Platte River Bard Podcast

We had the opportunity to sit down with the talented team at Ollie Webb Center, Inc. to talk about their upcoming production of Looking Glass, an original play by Nebraska playwright Kevin Lawler.

Director Kimberly Clark-Kaczmarek, Artistic Director Jim Hoggatt, Education Director David Ackermann, and cast members Mary Kelly, Jordon McCoy, and Elise Arnold shared insights into this magical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass.

A collaboration with The Great Plains Theatre Commons, this production brings a fresh, imaginative twist to a classic tale!

Tune in for our group conversation to hear from the cast and crew, learn about the development of this new work, and discover more about the meaningful mission of the Ollie Webb Center.

Mark your calendars for the Gala Performance on October 16 — an evening that supports the transformative work of the Ollie Webb Center.

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is the umbrella agency for Career Solutions, Inc. and The Arc of Omaha, dedicated to enriching the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities and their families through support, advocacy, and innovative programs.

It’s that time of year again—and we're back with our second podcast episode featuring a show with adult themes in the spirit of the spooky season!

This time, we’re diving into Future Imperfekt—an original play written, cast, and directed by Nebraska playwright Mark Reid. Presented by The Florentine Players, this eerie production features four spine-tingling vignettes, each hosted by the mysterious and unsettling Mr. Darque.

We sat down with Mark Reid and Producer Derek Kowal to talk about this bold production. The team at The Florentine Players have stepped outside their comfort zone to bring you a unique and thrilling experience.

⚠️ Please note: This show is intended for adults only and contains mature and disturbing content.

Show Dates: October 16-19th!

Join us for a special podcast episode featuring Angel’s Theatre Company’s production of Pivot at Wyuka Stables in Lincoln, Nebraska.

If you had the chance to see Pivot at Shelterbelt, you’ll find the Lincoln production brings a unique perspective to the play. The setting of Wyuka Stables adds a new layer to this already powerful story, written by Nebraska playwright Alex Lubischer.

We chat with Jamie Bullins, director of Pivot and Interim Director of Angels Theatre Company. It’s always a pleasure catching up with Jamie—and this time, there’s a fun twist. Listen in to find out what Jamie promises to do if ticket sales get a big boost.

Don’t miss this lively conversation and a chance to support local theatre. Get your tickets today and experience Pivot in a whole new way.

ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:

"Pivot" opens October 9-12 & 16-19

⚠️ This show contains Mature Language and Adult Themes! 

Website and Tickets: www.angelscompany.org

Join us at Mahoney State Park in the Peter Kiewitt Lodge on September 26th, 27th, and 28th for a celebration of creativity and regional talent.

We spoke with Nia Karmann, Promoter and Organizer of the Platte River Art Show and Owner of Nye Street Studios, about what you can expect this year. The event kicks off Friday evening with a wine and cheese social, and food is available throughout the weekend at the Peter Kiewitt Lodge.

Explore a wide variety of art including glasswork, photography, metal art, paintings, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and start your holiday shopping with handmade items that support local artists.

Platte River Art Show Contact Info:

PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW CONTACT INFO

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083554623192

Website: https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/event/platte-river-art-show-at-mahoney-state-park/2025-09-26/

Leapin' Lizards!  There is a cast of over 60+ kids that are ready to entertain you with "Annie, Jr."!

Chanticleer Community Theatre at PACE (Pottawattamie Arts Culture and Entertainment) has put together a talented cast - and a real-live dog - for this fun musical!

We talked with Addison Mathie, Isaac Butts, Anna Larsen, Carrington Newlon and Emmalin Newlon about how much fun they are having, and how much they want to show you how hard they have worked at this wonderful show.

Annie, Jr. is a shortened version for kids of the musical, Annie.  The original musical opened on Broadway in 1977 and ran for six years. It also won seven Tony Awards and has had two revivals.  

Chanticleer Community Theatre and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE): 

Tickets & Website: https://www.paceartsiowa.org/

Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center: 1001 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

We had the opportunity to visit the stage of Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company’s latest production, Doubt: A Parable, at the First Central Congregational Church.

This immersive production invites you to step back into 1964, inside a fictional Bronx parish, where a beloved priest, a steadfast school principal, a devoted mother, and a young, impressionable nun each confront questions of faith, conviction, and uncertainty.

