BroadwayWorld.com Omaha Stories

Bellevue Little Theatre Opens LEAVING IOWA, 5/31

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:06:26 PST

Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W. Mission in Bellevue will present the family comedy, "Leaving Iowa", the last production of the season, on May 31, June 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 14, 15, 16. The production begins at 8 pm on Fri. and Sat. evenings and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for Seniors, and $9 for students with proper ID. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 402-291-1554 between the hours of 10 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday.

Sonia Keffer will direct this production, and Mark Ferrill will serve as producer and lighting designer. Jack Hogston is in charge of set design and construction, and Teresa Ferrill is sound designer. Jason DeLong is costumer,

Appearing as Dad is Mark Kocsis, and Danielle Smith is Mom. Also appearing are Chris Elstun, Don, and Mary Trecek, Sis. Ron Chvala and Sherry Josand Fletcher will portray multiple characters.

"Leaving Iowa" by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, is a nostalgic look at the family vacation of the past. Successful Boston writer Don, having missed his father's funeral three years earlier, feels compelled to return his father's ashes to Dad's boyhood home. Upon arrival he discovers the family homestead is now a grocery store, and Don is faced with a dilemma -- what to do with Dad's ashes?

Not wanting to return home telling Mom and Sis his mission failed, Don sets out on a road trip to find the proper alternative resting place for the ashes. The play features the all-too-familiar family road trips taken during Don's childhood. We relive those delightful yet disastrous family vacations with him and recall our own memories of times gone by.

This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don's memories of the annual, torturous vacations of this childhood. Don's existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at the center of the United States. Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found himself or herself driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of his or her youth.

Now Playing Onstage in Omaha - Week of 5/19/2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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THE 39 STEPS
The BLUEBARN Theatre
5/9-6/15/2013
The BLUEBARN Theatre: - adapt: Patrick Barlow; dir: Susan Clement-Toberer.
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THE WIZARD OF OZ Opens May 31 at the Omaha Community Playhouse

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:10:40 PST

The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) will produce the family classic The Wizard of Oz May 31-June 30, 2013.

There's no place like home for Dorothy and her little dog Toto, but the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys make the journey to Oz nearly impossible. With the help of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and the munchkins, Dorothy and Toto journey to the magical Land of Oz to meet the Wizard to find their way home. Rediscover this enchanting classic and iconic songs as the much-loved characters "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to the "Merry Old Land of Oz."

Production: The Wizard of Oz
Credits: By L. Frank Baum; With music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg; Background music by Herbert Stothart; Book adaptation by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay
Director: Susan Baer Collins

BWW Reviews: THE ADDAMS FAMILY National Tour

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:49:55 PST

They're creepy and they're kooky, and they're absolutely fabulous! The national tour of Broadway's The Addams Family is taking over Omaha's Orpheum Theater this week, and there's still time to get your tickets to this fun-filled production.

Based on the beloved Addams characters created by Charles Addams, the musical revolves around the eldest Addams child, Wednesday, the boy she intends to wed, Lucas, and the family dinner meant to introduce the two very different families to one another. When they decide to enlist in the help of Gomez, Wednesday's father, secrets are kept, lines are crossed, and hilarity ensues.

Filled with a fun, although sometimes too sporadic, score, this musical is everything you would want in an Addams Family musical. The sets and the costumes seem almost straight from the film and teleVision Productions, and the casting is pretty close to perfection. Whatever minor differences there are in the portrayal of the Addams Family seem to be by actors' choice, in an attempt to put their own stamp on these beloved characters; but they do not take away from the show or their roles. My only wish is that the wonderful ensemble, who portray the Addams ancestors, had a bigger part in the production. They almost feel like an afterthought at times, which is unfortunate given the amount of talent on the stage.

The stand out in the opening night performance was Jennifer Fogarty, who portrays the Addams Family daughter, Wednesday. Whether it be the wide eyed expression she maintained throughout the performance that kept the audience drawn to her, or her soaring vocals in numbers such as Crazier Than You, One Normal Night, or (my favorite) Pulled, she captivated the opening night audience, and received well-earned screams and thunderous applause at curtain call. Keep an eye out for her in the future. Broadway will surely come calling soon.

KeLeen Snowgren, who portrays Morticia Addams, also gave a stand out performance as the matriarch of the Addams Family household. Keleen has a beautiful and rich voice, which she showcases in Secrets and Just Around the Corner; and her ability to bring the matriarch to life on stage every night is reason enough to see this production, and is sure to thrill any Addams fan.

