Riverdale Rising Stars to Bring CAROUSEL to Riverdale YM-YWHA This Month

The 2016-2017 season of performing arts programs at the Riverdale YM-YWHA kicks off with a new production of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical CAROUSEL.

This production will be presented for four performances only: Saturday November 12 at 8pm; Sunday November 13 at 2pm; Thursday November 17 at 7pm; and Saturday November 19 at 8pm.

Performances will be held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA, located at 5625 Arlington Avenue (just off of Riverdale Avenue and West 256th Street), in Riverdale, Bronx, NY. Running time is approximately 90 minutes.

Advance tickets are $12 (students/seniors) and $18 (adults) and may be purchased by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838.3006 or online at www.riverdaley.org/carousel. Day-of-show tickets may be purchased at the door prior to showtime for $14 (students and seniors) and $20 (adults).

To the tune of classic songs like "If I Loved You," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "June is Bustin' Out All Over," and many more, CAROUSEL transports audiences to turn of the century New England for a romantic tale that transcends heaven and earth. A ne'er-do-well carnival barker falls in love with a naive girl as the merry-go-round of life spins on and on through hope, tragedy, and ultimately, redemption.

CAROUSEL features music by Richard Rodgers with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The team previously wrote Oklahoma! and went on to write The King and I, The Sound of Music, and more. The show is based on Ferenc Molnar's play Liliom as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer, and had original dances by Agnes De Mille. The show premiered on Broadway in 1945, and was adapted for film in 1956. The well-received 1994 Broadway production starred Audra McDonald, and received five Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Featuring a cast of 35 performers age 6 to 76 from Riverdale, Upper Manhattan, Yonkers, and beyond, the Riverdale Repertory Company/Riverdale Rising Stars co-production of CAROUSEL is directed by Timothy Mathis, with choreography by Laurie Walton, and music direction by Justin Fischer. The design team includes Eric Zoback (Set Design), Jenna Lyons (Scenic painting), Penelope Margeotes (Costume Design), David Pentz (Lighting Design), and Denise Eberly (Sound Design).

Riverdale Rising Stars was created to provide the teens of the Riverdale community and beyond a professional repertory company experience. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has expanded its programming to include Rising Stars Jr., Riverdale Repertory Company, and the Riverdale Performing Arts Conservatory (RPAC), an educational program for adults and children. Of greatest importance is the way that all build self-esteem, learn enormous respect for others, develop camaraderie and create lifelong friendships. Together, these award-winning companies provide a world of expression, passion and creativity for all ages.

The 2016-2017 theatre season at the Riverdale YM-YWHA also includes Les Miserables: School Edition (teen performers: December 3-18, 2016); Guys & Dolls Jr. (child performers: January 7-8, 2017); Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. (child performers: January 14-15, 2017); The Boyfriend (teen performers: March 4-19, 2017); The Annual Broadway Gala (professional performers with members of the resident companies: April 2, 2017); The Outsiders (teen performers: April 20-23, 2017); The Little Mermaid Jr. (child performers: May 18-28, 2017); and Disaster! The Musical (adult performers: June 21-28, 2017).

For more information on all performing arts programs at the Y, visit www.RiverdaleRisingStars.com.

The mission of the Riverdale YM-YWHA is to be the hub that brings together members of the Jewish and wider community. At the Y, individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities gather to grow, to learn, and to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connections to one another. Rooted in Jewish values, our cultural, social, educational, health and wellness programs offer members of all ages multiple pathways into the richness of our local community life. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to improve the quality of life in the Riverdale community and celebrate its uniqueness and its diversity. Go to www.RiverdaleY.org.