Platte River Bard Podcast

First up, after wowing audiences in Omaha, Rave On Productions is bringing their Omaha Series production, The Awesome 80's Prom to the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 7th and 8th. Picture this: immersive theatre and improv meets 80's nostalgia, optional but highly encouraged 80's attire, live music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities for improv and storyline participation. It's going to be a blast!

Next on the agenda, from July 19th to 21st, The Omaha Series presents The Outsiders at the Benson Theatre. Based on S.E. Hinton's iconic novel and the beloved film adaptation, this play promises to bring the gripping tale to life in a whole new way.

But wait, there's more! The McGuigan Arts Academy is hosting Summer Camps throughout June and July, catering to various age groups and interests. From Happy Feet for the little ones aged 5-7 to Rock 'N' Palooza for ages 12 and up, there's something for everyone. Hurry, classes are filling up fast, so be sure to register now on their website at https://www.mcguiganartsacademy.com/summer.

And if you think that's all, think again! Tune in to our podcast to get an exclusive sneak peek at what Rave On Productions has in store beyond this summer. Between Rave On Productions' Omaha Series, and the McGuigan Arts Academy, there is something for everyone.

CONTACT INFO:

Rave On Productions: https://www.raveonworldwide.com/

For Tickets:  The Omaha Series: https://www.theomahaseries.com/

To Register for Classes:  McGuigan Arts Academy:  https://www.mcguiganartsacademy.com/summer

We were lucky to catch three of the seven women in BLUEBARN's production of "POTUS" or "Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive".  This production, Directed by Susan Clement, opened May 23rd and will be showing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until June 23rd!  We talk about how their first weekend went and what to expect for the rest of the run!

"POTUS" was nominated three times for a Tony award and was first produced on Broadway in 2022.  The Playwright, Selena Fillinger described the play as "the ways in which we uphold patriarchy when a man's body is not in the room."  It promises to be a hilarious look at politics and sex.

This show does contain explicit language and adult humor, however it won't keep anyone away.  Shows are selling out so get your tickets at BLUEBARN.org or by calling their box office at 402-345-1576. 

This is the end of  BLUEBARN’s 35th Season so come celebrate their last show this season.

Be sure to check BLUEBARN’s website for more free engagement events and community partnerships which are related to the brilliance of remarkable women who shaped history, and have paved the way for women.

BLUEBARN CONTACT INFO: 

Tickets & Website:  http://bluebarn.org/

Or call the Box office at 402-345-1576.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluebarn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebarntheatre_omaha/ 

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/bluebarntheatre_omaha/

Bluebarn Theatre: 1106 S. 10th St. (10th and Pacific) Omaha, NE

PH: 402-345-1576

We had a fun visit with Rachel Robbins, Producer, Director, Actor, and Theatre Educator of Popcorn Productions, LLC's Melodramas and her team of actors:  Ian Cullin, Samantha Desh, Shade Ingraham, Elizabeth Maack, and Collette Williams.  We also spoke to their Lighting and Sound Designer, Zach Wasserman, as well as one of the youngest ensemble members, Weston.

Melodramas just opened their three new shows for Part 1 of their 2024 season which runs from May 24th to August 25th!  Their new shows are: 

• B Mine Forever by John Burkhart

Popcorn Productions' Melodramas are fun, rowdy, and a completely different theatre experience than the usual live theatre experience.  Guests are expected to "boo" the villain and "aww" the hero or heroine.  And guests can also opt to throw popcorn or dollar bills (of any $ value of their choosing).  Actors are expected to pick up the tips and continue on with their lines.  These productions are a mixture of theatre and improv, each performance being a different experience with so much crowd interaction.

Shows are inside the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre at the Mahoney State Park.  Concessions are available and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.  Also the building is air conditioned and has all the indoor amenities.  So if you are out at Mahoney State Park it is a great escape from the outdoors and enjoy theatre! 

CONTACT INFO FOR POPCORN PRODUCTIONS MELODRAMAS:

Website: https://www.melodrama.net  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Melodramas-100057354133892/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcorn_productions_melodramas/

You can also call for Ticket Reservations:  402-944-2957

Adults are $9, Kids 12 and under are $7.  You can also get a Family Package of 2 Adults and 2 Children for $28.

