Exciting Changes Ahead for River and Rail Theatre in Knoxville
Knoxville’s River and Rail Theatre is on the brink of a transformation, and the buzz in the city is palpable! After nearly ten years of bringing joy and creativity to the community, the theatre is taking a giant leap forward. Founding Artistic Director Joshua Peterson recently shared how the company has launched itself twice: initially when it was founded and now, once again, after the challenges of the pandemic.
In 2019, River and Rail Theatre made a significant investment in its vision by purchasing a building for $650,000. They then poured another $250,000 into renovations, turning it into the vibrant Old City Performing Arts Center. However, change is afoot as they have agreed to sell this beloved space to Kenny Boghani for an impressive $2.25 million. This key move is aimed at providing the theatre with the financial support necessary to continue thriving.
A Growing Demand for Productions
Joshua emphasized that River and Rail’s productions have outgrown the Performing Arts Center. For example, in their upcoming production of Our Town, they have a whopping eighteen cast members—six more than any previous show! On top of that, they’ll be featuring a live band of six performers. Unfortunately, the current venue lacks the necessary facilities like dressing rooms, green rooms, and even artists’ bathrooms.
With the hope of tackling larger works, the team is enthusiastic about developing new productions. Joshua reflected on how the pandemic had a massive impact on their ability to host performances, with attendance plummeting to just 351 for their first post-pandemic show. Thankfully, they gradually regained their audience, reaching back to pre-pandemic levels, with over 2,000 attendees for each of their shows before 2020.
Looking to the Future
The theatre has faced tough times with rental income, which also saw a significant decline, losing out on over $100,000 due to canceled rentals. This setback hampered their capacity to move forward with a major aim: the creation of new productions. New work is crucial for the artistic vision that Joshua and his team hold dear.
Fortunately, they are now ready to embark on exciting new journeys, with commissions underway for stories such as the life of Marcus Hall alongside another focused on the remarkable Clinton Twelve. This is a local story that resonates nationally, and it’s thrilling that it will finally get the dramatic representation it deserves in Knoxville.
The Final Season at the Old City Performing Arts Center
As the sale approaches, River and Rail is gearing up for what will be their final season in the current location. The first offering, Our Town, just wrapped up, and next up is a nostalgic rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, which will run from December 5 – 22 with a new cast and director.
The new year will bring a touching one-woman play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, celebrating the legendary Billie Holiday’s final performances. Scheduled from April 17 to May 4, this captivating production promises to weave her backstory with delightful musical elements.
Finally, acting as a cherry on top, the season will close with a collaboration featuring Knoxville Opera. Titled Stuck Elevator, this modern opera tells the gripping true story of a delivery man who found himself trapped in an elevator for an astonishing 86 hours. It will run from May 14 – 18.
What’s Next?
While news on their new home is still under wraps, Joshua teased that announcements will coincide with their ten-year anniversary celebration in April. Exciting times are ahead as serious efforts are underway to secure a new venue that can accommodate their growing needs.
As Knoxville prepares for the next chapter in River and Rail Theatre’s journey, the community waits eagerly to see how this beloved institution will continue to enrich the local arts scene. Here’s to new beginnings and unforgettable performances!