As the patriarch of the Addams Family, Gomez Addams, Jesse Sharp was able to bring a new life this well-known character, while not steering away from those who had filled the shoes in previous productions. His portrayal of Gomez made the character more jovial than dark, but still kept true to the character made popular on screen. While the vocals were not always there 100%, which could partially be attributed to the score, you can't help but like the guy. He does a wonderful job bringing Gomez to life, and is a great choice for this role.

One of the biggest surprises of the night came from Dan Olson, who portrays Lurch in the touring production. Towering over the others in the cast, his constantly blank expression and use of grumbles as a means of conversation made for some highly entertaining moments. The highlight for him came at the end of the show, when he took the audience by surprise and sang in a glorious bass voice, making for one of my favorite moments in the show. I only wish we could hear more from him.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the rest of the fantastic Addams Family, as well as their entertaining houseguests, the Beinekes. Shaun Rice was spot on as the fantastically fascinating Uncle Fester, whose love for the moon makes way for one of the best songs in the show. Amanda Bruton delivered the lines of Grandma with such directness and hilarity; and Jeremy Todd Shinder was unstoppable as the little brother, Pugsley Addams. As the "normal" Beineke family, Mark Poppleton and Blair Anderson brought a sweetness and a real sincerity to the production as Mal and Alice Beineke; while Bryan Welnicki is a perfect choice for the love struck son Lucas, the boy Wednesday plans to marry.

Whether you are an Addams fan or not, this show has something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are still available at the Orpheum box office, as well as online at Ticket Omaha. If I were you, I would get them while you still can.

Now Playing Onstage in Omaha - Week of 5/12/2013

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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SEUSSICAL JR
SCHOO MIDDLE SCHOOL
5/15-5/15/2013
A delight for children to perform, SEUSSICAL is now one of the most-performed shows in America! In this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (LUCKY STIFF, MY FAVORITE YEAR, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and RAGTIME) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge--not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!SEUSSICAL JR. is fun for the whole family! Young performers will be excited to portray the characters from the familiar Dr. Seuss fables. This musical provides wonderful creative opportunities in terms of set design, lighting, and costuming.Note: for this version, certain
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THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Orpheum Theater
5/14-5/19/2013
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. "A visually satisfying, rib-tickling, lunatic musical that will entertain you to death!" according to Toronto Post City, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy was created by JERSEY BOYS authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with production supervision by four-time Tony Award®-winner Jerry Zaks. Come meet the family. We'll leave the lights off for you.
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FREE TO BE... YOU AND ME
First United Methodist Church
5/17-5/19/2013
Marlo Thomas conceived a children's book that, instead of telling boys and girls who they should be, would open them to the possibilities of who they could be. She gathered many of her supremely talented friends from various worlds of the arts and the remarkable result is highly regarded as a modern classic of children's literature. Life-enhancing themes are imaginatively blended with music and humor to expand children's personal horizons, enabling them to invent their own futures without limitation, while dispelling some old constraints and worn-out conventions in the process. Parents, teachers and other grown-up friends will delight in sharing this extraordinary and memorable experience with the children in their lives.From the Book `Free To Be... You And Me`; Conceived By Marlo Thomas & and Friends; Contributions by Judy Blume & Dan Greenberg & Carol Hall & Sheldon Harnick & Bruce Hart & Edward Kleban & Elain Laron & Stephen Lawrence & Betty Miles & Shelley Miller & Carl Reiner & Mary Rodgers & Shel Silverstein & Peter Stone & Charlotte Zolotow; Adaptation Written for the Stage by Douglas Love and Regina Safran
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FREE TO BE... YOU AND ME
First United Methodist Church
5/17-5/19/2013
Marlo Thomas conceived a children's book that, instead of telling boys and girls who they should be, would open them to the possibilities of who they could be. She gathered many of her supremely talented friends from various worlds of the arts and the remarkable result is highly regarded as a modern classic of children's literature. Life-enhancing themes are imaginatively blended with music and humor to expand children's personal horizons, enabling them to invent their own futures without limitation, while dispelling some old constraints and worn-out conventions in the process. Parents, teachers and other grown-up friends will delight in sharing this extraordinary and memorable experience with the children in their lives.From the Book `Free To Be... You And Me`; Conceived By Marlo Thomas & and Friends; Contributions by Judy Blume & Dan Greenberg & Carol Hall & Sheldon Harnick & Bruce Hart & Edward Kleban & Elain Laron & Stephen Lawrence & Betty Miles & Shelley Miller & Carl Reiner & Mary Rodgers & Shel Silverstein & Peter Stone & Charlotte Zolotow; Adaptation Written for the Stage by Douglas Love and Regina Safran
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THE 39 STEPS
The BLUEBARN Theatre
5/9-6/15/2013
The BLUEBARN Theatre: - adapt: Patrick Barlow; dir: Susan Clement-Toberer.
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JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT to Play The Rose, 5/31-6/16

