Platte River Bard Podcast

This is the third interview with the cast and crew of Nebraska Repertory Theatre's produciton of Our Town.  We talked with Composer, Craig Woerz, and Music Supervisor and Arranger, Charlie Alterman about how they recreated and arranged the brand new score for Thornton Wilder's Our Town.

Craig is a Composer, Musician and the Managing Partner of Media Storm, and was named a “Media Maven” by AdAge (Inc. 500) for creating one of the most successful media agencies. Charlie is a Broadway Musical Director and his Broadway production of Pippin won a Tony for Best Musical.  Together, these two very humble and talented individuals have come to Nebraska to work on a brand new score for Our Town.  

You'll have to listen and meet these experienced artists, and I'm sure you'll want to get your tickets at nebraskarep.org!

NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://nebraskarep.org/ 

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

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

Box Office phone number 402-472-2567.

301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

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More information on Craig Woerz:  https://www.merkleinc.com/people/craig-woerz

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More information about Charlie Alterman: https://www.playbill.com/person/charlie-alterman-vault-0000005178

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Shawn K. Jain, theatrical, tv and film Actor, is an inspiration to all Creatives young and old!  Today in our podcast, he shares his story about Acting full-time.  Mr. Jain is currently in the production "Our Town" at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, and he plays Dr. Gibbs in this newly reimagined and inclusive version of Thornton Wilder's play.  In addition, the play contains a newly revised score which adds life to this heartwarming story (more on that soon!).

This is the next in a series of several podcasts that we are releasing of some of the cast and crew of "Our Town."

Mr. Jain has traveled from New York to be part of this production, and he has performed in theatres all across the country.  He has also studied abroad.  He has many television and film credits to his name, with one of his recurrent roles from the Amazon Series, "Thespians."  You may have even seen him in such Film/TV credits as "WeCrashed" from Apple TV+, "Blue Bloods" from CBS, "Billions" from Showtime, "Girls5Eva" from Peacock, "Gossip Girl" from HBO Max, and "A Ring for Christmas" from UPtv.  

And - if you haven't listened to the podcast we just posted with the Director of "Our Town", Arthur Feinsod, we would recommend checking it out and learning more about the production as well as Dr. Feinsod.

Get your tickets today to this wonderfully redone classic!  You can purchase tickets at nebraskarep.org!

NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://nebraskarep.org/ 

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

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

Box Office phone number 402-472-2567.

301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

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For more information on Mr. Jain's work: 

Website:  https://linktr.ee/shawnkjain 

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10690438/ 

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What a special treat it was to sit down with Dr. Arthur Feinsod, Guest Director of Our Town at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre that opens April 13th!  Dr. Feinsod has served as Artistic Director for Crossroads Repertory Theatre in Terre Haute, Indiana. He also co-founded and served as Artistic Director for Theatre 7 where he staged plays that included Death of a Salesman in the historic Indiana Theatre. 

As a Playwright he has written Malcolm’s Call, Table 17, Between the Dams and Coming to See Aunt Sophie.  He taught theatre at Trinity College in Hartford, and he served as Resident Dramaturg with the Hartford Stage Company for Mark Lamos and Bartlett Sher.  Between 2001 and 2021, he was Professor of Theater at the Honors College at Indiana State University (ISU), where he received the Caleb Mills Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Theodore Dreiser Award for Research and Creativity.

His immense talent and experience has brought us to the re-imagination and inclusion of the story of Our Town.  And due to his great working relationship with composer, Craig Woerz, we will see this play with Cragi's newly redeveloped score! We are so privileged to speak with him about this production you won't want to miss that opens April 13th and runs until April 24th.  Learn about the amazing history and work to bring this play to our great State, and get your tickets today!

NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://nebraskarep.org/ 

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

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

Box Office phone number 402-472-2567.

301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

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Musing, A Storytelling Series:  LIfe and Death, Stories about Starts and Stops, Beginning and Endings, Renewal, and Letting go at Bluebarn Theatre is already SOLD OUT!  But that's okay because there will be a Virtual Offering coming shortly.  And on top of that, we had such a fun talk with Seth Fox, Story Curator for this Series, you must listen and find out more!

This production's Storytellers are: Angela Fernandez, Brenna McCune, Jeff Koterba, Maureen Mangan, Ralph Kellogg, and Tom Becka

Each Storytelling event has several storytellers taking the stage to deliver a 6 to 12 minute story.   The next Musing is called: HOME:  Stories About Where We Come From, Where We End Up and Where We Fit In.  will be Wednesday, June 15th at 7:30PM.  

All events are Free but require an RSVP.

Stay tuned for virtual details - we will share their information on Social Media!

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MUSING: A STORYTELLING SERIES CONTACT INFO:

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

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

Website: http://bluebarn.org/musing/

You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO_LxAt6KcI 

BLUEBARN THEATRE | 1106 S 10th Street, Omaha, NE

http://bluebarn.org/ 

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The upcoming production of God on Trial by the Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company will be an illuminating and fascinating look at a supposed legendary event during World War II of Holocaust prisoners at Auschwitz who decide to put God on trial for breaking his Covenant with the Jewish people.  Director and Actor, Murphy Wulfgar (formerly known as Scott Kurz) talks about this moving and powerful play.  There is a lot to unpack in this play, and this discussion with Murphy adds so many elements to enhancing our understanding of this production.  Murphy is a fascinating and well-spoken seasoned Actor, Writer, and Director who has been involved in numerous productions, and has movie and TV film credits to his name.  We are fortunate to discuss this powerful story.  It is simply a podcast - and a production - you won't want to miss!

