Omaha Community Playhouse Announces 100th Season

Omaha, NE–The Omaha Community Playhouse has reached its centennial anniversary and announced a season full of music, regional premieres, and epic storytelling.

Jersey Boys
Sept 13-Oct 13, 2024

Tony Award®-winner for Best Musical, Jersey Boys is the jukebox sensation that takes you behind-the-scenes of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—their rise, tough times, personal clashes and the ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. With greatest hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” don’t miss the regional premiere of this international musical phenomenon.

Disclaimer: Contains adult language.

Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches
Oct 4-Nov 3, 2024

The Pulitzer Prize®- and Tony Award®-winning drama Angels in America is one of the greatest American plays of this past century. In the midst of the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, six New Yorkers with interconnected lives grapple with life and death, love and sex and heaven and hell. Called “a gay fantasia on national themes,” the play examines the queerness and entity of America through various perspectives, ranging from suffering to sacredness. Angels in America reminds us that we, even in the darkest of times, can find community and comfort.

Disclaimer: Contains adult language and situations. May not be suitable for young audiences.

A Christmas Carol
Nov 22-Dec 22, 2024

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. The must-see holiday event for the entire family is filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and magical scenery.

*Special Event – Not part of the regular season series.

Girls Like Us
Dec 6-22, 2024

It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Join Chicago cabaret favorites Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie and Marianne Murphy-Orland as they sing favorite holiday tunes and spread cheer! Laugh at the stresses of the season and bask in the joy of holiday traditions with favorites such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “O Holy Night” and “Merry Christmas, Darling.”

*Special Event – Not part of the regular season series. This show will also perform on Wednesdays in the Howard Drew Theatre.

Waitress
Jan 24-Feb 16, 2025

Tony Award®-nominated musical Waitress offers a unique recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places. Jenna, an adept pie maker and waitress at the local diner, finds herself trapped in a small town and an unfulfilling marriage. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Jenna worries that her dream of opening her own pie shop may slip away. However, a baking contest in a nearby county and the arrival of the town’s charming new doctor provides her with a tantalizing recipe for happiness. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award®- winner Sara Bareilles, this regional premiere of Waitress is a hit musical that’s “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly).

Disclaimer: Contains adult language and situations.

Dot
Feb 21-Mar 23, 2025

The holidays at the Shealy household are always a wild family affair. This year, however, Dotty and her three adult children are exchanging more than just gifts this season. As Dotty struggles with challenges of dementia, her children find themselves in a delicate juggling act—caring for their mother while also attending to their own needs. Described as “a thoroughly entertaining comedy-drama” from The New York Times, this fresh and amusing play takes on the complexities of aging parents, midlife crises and the essence of a West Philadelphia community with a blend of wit and candor.

Disclaimer: Contains adult language and situations.

The Old Man and the Old Moon
Mar 7-30, 2025

For as long as he can remember, The Old Man has taken care of The Old Moon by climbing a ladder each night to refill its light. When a mysterious melody beckons away his wife, the Old Man finds himself torn between the familiarity of duty and routine and the allure of love and adventure. With music evoking memories of their shared history, the Old Man decides to abandon the moon and embark on a quest to bring back his wife. Highly creative storytelling allows audiences to experience The Old Man’s epic journey over land and sea. Described by Time Out New York as “a transcendent theatrical experience for all ages,” this original musical folktale speaks to the child in all of us and reminds us of the unwavering power of love and the most formidable obstacle of all—change.

Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville
April 18-May 11, 2025

Welcome to Margaritaville! Tully, a charismatic individual juggling roles as a part-time bartender and part-time singer, is convinced that he has life completely sorted out. However, his world takes a turn when a captivating career-driven tourist captures his heart, making him question everything he thought he knew. Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and many more. This hilarious, heartwarming musical is “the party you’ve been waiting for that will knock your flip-flops off” (Entertainment Weekly)!

American Mariachi
May 2-June 1, 2025

Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother, but longs for something more. When a forgotten record album sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea to defy social norms and create an all-female mariachi band. But it’s the 1970s, girls can’t be mariachis…or can they? Infused with vibrant, infectious live mariachi music, this regional premiere of American Mariachi is a “big-hearted, musical tug at the heartstrings” (Denver Post) that reminds us how the power of music and love can help overcome obstacles and make the seemingly impossible come true.

Titanic: The Musical
May 30-June 29, 2025

Titanic The Musical captures the stories of the officers, crew members and passengers of the ever-fascinating catastrophe of the most luxurious ocean liner in the 1900s. From crew in the boiler room to first-class passengers, from the poorest families who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, Titanic captures the entire range of humanity aboard the ship. Showcasing the grand and majestic ship herself with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, don’t miss the regional premiere of this five-time Tony Award®-winning musical that ran over 800 performances on Broadway in 1997.

