical is described as a “heartfelt love letter to Tin Pan Alley.” The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. This is a free event, but you need to register for it. For more information call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
Easter Sunday brings a stirring musical experience to the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. The Chancel Choir will perform Come to the Cross and Remember, a 35-minute cantata by composer Pepper Choplin, during the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services on April 20. Narrated by Senior Pastor Dr. G. Timothy Womack and directed by Dr. Jacob Craig, the cantata features 14 original hymns and choruses reflecting the Lenten journey. A chamber ensemble will accompany the 45-member choir, with soprano Doreen Oster and alto Mimi Rutland as featured soloists. The First Presbyterian Church is at 520 Royal Palm Blvd. For more information, visit FirstPresVero.org or call 772-562-9088.
Riverside Theatre continues its Distinguished Lecturer Series on April 21 with David Roscoe, chair of the Hastings Center Advisory Council, who will discuss the implications of artificial intelligence. The lecture will be held live on the Stark Stage and simulcast in the Waxlax Theatre at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets start at $88. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
The Emerson Center presents its next lecture in its E-Series, “The Indian River Lagoon: Challenges and Conservation,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Heather Stapleton, a former Peace Corps volunteer and local environmental educator, brings deep insight and passion to her advocacy for the lagoon’s future. The lecture is in conjunction with the gallery exhibition “The Indian River Lagoon by Brush and Lens,” which runs through June 4 in the center’s gallery. Exhibition regular hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. In addition to the lecture, patrons can join the “Meet the Artists Reception” running from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. that same evening, April 23. The Emerson Center is at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. For more information call 772-778-5249 or visit TheEmersonCenter.com.
Heritage Center & Citrus Museum presents another installment of its Deep Roots Speaker Series. At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, third-generation farmer Jake Fojtik of Fojtik Flatwoods Farm will discuss the intersection of agriculture, community and advocacy in Cultivating Connections. The Heritage Center is at 140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets are $20 and available through VeroHeritage.org. Call 772-770-2263.
Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at the First Presbyterian Church (address above). His program will include everything from Bach to traditional Chinese and Brazilian pieces, West African-inspired works and original compositions. Indian River Charter High School Orchestra students will open the evening with a short performance. Tickets are $25, available at the door or online at VeroBeachInternationalMusicFestival.com. Proceeds support scholarships for the Mike Block String Camp, returning to Vero Beach in July. Block’s summer camp draws aspiring string players from around the world and offers level-based instruction for children, adults, and professionals.
Registration has also begun for the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s Summer Art Camp, which runs June 2 through July 11. Geared toward children ages 5 to 16, the camp explores various artistic techniques and materials inspired by the upcoming exhibition French Moderns: Monet to Matisse. Campers will tour the museum galleries and then create their own works based on what they’ve seen. Supplies are included, and age-appropriate classes ensure a fun, enriching summer experience. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr. For more information call 772-231-0707 or visit VBMuseum.org.
