Riverside’s summer series returning to outdoor stage

IOWA CITY - After a one-year hiatus, Riverside Theatre will return to the Festival Stage in Iowa City's Lower City Park this summer.

The troupe will produce two full productions: Shakespeare's drama 'Pericles, Prince of Tyre” and 'The Fair Maid of the West” by Thomas Heywood, adapted by Kevin Theis. The season will run June 17 to July 10, and tickets will go on sale in early 2016.

'I'm thrilled that we will be back in the park this year,” Riverside Theatre Artistic Director Sam Osheroff said. 'Riverside Theatre in the Park is an integral part of the Iowa City summer scene. There's nothing like watching a great play in the park on a beautiful summer's night. It's a unique experience.”

Both plays follow epic journeys and battles. In 'Pericles,” which opens June 17, the prince of Tyre finds himself fighting for the hand of his wife, then searching for his lost daughter at sea.

'It's a lesser-known Shakespeare play, but it's got great action and moments of beautiful emotion balanced with humor,” Osheroff said.

'The Fair Maid of the West” is an adventure romp set during the Anglo-Spanish War, featuring comedy and mistaken identities as it follows the exploits of maiden Bess Bridges.

Although Riverside Theatre produced its 2015 summer season indoors, Executive Director Jennifer Holan said audience feedback encouraged the theater to consider returning to Lower City Park, despite past weather challenges. Organizers are making plans in case of heavy rains and rising waters from the Iowa River.