Our first Directors Roundtable begins with two talented and charismatic  Professors of Theatre:  Jamie Bullins from UNL and Ron Zank from UNO!  Their expertise and contribution to local theatre made them wonderful guests of our Directors Roundtable.  

We are so excited to bring you this podcast.  We have been working toward this idea for quite some time.  There will definitely be more Roundtable discussions in the near future!

Ron Zank is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Nebraska Omaha.  He has a BA in English from UNL, a MA in Theatre from UNO and a PhD in Theatre from the University of Missouri Columbia. Ron teaches Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, as well as Introduction to Theatre and Script Analysis.  He has directed at many local Omaha Area theatres, such as Chanticleer Community Theatre, Shelterbelt, GPTC, the Dundee Dinner Theatre and Bluebarn Theatre.  

Jamie Bullins is an Associate Professor of Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL and also advises for their student-run theatre, Theatrix.  Jamie specializes in Costume Design and you may have even seen a play he has been involved in at several Lincoln and Omaha theatres.  He also is a Scene Designer and Playwright. He has an M.F.A. in Theatrical Design / Scenography is from the University of North Carolina / Greensboro, and he moved to Lincoln from Atlanta, Georgia.  Jamie is also Staff for Angels Theatre Company's Playwriting Collective. 

Both of these talented Directors have been on our Podcast before and we were elated to have them back for a fun discussion about Directing!  We thank them profusely for being part of our first Directors Roundtable!

To check out some of the theatres Jamie and Ron are involved in, here are their websites websites:

UNO Theatre at the Weber Fine Arts Building

Nebraska Repertory Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film

Theatrix 

Angels Theatre Company - Playwriting Collective

We sat down with Director Todd Brooks,  Stage Manager Krista Freimuth, and Actor Adam Fulbright to talk about Chanticleer's upcoming production "A Chorus Line."  This is a cohesive cast who are working hard but having the time of their lives, which of course, is everything community theatre should be.  This is going to be a fun production, with a live orchestra, much dancing and singing with all the classic "A Chorus Line" tunes and dance moves!

Though "A Chorus LIne" was also adapted into a popular movie in 1985, for most people the story is best told on stage. The original musical was written in 1975 by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Edward Kleban, and directed by Michael Bennett.  It won many Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and in 1984 won a Tony for longest running musical on Broadway.  (It is currently the 7th longest running musical to date).  The "Book" (librettists of the spoken, non-sung dialogue, and storyline of a musical play) was written by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante.

The story is based on true stories and is set on the stage of a Broadway theater, and centered on seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for roles on a chorus line.

"A Chorus Line" runs May 9-12th and 16-19th at Chanticleer Community Theatre at PACE.  This is a great opportunity to see this prize winning musical! 

CHANTICLEER at PACE / CONTACT INFO: 

Website:  https://www.paceartsiowa.org/theater/chanticleer-community-theater

Ticket Link: https://www.showpass.com/a-chorus-line-4/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chanticleertheater 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paceartsia/?hl=en 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PACEartsiowa 

Chanticleer Community Theatre / Pace Arts Iowa 1001 S 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA

We had the distinct pleasure of meeting Thom Davis, Dramaturg and Vice President of the Board of Directors for Voices in Alliance (VIA Omaha).  VIA Omaha produced “The Inheritance Part 1” in October 2023 during their first season, and now are able to begin their 2nd Season with “The Inheritance Part 2.”

It's important to note that you can still easily see “The Inheritance Part 2” without seeing "Part 1".  We do suggest, however, you hear all about "Part 2" on our podcast before you go, because Thom eloquently explains why this is such an important piece of theatre.

This two-part play was written by Matthew Lopez and won a Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, a Critics Circle Theatre Award, and an Evening Standard Theatre Award, and a GLAAD Media Award, just to name a few.  Needless to say, there has always been a lot of interest and appreciation in what this play means to so many.

”The Inheritance Part 2”opens May 10th and runs 8 performances until May 19th.  There will be a talk back session after their Sunday performance on May 12th. 

This production is recommended for audiences over 18.  

