‘Dreamgirls’ Coming Soon to OCP

Omaha, NE.– Dreamgirls opens at the Omaha Community Playhouse on Friday, March 3. A trio of women soul singers catch their big break during an amateur competition. But will their friendship—and their music—survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? With dazzling costumes and powerhouse vocal performances, this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical is inspired by some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s—The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and more.

The show will run on the Hawks Mainstage from March 3 through March 26, with performances Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $25, with prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

Directed by: Kathy Tyree
Musical Direction by: Justin Payne
Choreography by: Ray Mercer

Cast

Anthony Haynes – Marty

Justin Blackson – Curtis Taylor

Karissa Johnson – Deena Jones

Candace Gould – Lorrell Robinson

Zhomontee Watson – Effie White

Corbin Griffin – CC White

Jordan Willis – Jimmy Early

Monica Weber – Michelle Morris

Ensemble features talents of: Alicia Amedee, Michelle Bester, CynFranecia Brooks, Raymond Butler, Denzell Clements, Brannon Evans, Ashari Johnson, Kevin Jones, Alisa Moore, Shirleena Terrell, Nyarok Tot, Justin Tyree, and Nina Washington

On the Poor Side of Town

Billy Ferguson stars as Mark Cohen in “Rent” at the Omaha Community Playhouse

Come experience a year in the lives of the people of a poor neighborhood in NYC.  This is Rent and it is currently playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

I’ll make this short and sweet.  This is the season’s first masterpiece.  Good night, everyone!

Oh, very well.  I’ll share some more.

I actually had never seen this show before tonight and did not know any of its songs, though I did remember this show being extremely hot property back when it debuted in 1996.  Little did I know what I had been missing.

Jonathan Larson wrote an incredible tour de force with compelling stories and amazing songs.  I detected influences from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Shakespeare mixed in with Larson’s heart and vision.  His show is also very prescient with its powerful theme of inclusiveness which makes it very much a show that fits in today’s environment.

I’ve occasionally referenced theatrical kismet when a show gets all the right elements in place to create an indelible piece of magic and this show has that from top to bottom.  Superior musical direction.  A perfectly cast ensemble.  Dead on the mark direction.  Flawless technical elements.  Lovely voices and brilliant choreography.  Spot on acting.  There’s even a little audience participation (and I mooed with the best of them).

Stephen Santa is on fire with this show.  Not only is his direction pluperfect, but it’s one of the very best, if not the best, pieces of staging I’ve ever seen.  Santa uses the entire theatre with his actors joining the audience on the risers to make us part of the story.  And “Contact” is, without question, the single most perfectly staged moment I’ve ever witnessed.  Santa also led his actors to superlative performances.  Never did he let them cheat or shortchange an emotional moment and this show has them in droves.

This show has the truest ensemble I’ve ever seen.  By that I mean that each role holds a crucial level of vitality and necessity and everyone gets a moment to shine at some point.  Some stellar performances come from Evelyn Hill who is larger than life as Maureen, a performance artiste trying to fight the good fight against a lot owner attempting to evict the homeless.  Brandi Mercedes Smith is incredibly effective as the no nonsense lawyer, Joanne, who is in a tumultuous relationship with Maureen.  DJ Tyree Is not only eminently likable as Tom Collins, but he has a voice like a warm and comfortable quilt and an unbelievable vocal range from soaring tenor to deep baritone.  I defy you to listen to him sing “I’ll Cover You” and not start crying.

Isa Gott has one killer Playhouse debut as Mimi.  Gott displays some masterful versatility with her depiction of the old before her time teenaged exotic dancer/junkie further bolstered by her sizzling chemistry with Jesse White’s Roger.  In one moment, she’s hungrily eyeballing Roger as she flirts with him while trying to get a candle lit.  In another, she’s emotionally gutted by Roger’s constant distrust and pushing her away.  Her reactions are always natural and right on the money and her jones for heroin when overpowered by stress is palpable.  Gott also has the voice of an angel and just smacks emotional pitches out of the park with the flirty “Light My Candle”, the seductive “Out Tonight”, and the haunting “Without You”.

