Weymouth Residents Direct and Design for Freckleface Strawberry

Weymouth residents Toni Ruscio and Jim Gross have key behind-the-scenes roles in Riverside Theatre Works’ “Freckleface Strawberry,” a charming, kid-friendly musical about the joys of being yourself.

Ruscio is directing and producing the show. Gross, her husband, designed the sets.

The show, based on the children’s book by actress Julianne Moore, 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.

Ruscio, Riverside’s executive director, has performed in and directed many shows around the Boston area. Her recent directing credits include “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Riverside last fall and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Curtain Call Theatre in Braintree.

Gross is currently in his third season as resident set master at Riverside. His many area set-design credits include “Spelling Bee” at the Curtain Call Theatre, “Crazy for You” at the Fiddlehead Theatre, and “Hairspray” at Riverside Theatre Works.

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.