Riverland Theater and Music announces upcoming fall productions – Albert Lea Tribune

The Riverland Community College Theater and Music announced the fall productions on Thursday. This year’s plays will return to the Frank W. Bridges Theater, which has undergone several upgrades and improvements during the COVID hiatus.

The season opens October 13 with “The SpongeBob Musical,” designed by Tina Landau with a book by Kyle Jarrow and original songs from a variety of popular artists including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the nightclub, they could be giants and more.

SpongeBob SquarePants, Squidward, Patrick, Sandy, Plankton, Mr. Krabs and all the familiar inhabitants of Bikini Bottom are faced with the utter annihilation of their underwater world. Chaos breaks out. Lives are at stake. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises and takes center stage. Based on the beloved animated series and featuring a sheet music from the biggest names in pop music, “The SpongeBob Musical” is guaranteed fun for the whole family. The power of optimism can truly save the world! “The SpongeBob Musical” is produced by Lindsey Duoos Williams and is suitable for all ages.

The second production is “Anne of Green Gables” by Jody Johnston Davidson, adapted from the novel by LM Montgomery. Share the adventures of Anne Shirley and her “best friend for life,” Diana Barry, as they travel from childhood to maturity in this heartwarming one-act adaptation of the classic novel. Marilla Cuthbert asks that an orphan boy help her and her brother care for Green Gables, but the orphanage sends Anne an “e” – an independent, red-haired, freckled girl who changes their look. life. Whether you already love Anne’s story or are discovering it for the first time, this sweet and heartfelt interpretation will touch your heart. This play will be directed by Susan V. Hansen and is suitable for all ages.

Two additional shows in spring 2022 will be announced later this year.

“We are delighted to be performing at the Frank W. Bridges Theater again,” said theater manager Lindsey Duoos Williams. “The SpongeBob Musical is full of joy, with an uplifting message about how each of us can be a hero and how communities can come together to care for each other. ‘be a fan of the cartoon to enjoy the musical, which is full of energy, laughs and catchy songs.

Since the Riverland Theater last in-person production in February 2020, the Frank W. Bridges Theater has undergone several significant upgrades and upgrades. The public will notice new carpets in the aisles and handrails along the stairs, significantly improving the safety of the upper seating levels. On stage, new curtains were installed. The Riverland Theater is also delighted to provide hearing aids to members of the public. These devices connect to the Riverland audio system and can work with existing hearing aids. The devices will be available free of charge to members of the public at each performance on a first come, first served basis.

“While we were disappointed that we couldn’t perform in person last year, it gave us the opportunity to make improvements to the theater when it was not in use,” said Williams. “We are so excited that the audience sees them when they return to the theater. Not only does this make our theater safer, but also more accessible to hearing impaired people. “

Individual tickets for both shows are currently on sale and the box office is officially open for the season. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.riverland.edu/tickets, or by phone. To receive more information, call the Riverland Theater box office at (507) 433-0595, email [email protected], or visit the website and download the brochure at www.riverland.edu/theatre. Individual ticket prices for “The SpongeBob Musical” are $ 16 and $ 10 for “Anne of Green Gables”. Riverland students receive two free tickets for each production.

The Riverland Theater Department is a high-energy, performance-oriented program. The plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and large-scale musicals to intimate plays with small distribution. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theater production including, but not limited to acting, stage management, set construction, and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges inside and outside the classroom.