Over the past few years, Jesse White has made his mark as one of Omaha’s finest musical actors and is in especially fine fettle as Roger.  There’s a real nimbleness to White’s portrayal of the recovering junkie musician as he leaps from emotional beat to emotional beat and those beats swing huge as Roger can go from upbeat to broken on the turn of a dime.  White even had a remarkable way of making his eyes seem hollowed out to show his former dependence on drugs and his sickliness from battling HIV.  White shows Roger’s weariness, his distrust, his reluctance to open up emotionally, and even his hopefulness, especially as he struggles to write one great song before he shuffles off this mortal coil.  White has got a sensational voice as he fights to achieve that “One Song Glory” which he certainly does with a phenomenal take on “Your Eyes”.

Personally, I saw the character of Angel as the lynchpin of this group of friends.  His indefatigable joie de vivre serves as the fuel for everyone’s happiness.  When he hits the scene, the day gets a little brighter and when he’s not around, things go awry.  In Wayne Hudson II’s hands, the role is a piece of acting gold.  Hudson’s Angel just eats life with shining teeth.  He never seems to have a bad day and is always willing to be a supportive rock for those struggling emotionally.  Hudson is incredibly sweet in the role and he and Tyree’s Tom Collins make for an adorable couple.  Hudson has got a nice light tenor which he uses well in “You Okay, Honey?” and the gut wrenching “I’ll Cover You”.

Mark is the closest thing this show has to a central character as he serves as narrator and I got the sense that the show might have been the great documentary he was trying to create.  Billy Ferguson gives a top rate performance as the hopeful documentarian.  Ferguson’s take on Mark is that he’s always searching for something.  He’s searching for that great documentary.  He’s searching for that sense of connection in a community.  Heck, he’s even searching for the rent money.  It’s interesting to watch Mark’s inner turmoil as he battles suppressing his artistic vision to the expediency of money when a tabloid show wants to employ him after his footage of a riot hits the news.  At the same time, he is tormented by watching friendships fray and decay in Act II and fears being the only one of his group left alive as nearly all of his other friends suffer from HIV and AIDS.  Ferguson shows some emotional musical versatility of his own as he commiserates with his ex’s new girlfriend over her selfishness and libido in “Tango Maureen”, snarkily sticks it to a former friend in “La Vie Boheme”, and frets over his future and the potential deaths of his friends in “Halloween”.

Jim Boggess was in especially rare form (and that’s saying something!) with his work on this show.  Not only was his conducting of the orchestra infallible, but his molding of the singers was of tremendous quality with their beautiful harmonies and blended voices.  I’d also like to tip my hat to the band as Colin Duckworth, Mark Haar, and Vince Krysl did yeoman work.  But I especially want to laud Jennifer Novak Haar’s keyboard work as it just transported me to another realm.

Aaron Derell Gregory supplies some phenomenal choreography for the show.  What I liked best about it was its spontaneity.  It never felt staged.  It always seemed so natural as if the characters just felt like dancing for the sheer fun of it.  And “La Vie Boheme” is easily the most infectious piece of choreography I’ve ever seen as I almost succumbed to the temptation to get up and start dancing with the cast. 

Nora Marlow Smith has designed a fantastic set as it looks like a dingy street in NYC with the placement of ladders and lights really feeling like the industrial loft of Mark and Roger.  I especially liked the rotating crosswalk which Santa skillfully used to represent emotional distance between characters in key scenes.  Andrew Morgan’s properties add that sense of poorness with discarded TVs and is enhanced by Janet Morr’s protest graffiti.  Darrin Golden adds some technical wizardry with snowfall, confetti, and balloons.  Josh Wroblewski’s lights add something special especially with the Christmas lights and the street corner light used when the homeless comically deride another Christmas season.  The sounds of Tim Burkhart and John Gibilisco suck you in even before the show starts with the horn honks, bustling traffic, and police whistles pulling you into another morning rush hour in NYC.  Lindsay Pape’s costumes well communicate the bohemian lifestyle of the denizens of this neighborhood.  But she also gets to show off some other personalities with the rigid business wear of the TV exec trying to hire Mark and the matronly wear of the mothers of Mark and Roger when they’re leaving voice mails. 

Truly, this was an extremely satisfying night of theatre and one of the top five musicals I’ve had the pleasure of watching.  It’s a nearly perfect story with wonderful characterizations and unforgettable music.  Do yourself a favor and get a ticket yesterday because this one is already selling out.