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:22:39 PST

The story is from the Old Testament, but the vision of the production team at The Rose Theater is definitely 21st centurY. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will be presented as the summer musical at The Rose Theater in Omaha, May 31 - June 16.

"At the core, it's a show about family, love and forgiveness," said director Randi Hard. "Each production of Joseph is unique. Ours has a modern, very eclectic concept that will look stunning and highlight the ensemble's singing and dancing talents."

The favorite Biblical story of Joseph and his "coat of many colors" comes to life in the classic musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Joseph, a boy with prophetic dreams, experiences a difficult and inspiring journey when he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually becomes a revered leader of Egypt. Featuring a delightful range of song styles, this timeless tale of family and faith offers a moving musical event for the entire family.

Director Hard, scenic designer, Adam Rowe, and lighting designer, Craig Moxon, have more of a "present-day stadium rock show" image for the musical that was first performed in 1968. Each of the musical styles in the show - rock, country & western, calypso, pop and opera - will be framed in a different way with either moving set pieces brought or danced on by actors or flown in from the rafters. With no spoken dialog, the show is a non-stop musical revue guided by a narrator character.

"The only reason we'll stop the action is for applause or laughter," said Hard.

The inspiration for the design is a blend of fashion-forward window dressing seen in stores, like Anthropologie, combined with the glitz and speed of televised awards shows.

"We're thinking about impactful, and affordable, ways to make a statement," said Rowe. "For example, creating a huge backdrop for big production number made entirely out of hula hoops and zip ties to frame a stage filled with singers and dancers. It's about fluid and clever scene changes that build and are punctuated by the lighting effects and the audience's imagination."

To help with the rock show effects, designer Moxon is bringing in additional lighting instruments that would more likely be found in concert venues than in a children's theater. Additionally, a backdrop of texturized foam core will provide a surface for dramatic and impactful lighting techniques.

While the visuals will be stunning, the show's messages will be delivered with warmth and humor. At its core, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a family show that adults and children will both enjoy at different levels. Stylized to give the audience the opportunity to discover secrets within the show, such as recognizable contemporary images like bar codes and shopping bags from local stores, the serious story of betrayal and forgiveness will be clear to all.

Rose Artistic Director, Matt Gutschick, believes the message of the show is a powerful one. "Joseph shows us the power we have to control our own responses to our circumstance.

If we build our faith in humanity with its Technicolor variety, we'll be blessed with pieces of ways to build a better world," said Gutschick.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first publically produced collaboration by Rice and Lloyd Webber. Many of the musical themes heard in Jesus Christ Superstar have their origin in the score for Joseph. The show won seven Tony awards and national tours have been headlined by David Cassidy and Donny Osmond.

In the production at The Rose, Joseph will be portrayed by Sam Swerczek. Although this is his first performance at The Rose, Swerczek has played the role of Joseph at The Lofte Theater, in Manley, NE. He also toured internationally with The Young Americans, understudied for Hugh Panaro (current Phantom in Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera) in the role of Valjean in Les Miserables at the La Mirada Theater in Orange, CA, and was nominated by the Theater Arts Guild for his performance as Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening at The Blue Barn Theatre.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presenTed May 31 - June 16 with shows at 7 pm on Fridays, and 2 pm each Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 for main floor and $20 for balcony. Discount vouchers are available at area Hy-Vee Food Stores. For reservations, call (402) 345-4849, go to www.rosetheater.org, or visit the Box Office at 2001 Farnam St. The show is recommended for ages 5 and older. The performance is 1 hour and 55 minutes and includes a 15-minute intermission.

Pictured: Joseph is Sam Swerczek. Photo credit: Herb Thompson Photography.

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody Hits Omaha, 6/13-15

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:49:08 PST

The cast has been announced for the Omaha performances of SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody! Omaha Performing Arts presents SPANK! for three performances on Thursday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, at 8:00 p.m. in the Orpheum Theater. The musical comedy parody is part of the Omaha Performing Arts' 2012/2013 Season.