Voices in Alliance (VIA Omaha) Ticket & Contact Info:

Tickets Info and Website: https://www.viaomaha.org/ 

Ticket Link:  Eventbrite link.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VIAOmaha/ 

This production will be performed at the Bancroft Street Market, 2702 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68108.

The 2024 Spring Platte River Art Show at Mahoney State Park is "The Most Prestigious Art Show on the River!"  You’ll find this seasonal event at the Peter Kiewitt Lodge in the upper level, May 4th and 5th.  It's free to attend and you will find regional artists with many different kinds of art mediums.  Enjoy the day out at the state park as well. We chat briefly with Nia Karmann, Owner and Photographer of Nye Street Studios who is also hosting this event.  

Hours:  May 4th from 10am to 7pm, and May 5th from 9am to 4pm.  You will need a state park pass, but if you don't want to spring for a full year, day passes are $7, but the event is free!

PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW CONTACT INFO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1120061395838844?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Website: https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/event/platte-river-art-show-at-e-t-mahoney-state-park-5/2024-05-04/

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Today our episode is with an Omaha theatre legendary favorite, the talented Dick Mueller.  This is one of those podcasts you simply won't want to miss if you love theatre in Nebraska.  The Firehouse Dinner Theatre, founded and produced by Dick Mueller was a Old Market staple.  Mr. Mueller opened the Firehouse Dinner Theatre May 12th 1972.  Back in its day, the Firehouse was one of the best of equity theatre in Omaha.  And to recall of the great times there, Dick Mueller has published a book, written by himself and 25 others who worked at the Firehouse.  All of them share about their most memorable moments.

Mr. Mueller's book is called “The Firehouse Memoir:  For an Entreprener in the Arts, From Nightclubs to Theatre, ’Twas All Showbiz to Me."  And to celebrate there will be a Book Launch Party at the old Firehouse building, now the Upstream Brewery on Sunday, April 21st from 2PM - 5PM.  Stop on in to what is sure to be a festive reunion at the book launch, get a signed copy and see so many of the people who made the Firehouse so successful!  

Is an egg is as close to Jesus as a person can get? 

We had a "sunny-side-up of a time" with Director Kaitlyn Rudeen, and Actors Julie Fitzgerald Ryan and Sarah Dighans while talking about their upcoming production:  5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche, which opens April 5th at SNAP! Productions Omaha at Ghost Light Theatre in Bellevue.

This is a zany comedy you won't want to miss with a spontaneous and whacky fourth wall.  An all female Cast, Director and Crew tell the story of five women living in 1956 who belong to the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein and are having their annual quiche breakfast (yes, it's that time of year again!) when their small town is threatened by Communists.  What could go wrong with this perfectly hatched plot? 

This is an interactive production that will whip up and bake the crowd into a perfectly flaky crust of antics for 90 minutes of non-stop comedy. 

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche was the winner of the 2012 NYC International Fringe Festival for best overall production and written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood.

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Performances will be April 5-7, 12 - 15, 19 - 21.

Industry Night is Monday, April 15th.

The Brunch event and production will be April 14th from Noon to 2PM.

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Find all about this production here!

Cast:  Sarah Dighans, Julie Fitzgerald Ryan, Therese Rennels, Tatiana Sandoval, Anna Dragon, with Kaitlyn Rudeen Directing.

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CONTACT INFO for SNAP! Productions:

Snap Productions at Ghost Light Theatre is located at 2221 Thurston Circle, Bellevue, Nebraska.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.snapproductions.com/

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The Theatre Arts Guild Omaha (TAG) has been around for over 50 years, but through a series of events, including the pandemic, TAG is in jeopardy of dissolving.  We talk with Dylan Peck, current President of TAG, and discuss what might happen to the organization going forward.  Dylan has been keeping the organization going in hopes it will be able to continue and grow and offer more scholarships for theatre Creatives.

To join TAG, just $1 will purchase a membership, which can be completed on their website.  Some TAG Night Out events (suggested donation of $5) are still happening, and Dylan hopes to resurrect TAG Meet-ups and other events for members.

Find all about it here and how you can join the TAG Board, or join as member to support Creatives in Omaha!

THEATRE ARTS GUILD OMAHA

Website: https://theatreartsguild.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAGOmaha

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tagomaha/

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