Rent runs at Omaha Community Playhouse through March 19.  Showtimes are Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $45 and may be purchased at the Box Office, by phone at (402) 553-0800, or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com. Due to strong language and some mature themes, parental discretion is advised. The Omaha Community Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass St in Omaha, NE.

Photo by Colin Conces

To Thine Own Self Be True

Roderick Cotton (L) and Billy Ferguson (R) star in ‘Kinky Boots’

After the sudden death of his father, Charlie Price reluctantly returns home to take over control of the family shoe factory only to learn that it’s on the verge of collapse.  A chance meeting with a drag queen named Lola inspires Charlie to create women’s style shoes and boots for men in an attempt to save the family business.  Will Kinky Boots be enough to save Price & Son?  Find out at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

The dominating theme of this story is acceptance.  Acceptance of others and acceptance of one’s self.  And it’s this theme that gives the show some needed heft because the actual story is a little thin on plot.  Harvey Fierstein’s script, based off the film script of Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, actually sets the table nicely.  But it fails to adequately wrap up the story of the factory as well as a subplot regarding Lola and her father. 

What it lacks in story is more than made up for in characterizations and a jamming score from Cyndi Lauper.  When you combine that with the little intangibles of a live performance, you get a fun-filled rocker of a night.

Stephen Santa has a grand directorial debut with this show.  Santa seized on the show’s key theme and made certain the scenes (and there’s a lot of them) that support that theme got the needed emotional muscle to sell them.  He cuts a great pace and led his actors to nuanced performances, even down to little character quirks.  His staging was impeccable and makes good use of space, especially the factory scenes where things are always hustling and bustling.

The ensemble always remained present in the scenes which adds that crucial element of reality to the show, but this particular production also has a plethora of character roles.  Some of the shining stars of the night are Jon Hickerson as the factory bully, Don, who thinks he knows what it means to be a real man, but gets his own little arc where he truly learns the meaning of the word.  Hannah Rembert is stuck up as Charlie’s snooty fiancée, Nicola.  Megan Kelly nails it as Lauren and really shines with her number, “The History of Wrong Guys”, where she had the audience roaring with her hot and bothered dance moves.

Billy Ferguson is a very worthy Charlie Price.  Charlie is a very aimless character at the show’s start.  Ferguson presents that well by not being very animated because Charlie simply isn’t that passionate about anything.  But as he finds his passion, Ferguson starts conjuring some real fire from his belly as Charlie becomes nearly obsessed with creating “kinky boots” and saving the factory.  Ferguson also has a wonderful tenor and knows how to emote through a song.  He hits some real home runs with the dramatic tunes, especially “I’m Not My Father’s Son” and “Soul of a Man”.

If you didn’t know Roderick Cotton before this show, you certainly won’t forget him afterwards.  Cotton owns the role of Lola/Simon.  In some ways, it’s almost like watching Jekyll and Hyde as Lola is Simon’s escape.  Lola is larger than life and happy and free.  But Simon is the pain and prison from which Lola wants to escape.  Cotton does marvelous work balancing the two sides of this coin.  As Lola, he is always theatrical, on, and feminine, even speaking in a higher pitch.  When he’s Simon, he’s more serious, professional, and masculine, lowering the timbre of his voice.  Watching Lola/Simon make peace with each other is one of the show’s most satisfying arcs.

And leave us not forget Cotton’s own formidable tenor which he uses to suit the emotional moment of any scene.  Cotton’s Lola comes out roaring with “The Land of Lola” and sizzles with a lusty energy in “Sex is In the Heel”.  But he can be equally serious such as splendid turns in “I’m Not My Father’s Son” and “Hold Me In Your Heart”.

Lindsay Pape’s costumes are almost their own characters in this show especially with the over the top performing clothes of Lola and her Angels (and, of course, Lola’s hip high, bright red kinky boots).  The factory employees are always dressed in white coats or aprons.  Charlie’s buttoned up dress shirt and tie reflect his wound up personality.  Jim Boggess and his orchestra do some superlative work with this score.  It’s not only played well, but you can hear the fun they’re having with it.  Michelle Garrity and Sheldon Ledbetter provide some very clever and fun choreography with highlights being “Everybody Say Yeah” and “The Most Beautiful Thing”.  Jim Othuse has designed a good warehouse for Price & Son with its brick exterior and fully functioning factory interior with other pieces of furniture and signs sliding in and out with ease for scene changes and these get a further boost from Andrew Morgan’s properties.  Aja Jackson’s lights enhance the moments and pack some emotional punches with “Charlie’s Sad Soliloquy” and “Hold Me In Your Heart”.