Tickets for SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody start at $40. Tickets can be purchased online at TicketOmaha.com, by phone at 402.345.0606, or at the Ticket Omaha office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets. Only the orchestra level of the Orpheum Theater will be open for sale for this production.

Omaha audiences are about to get spanked by the new comedy that puts a hilarious spin on the saucy book that caused a world sensation. Alice Moran stars as Tasha Woode (the Anastasia Steele-like character), Patrick Whalen is Hugh Hanson (the Christ Ian Grey-like character) and Suzanne Sole is "E.B. Janet" (the "author").

Books aren't the only thing parodied in SPANK! - songs get a sexy makeover, too. You'll never hear Willy Wonka sing "Pure Imagination" the same way again after hearing "Room of Sexy Domination." SPANK! will involve some audience participation, as well, but don't worry, no one needs to sign an NDA.

Since its premiere in October of 2012, SPANK! has become a huge box office hit with tour dates in more than 70 cities across the United States and Canada. According to The Weekender it's "a spankin' good time." The Toronto Stage calls it "a sexy, hysterical, rip-roaring good time." BroadwayWorld.com said "SPANK! is raucously hilarious, a perfect girl's night out!".

Lobby doors open one hour before each performance. Audience members can purchase specialty SPANK! cocktails at the show. After the show, audience members can pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself.

Learn more about why this show has become a hilarious hit at www.TicketOmaha.com or www.SpankShow.com. Then come and enjoy the naughtiness in person at the Orpheum Theater, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 13, 14 and 15. This performance is for mature audiences only.

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

Lied Center Announces 2013-14 Season

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:10:01 PST

The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced its 24th season of world-class performing artists. The season includes 51 performances of 31 shows from a wide range of genres including Broadway, classical music, dance, theater, world music and jazz, comedy, holiday performances, folk music and shows for families.

Following a popular 2012-13 season with more than 60,000 audience members attending Lied season performances, patrons can expect another exciting season of world-class performers at Nebraska's "Home for the Arts."

The 2013-14 season opens Sept. 27-29 with the return of Blue Man Group after its five sold-out Lied performances in 2011. Tony Award-winning musicals "Memphis" (Nov. 12-13), "Hair" (March 15) and "West Side Story" (April 4-5) join with '80s rock musical "Rock of Ages" (Feb. 15) to complete next season's Broadway lineup.

Many of the 2013-14 performances will make their Nebraska debut at the Lied Center, including "I Love Lucy Live On Stage" (March 7-9), based on one of the most beloved program in television history.

