RiverPark Center leadership is clearing the air after several Broadway Owensboro subscribers received a mailer addressed to them from Broadway Evansville with what officials said was some “misleading information.”
“Despite any misleading information people may have received, they can rest assured that we have an outstanding lineup of Broadway shows scheduled for this season,” RiverPark interim general manager Jeff Esposito said. “Our commitment to bringing top-quality entertainment to the Owensboro community remains unwavering, and we are thrilled to present a diverse array of performances that will delight and inspire.”
The mailer sent to many subscribers included a letter on Broadway Owensboro letterhead that read, in part, “Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to no longer present a Broadway season at the RiverPark Center moving forward.”
The letter went on to promote the four Broadway tours slated for Evansville and offered “advanced access to the best seats.”
A flyer and registration form accompanied the letter, with “A Nederlander Presentation” in the header. The Nederlander group formerly organized and marketed all things Broadway in Owensboro. The partnership ended when the RiverPark Center turned management over to OVG360.
The Chicago-based Nederlander National Markets currently markets Broadway events for the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. Both Nederlander and the RiverPark previously operated under the Broadway Owensboro moniker.
Nederlander National Markets (NNM) responded to an inquiry from the Owensboro Times regarding the letter, stating that Broadway Owensboro was a branded partnership and that they are no longer bringing Broadway to Owensboro but will have a tour in Evansville.
“Old National Events Plaza, a Nederlander National markets partner venue, is the Broadway house in Evansville, IN, and the letter was issued locally on behalf of NNM,” NNM regional marketing director Micah McDade wrote in an email. “We are not aware of a Broadway season in Owensboro but are most excited to hear there is a plan for one to continue.”
McDade noted that the letter was simply noting the close of the partnership and inviting past Owensboro subscribers to another Broadway option in the region.
Esposito and the RiverPark board emphasized there will be a 2024-25 Broadway season in Owensboro, including four fun-filled shows.
Titled “Broadway in the ‘Boro,’” the 24-25 season begins with “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage” on December 9, followed by “Dear Evan Hanson” on December 15, “The Addams Family” on February 25, and “The Cher Show” on April 16. More information on those shows can be found here.
“We are confident that our Broadway series offers something for everyone, and we are eager to share these extraordinary productions with our community,” Esposito said. “People can contact the RiverPark box office for more information.”
