Vero Beach, FL – Riverside Theatre, led by Executive Producer/CEO Jon R. Moses and Artistic Director Allen D. Cornell, is delighted to present its 2025-2026 Season of productions. Continuing the success and support of the Theatre as it starts its 53rd season, Riverside is proud to present a magnificent season of music, comedy, and drama.
“It’s always exciting when a new season is announced,” said Mr. Moses. “We strive to produce shows that our patrons will thoroughly enjoy and each show selection is centered on the goal of putting our own stamp on popular works. We also augment the familiar productions with new theatrical works that we believe our audiences will embrace.”
“Nothing touches the heart, educates the mind, and lifts the spirit like a live performance,” said Mr. Cornell. “That is why next season offers six dynamic productions that will amaze and delight everyone who experiences Riverside Theatre.”
On the Stark Stage, the season begins in October with the classic Menken & Ashman musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors, about mild-mannered garden shop attendant who discovers a plant that develops a taste for human blood. January brings the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. This comedic romp answers the question, how does one become the 9th Earl of Highhurst when eight people are in line ahead of you? Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic international hit, Jesus Christ Superstar, follows in February and the Stark Stage season concludes in April with the musical adaptation of the hilarious movie, 9 to 5, featuring music by the legendary Dolly Parton.
On the Waxlax Stage, The Bobbie Olsen Series presents the highly acclaimed drama by Theresa Rebeck, Mauritus, in February and the touching comedy by John Cariani, Almost, Maine, running from the end of March into April.
Season ticket packages and single tickets are on sale now. Season Ticket purchasers can save 20% off single ticket the prices when buying the season. Purchasers who buy 3 or more shows at the same time can save 10% off single ticket prices. Stark Stage season tickets start at $160. Add the Waxlax Season for $120. Single tickets for Stark Stage shows start at $50. Waxlax Stage tickets are $75.
For more information on prices and subscription options, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.
On the Stark Stage
Little Shop of Horrors
Music by Alan Menken
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Based on the book The Little Shop of Horrors by Charles B. Griffith.
Directed by DJ Salisbury
October 16 – November 9, 2025
You’ll scream with delight at Little Shop of Horrors, the outlandishly funny science fiction musical by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Featuring a pop/rock score, Little Shop tells the story of Seymour, a meek and dejected assistant at a flower shop who happens upon a strange plant on his way home. Discovering its limitless opportunities for fame and fortune, Seymour names the plant “Audrey II” after the girl he adores at the shop. As the plant grows, it develops an unquenchable thirst for human blood, but Seymour must find a way to win the girl while satisfying a plant with an agenda all its own.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Book by Robert L. Freedman
Music by Steven Lutvak
Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak
Based on the book Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman
Directed by Hunter Foster
January 9 – February 1, 2026
When Monty Navarro finds out that he’s eighth in line for an aristocratic title and the wealth and prestige it brings, this lowly-born manipulator figures out a way to outlive his predecessors and become the Ninth Earl of Highhurst. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught? Can he reap the benefits of great wealth? And what of love? Will his infatuation with Miss Sibella Hallward be returned if he becomes a Nobleman? Winner of the Tony® Award for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and scene-stealing characters who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Allen D. Cornell
February 26 – March 22, 2026
Based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus Christ Superstar follows the last week of Jesus’ life and explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. Told entirely through song, the iconic 1970’s rock score was the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage. The award-winning musical contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to enthrall audiences of all generations.
9 to 5 The Musical
Book by Patricia Resnick Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton Based on 9 to 5 by Colin Higgins and Patricia Resnick Directed by Richard Stafford April 16 – May 10, 2026
Based on the smash hit movie, 9 to 5 The Musical is the hilarious story of female friendship and delightful revenge. When Violet, Judy and Doralee are pushed to the boiling point by their egotistical and hypocritical boss, they concoct a plan to get even. Living out their outrageous fantasies, the ladies boot him out, take hold of the company, and make it a huge success. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this high-energy romantic comedy displays the funniest way to make a living.
The Bobbie Olsen Series on the Waxlax Stage
Mauritius
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Chris Clavelli
February 3 – 22, 2026
When her mother dies, tentative but tenacious Jackie is left with a mound of debt. One glimmer of hope comes by way of a stamp collection, which was willed to her by her mother. An arrogant stamp dealer won’t assess the collection’s worth without Jackie paying his lofty consultation fee, but a charming gentleman, Dennis, is only too willing to help. Discovering two possible Mauritius “Post Office” stamps, the “crown jewel of philately”, Dennis is overjoyed and assumes that Jackie will be easy to scam. However, Jackie’s older half sister claims the collection belongs to her. Is the collection worthless or is it a life-changing treasure? Theresa Rebeck’s Mauritius is a comedic thriller with twists, turns and double crosses that will have audiences laughing one minute and gasping the next.
Almost, Maine
by John Cariani
Directed by Allen D. Cornell
March 24 – April 12, 2026
On a cold and enchanted winter night, the people of the town of Almost experience the life-altering power of the human heart. Relationships end, begin, or change as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. Propelled by the mystical energy of the aurora borealis and populated with characters who are humorous, plain-spoken, thoughtful, and sincere, John Cariani’s Almost, Maine is a series of loosely connected tales about love and longing, each with a compelling couple, and each with its own touch of magic.
Riverside Theatre is located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and the Vero Beach Chamber or Commerce.
