Final Redemption: Jerry Longe’s Final Run in “A Christmas Carol” Begins on Nov 18

Jerry Longe (L) and Don Keelan-White (R) star in “A Christmas Carol” at Omaha Community Playhouse

Omaha, NE.–Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, will open Friday, Nov. 18, 2022 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre from Nov. 18 through Dec. 23. Performances will be held Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and two performances Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol! Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintry sets, A Christmas Carol is a beautiful reminder of the power of redemption and the generosity that lies at the heart of the Christmas holiday.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $40 for adults and $26 for students, with ticket prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, located at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

JERRY LONGE’S FINAL YEAR

2022 will mark Jerry Longe’s final year playing Ebenezer Scrooge. He has played the iconic role for 17 seasons. The only other person to play Ebenezer Scrooge on OCP’s Hawks Mainstage is the late Dick Boyd who played the role for 30 years.

Photo provided by Omaha Community Playhouse

It’s Going to Be a Blue Christmas Carol: Jerry Longe Stepping Away From Ebenezer Scrooge After 2022 Run

Omaha, NE.– This year will be Jerry Longe’s final year as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s mainstage production of A Christmas Carol. Longe has played the role of Scrooge for 17 years. He first moved to Omaha in 1980 and toured with the Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s production of A Christmas Carol playing Marley, Ghost of Christmas Present and Jake.

For Longe, his role in A Christmas Carol has been life changing. He says, “I’ve made lifelong friends through this production, and that has been a tremendous gift to me every single Christmas.”

Over the 47 years that OCP has produced A Christmas Carol, only two people have played the role of Scrooge – Jerry Longe for 17 years and the late Dick Boyd for 30 years. When Boyd stepped away, former artistic director Carl Beck asked Longe to play Scrooge.

“I said sure I’d love to do it, and it’s turned out to be the best Christmas present anybody ever gave me,” says Longe.

Longe started the role in 2006 and said one of the best aspects of playing Scrooge is the ability to hone and refine the character year after year. While it’s a difficult decision to step away, he feels that the role demands more energy than he is able to give it anymore. Longe is also expecting his first granddaughter in the spring of 2023, with whom he’s excited to spend the holidays.

“A Christmas Carol isn’t about me. It’s about the show and what it means to the community…I felt it was time to go out on a high note,” says Longe.

Over the years, the holiday show has become so popular, it’s an annual tradition for many area families. OCP representatives say how Longe’s involvement has impacted the organization and community.

“Jerry has brought and continues to bring an enormous amount of invention, humor, pathos, and love to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. His humility and professionalism set a high bar for all of us on both sides of the stage. An extremely talented actor and a wonderful friend, Jerry leaves an indelible mark on our treasured production,” -Susie Baer Collins, former OCP Associate Artistic Director and Director of A Christmas Carol.

“Jerry has poured his heart into this role over the past 17 years, and he will be so greatly missed. He graced the show with immense humor and unmatched energy. He will probably never know how many lives he has impacted with this story of hope and redemption,” -Katie Broman, OCP Executive Director.

“Watching Jerry perform Scrooge is truly a masterclass in artistic excellence and love for theatre and storytelling. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with Jerry during his final year and he will forever leave a brilliant stamp on our production,” -Stephen Santa, OCP Artistic Director and Director of A Christmas Carol.

Longe will be honored on the final performance of A Christmas Carol on Friday, Dec. 23. The directors of A Christmas Carol will cast a new Scrooge in 2023.

OCP Prepares to Ring in the Holidays with ‘A Christmas Carol’

Omaha, NE–The Omaha Community Playhouse production of A Christmas Carol will open Friday, November 15, 2019.  The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre at OCP from Nov 15 through Dec 23.  Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm and 6:30pm, Wednesdays beginning in December at 7pm and Monday, Dec 23 at 7:30pm.  There will be no performance on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 28).

Tickets are on sale now starting at $40 for adults and $26 for students with ticket prices varying by performance.  Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office located at 6915 Cass St, by phone at 402-553-0800 or online at www.omahaplayhouse.com.

Synopsis

It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol!  Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas.  Filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintry sets, A Christmas Carol is a beautiful reminder of the power of redemption and the generosity that lies at the heart of the Christmas holiday.

Directed by:  Kimberly Faith Hickman and Ablan Roblin

Cast

Jerry Longe as Ebenezer Scrooge

Steve Krambeck as Bob Cratchit

Brinlee Roeder as Tiny Tim

Joshua “Makana” Yamasaki-Crail as Fred

Lori Lynn Ahrends as Ghost of Christmas Past

Chris Berger as Ghost of Christmas Present

Don Keelan-White as Jacob Marley

Christina Rohling as Mrs. Cratchit

Plus an ensemble featuring Mark Haufle, Carrie Trecek, Rachel Fox, Allison Helligso, Jake Parker, Brandon Fisher, Dale Hartshorn, Almeda Lopez, Roz Parr, Jen Dillon, Enrique Madera, Isabelle Rangel, Elliot Kerkhofs, Will Seim, Jane Rohling, Dominic Torres, Pieper Roeder, Anna Krambeck, Meghan Essner, Amina Teri, Cal Hernandez, Judson Cloudt, Obi Rangel, Benjamin Rohling, Emma Johnson, Ella Walker, Atticus Waler, Riya Kumar, Lily Sanow, and Madison White