The preview night performance did need a little bit of time to get going.  There was some trouble with microphone volume at the beginning and the energy and animation was a little low to start, but once they got going and the volume issues were fixed, it was a really fun performance.  I also want to give the cast bonus points for not being distracted by some audience members whose etiquette left something to be desired at various points.

This show is going to be a real crowd pleaser especially when the intangible x factors are in place and running full steam.  It’s fun.  It’s got heart.  And it teaches an important message about acceptance and being true to one’s own self.

Kinky Boots runs at the Omaha Community Playhouse through June 26. Showtimes are Wed-Sat at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling 402-553-0800, visiting www.omahaplayhouse.com, or at the box office.  The Omaha Community Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha, NE.

Photo provided by Robertson Photography

‘Kinky Boots’ to Bring Down Curtain on OCP’s Main Stage Season

Roderick Cotton and Billy Ferguson star in ‘Kinky Boots’

Omaha, NE– The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) production of Kinky Boots will open Friday, May 27, 2022. The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre through June 26 with performances Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets are on sale now starting at $25 with prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

Synopsis
Flashy, inspiring and downright fun, Kinky Boots is the heartwarming Broadway musical — and winner of six Tony Awards® — thrilling audiences around the world. Following the death of his father, Charlie Price reluctantly agrees to return to his hometown to take over the family’s failing shoe factory. Inspiration strikes when he meets Lola, an outspoken and unapologetic drag queen in need of a sturdy pair of exotic boots. The unlikely pair cobble a heartwarming tale of acceptance and friendship told through dazzling choreography and the intoxicating music of Cyndi Lauper.

Directed by: Stephen Santa

Cast

Billy Ferguson as Charlie Price
Roderick Cotton as Lola/Simon
Megan Kelly as Lauren
Hannah Rembert as Nicola
Jonathan Hickerson as Don
Lauren Johnson as Pat
Sarah Ebke as Trish
Seth Maisel as George
Jack Portis as Young Charlie
Courtney Jackson as Young Lola/Simon

Featuring: Matt Bailey, Brendan Brown, Brock McCullough, Kevin Olsen, Mary Kay Desjardins, Brandon Fisher, Jeff Garst, Noah Jeffrey, Will Kottcamp, Megan Morrissey, Carrie Beth Stickrod, Cullen Wiley

Billy McGuigan Founds McGuigan Arts Academy & Announces Omaha Series

Omaha, NE–Super talent Billy McGuigan, known for bringing Buddy Holly and The Beatles to life on stage, announced the opening of McGuigan Arts Academy, a new twist on performing arts education and venues. The Academy’s mission is devoted to teaching life skills through hands-on studies in music, theatre, film, art and technology. Acknowledging that not every student of the arts wants to be a performer, McGuigan Arts Academy will nurture and showcase Omaha’s talent in every artistic realm. 

“If this year taught us anything, it’s the need to connect and nurture one’s soul,” said founder Billy McGuigan. “Art is essential to that. How we create and present that art can be done in many ways. There is nothing else like this in the Midwest. McGuigan Arts Academy is designed to give anyone – from age 3 to 103 – the opportunity to learn confidence, cooperation and creativity. It’s more than development of talent. It’s development of the human spirit. Believe me, there is nothing more important than being the best person you can be. The arts have taught me that.”

McGuigan Arts Academy classes will be taught by full-time professionals led by Artistic and Education Director Kimberly Faith Hickman. “Kimberly is this mega talent in our midst,” said McGuigan. “A rare Broadway-accredited director, she honed her talent working on numerous Tony Award winning and nominated Broadway shows.”

In addition to the Academy, Rave On Productions will launch The Omaha Series; a season of shows presented in various venues across the Omaha Metro. The 2021 Omaha Series includes Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Waiting Room, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story performed one night each at the Davies Amphitheatre, SumTur Amphitheatre and Soaring Wings Vineyard, The Rocky Horror Show and the McGuigan’s holiday tradition, Yesterday and Today, performed at the Slowdown.

Hickman most recently served as Artistic Director for the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). In her nearly five years there, she directed 19 productions and launched initiatives such as the OCP Directing Fellowship, sensory-friendly productions in collaboration with the Autism Action Partnership, and performances translated into Spanish in real-time. Her latest innovations, including Drive-In and virtual productions, assured that the show would go on.