Respected as one of the top two orchestras in America, the Cleveland Orchestra also makes its Nebraska debut on Feb. 27, performing a program highlighted by Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5. On Jan. 28, Martha Graham Dance Co. will feature Graham's masterpiece, "Appalachian Spring," set to music by Aaron Copland.
Additional highlights include Emmy Award-winner Brady (March 22), who regularly starred on ABC's smash hit, "Whose Line is it Anyway?"' 14-time Grammy Award-winning banjo player Bala Fleck (Feb. 13); and one of the largest touring Cirque Productions in the world, "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" (Dec. 3-4), featuring amazing acrobatic skills and hundreds of spectacular costumes in a setting of colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering soldiers.
"Many of the finest artists in the world will perform at the Lied Center next season and we cannot wait for audiences to experience these amazing performances," said Lied Center executive director Bill Stephan.
Season tickets are available and brochures and order forms can be viewed online at http://www.liedcenter.org or picked up by visiting the Lied Center Ticket Office, 301 N. 12th St. A season subscription consists of a ticket purchase of four or more events. The more events ordered, the larger the discount, up to 20 percent off listed prices. Stephan said tickets to some of the most popular performances from last season, including Frankie Valli and Mannheim Steamroller, sold out through season ticket sales and patrons with season tickets always have the first opportunity to guarantee the best seats available at the lowest price.
Lied Center artistic director Ann Chang also announced the creation of a new piano series. "This new series will help bring the world's top pianists to Lincoln every season," Chang said. "We're thrilled to begin this first year by presenting the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist as well as the Lied Center return of Brazilian-born pianist Arnaldo Cohen." The Van Cliburn gold medalist will perform on Oct. 13 and Cohen on March 21.
World music highlights this season include one of the most celebrated Celtic music ensembles of today, Ireland's Dervish on March 11; the harmony-rich a cappella music of Grammy-winning vocal group Take 6 on Jan. 16; and the two-time Grammy- and Emmy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir on March 25. The Lied will also welcome David Krakauer: Ancestral Groove on March 29 (last seen at the Lied with music ensemble Abraham Inc.); and "The Nat King Cole Tribute" on April 23, performed by pianist Ramsey Lewis and singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, highlighting this year's jazz programming.
Following an increase in dance attendance of more than 30 percent in 2012-13 and a sellout crowd for the Joffrey Ballet during spring, the Lied Center will present combination of classical and modern dance performances next season. Performances include the daredevil and aerial dancers of Streb (April 11), featured in an appearance at the 2012 London Olympics; Lily Cai Chinese Dance Co. performing its "Dynasties and "Beyond" program on Oct. 2, melding traditional Chinese traditions with modern dance; the Moscow Festival Ballet presenting the fairytale classic "Cinderella" on May 1; and the Martha Graham Dance Co., described as one of the world's greatest in modern dance, on Jan. 28.
The Lied will present "I Love Lucy Live on Stage" to perform two hilarious "episodes" live, March 7-9. "Love, Loss and What I Wore" will show that great shoes and great theater are always in fashion, Oct. 16-20. And the hilarious return of The Church Basement Ladies performing a new production, "A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement," April 25-27, completes the theater lineup.
The season also features a wide array of family-friendly programming, including two FamFest events with special activities and snacks for families before the show. "Swazzle's Dream Carver" (Nov. 5), a bilingual Spanish and English musical, tells the story of Mateo, who carves his dreams into wooden figurines that take life. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites" (March 4) features vibrant scenery, backlit puppets and classic stories sure to please kids of all ages.
Patrons will be able to celebrate the holiday season with two of the winter's hottest acts. "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" brings an international cast of multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists who come to life and perform astonishing acrobatic feats of disbelief. The Canadian Brass Christmas returns to the Lied on Dec. 19 to perform holiday classics and carols performed in its signature style.
Highlighting the Lied's folk lineup, Fleck will join the legendary Del McCoury Bluegrass Band and singer/banjo player Abigail Washburn to create an all-star bluegrass showcase. Combining world-champion fiddling and step dancing, the April Verch Band will bring an irresistible blend of Celtic, jazz, folk and bluegrass music to its second performance at the Lied on April 16.
The season is filled out with some of the most popular musical acts and comedians today. From the classic western music and wit of Riders in the Sky (Oct. 30), to improv comedy from Wayne Brady (March 22) or Jim Belushi and The Chicago Board of Comedy (Nov. 15); or John Mueller's "Winter Dance Party: The Official Tribute to Buddy Holly" on Feb. 22.
Chang and Stephan collaborated to create a world-class season for Nebraskans to experience and maintain the fiscal stability of the organization. Fiscal year 2012 ended with a balanced budget and with more than two months to go, fiscal year 2013 is on track to continue that success for a fourth consecutive year.
Season ticket seating assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations to the Friends of Lied organization can provide advanced processing of season ticket orders or preferred seating. A $250 donation earns advanced processing of season orders while gifts of more than $1,000 earn preferred seating. For more information visit the Friends of Lied website http://www.liedcenter.org/friends-lied.

THE 39 STEPS Comes to BLUEBARN Theatre, Now thru 6/15

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

The BLUEBARN Theatre continues its 2012-2013 Season with The 39 Steps adapted by playwright Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock. which opens tonight, May 9th and runs through Saturday June 15th. BLUEBARN Producing Artistic Director Susan Clement-Toberer directs, with scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto, costumes by Lindsay Pape, lighting design by Carol Wisner, sound design by Miles Polaski and Martin Magnuson, and properties design by Amy Reiner.

Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays May 19th and June 2nd at 6 p.m. There is no show on Thursday, May 16th. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, seniors 65+, TAG members, and groups of 10 or more.

The show features Omaha actors Ben Beck, Bill Grennan, Kirsten Kluver, and Ablan Roblin. The playwright, Patrick Barlow, credits the original concept of producing the play with just four actors to two British writers, Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon.

Mix a 1930's Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy, adventurous spy novel - add the flair of film noir and a dash of Monty Python and you have an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure. Packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 characters, an on-stage plane crash and some good old-fashioned romance, The 39 Steps is a riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft that's guaranteed to thrill.

