9-03-2024 10:06am

RVCC Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season Features Comedy, Music, Dance, Acrobatics for All Ages

Donnella Tilery Editor

The upcoming season at The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCCArts) in Branchburg offers performances for all ages and interests—from an immersive discovery play for very young children; to an acrobatic show featuring unicycling, juggling, and dish spinning; to a band celebrating the music of Queen; to comedy inspired by Groucho Marx; to the timeless, magical ballet of The Nutcracker, and much more.

“We are thrilled to unveil our 2024-2025 season, designed to enchant and inspire audiences of all ages. From magical adventures and timeless classics, to heartwarming holiday spectacle, each performance promises to create unforgettable moments for families and friends,” said Jill Erwin, RVCC Director of Theatre and Conference Services.

The 2024-2025 season will feature the following Mainstage shows:

Frank Ferrante in An Evening with Groucho, Friday, September 27, 8 p.m.; $50, $45, $40

This two-act comedy features the funniest Groucho Marx anecdotes and songs, including “Hooray for Captain Spalding” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience becomes part of the show as award-winning actor Frank Ferrante adlibs his way in grand Groucho style.

Don’t Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musicals, Saturday, November 2, 7 p.m.; $40, $35, $30

Don’t Stop Me Now is a vibrant celebration of the music from such beloved rock musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Movin’ Out, Hair, and Rent. The production offers a perfect blend of familiar tunes and engaging storytelling.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Friday, November 29, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.; $65, $60, $55

Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family.

Zuzu African Acrobats, Friday, February 21, 2025, 8 p.m.; $40, $35, $30

This interactive, 90-minute show features human pyramids, dish spinning, stick and chair balance, contortion, unicycling, juggling, pole acts, hoop diving, comedy, and more. The Zuzu African Acrobats are a fun experience for the entire family.

Tartan Terrors, Friday, March 14, 2025, 8 p.m.; $50, $45, $40

With a distinctive sound and a tradition of making Celtic music accessible to any audience, the Tartan Terrors blend the energy of a rock show with humor and step dance. The Terrors have performed on four continents, at some of the most prestigious festivals, Highland games, and North American theatres.

The Kings of Queen, Friday, April 25, 2025, 7:30 p.m.; $50, $45, $40

Considered one of the country’s top-rated tribute bands, The Kings of Queen combines four-part harmonies with the sound, energy, and appearance of Queen. This fierce foursome is fronted by Emo Alaeddin, who is known for the looks, voice, and moves of the late Freddie Mercury.

For younger audiences, RVCCArts' 2024-2025 season will include a special Family Matinee series, which offers performances for children and young teens and their families.

The following Family Matinee productions will be presented:

Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza, Sunday, October 20, 2 p.m.; $25, $20, $15

See the newest, funniest show from internationally acclaimed master bubble-wrangler Jeff Boyer. Mixing comedy, music, and interactive bubble-magic, Boyer engages and delights audiences with a bubble extravaganza for the entire family.

Trout Fishing in America, Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m.; $25, $20, $15

For almost 50 years, Trout Fishing in America has cultivated a multigenerational fanbase at performing arts centers, clubs, and music festivals across the country. Trout blends the sounds of rock-n-roll, blues, funk, folk, and jazz with lyrics that are simultaneously witty, whimsical, and poignant.

Bill Blagg Family Magic, Saturday, March 1, 2025, 2 p.m.; $25, $20, $15

Bill Blagg Family Magic is a unique blend of interactive entertainment and awe-inspiring magic. The mix of comedy, audience participation, and mind-bending magic will keep audience members on the edge of their seats.

The Pa’akai We Bring, Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2 p.m.; $25, $20, $15

The Pa’akai We Bring follows a family of salt farmers, mixing ancient stories, hula dancing, live music, original songs, and audience participation into an incredible performance. The play offers a restorative experience for all ages.

For school groups and homeschoolers, the 2024-2025 season will provide educational field trip opportunities with the School-Time series. Tickets for School-Time shows cost $8 per person; one free chaperone ticket is provided for every 15 tickets bought.

The following School-Time productions will be presented:

Zuzu African Acrobats, Friday, February 21, 2025, 10 a.m. (Grades: 3-8; 60 minutes)

This interactive, 60-minute show features human pyramids, dish spinning, stick and chair balance, contortion, unicycling, juggling, pole acts, hoop diving, comedy, and more.

The Littlest Cove (Treehouse Shakers), Friday, March 7, 2025, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Ages: 3-6; 50 minutes)

The Littlest Cove is an immersive discovery play for the very young, full of visuals and tactile interactive experiences. The play follows the lives of three unusual creatures who reside on the edge of a small coastal inlet that no one has ever discovered.

The Vanishing Elephant (Cahoots NI), Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 10 a.m. (Grades: 3-8; 70 minutes)

Opu dreams of becoming an elephant trainer. When he befriends Janu, an Asian elephant, their friendship is the first step on a long adventure. This incredible story of resilience and friendship comes to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and magic.

Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey (Lightwire Theater), Friday, March 28, 2025, 10 a.m. (Grades: K-6; 60 minutes)

Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the moon in his homemade rocket. During his journey he meets a cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril, and sees incredible beauty. Will Marvin make his dreams come true, and will that bring him the glory and acceptance he craves?

Underneath a Magical Moon (Tutti Frutti Productions), Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 10 a.m. (Grades: Pre-K-5; 60 minutes)

This sparkling production is a reimagining of the Peter Pan story as told by Wendy Darling. Fly with Wendy and her brothers as they create the world of Neverland, where time stands still, the impossible seems possible, and anything can happen.

To purchase tickets or for additional information about RVCCArts’ 2024-2025 season, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student, and group discounts are also available for most performances.