Photo courtesy of Robertson Photography

It’s Christmas Time at the Playhouse

42^nd Annual A Christmas Carol at Omaha Community Playhouse

Omaha’s Holiday Tradition Opens November 17, 2017

Omaha, Neb.— A Christmas Carol will run at the Omaha Community Playhouse in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre Nov. 17-Dec. 23, 2017. This will be the 42nd year for this holiday production at OCP. Actor Jerry Longe returns for his 12^th season as Ebenezer Scrooge.

It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets and special effects second to none. Perfect for the whole family!

Production: A Christmas Carol

Credits: By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Charles Jones, Musical orchestration by John J.  Bennett

Directors:  Kimberly Faith Hickman , Jeff Horger
Music Director: Jim Boggess
Choreographer: Michelle Garrity

Cast

Jacob Roman as Fred

Don Harris as Jake, Ball Musician, Man at Cart

Amanda Charles as Nell

Jerry Longe as Ebeneezer Scrooge

Chris Berger as Bob Cratchit

Bob Gilmore as 1st Charity Man, Ghost of Christmas Present, Baker

Marcus Benzel as 2nd Charity Man, Mr. Fezziwig

Jake Parker as Peter Cratchit

Brodhi McClymont as Francis Cratchit

Maddie Smith as Belinda Cratchit

Annabelle DeWater as Tim Cratchit

Don Keelan-White as Jacob Marley, Ball Musician, Man at Cart

Lori Lynn Ahrends as Ghost of Christmas Past

Tyson Bentley, Judson Cloudt, Daniel Davis, Cal Hernandez, Lincoln Hoffart and Neal Jochim as School Boys

Andrew Hedin as Ebby

Stella Clark-Kaczmarek as Fan

Brendan Brown as Dick Wilkins, Poulterer

Catherine Vazquez as Mrs. Fezziwig, Baker’s Wife

Boston Reid as Young Scrooge

Emma Chvala as Belle Fezziwig

Jen Dillon as Mrs. Cratchit

Hannah-Kate Kinney as Martha Cratchit

Elise O’Neil as Millie

Jenna Hager as Lucy

Brandon Fisher as Topper

Amanda Charles as Myrtle Crow

Julia Ervin as Mrs. Dilber, Chestnut Vendor

Ava Palmer as Child with Sled

Adult Ensemble features Annie Hekl, Isabelle RAngel, Alex Nilius

Youth Ensemble features Cora Johnson, Lilian Johnson, Olivia Walling, and Burke Wissman

Sophia Markle as Little Bo Peep, Mary

Caeli Karasek as Little Boy Blue

Cody Girouex as Beggar

Josie Ausman as Greenery Vendor

Kristopher Fleeman as Toyshop Keeper

Fezziwig Ball Dancers will be played by Amanda Charles, Marcus Benzel, Emma Chvala, Chris Berger, Jen Dillon, Brendan Brown, Julia Ervin, Brandon Fisher, Jenna Hager, Kristopher Fleeman, Annie Hekl, Cody Girouex, Elise O’Neil, Alex Nilius, Isabelle Rangel, Boston Reid, Catherine Vazquez, and Jacob Roman

Marley Minions will be played by Jennifer Bonge, Katie Hoskins, Evelyn Kinney, and Reese Uptmor

Tyson Bentley as Joseph

Andrew Hedin, Cal Hernandez, and Neal Jochim as the Wisemen

Daniel Davis as the Innkeeper

Shepherds to be played by Judson Cloudt, Annabelle DeWater, Lincoln Hoffart, Brodhi McClymont, Bruke Wissman

Angels to be played by Josie Ausman, Jennifer Bonge, Stella Clark-Kaczmarek, Katie Hoskins, Cora Johnson, Lilian Johnson, Caeli Karasek, Evelyn Kinney, Ava Palmer, Maddie Smith, Reese Uptmor, and Olivia Walling

 

Show dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 23, 2017; Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Thursdays–Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.
and Sundays, 2:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. (No performances on Weds., Nov. 22 and Thurs., Nov. 23.)

Tickets: On sale now at the OCP Box Office, by calling (402) 553-0800 or online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.com or www.TicketOmaha.com. Before Dec. 13, tickets start at $38 (adults) and $25 (students). Dec. 13-23, tickets start at $42 (adults) and $29 (students). For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $32 (adults) and $18 (students) for all dates.

Sponsored by: First National Bank, KPMG (orchestra sponsor), JK Barker Foundation (cast dinner sponsor), Rotella’s Bakery (bakery shoppe and snow sponsor) and KETV (media sponsor)

Location: Omaha Community Playhouse, Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre

6915 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132 

Performance note: A shadow interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Food drive: Audience members are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to OCP to benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland as part of Conagra Brand’s Shine the Light on Hunger campaign.