“The pandemic helped me see endless possibilities for programming experiences – especially when I let myself break free from the traditional norms in theatre,” said Hickman. “Creating a production in a parking lot was really inspiring. We took a bold chance and before long, we had a sell out!”

Hickman and McGuigan agree that it was this collaboration during their days together at the Omaha Community Playhouse and the discovery that they both learned to love theatre via the Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia, that drew them together as co-visionaries for McGuigan Arts Academy.

“Our biggest revelation,” said McGuigan, “is that performance is a gift from performer to audience. Where that happens should be less tied to one space and more tied to access and an environment that blends with the creative product.”

“In addition to a myriad of classes,” added Hickman, “we will be casting and rehearsing four productions that will be performed at venues across Omaha including The Waiting Room in Benson, Sumtur Amphitheatre, The Slowdown and more.

McGuigan Arts Academy is located in Countryside Village at 87^th and Pacific Streets. Thanks in part to generous sponsors, the Academy will offer class scholarships to those from across the greater Omaha metro who may not have the means to pay for them.

For more information, contact Kate Whitecotton at 402-682-2868 and kate@billymcguigan.com.  For class and Academy schedules and to learn more, see McGuiganArtsAcademy.com. For The Omaha Series visit www.billymcguigan.com/theomahaseries.

Omaha Playhouse Announces 96th Season

Omaha, NE.–The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) has announced the titles to be produced during their 96th season, which will run from August 2020 through June 2021. Subscriptions for OCP’s 2020/21 season are now available for purchase through the OCP Box Office at 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE 2020/21 SEASON PRODUCTIONS

*Billy McGuigan’s Pop Rock Orchestra

Aug. 7–16, 2020

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Featuring Billy McGuigan | Music Director Steve Gomez | ©2007 by Rave On Productions

Billy McGuigan’s Pop Rock Orchestra is a high-energy concert experience packed with rock ‘n’ roll mega hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Led by international touring artist Billy McGuigan and backed by the 14-piece Pop Rock Orchestra, these all-star musicians serve up fresh, original arrangements covering everything from the Beach Boys to Billy Joel, and everything in between.

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

Clybourne Park

Aug. 21–Sept. 20, 2020

Howard Drew Theatre

By Bruce Norris

Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning comedy Clybourne Park serves as prequel and sequel to A Raisin in the Sun. A 1950s couple faces sharp backlash from neighbors for selling their home in the all-white Clybourne Park to a black family. Fifty years later, a white couple attempts to purchase the same home in the now predominantly black neighborhood, igniting fears of gentrification.

Disclaimer: Contains adult language and themes of racial tension.

Kinky Boots

Sept. 25–Oct. 25, 2020

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Book by Harvey Fierstein | Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots

Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

Flashy, inspiring and downright fun, Kinky Boots is the Tony Award®-winning musical warming hearts around the world. After returning to his hometown to manage his late father’s failing shoe factory, Charlie meets Lola, an outspoken and unapologetic drag queen in need of a sturdy pair of exotic boots. Together, the unlikely pair cobble a heartwarming tale of acceptance and friendship.

Orchestra Sponsor: Woodmen Life

Hawks Series Sponsor: Immanuel Communities

Water by the Spoonful

Oct. 16–Nov. 8, 2020

Howard Drew Theatre

By Quiara Alegría Hudes

Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Water by the Spoonful follows Elliott, an Iraq war vet struggling to care for his dying aunt, and Odessa, a recovering drug addict fighting to stay sober with the support of her online companions. When their two worlds unexpectedly collide, everyone’s progress comes crashing down in this thought-provoking and beautifully human tale.

Disclaimer: Contains adult themes and language.

Presenting Sponsor: Conagra Brands Foundation

*A Christmas Carol

Nov. 20–Dec. 23, 2020

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Written by Charles Dickens | Adapted by Charles Jones

Musical Orchestration by John J. Bennett

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 that love and generosity are the heart of the Christmas holiday.

