Platte River Bard Podcast

Exciting things have been in the works at Bellevue Little Theatre!  On December 6th they will open the world premiere of "It's A Wonderful Life"!  This play was adapted from the movie version by Dr. D. Laureen Pickle and John Arnsdorff.  It contains the wonderful story from the movie that so many people adore, plus some well-placed music to get you in the nostalgic Christmas spirit!      

We talked with Dr. D. Laureen Pickle, John Arnsdorff, Riley Pope and Fred Vogel about this exciting BLT production of one of the most beloved Christmas movies! Find all about it here!

"It's a Wonderful Life" show dates are:  December 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 20th-22nd. 

BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

For 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

After a 5 year hiatus, The Madrigal Christmasse Feast is back!  The event is presented by Dwayne Ibsen, Ibsen Costume Gallery, & Chanticleer Theater on December 5th and 6th.  We talked with Denise Putnam, Howard Swain and Musical Director, Mark Morello. 

This festive event promises an evening filled with music, entertainment, and delicious food, all set in a charming Renaissance-themed atmosphere. You will experience a traditional madrigal dinner with a royal court, jesters, and singers performing classic Christmas carols by 16 singers in costume. Don't miss out on this enchanting celebration that is sure to delight all who attend!  It is acceptable to even wear your Renaissance costume if you want to! 

Directed, Written and Produced by Dwayne Ibsen.

Dinner Menu Provided by Chef Around the Block - Chef Chris:

Holiday Green Salad / Cream of Broccoli Soup

For more information, and individual and group ticket links, see the event website here:  https://www.paceartsiowa.org/madrigal-christmasse-feaste

The Madrigal Christmass Feaste Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057424870445

CHANTICLEER at PACE / CONTACT INFO: 

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

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 pleasure of speaking to Steve Krambeck, Director of "A Very Special Holiday Special", and Dan Wach, Executive Director of Shelterbelt Theatre.  This production is a celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah, and where they meet, since they will both be celebrated on December 25th this year.  Writer Mark Harvey Levine produced 8 short funny, yet poignant plays, full of humor and heart, and they will be performed by a talented cast of six.    This will be a touching and festive evening about two very special holidays this time of year.  Get your tickets now to enjoy this event! 

Show Dates:  December 5-8, 12-15 & 19-22, 2024.

Show Times:  Thursday/Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 6pm.  Also be sure to check out their website about how to "Pay it Forward" or "Pay What You Can" for tickets.

Shelterbelt Theatre Contact Info:

Tickets: https://www.shelterbelt.org/shelterbelt-box-office

Website: https://www.shelterbelt.org/

Location: 4383 Nicholas St STE 204, Omaha, NE 68131

"The China Shop is a smart romantic comedy about the surprising moments of life that are, as Virginia Woolf once said, "...little daily miracles...matches struck unexpectedly in the dark".

In The China Shop, the matches are Derby, a sort of once famous poet, and Mary, an award-winning advertising writer. By chance, they become neighbors and the volley of words - and matches - light up!"

This play is for mature audiences.

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LNKPlayhouse

2500 S 56th Street, Lincoln NE | PH: 402-489-7529

The Fall Platte River Art Show is here!  This weekend, November 15th through the 17th, head on out to Mahoney State Park to the Peter Kiewitt Lodge and enjoy the day!  We talk with Nia Karmann, Promoter and Organizer of the Platte River Art Show and Owner of Nye Street Studios.  On Friday evening, there is a wine and cheese event to kick off the evening, and you can get food anytime this weekend at Carl's Restaurant in the Peter Kiewitt Lodge.  Nia tells us about all of the artists who are at the show and what you can expect!  From glass, to photography, metal art and paintings, and more, there is a lot to check out and start your Christmas list with beautiful and personal handmade items.

PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW CONTACT INFO

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

Website: https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/event/fall-platte-river-art-show-at-e-t-mahoney-state-park/2024-11-15/

Five different women - all named Betty - who are of different backgrounds and gender identities, all converge to share their story about anger, sex, love and theatre.  The play was written by Jen Silverman, and it premiered in Washington DC in 2018.  High comedy and high energy, this play is sure to entertain and yet address the issues of women, feminism, LGBTQ identity, sexuality and loneliness.

Please note, there is strong language and mild adult themes in this play.

Don't miss this high-energy and funny play with an all female cast - the first all female cast produced by VIA Omaha!  

The Cast: 

Betty 1:  Jennifer Gilg

Betty 2:  Madi Barker

Betty 3:  Delaney Jackson

Betty 4:  Shailoh Eggerson

Betty 5:  Amie James

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 Shelterbelt Theatre located at 4383 Nicholas Street #STE 204 Omaha, NE 68131.

Here's a serious and deeply complex play you don't want to miss this season:  "Freakshow" (1999) by Carson Kreitzer at SNAP! Productions opens November 8th!  The Platte River Bard spoke to Giles Russo and Nick Knipe and discussed what this production has in store for you!

The setting: Behind the scenes of a traveling Freakshow, those who have been outcasts from society bond into a unique but dysfunctional family.  You will see their vulnerabilities and humanity in scenes of dialogue and poetry.

Find out all about it here at the Platte River Bard Podcast! 

"Freakshow" opens November 8th and runs from 8th-10th, 14-16, 18th, and the 21-23rd.  Industry Night is November 18th and is Pay-What-You-Can.  

CONTACT INFORMATION 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

Find out why you won't want to miss "American Psycho The Musical" at SNAP! Productions at Ghost Light Theatre.  This Musical opens September 20th and runs until Septemeber 29th.   We talk with Stage Manager, Christina Belle; Set Builder and Designer, Doug Hartshorn; and actor and comedian who is also new to Nebraska, Geoffrey Eggleston.  

Don't miss this fun musical, filled with dancing, singing, and entertaining dialogue with a little bit of dark humor!

Also, don't forget, SNAP! Productions at the Ghost LIght Theatre has their Industry Night, Monday, September 23rd, which is Pay-What-You-Can! 

CONTACT INFORMATION 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

Talk about a great time of year to see The Mel Brooks Adult Young Frankenstein!   

Bellevue Little Theatre is kicking off this sensational fall production with a Costume Party on Friday the 13th (of course!), that ends with wine and cheese that will leave you with an electrically charged great time. 

We had a lively discussion with the Director of this production, Todd Uhrmacher, and we discuss the logistics of this complex production for a smaller theatre.  The cast is packed full of talent, singers, costumes, tapdancers - the works - and you'll be certain to have an enjoyable experience. 

Come join the monster mash of fun that is alive at the Bellevue LIttle Theatre, September 13th through the 29th!

Note:  this production is the "adult version" (like the movie) of Young Frankenstein. 

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 have a short chat with the Director and cast of VIA Omaha's Production of "Plot Points in Our Sexual Development" that opens August 15-25th.  Meredith Melville, MFA, came to Nebraska as a visiting Director from Texas to direct this play.  The play only has two cast members, which are Asia Nared and Arson Starkloff-Crane who have created sparks on-stage. 

"Plot Points in Our Sexual Development" was written by Miranda Rose Hall and it premiered off-Broadway in 2018.  This play explores a new couple who decide to reveal their sexual histories to each other, and the truth might just jeopardize their relationship. 

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

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