Joseph Cullinane as Jack Donohue in My Vaudeville Man! at Riverside Theatre (Photos by Tai Randall)
By Linda Gordon Hengerer
Based on the real life of vaudeville and Broadway star Jack Donahue, My Vaudeville Man! is for fans of tap dancing, chasing one’s dreams despite long odds, and family relationships, now at Riverside Theatre.
I’m a fan of all the above, and my companion and I enjoyed this delightful two-character musical.
Jack’s mother, Mud, doesn’t agree with Jack’s dream. He wants to be a vaudeville star, and she wants him to work at their hometown mill.
After receiving a contract for a tour in the spring of 1910, Jack leaves home. His journey on the New England vaudeville circuit has ups and downs, echoed in his relationship with his mother.
Mud loves Jack but feels encouraging him in an unrealistic dream isn’t what she should do. She has two younger sons at home and an absent, alcoholic husband. When Jack leaves, so does his income from the mill.
Jack loves dancing. He doesn’t want to work at the mill or stay in his hometown.
Jack and Mud tell the story about Jack’s leaving home to pursue his dream. Set in small Vaudeville theatres and the Donahue home in Charlestown, Massachusetts, we understand why Jack leaves and why Mud wants him to stay.
He enjoys being on tour and has a taste of success before things fall apart, due in part to his drinking. He is following in his father’s footsteps in more ways than working at the mill.
The intimate theater is set up in the round, with musicians behind one section of seats. Most of the story takes place in the center. Two sets are set in corners: Jack’s dressing room and Mud’s living room.
The tap dancing is wonderful. Joseph Cullinane (as Jack Donahue and acting as Assistant Choreographer) is a terrific dancer who is familiar to Riverside Theatre audiences, appearing most recently in 9 to 5: The Musical.
Terra C. MacLeod (as Mud Donahue) has a strong voice which blends well when she duets with Joseph. She has extensive experience in New York and internationally, including having played Velma Kelly in Chicago the Musical on Broadway.
The musical has charm and pathos and the story moves along briskly without an intermission.
My Vaudeville Man! was written by Jeff Hochhauser (Book and Co-Lyricist) and Bob Johnston (Music and Co-Lyricist). Hochhauser was inspired to write this story by the first three letters in a copy of Letters of a Hoofer to His Ma by Jack Donahue.
Richard Stafford (Director/Choreographer) does a wonderful job with limited space. He has directed/choreographed several shows on Riverside Theatre’s larger main stage.
Five musicians led by Milton Granger (Music Director, Keys) lend emotion to the story and dancing. Drums, bass, reed, and violin round out the orchestra.
John Farrell (Scenic Designer) utilized the walls, putting the playbills for each tour stop on screens. The mill, local tavern, and Donahue neighborhood were also projected onto the screens, doing the heavy lifting for sets.
Riverside Theatre veterans return for My Vaudeville Man!: Kurt Alger (Costume & Wig Designer); Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer); Craig Beyrooti (Sound Designer); Wojcik Casting Team (Casting); Audrey M. Brown (Stage Manager); and Sarah Nicholson (Assistant Stage Manager). Their combined expertise provides a beautifully balanced musical.
Venue doors open one hour before showtime, and theatre seating opens 30 minutes before showtime. A full bar and indoor seating are available for early arrivals and during intermission. Lunch is available on Saturdays with a scheduled matinee performance.
My Vaudeville Man! opens Riverside Theatre’s 2026-2027 season. Upcoming productions are Clue: A Murder Mystery (January 6-31, 2027); The Mouse and the Mustache world premiere (January 28-February 21, 2027); On the Town (February 25-March 21, 2027); The Light in the Piazza (co-production with Palm Beach Drama Works, March 14-April 11, 2027); and Hairspray (April 15May 9, 2027).
Year-round offerings on Friday and Saturday nights include The Comedy Zone (on the Waxlax Stage), Live in the Loop (free outdoor concerts), and the Grill and Bar. There is ample free parking for all Riverside Theatre shows and events. Backstage tours, Behind the Scenes classes, and dance classes for adults are available. Youth classes include theater, dance, and music appreciation.
My Vaudeville Man! runs through November 22, 2026 at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach in Riverside Park. Matinees are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm; Evening performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7 or 8 pm. Running time is approximately 100 minutes. Tickets are available online or through the box office. All tickets are General Admission ($85.00). Call the theatre box office at 772-231-6990 or visit riversidetheatre.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
A PaperStreet Web Design
