The next production lighting up the Bobbie Olsen Series on the Waxlax Stage at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach is Mauritius, a sharp and suspenseful play by acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck. Running from February 3 to February 22, 2026, this Pulitzer Prize finalist delivers a clever mix of comedy, thriller elements, and family drama that's perfect for audiences who love smart twists and laugh-out-loud moments.
Written By Ben Bryk with Vero Premier Properties a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
The Story: A Stamp Collection Worth Fighting (and Scheming) Over
At the heart of Mauritius is Jackie, a young woman who's just lost her mother after a long, costly illness. Left buried under debt and few options, Jackie discovers a potential lifeline in her late mother's stamp collection. Among the items are what could be two incredibly rare Mauritius "Post Office" stamps—often called the "crown jewel of philately" due to their historical misprints and extreme value in the world of stamp collecting.
Enter Dennis, a smooth and charming stamp dealer who's eager to help—for his own reasons. He spots the potential fortune and assumes Jackie, inexperienced and desperate, will be easy to manipulate or scam. But complications arise when Jackie's older half-sister, Mary, steps in to claim the collection rightfully belongs to her (inherited originally from their grandfather in some versions of the tale). What follows is a tense battle of wits filled with deception, double-crosses, greed, and unexpected alliances.
Rebeck's script masterfully blends humor with noir-ish suspense. One minute you're chuckling at the characters' schemes and eccentricities; the next, you're on the edge of your seat wondering who's going to come out on top. It's a character-driven piece that explores themes of inheritance, trust, family rivalry, and the seductive pull of sudden wealth—all wrapped in a plot that keeps you guessing.