Before you experience this powerful and intimate performance, take a deep dive with us in this podcast. We explore the themes, and what makes this production so compelling.

Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, Doubt first premiered off-Broadway in 2004 before its acclaimed Broadway run of 525 performances and 25 previews. It was later adapted into the 2008 film starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company continues to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences—and this one is no exception!

Cast:  Delaney Driscoll (Sister Aloyisus), Melissa King (Sister James), Murphy Wulfgar (Father Flynn) and Lisa Israel (Mrs. Muller)​​

Artist/Design Team:Cathy MW Kurz (Director) and Eric Griffith (Stage Manager), and Bill VanDeest (Scenic/Lighting Designer)

BRIGIT ST. BRIGIT THEATRE COMPANY: 

Tickets and Website: https://www.bsbtheatre.com/doubt

First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street, Omaha, NE

Audio Described Performance on September 21st by Radio Talking Book.

We caught up with Director Todd Uhrmacher and actor Donovan Carr to talk all things wild, weird, and wonderful about "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — opening September 12th at Bellevue Little Theatre! With a cast of 18 Creatives, BLT is ready to rock you with unforgettable characters, energy, attitude, and a whole lot of fishnets and heels!

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer - come experience the iconic show that broke all the rules — and still rocks the stage.  You'll even be able to experience this production during the 50th anniversary of the movie, which premiered September 26, 1975! 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the musical, with music, lyrics, and book by Richard O'Brien.  It was nominated for a Tony and a Drama Desk Award in 1975 and also during its Broadway Revival in 2001.  When it first ran on Broadway in 1975, it ran for 10 months, and it's Revival lasted for 15 months. 

Performed all over the world and revived again, plus an incredibly successful movie, it is a cult-classic and timeless story that is also for Adults Only - so plan accordingly!

BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Tickets: https://blt.simpletix.com/

Website: http://www.theblt.org/

203 Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 

402.291.1554

SNAP! Productions at the Ghost Light Theatre proudly presents "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" — opening September 12th!

We sat down with cast members Connie Lee (Martha) and Adam Bassing (Nick) to talk about the suspense, wit, and emotional rollercoaster of this iconic play. Also starring Cork Ramer as George and Nina Washington as Honey, and directed by the talented Kimberly Faith Hickman, this powerful four-person drama is one you won't want to miss.

Save the Date for "Industry Night" (pay what you can) on September 15th

PLUS we discuss the new program that SNAP! is launching called "Artists Applause", this is an endowment fund that supports SNAP! Creatives. Learn more about this tax-deductible opportunity to invest in the arts and make a lasting impact.

Edward Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is a Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award-winning classic that still stuns audiences over 60 years later.

Join us at the Ghost Light Theatre — let the games begin.

New works from a Nebraska Playwright, a collaboration between Omaha and Lincoln theatres - The Platte River Bard Podcast is there for it!  Shelterbelt Theatre and the Angels Theatre Company present "Pivot", a new works by Alex Lubischer.  This play is about a girl named Kara, who is reclaiming the future she thought was hers in a small Nebraska town. There are lots of twists and turns - and we hear - some good music being used in this production as well!   

It will be at Shelterbelt Theatre August 28 - September 14 and then will be at Wyuka Stables produced by Angels Theatre Company October 9-19th!

SHELTERBELT THEATRE:

"Pivot" opens August 28th

Website and Tickets: www.shelterbelt.com

ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:

"Pivot" opens October 9-12 & 16-19

Website and Tickets: www.angelscompany.org

We had a lovely conversation with Chanel Savage, Shizzy Springs and Kane Ashton about their roles in the Nebraksa Premiere of the play "Charm" by Phillip Dawkins. 

"Charm" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking play that explores identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. Based on the inspiring true story of Chicago’s Miss Gloria Allen, this powerful work centers on Mama Darleena Andrews (played by Chanel Savage), a poised and passionate Black transgender woman who sets out to teach an etiquette class at a local LGBTQ+ youth center.

"Charm" is Directed by Randall Stevens and Co-Directed by Anthony Holmes and Asia Nared.

"Charm" opens August 14th and runs through the 24th.

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

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

This production will be performed at Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport St. Omaha, NE.