SEASON OF THE ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
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tunity for a big reconstruction and
expansion project. But the quality of
the shows and the assistance of local
businesses and volunteers account
for the long life of the Vero Beach
Theatre Guild.
“The quality of the community
theater’s productions has escalated
considerably in the past five years,”
artistic director Jon Putzke said. “Under
the guidance of a professional
staff, our volunteers on the stage and
behind the scenes are learning new
and exciting things with every production.
After Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,
patrons were saying it was as good
as any regional theater’s production
at half the price. We’re building a
roster of very talented and directable
volunteer actors.”
Their audiences will enjoy Visiting
Mr. Green, a funny, moving show that
has been translated into 22 languages,
followed by Musical Chairs, The
Boy From Oz, and Agatha Christie’s
Murder on the Nile.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
The venerable Riverside Theatre,
celebrating its 50th anniversary, is
unique on the Treasure Coast. It
chooses its plays, auditions and hires
professional actors, and produces
each play on its own. It began as a
dream by Vero Beach residents who
wanted a showcase for the performing
arts. Community support led to
raising the $1.5 million needed to
open the Vero Beach Community
Theatre, later renamed Riverside
Theatre. That support spanning five
decades led to national recognition
and acclaim.
In January, the powerful musical
Man of LaMancha kicks off 2023
with the story of a man who refused
to give up his ideals. For a change
of pace, try A Comedy of Tenors and
Tony-award-winning extravaganza
42nd Street followed by Bakersfield
Mist and Oleanna.
PINEAPPLE PLAYHOUSE
With the obstacles it overcame, you
might call the Pineapple Playhouse’s
organization the little theater that
could after the beloved children’s
book The Little Engine That Could.
The playhouse’s history actually
dates back to 1949, 73 years ago, when
it began as the Dolphin Players, performing
wherever it could. But almost
DEWEY NICKS
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall are appearing in A Christmas
Wish at the Lyric Theatre in Downtown Stuart on Dec. 1.
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