Platte River Bard Podcast

We talked with Lance Nielsen, Executive Director at the Nebraskans for the Arts.  The DOGE cuts to the arts, humanities and culture are an important topic making deep and permanent problems for our local Theatres and Creatives.  If you aren't aware of what has been happening, or if you want to hear more about it because there is a lot to read out there, we have put it into podcast format for you to listen and easily take in. 

It will take all of us working together to advocate and save the already allocated for funding for the arts.  We can talk to our US and State Senators, and work on building relationships with them, so they understand the direct impact it is having on our state.

We hope to have Lance back on the podcast again and will continue coverage of this very important issue affecting all Creatives in our country.

NEBRASKANS FOR THE ARTS CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/ 

GO TO:  The NFTA Action Center: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/nebraska-arts-advocacy-network/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neb4thearts/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Neb4TheArts 

Address: PO Box 8517, Omaha, NE 68018

PH: 402.817.8176

Though tickets are limited and a waiting list is already in place, now is the time to sign up for an unforgettable experience!

Opera Omaha’s new production of "Fantastic Mr. Fox",  based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and brought to life by composer Tobias Picker — is the perfect opera for the whole family. Filled with charm, adventure, and clever woodland creatures, it’s a delightful introduction to opera for all ages!

Performed outdoors at the stunning Lauritzen Gardens, this 80-minute, no-intermission opera is best enjoyed with your comfy chairs and cozy blankets. Surrounded by nature, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience this whimsical world of furry friends and outsmarted farmers.

There will be a Relaxed Performance on June 7 – a welcoming option for those who prefer a more sensory-friendly environment.  Find out more information here. 

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" was Composed by Tobias Picker, and the Libretto was written by Donald Sturrock.  Composed in 1998, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is an Opera Omaha Company Premiere.

OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO: 

Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org 

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

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

Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha

You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha

Get ready for a whirlwind of mystery, mayhem, and masterful disguises as Bellevue Little Theatre opens Ken Ludwig's "Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure" on June 6th!

We spoke with four of the five incredible cast members who take on over 40 characters in this fast-paced and thrilling production!

The story begins with a royal scandal — the Bohemian king’s stolen letters spark an international crisis involving spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace on the line, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson team up with the clever and charming American actress Irene Adler to confront the nefarious genius Professor Moriarty and his global web of henchmen.

Premiered at the Cleveland Play House in April 2023, Moriarty is packed with Victorian-era costumes, classic Holmes-style sleuthing, and is a light-hearted comedy, and a high-stakes adventure you won't want to miss!

BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

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

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

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

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

203 Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 

402.291.1554

We sat down with Denise Putnum, Jae Starling, Michelle Batzer, and Caroline Kelly to talk about their roles in Steel Magnolias, opening May 9th at the Hoff Center at PACE!

This heartwarming and humorous comedy-drama is an unforgettable celebration of friendship, resilience, and Southern charm. Don’t miss the sharp one-liners, heartfelt moments, and hilarious female bonding that make this show a "must-see."

CHANTICLEER COMMUNITY THEATER CONTACT INFO:

Website: Chanticleer at PACE

POTTAWATTAMIE ARTS CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT (PACE) CONTACT INFO:

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

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

The Omaha Community Playhouse has their 101st Season lined up -  and we were fortunate to have the chance to hear all about it.  You'll not want to miss this interview with Becky Noble, Executive Director and Mary Carrick, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. We hear a little about their backgrounds and also all the things they have planned for the remaining 100th Season as well as next season!   

There's lots of exciting shows to choose from to watch, or be involved in, so check out this interview! 

We had the distinct pleasure to talk to three very talented Omaha Creatives involved in the upcoming production "Scissoring" written by C. Quintana at VIA Omaha! 

We spoke with Asia Nared, Delaney Jackson, and TammyRa who are part of this small cast about the experience of a Catholic schoolteacher who is also in a relationship with another woman and is forced to step back into the closet.  This is a fairly new play that has also won an Honorable Mention of the Kilroy's List and was a Finalist at the Alliance-Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition in 2014.  Join us for an open and honest discussion about living unabashedly who you truly are, and how the relationships between the characters in this play as the main character, Abigail, reconciles her personal relationships, her relationship with religion, and her career aspirations.

For Tickets and Information Go To: https://www.viaomaha.org/

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

This play will be presented at the Flixx Show Bar, 1019 South 10th Street Omaha, NE 68108

The Platte River Bard attended the 2025 Omaha Fringe Festival Lottery and was able to talk to Board President Nic Jansen, Artistic Director Lara Marsh, Board Member Carrie Nash and Button Contest Sponsor Paul Pape of Paul Pape Designs.  There are cash prizes for the button contest this year that is due April 20th! 

There is a lot of excitement about this year's many applicants, opportunities to volunteer and sponsor - so hear all about it here! 

#omahafringe2025

OMAHA FRINGE FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO:

Button Contest Info

Volunteer Form

Tickets and Website

Facebook: @omahafringefest

Instagram

Once again, we speak with Nia Karmann about her upcoming art show at the Mahoney State Park!  This year, the vendors will span both the 1st and 2nd floor of the Peter Kiewitt building at the Mahoney State Park.  She has 21 artists of all kinds:  photography, paintings, sculptures, pottery, fiber arts and more!  

Join the kick off event on Friday, April 4th from 6pm - 9pm for wine, cheese and music, and visit the show Saturday from 10 am to 7pm, and Sunday at 10am to 4pm too!

The Platte River Art Show is the Most Prestigious Art Show on the RIver! 

PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW CONTACT INFO:

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

Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE

We spoke to Leo Adam Biga, local freelance cultural journalist and non-fiction book author.  His works have spanned many years and subjects.  Many times he has traveled for his story, including when he accompanied a group of local students to President Obama's Inauguration, and when he went on the set of well-known writer, director, screenwriter, and Oscar winner,  Alexander Payne.  This experience resulted in two books:  "Alexander Payne:  His Journey In Film:  A Reporter's Perspective 1998-2012" (Kindle Edition) and "Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film."

Mr. Biga has also written local stories about the FIrehouse Dinner Theatre, and other performing arts productions in Omaha, as well as an array of other subjects.  He wrote the book "Open Wide: about a dentist, as well as "Crossing Bridges: A Priests Uplifting LIfe Among the Downtrodden."    His articles appear in local publications, and magazines, such as The Reader as well as his website. 

Mr. Biga has been recognized by his peers at the local, state and national levels, and we are honored to have him as a guest on the podcast! We hope he will return to share more about his work and current projects!

Leo Adam Biga - Contact Info: 

Website: https://leoadambiga.com/

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00E6HE46E/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=0bde3bb1-0805-41d6-884a-a549134f2386