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

Presenting Sponsor: First National Bank

Artistic Team Sponsor: Omaha Steaks

Orchestra Sponsor: KPMG

Bakery Shoppe/Special Effects Sponsor: Rotella’s Bakery

*Yesterday and Today:  An Interactive Beatles Experience

Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2020

Howard Drew Theatre

Featuring Billy McGuigan | Music Director Matthew McGuigan | ©2007 by Rave On Productions

Cap off 2020 with a shot of Beatlemania! Yesterday and Today is the smash hit, all-request Beatles show controlled by the audience. Share your favorite stories and relive your fondest memories with the songs that defined a generation. With no two shows the same, fans will be dancing in the aisles and singing along to all their favorite hits.

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

The Miracle Worker

Jan. 15–Feb. 7, 2021

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

By William Gibson

The Miracle Worker is the incredible true story of Helen Keller, deaf and blind since age one, and the extraordinary woman who changed her life. Unable to communicate with their daughter, the Keller family enlists the help of Annie Sullivan, a woman determined to rescue Helen from the dark, tortured silence imprisoning her mind. A story that has inspired audiences for generations.

Hawks Series Sponsor: Immanuel Communities

The Scottsboro Boys

Feb. 12–March 14, 2021

Howard Drew Theatre

Music and Lyrics by John Kander & Fred Ebb

Book by David Thompson

Original Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman

The Scottsboro Boys follows the wrongful conviction of nine black teenagers in Scottsboro, Alabama in the 1930s—an infamous case that helped ignite the modern civil rights movement. From the composers of Chicago and Cabaret, this 12-time Tony® Award nominee alternates toe-tapping musical numbers with heart-wrenching ballads to tell a harrowing tale of bravery and strength in the face of great adversity.

Disclaimer: Contains themes and language related to racial tension.

In the Heights

Feb. 26–March 21, 2021

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes

Before there was Hamilton, there was In the Heights. From the revolutionary musical mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda, this Tony® Award-winning musical recounts three days in the vibrant Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights, NYC, where the Spanish-speaking residents chase American dreams. This bubbly fusion of rap, salsa, Latin pop and soul music boasts an infectious enthusiasm from beginning to end.

Presenting Sponsor: Heider Family Foundation

Producing Partner: Physicians Mutual

Hawks Series Sponsor: Immanuel Communities

*THE CANDY PROJECT PRESENTS:

Gutenberg!  The Musical!

March 18–21, 2021

Howard Drew Theatre

By Anthony King and Scott Brown

Starring Steve Krambeck and Dan Chevalier

Join The Candy Project, friends of OCP, for a special presentation of Gutenberg! The Musical! A pair of aspiring playwrights audition their newest work—a big, splashy musical about the inventor of the printing press—for an audience of potential investors. This two-man musical spoof offers an unending supply of enthusiasm and laughs.

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

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

April 16–May 9, 2021

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

A thrilling whodunit set aboard the world’s most famous luxury locomotive, Murder on the Orient Express will keep you guessing until the very end. When the Orient Express becomes stranded by a snow storm, a passenger is found stabbed to death in his private room. With the murderer still on board, a detective must solve the crime before the train reaches its destination.

Producing Partner: UNMC

Hawks Series Sponsor: Immanuel Communities

Outside Mullingar

May 7–30, 2021

Howard Drew Theatre

By John Patrick Shanley

This charming romantic comedy follows Anthony and Rosemary, two introverts who grew up on neighboring farms in rural Ireland. Rosemary secretly fell in love with Anthony at age six, but after a bought with heartbreak, Anthony swore off women forever. The now middle-aged pair must overcome their own aloofness—as well as a family property dispute—to find their way to one another.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka

May 28–June 27, 2021

Hawks Mainstage Theatre

Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley

Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald

Based on the Book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Oompa-Loompa-Doom-Pa-Dee-Doo! We’ve got a family favorite for you! Grab your golden ticket as Willy Wonka takes your family on a whimsical tour of the chocolate factory—with Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, and all of your favorite characters. Featuring songs from the hit film, Willy Wonka will open up a world of pure imagination.

Presenting Sponsor: Mutual of Omaha

Orchestra Sponsor: Kiewit

Hawks Series Sponsor: Immanuel Communities

Something More Than Love

Girl (Melissa King) encourages Guy (Jay Hanson) to sing in “Once” at Omaha Community Playhouse.

