Evansville native to star in Stephen Foster Drama Association productions

Evansville native Riley Broshears is set to perform in the cast of “The Stephen Foster Story” and “The Little Mermaid” this summer through the Stephen Foster Drama Association, located in Bardstown, Kentucky. 

“The Stephen Foster Story” details the life of legendary songwriter and composer Stephen Foster through dramatic portrayals of his life, and features performances of dozens of his greatest compositions, such as “Oh! Susanna,”“Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Hard Times (Come Again No More),” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home.” The show has been performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in Bardstown since 1959. 

For this season, the Stephen Foster Drama Association will also perform the stage adaptation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid," featuring music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright. The production preserves the cherished songs and pivotal moments from the 1989 animated Disney film while enriching the fundamental relationships and themes, incorporating additional layers, textures and songs. The Broadway production opened on January 10, 2008, running for 685 performances before closing on August 30, 2009.

Making his debut with the Stephen Foster Drama Association, Broshears is set to play Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” and will perform in the ensemble of “The Stephen Foster Story.” 

"I am so excited to be among such a talented cast and crew as I make my debut here at the Stephen Foster Drama Association,” Broshears said. “I am grateful for the opportunity and to my family, friends and teachers for their support.”

Broshears is a rising sophomore at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia, where he is pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre. 

Performances of “The Stephen Foster Story” are set to take place on select dates at 8 p.m. from June 15 through August 10. “The Little Mermaid” will be performed on select dates at 8 p.m. from July 10 to August 2 at the amphitheater.

For more information, visit www.stephenfoster.com.