Since the grand opening of RiverCenter in 2002, education has been an integral component of our mission. RiverCenter is proud to have served students and educators in our region with a variety of experiences and resources that integrate the arts into curriculum. Each season we have presented our ArtsReach Matinee series that are often tied to great works of literature for young people. These theatrical events showcase innovative presentations of both literature and STEAM content. We believe that it is not sufficient to simply present high quality productions for school-age children, therefore each performance is accompanied by a standards-based study guide designed to make the pre and post-show experience more meaningful. Our matinees are usually presented at 9:30am and 11:30am and many of the titles have “sensory friendly” showings. These feature lower sound levels, brighter lighting, before-show tactile tours, a quiet room and trained volunteers.
2022-23 ArtsReach Matinees
November 4, 9:30 & 11:30AM
About
“Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!” Farmer Brown cries.
When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declares the farm a tech-free zone. He takes her laptop in the cold barn with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets.
“No way,” replies Farmer Brown. “No blankets!”
So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets? No milk! No eggs!
Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Will Jenny get her computer back? Find out in a hilariously moving musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Grades K through 4
Updated media materials for the 2022/23 Season are not yet available.
Curriculum Connections
Themes
Fun Fact
Writers Billy Aronson, Brad Alexander, and Kevin Del Aguila all work together on the Emmy Award-winning series “Peg + Cat.”
Original Credits
Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila
Music by Brad Alexander
Based on the book by Doreen Cronin with Illustrations by Betsy Lewin
Original Direction by John Rando
Original Choreography by Wendy Seyb
Scenic Design by Beowulf Boritt
Costume Design by Lora LaVon
Orchestrations by Brad Alexander
Study Guide
January 12, 10AM
In Aquila theatre’s striking new production, we are taken on a journey into a world of conspiracy and betrayal. Fresh from success on the battlefield, a triumphant Caesar returns to Rome a virtual dictator. Brutus, Cassius, and a group of like-minded senators decide that his undemocratic power grab must be stopped, and Caesar assassinated. After the act has been carried out, violence erupts on the streets of the capital and the country is plunged into civil war. The conspirators find they must contend with forces still loyal to the murdered leader, led by Mark Antony and Caesar’s nephew, Octavius. The play reaches its climax when the two opposing sides meet in battle at Philippi, and the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.
“If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” — Brutus, Act 3, Scene 2
January 24, 9:30 & 11:30 AM
About
Now that Junie B. Jones has been going to school for over one-anda-half years, who better to write the book on EVERYTHING you need to know? From bus rules and Band-Aids to carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving and thriving in style. With a jillion tips, tricks, and trip-ups, Junie B. shares her hard-won expertise and shows us all how school is sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun, and ALWAYS something to sing about!
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Grades K through 4
Curriculum Connections
Themes
Fun Fact
Writers Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich comprise the team behind the Broadway adaptation of Ever After.
Original Credits
Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler
Music by Zina Goldrich
Based on the Junie B. Jones series of books by Barbara Park
Original Set Design by Luke Hegel-Cantarella
Original Costume Design by Lora LaVon
Original Music Direction by Daniel Green
Original Choreography by Devanand Janki
Original Direction by Peter Flynn
Study Guide – coming soon!