Girl finds Guy singing on the street and is impressed with his talent.  An instant friendship blossoms between them and Girl decides to help Guy record a demo and go to New York to fulfill his potential and possibly to avoid the love that is beginning to bloom between them.  This is Once with book by Enda Walsh and music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.  It is based off the film of the same name and is playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

This is definitely an original musical.  It’s a shockingly simple tale that does have a bit of a twist on the usual love story.  There’s no sense of history to the two unnamed characters.  It’s as if the play knows it’s a play and the existence of these 2 people is limited solely to the duration of the show.  The music is the real centerpiece of the show as the songs often tell the story and reveal the emotions of the characters in lieu of dialogue which is surprisingly scant.  The music also has a power of its own as it brings the characters in this show closer together and breaks down barriers between them.  I thought not naming the two leads was a clever touch as it can either transmit a universal message or simply allow the audience to place himself or herself in the roles.

Kimberly Faith Hickman’s directing is quite lovely.  There’s a purity to the staging as it takes place in a bare bones stage designed by Jim Othuse.  It’s literally bare, dilapidated walls with a window looking out at a building.  Hickman makes good use of the performance space, well placing the actors so all can be seen even when the focus is on particular characters.  I also liked how she used placement to further the story.  For example, at one point when a wedge is driven between the two leads, they are literally separated as they take positions on opposite sides of the stage with the rest of the cast standing between them.  I also thought she charmed some sweet performances out of her leads and strong supporting performances from the ensemble.

The cast for this show is unique as they are also the orchestra.  This leads to an interesting casting challenge as one needs to find performers who can act, sing and play musical instruments.  That challenge is met fairly well in this production.  Under Jim Boggess’ direction, the orchestra provides a very moving score which is absolutely critical for this show as nearly every song carries a somber, emotional tone that needs to grab the viewer by the throat.  Boggess also has a very fine cameo performance as Eamo who runs the local recording studio.  Other strong supporting performances come from Joey Hartshorn, who has the most drawn out wishing of good luck imaginable in “Baruska’s Story”, and Thomas Gjere as an overly serious bank manager who secretly wishes to be a singer and gets his chance in the terrifically awful “Abandoned in Bandon”.

Melissa King is truly a triple threat in this show.  Her piano playing is heavenly.  Her alto is superb.  Her acting is spot on.  Heck, she even throws in a little impressive hoofing in “Ej Pada Pada”.  King’s performance as the serious Czech (because Czechs are always serious) Girl is simply a triumph and will assuredly make her a contender for some awards.  She’s got a vital spark of humor and playfulness about her as well as a very nurturing nature as she encourages Guy’s music.  This is a character who understands the meaning of sacrifice as she’s willing to give up a blossoming love with Guy to repair her own fractured family unit.  King will also melt the coldest of hearts with her singing, especially with her rendering of “Falling Slowly” and “The Hill”.

Jay Hanson acquits himself rather admirably in the role of Guy.  For a performer with no prior stage credits, Hanson has some excellent instincts.  He reacts very well and knows how to be in the moment.  Musically, he’s unbeatable.  Hanson is a top flight guitar player and singer who effortlessly picks apart the emotional beats of a song.  Whether he’s singing about a failed relationship in “Leave”, providing a bit of humor in “Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy” or just dazzling you with “Gold” and “Sleeping”, Hanson provides an Epicurean delight for the ears.

Hanson did need to tighten his cues up and rushed his dialogue on some occasions.  You also felt his grip on the role tightening over the course of the play and he was finding some real gems in the words by the end.

Jim Othuse’s lights were simple, but effective as he used a spotlight to highlight the featured characters of a scene.  Amanda Fehlner’s costumes suited the characters from the inexpensive clothing of most of the poorer characters to the snazzy suit of the well to do bank manager.  Tim Burkhart and John Gibilisco provide some nice ambient sounds.  My personal favorite was a moment when Guy and Girl are at the docks and you hear the rolling waves and the call of seagulls.

Ultimately this is a story about pure love.  The love that is principle over passion.  The love that is unbreakable and forever.  The love that can say, “I let you go.”

Once plays at Omaha Community Playhouse through March 22.  Showtimes are Wed-Sat at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.  Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased at the OCP Box Office, by phone at 402-553-0800 or online at www.omahaplayhouse.com.  Due to the use of strong language, parental discretion is advised.  The Omaha Community Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha, NE.