BRIGIT ST. BRIGIT THEATRE COMPANY CONTACT INFO: 

Website: https://www.bsbtheatre.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bsbtheatre 

Location: First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street.

For Tickets: https://www.bsbtheatre.com/god-on-trial

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It's our 100th Episode!  And we are celebrating by talking with Ron Himes, founder and Producing Director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, who graces us with a devised piece, Traveling Shoes, at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre.  There are only two performances of this important piece of work which includes poems, prose, dance, and songs to convey the need to have difficult conversations and realizations about contemporary social issues.

Ron also talks with us about his current productions at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company in St. Louis, Missouri, in which the rest of the current season also invokes provocative discussions - and yet, there's still more to hear in our discussion.  So listen in to the podcast, come to one (or both) of the performances this weekend March 26th and 27th at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, and then plan your next trip to St. Louis to see Ron's other illuminating productions!

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NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://nebraskarep.org/ 

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

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

Box Office phone number 402-472-2567.

301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

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ST. LOUIS BLACK REPERTORY COMPANY CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://theblackrep.org

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/305030412/the-st-louis-black-repertory-company/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlblackrep

6662 Olive Boulevard, University City, MO

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Meet the talented Hal France, UNO Theatre's Music Director to talk about the upcoming Auditions for this summer's High School Musical Theatre!  Auditions are March 26th and April 2nd. This is a new opportunity for area theatre students to work with UNO's talented Directors!  Don't miss this great opportunity to be in the musical, Fame!

We also talk with Hal about his vast experience in the arts.  From Kaneko Art Gallery, to Opera, to Julliard and more!  Omaha has a wonderful resource for the Arts!    We can't wait to see how the UNO Theater's Summer Musical Theatre Academy changes the lives of high school students this summer!

UNO THEATRE AUDITIONS CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Website:  https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/news/2022/03/summer-musical-theatre-academy.php

Website to register: https://square-universe-d01.notion.site/UNO-2005c62416fb4416a2b0ab223038d59c

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

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

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It's always a treat to meet new talented people, and we were certainly not disappointed in the least when meeting Jill Anderson.  Jill is Guest Directing "King Lear" which will be opening at Bluebarn.  Jill discusses what will be a fantastic Shakespeare experience, with a large cast packed with local talent, complete with period costumes and an intimate set.  We were so fortunate to also not only discuss the works of Shakespeare with Jill, but also to talk about her music and theatre experiences.  Jill has her BFA from UNO, and has produced several Celtic music albums including  "Cool of the Day" which features 12 Irish and Scottish Songs; "Seven Songs" and "Celtic Cabaret Live."  We were even blessed to hear some of her voice in-person, so don't miss this podcast or this production! 

Jill's theatrical experience and love for Shakespeare makes her the perfect Director for this play, and we can't wait to see it.  It opens March 24th and runs through April 16th.  Tickets can be purchased at bluebarn.org.

BLUEBARN CONTACT INFO:

Website:  http://bluebarn.org/

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

It's a British farcical party on the podcast!  We had all full guest list, the most we have ever had so far on the podcast! This close-knit cast is making their mark in Glenwood, Iowa by portraying the hilarious cast of the smash hit of the London and Broadway stages, Blithe Spirit, written by Noel Coward.  It is now being performed by Mills Masquers at the Barton-Rowe Theater and opens March 12th.

Joining us today are: 

Kari Drake, Director

Rita Miller McKinney, the crazy psychic medium Madame Acardti

Debra Wake, who plays Elvira Condomine 

Don Vinkenberg, the widower and eligible Charles Condomine

Ken Whitacre, the voice of reason, Dr. George Bradman

Tasha Marie Helms, plays Ruth Condomine, who is a Sesquipedalian

Show Dates:  March 12, 13, 18, 19, 20

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM

MILLS MASQUES CONTACT INFO:

Website:  https://millsmasquers.com/https://millsmasquers.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/54189039275

Instagram: 

The Barton-Rowe Theater

56543 221st Street, Glenwood, Iowa 51534, United States

(712) 527-3600

Join us for a delightful conversation with Todd Uhrmacher, Director and Costume Designer, of Grease!  Nebraska is fortunate to have such a talented Director "behind the wheel" (pun intended) of this production at Bellevue Little Theatre.  Todd is so much fun to talk with, and we are honored he took the time to meet with us.  Your chills will multiply when you hear the amazing voices of 25 cast members of this hit musical return to the stage.   It will be electrifying, so don't miss it!

Grease opens March 11th and runs Friday, Saturday, and Sundays until March 27th at the Bellevue Little Theatre.   

BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: http://bellevuelittletheatre.weebly.com/ 

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

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

203 Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 

402.291.1554