Oh, What a Night!!

Four guys from New Jersey form one of the most successful musical groups of the 1960s.  This is the story of The Four Seasons.  This is Jersey Boys and it is currently playing at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

Few things thrill me more than walking out of a theatre and knowing that I’ve seen something truly special.  This show didn’t just hit a home run.  It hit an out of the park, ball leaving my scope of vision home run.

While I am familiar with the music of the Four Seasons, I was unfamiliar with their personal story.  And what a story!  The Four Seasons were no saints.  Petty crime, infidelities, family struggles, tax issues, group strife, debt to the wrong people were just some of the problems plaguing the group.  Aside from their gripping story, I even learned there truly is a difference between The Four Seasons and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice do an incredible job sharing this fascinating tale as each of the Four Seasons presents his own viewpoint on what went on in the group and shows the powerful influence of perception.  Throw in the group’s legendary hits and you’ve got a compelling show from start to finish.

The entire ensemble did a superlative job.  Each was always in the moment and really fleshed out the little world of the musical.  Some of the outstanding performances featured were supplied by Grace Bobber who is a combustible fireball as Valli’s first wife, Mary Delgado.  Steve Isom is a force as fixer, Gyp DeCarlo.  Lauren Echausse has some diverse turns as the lead singer of the Angels whose impressive pipes are matched by her dimwittedness and a sweet turn as Valli’s lover, Lorraine.  Anthony De Marte provides some levity as Joe Pesci (yes, THAT Joe Pesci) who played a key role in the formation of the Four Seasons. 

I was stunned to learn that this was Michael Ingersoll’s directing debut as he has the poise and polish of a director with numerous shows under his belt.  The energy of this show is relentless.  It starts at a fever pitch and just gets higher, pulling the audience in deeper and deeper.  His knowledge of the beats is spot on and he knew how to emphasize each crucial moment with proper setup, tension, and resolution. Ingersoll guided his actors to top quality performances with well defined interpretations and precision pacing and cue pickups.

Depending on one’s point of view, Ryan Williams’ Tommy DeVito is either the guy you hate to love or the guy you love to hate.  Williams just oozes confidence and charm as the founder of the Four Seasons.  DeVito is a lovable scoundrel and con artist and it’s hard to separate the truth from his bull because it is so finely blended together.  He claims to have watched over the group as a big brother and handled the seedier sides of show business during their salad days and there probably was some truth to that.  But he can also be a real prick and the way he rubs the others the wrong way and his own personal financial troubles nearly sink the group at their peak.  Williams deftly portrays all sides of DeVito’s complex personality getting you to despise, respect, or even be amused by him at his discretion.

Jason Michael Evans is an ideal Nick Massi.  At one point, Evans’ Massi compares himself to Ringo Starr and there is a lot of truth to that.  According to Evans’ interpretation, Massi was the most easygoing member of the group and his gift for harmony was equal to Starr’s gift for rhythm due to its intense precision.  Evans also brings a real depth to Massi with his being uncomfortable with success as its stress leads him to drink and the temptations of the road inspire him to screw around on his family.  Eventually the weight of the business forces Massi to make a life altering decision and Evans handles that moment with a gracefully understated honesty.

Bob Gaudio is to The Four Seasons what Pete Townshend is to The Who.  Gaudio was the genius songwriter of the group and already had a major hit at the age of 15 with “Short Shorts” before he joined The Four Seasons.  Erik Keiser is a sheer joy in the role as he plays Gaudio with a wise beyond his years vibe and keen intelligence.  Keiser’s Gaudio is nobody’s fool given how he negotiates his way into the group as an equal partner and never loses sight of the business aspect of music.  What I liked best about Keiser’s take is that he is fully aware of his role in the group’s rise, but isn’t arrogant about it.  It was just the truth. 

Courter Simmons is gold in the role of Frankie Valli.  Valli has the most distinctive falsetto in pop music and is instantly recognizable.  When I closed my eyes during Simmons’ singing, I would swear it was Valli himself singing as Simmons perfectly emulates Valli’s falsetto and singing style.  Simmons’ singing is well matched by his acting and he does beautiful work with Valli’s arc.  Evolving from the shy teenager whom DeVito wrangles into the group to the strong, confident leader who never forgets family.  Simmons skillfully handles the more dramatic moments of Valli’s life from his fractured relationships with his first wife and youngest daughter to dealing with the implosion of the original Four Seasons.