Photo provided by Robertson Photography

‘Once’ Set to Open at Omaha Community Playhouse

Melissa King and Jay Hanson star as Girl and Guy in “Once”

Omaha, Neb.–Once will open Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre from Feb. 28 through March 22. Performances will be held Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $24 for adults and $18 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.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Winner of eight Tony Awards® and based on the Oscar®-winning film, Once is the achingly beautiful tale of unexpected love between Guy, an Irish musician, and Girl, a Czech immigrant. The uplifting score—featuring the Academy Award®-winning single, “Falling Slowly,”—is performed entirely on stage, with the actors doubling as orchestra musicians. Equal parts touching and inspiring, Once reminds us of music’s unique ability to forge deep, unspoken connections in our lives.

Directed by:  Kimberly Faith Hickman

Cast

Nathaniel Belshan as Emcee

Jonathan Berger as Andrej

Jim Boggess as Eamon

Thomas Gjere as Bank Manager

Jay Hanson as Guy

Joey Hartshorn as Baruska

Ejanae Hume as Reza

Sean Johnson as Billy

Don Keelan-White as D.A.

Melissa King as Girl

Hannah McQuay-Ramsgard as Ex-Girlfriend

Jesse White as Svec

Anina Frey, Holly Hirsch and Brinlee Roeder as Ivonka

Photo provided by Colin Conces Photography

 

 

Springfield Little Theatre Invites You to ‘Put On Your Sunday Clothes’ With ‘Hello, Dolly!’

Springfield, MO–Springfield Little Theatre is proud to present Hello, Dolly! at the historic Landers Theatre from Friday, Feb 7 to Sunday, Feb 23, 2020.  Performances are at 7:30pm Thurs-Sat and 2pm on Sundays and on Sat, Feb 22.

Hello, Dolly!, the 14 Tony Award-winning blockbuster Broadway hit, bursts with humor, romance, high-energy dancing, and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, played by Broadway actress Kim Crosby, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again.  

Recently revived on Broadway in 2017 with Bette Midler in the title role, Hello, Dolly! originally opened on Broadway in 1964 and was, at the time, the longest running Broadway show with 2,844 performances. 

The show’s memorable songs include “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Elegance,” and “It Only Takes a Moment.” 

Hello, Dolly! is rated PG.  Ticket prices range from $16-$32.  Group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more.  Please visit www.springfieldlittletheatre.org to purchase your tickets and select seats 24/7.  You may also call the Box Office at 417-869-1334.

Director & Choreographer:  Chyrel Love Miller

Cast

Kim Crosby as Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi

Hope Horton as Ernestina

Conner Paulson as Ambrose Kemper

Eric Eichenberger as Horace Vandergelder

Rachel Christopherson as Ermengarde

Clayton Avery as Cornelius Hackl

Wyatt Munsley as Barnaby Tucker

Hayden Gish as Minnie Fay

Kassandra Wright as Irene Molloy

Also featuring:  Miriam Stein, Ryan Mattix, Heath Hillhouse, Michael Grover, Seth Walley, Sean Scarborough, Brian Kress, Decker Ames, Derrick DeVonne King, Andy Phinney, Joshua David Smith, Robert Reed, Daniel Bush, Sisilia Shaffer, Millie Wade, Amber Eggimann, Heather Crosby, Emma Elliott, Jennifer Yerganian, Lori Harmon, Sandy Johnson, Seth Dylan Hunt, Kristy Stacy, Natalie Regenold, Sarah Foster and Wesley Brown

 

‘A Raisin in the Sun’ Launches 2nd Half of OCP Season

Omaha, NE.–The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) production of A Raisin in the Sun will open Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre at OCP from Jan. 17 through Feb. 9. Performances will be held Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $24 for adults and $16 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.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Winner of five Tony Awards®, A Raisin in the Sun confronts life in South Side Chicago through the eyes of the Younger family. After years of battling poverty and racism, the Youngers hope an unexpected insurance check will be their ticket to a better life. With the looming fear that this may be their only chance, the family is torn apart as they struggle to agree on the most effective way to use the money.

Directed By:  Tyrone Beasley

Cast

Brandon Williams as George Murchison

Brodhi McClymont as Travis Younger

Chris Scott as Karl Lindner

Darcell Trotter as Bobo

David Terrell Green as Walter Lee Younger

Donté Lee Plunkett as Joseph Asagai

Faushia Weeden as Ruth Younger

Karen Fox as Lena Younger

Olivia Howard as Beneatha Younger

Richard Borg as Moving Man