A! Magazine for the Arts

Theatre Bristol and Rivers Way presents 'Real Heroes'

February 26, 2023

Theatre Bristol and River’s Way join to present “Real Heroes” March 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and March 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the ARTspace, Bristol, Tennessee. “Real Heroes” is an original production by Dottie Havlik that features the gifts and talents of the River’s Way youth and young adults with differing abilities and Theatre Bristol actors. Tickets are on sale at www.TheatreBristol.org/tickets.

Havlik, who also directs this production, was most recently Theatre Bristol director of Theatre Bristol On Air productions, “Three Times Three,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells,” “The Adventures of Madeline” and “Charlotte’s Web” at Theatre Bristol, and is a long-time actor in many shows including “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Music Man.”

“We have 30 actors participating in the show, both veterans to the stage and some new faces,” said Havlik. “Since it’s an original work, it’s easy to incorporate all the little wacky ad libs and suggestions that people throw in during rehearsals. The creative input adds real personality to the show. We have such a good time that it hardly seems like work. But we adhere to real stage standards on production, so the young folks are all learning something as we go along. This is our sixth year, and I love these guys more each time.”

River’s Way, led by Executive Director Tom Hanlon, is an organization dedicated to the positive and productive involvement of young people with differing abilities in our community.

“It is year six of our collaboration with Theatre Bristol,” said Hanlon. “The River’s Way actors know what to expect, and the excitement is building. Dottie Havlik pulls out all the stops in creating amusing scripts, and we are grateful to her and to Theatre Bristol for providing us with another opportunity to showcase our acting skills. Audiences will truly enjoy this play.”

“Real Heroes” will have two showings Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and one showing Sunday, March 26 at 2:30 p.m.. Tickets are $5 and reservations made online are encouraged as performances historically sell out. The box office opens 30 minutes before showtime. Seating is general admission and for any special accommodations, call or email the theater.

For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

x