Brett Kristofferson and his band were so subtle and skillful that it took me until the end of the first act to realize that the actors weren’t playing their own instruments.  His music direction is spot on as the four principals nail the iconic songs to the floor and are always in perfect harmony.  Courtney Oliver’s choreography is exactly what’s needed for the show.  There aren’t any flashy dance numbers, just the well-organized movements of the singers as they perform, though she gets a wonderful big moment in the curtain call.  Ryan J. Ziringibl has designed a simple set of stairs, walls, and fence, but it is quite effective as it allows furniture to roll in and out to change the scenes.  Jonathan A. Reed’s lights greatly enhance the story from making you feel you’re at a concert or club to a fine moment when you see the group performing from a backstage point of view and his stage lights fuel that illusion.  Garth Dunbar’s costumes bring you back in time with the perfect suits and dresses from the late 50s to the late 60s.  Jon Robertson’s sounds help bolster the show and keep it in fine form.

This is an excellent show and I highly encourage you to grab a ticket while you can because they are selling like hotcakes.  For myself, this show was a superior introduction to Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre and I look forward to my inevitable return.

Jersey Boys plays at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre through July 3.  Showtimes are 2pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and 2pm and 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  Tickets cost $46 and can be purchased at the Box Office, visiting www.lyceumtheatre.org, calling 660-837-3311, or visiting Wood & Huston Bank in Marshall, MO where single tickets can be purchased from Michelle England from 9am-3pm Mon-Fri.  Due to some of the subject matter, parental discretion is advised for this show.  Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is located at 114 High Street in Arrow Rock, MO.

Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre Presents ‘Jersey Boys’

Arrow Rock, MO–With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. You will be thrilled by electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You.”

Tickets range from $20-$46 and can be purchased at www.lyceumtheatre.org or calling the Box Office at 660-837-3311. Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is located at 114 High Street in Arrow Rock, MO.

Performance Dates
Thursday, 06/23/22 – 7:30 pm
Friday, 06/24/22 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 06/24/22 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 06/25/22 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 06/25/22 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 06/26/22 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 06/29/22 – 2:00 pm
Thursday, 06/30/22 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 07/01/22 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 07/01/22 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 07/02/22 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 07/02/22 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 07/03/22 – 2:00 pm

Directed by: Michael Ingersoll

Cast

Courter Simmons as Frankie Valli
Erik Keiser as Bob Gaudio
Jason Michael Evans as Nick Massi
Ryan Williams as Tommy DeVito
Corey Barrow as Barry Belson
Grace Bobber as Mary Delgado
Anthony de Marte as Joey
Lauren Echausse as Lorraine
Christian Fary as Charlie
Steven Gagliano as Joe
Steve Isom as Gyp DeCarlo
Perry Ojeda as Norm Waxman
Joseph Oliveri as Hank
Rebecca Russell as Francine
Jeffrey C. Wolfe as Bob Crewe

Professional Auditions for Great Plains Theatre

Great Plains Theatre Announces Audtions for Season 28: Season of Possibilities

Artistic Director, Mitchell Aiello, will be holding in person auditions as well as accepting video submissions. All shows listed below will be cast by February 2022. Please see the audition details below.

IN PERSON AUDITION

Where: Great Plains Theatre – 215 N. Campbell St, Abilene, KS 67410

When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 – Registration @ 8:00am – Auditions begin @ 8:30am

What: Please prepare one 32-bar cut of a song that showcases you as well as a 60 second monologue. You may be asked to sing something else from your repertoire. A group dance call will be held at 11:00am. Any needed callbacks will be discussed at 11:45am or conducted virtually. Please bring one copy of a current head shot and resume for the Artistic Director to keep. Must sign up below to audition.

Sign up for In Person Audition at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fabae23a3face9-gptseason

​VIRTUAL AUDITION SUBMISSIONS

Where: All audition submissions must be sent to the Artistic Director at mitchell@greatplainstheatre.com

When: Audition Submissions must be received by January 28, 2022 for consideration. All callbacks will be virtual and sent/received between January 31 and February 28.

What: Please submit a current head shot and updated resume. In addition, please send one 32-bar cut of a song that showcases you, a 60-second monologue, and any dance footage. All videos MUST be submitted as a viewable YOUTUBE link. You may be asked to sing something else from your repertoire. You may also submit any musical theatre reels for considerations. 

Thank you and happy auditioning!

Great Plains Theatre’s 28th Season (Main Stage):

Footloose (Rehearsals: May 23-June 2, Performances: June 3-12)

Matilda the Musical (Rehearsals: June 13-23, Performances: June 24-July 3)

Jersey Boys (Rehearsals: July 4-14, Performances: July 15-31)

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Rehearsals: August 29-September 8, Performances: September 9-25)

The Christmas Schooner (Rehearsals: November 20-December 1, Performance: December 2-18)

Great Plains Theatre’s 28th Season (Live Literature Series):

The Ugly Duckling (Rehearsals: February 23-March 4, Performances: March 5-12)

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Rehearsals: August 29-September 8, Performances: September 9-25)

Questions? Contact Artistic Director, Mitchell Aiello, at mitchell@greatplainstheatre.com

