STONEHAM RESIDENT FEATURED IN 'FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY' AT RIVERSIDE THEATRE WORKS

Stoneham resident Deirdre Burke plays the title role in Riverside Theatre Works’ “Freckleface Strawberry,” a charming musical about the joys of being yourself.

Stoneham native Laura Graczyk is choreographing the show.

Based on the children’s book by actress Julianne Moore, the show tells the story of a redheaded girl who will do anything to get rid of her freckles. With the help of a ballerina, an athlete, a ditzy pal, a kooky teacher, and a loving mom, she discovers that everyone is sometimes insecure – and that our differences make us special.

Performances are February 28 and March 7 at 7 p.m., March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m., and special school day shows March 3 and 5 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets for weekend performances cost $10 for kids and $15 for adults, and are available at www.rtwboston.org or by calling 1-866-811-4111.

School-day matinee tickets are $5 apiece; to schedule a group visit, contact Riverside Theatre Works at 617-361-7024.

Burke is a mainstay at the Stoneham Theatre, where she has performed as Miss Adams in “Miracle on 34th Street,” Cora in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Violet in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and Diane in “42nd Street.” She is working toward her Masters in Public Health at Tufts Medical School in Boston.

Graczyk, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, lives in New York, where she is pursuing a career in theater. She choreographed Wheelock Family Theatre’s recent production of “Alice,” and she has performed in such shows as “Urinetown,” “Violet,” “The Marvelous Wondrettes,” and the Boston Pops’ “Gershwin Spectacular.”

About Riverside Theatre Works

Riverside Theatre Works (RTW), the only live theater venue in Hyde Park, aims to bring quality, affordable theater to the community – and enrich lives with exposure to the arts.

Riverside offers private lessons and group classes in music, theater and dance, and produces plays and concerts for children, families, and adults. RTW alumni have gone on to appear on Broadway and national tours, and to use their theater training in all aspects of their lives. Find out more at www.rtwboston.org.