Ben Beck returns to The BLUEBARN's stage as Richard Hannay, The 39 Steps' protagonist, a London aristocrat looking for adventure. Mr. Beck's most recent work onstage was last November playing the role of Jules in the Omaha Community Playhouse's production of "boom." Previous roles include Booth in "Assassins", Orsino in "Twelfth Night," and Clarke in "Gross Indecency," at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Ben has also played Himself in "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)," Ralph in "Reefer Madness," and Jason in "Wit," at The BLUEBARN Theatre, and multiple roles in "Almost, Maine" at The Omaha Community Playhouse.

Equity actor Bill Grennan portrays Clown 1, and assumes new characters and personas constantly as this fast-paced comedic marathon progresses from one wild scene to the next. Mr. Grennan recently performed the role of Dr. Jason Posner in "Wit" at The American Stage Theatre in Florida, and has previously appeared onThe BLUEBARN stage in "Spring Awakening" and "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)." Other credits include Hunter in the hit musical [title of show] with The Candy Project (TAG Award - Best Lead Actor in a Musical), Nick in "dark play or stories for boys" (FAUST Award - Best Lead Actor), Sid in the world premiere of "Hippie Doctor," and Narrator 1 in "Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde," all at The University of Nebraska - Omaha.

BLUEBARN veteran Kirsten Kluver plays the roles of Annabella Schmidt , Pamela and Margaret, each a shape-shifting person of interest in this mind-bending tale of mayhem. Ms. Kluver last performed on The BLUEBARN's stage as Woman C in Edward Albee's "Three Tall Women." She also appeared as Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls" (Mary Peckham Award, TAG award, OEA award) and Roxie in "Chicago" at The Omaha Community Playhouse (Mary Peckham Award), and The Angel in "Angels in America" (TAG award) with SNAP!

Ablan Roblin is making his BLUEBARN debut as Clown 2, cohort of Clown 1, morphing character as frequently as his sidesplitting, mercurial compatriot. Mr. Roblin has most recently been in "A Christmas Carol" and "Hairspray" at The Omaha Community Playhouse. Ablan has performed as an improv actor and workshop director for The Redding Improv Players, and directed several productions in Redding, California, where he lived prior to moving to Omaha.

The BLUEBARN Theatre has been bringing professionally-produced plays to area audiences since its inception in 1989. Since that time, BLUEBARN has produced over 100 plays and has established itself as Omaha's premier Contemporary Theatre company. Striving to bring artistically significant scripts and professional production values to Omaha and the surrounding region, BLUEBARN is known for high- quality entertainment and the fearless pursuit of stories that challenge both theatre artists and patrons. The BLUEBARN is currently raising significant funds to construct its future home at 10th & Pacific Streets in 2014, and will be celebrating its 25th season in the fall of 2013.

Now Playing Onstage in Omaha - Week of 5/05/2013

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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BUGSY MALONE JR
NORRIS HIGH SCHOOL
5/11-5/11/2013
The popular pint-sized, pin-striped classic leaps off the silver screen and onto the stage. Like the film, this wild and wacky musical includes a child's dream come true: a classic pie fight fought with "splurge blasters" which spew forth "silly string" instead of pies! With a catchy, swinging score by the composer of The Muppet Movie, BUGSY MALONE JR. includes a chorus which may be expanded to include as many performers as desired.BUGSY MALONE JR. is only available to license in the United States and Canada.
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A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD- TYA
OMAHA THEATRE COMPANY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
4/26-5/12/2013
a href="http://mtishows.com/biography.asp?writerid=3662"Arnold Lobel/a's well-loved characters hop from the page to the stage in a href="http://mtishows.com/biography.asp?writerid=3512"Robert/a and a href="http://mtishows.com/biography.asp?writerid=3505"Willie Reale/a's musical strongA YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD/strong. Conceived by Mr. Lobel's daughter, Adrianne Lobel, strongA YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD/strong remains true to the spirit of the original stories as it follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.
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A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
Omaha Theater Company
4/26-5/12/2013
The Rose Theater: - adapt: Willie Reale from Willie Reale; lyrics: Willie Reale; music: Robert Reale.
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THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Orpheum Theater
5/14-5/19/2013
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. "A visually satisfying, rib-tickling, lunatic musical that will entertain you to death!" according to Toronto Post City, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy was created by JERSEY BOYS authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with production supervision by four-time Tony Award®-winner Jerry Zaks. Come meet the family. We'll leave the lights off for you.
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THE 39 STEPS
The BLUEBARN Theatre
5/9-6/15/2013
The BLUEBARN Theatre: - adapt: Patrick Barlow; dir: Susan Clement-Toberer.
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