​

‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ Opening Outside at OCP

Omaha, NE.– Don’t Stop Me Now! A Celebration of Rock Musicals will open Friday, August 28 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will be held outdoors in the Storz Parking Lot at OCP. Performances will run Wednesdays through Sundays through September 20. The outdoor venue allows social distancing and other safety precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bid farewell to summer with one final outdoor extravaganza at OCP! Don’t Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musicals is a drive-in style concert featuring songs from acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll musicals, including Jersey Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rock of Ages, Beautiful, Hair, Dreamgirls and more! Sing and dance along with your favorite musical hits from the your private socially-distanced parking area, or tune in to hear the show from OCP’s radio station inside your car! Featuring Billy McGuigan’s Rave On Productions band and six powerhouse vocalists, Don’t Stop Me Now is the end-of-summer spectacular you won’t want to miss.

To ensure audience safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a cashless event requiring a reservation. Cars will be parked in a checkerboard pattern for social distancing. Audience members can choose to bring portable chairs and sit outdoors on the driver’s side of the vehicle they came in, but please mingle only with those who came in your vehicle. No concessions will be sold. No smoking or alcoholic beverages will be permitted. Bathrooms in the Playhouse main lobby will be available, with COVID sanitation and social distancing observed. Early arrival is recommended to allow extra time for parking. Parking spaces will be assigned as cars arrive. Please, no lining up to park until 60 minutes before showtime. Tickets are on sale now starting at $35, with prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

Director: Kimberly Faith Hickman

Cast

Jonathan Berger

Evelyn Hill

Ejanae Hume

Eric Perlstein

Brittney Thompson

Jesse White

Band

Rick Avard (Keys)

Matthew Mcguigan (Vocals/Keys/Music Director)

Ryan Mcguigan (Vocals/Percussion)

Max Meyer (Lead Guitar)

Darren Pettit (Saxophone)

Kevin Sullivan (Bass)

Larell Ware (Drums)

‘Jersey Boys’ Working its Way Back to Omaha

Omaha, NE (January 31, 2017)–Omaha Performing Arts presents the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning hit musical, Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  The musical will make its much-anticipated return to Omaha, playing the Orpheum Theater, March 7-12, 2017.  Tickets, starting at $35, are available at the Ticket Omaha Box Office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street, by calling 402-345-0606 or online at TicketOmaha.com.

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons:  Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi.  This is the true story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.  They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds, and sold 175 million records worldwide–all before they were thirty.  The features all their hits including, “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Oh, What a Night”, “Walk Like a Man”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, and “Working My Way Back to You”.

Jersey Boys is the winner of the 2006 Best Musical Tony Award, the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia).  Jersey Boys has been seen by over 24 millions people worldwide.

Directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Des MacAnuff, Jersey Boys is written by Academy Award-winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Jersey Boys is produced by Dodger Theatricals, Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, with Latitude Link, and Rick Steiner.  The Original Broadway Cast recording of Jersey Boys, produced by Bob Gaudio, was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.  The cast recording is available on Rhino Records.  Jersey Boys:  The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Broadway Books) is the official handbook to the smash Broadway hit.  Seasons Greetings:  A Jersey Boys Christmas, a holiday CD featuring international cast members of Jersey Boys, produced by Bob Gaudio, is available on Rhino Records.

For more information on Jersey Boys, go to www.OmahaPerformingsArts.org or www.JerseyBoysTour.com or watch online at www.JerseyBoysTour.com/watch.

Relive the Classic Hits with ‘Under the Streetlamp’

FLASHBACK TO CLASSIC HITS FROM 1950s TO 1970s WITH UNDER THE STREETLAMP

Show Brings Together Performers from “Jersey Boys;” Other Broadway Musicals

Omaha, Neb. (April 19, 2016) – Exuding the rapport of a modern-day Rat Pack, Under the Streetlamp is bringing doo-wop, Motown and rock ‘n’ roll to new audiences at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street, on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25, and are available at TicketOmaha.com, 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha Office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Under the Streetlamp offers audiences the opportunity to hear four stars of stage and screen: Michael Ingersoll, Christopher Kale Jones, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley. Featuring tight harmonies and slick dance moves, the performers take audiences back to the era of sharkskin suits, flashy cars and martini shakers – a flashback to a time when people would gather under streetlamps on hot summer nights to sing their favorite rock and roll songs.

Classic hits from Frankie Valli, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Bobby Darin and more are reborn for today’s audiences along with hilarious behind-the-scenes tales.

The quartet met onstage as lead characters in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys and each performer has an impressive list of credits. Among them, they have appeared on Broadway, in feature films and on television, including special appearances during the New

Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, on “The Tonight Show,” “The Primetime Emmy® Awards,” “The Tony® Awards,” and the “Oprah Winfrey Show.” Under the Streetlamp aired its first PBS special in 2011 and its second in 2014.