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 ou…

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 thi…

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…

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-…

It's Directors Roundtable in Lincoln! We talk with Timothy W. Scholl, Executive Artistic Director of Angels Theatre Company, Morrie Enders with the Lincoln Community Playhouse, and Jamie Bullins, who is a longtime Director, Associate Professor of Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL, and also part of the Staff of the Angel…

The Mills Masquers Summer Musical is here! Opening August 2nd and running until August 11th, there will be much harmonizing, dancing and comedy! We talked with Don Torbett, Music Director; Adam Clayton, Associate Director; Don Vinkenberg, Choreographer; and Connor Edick, who is the Actor who plays Spongebob Squarepants. This is a musical for everyo…

We are happy once again to discuss the Omaha Fringe Festival 2024 ! This will be the 5th year of the festival and Omaha is so lucky to have one. If you aren't familiar with the history of the Fringe Festival, it began as a festival in Edinburgh Scotland in 1947. Since then it has expanded to over 100 cities all over the world. Join us for our conve…

Clay Farris Naff is a recently accomplished playwright who is debuting his new play The Cleanup Lady. Clay is an author, and has been an award winning journalist, a correspondent for the United Press International in Tokyo, a freelance reporter for National Public Radio, Newsweek, Huffington Post, Earth Magazine, The Humanist, and Scientific Americ…

We talked with Jay Hayden and Grace Grennan about their upcoming production A Midsummers Nights Dream. Old School Shakespeare is known for their One Rehearsal model as they share Shakespeare in non-traditional locations in a wildly fun way! Hear all about where they will be so you can catch them. Omaha is lucky to have a group of seasoned actors wh…

Chandler Nicole Sherrill is a talented publisher, creative director, and avid podcast listener. This being her first interview behind the mic, Chandler channels the spirit of her favorite toasty podcasters while sharing tips for songwriters, artists, and aspiring musical directors. This episode is not sponsored by Spritz, but boy do we wish it was.…

Opera Omaha is always a pleasure to visit, and their 2024-2025 season promises more Opera to Go, Opera in Conversation, Opera Outdoors, Poetry in Music and so much more. Plus they will have three productions in their season, with an additional family friendly opera that we will let Allison Swenson, General Manager and Katrina Thurman, DIrector of A…

You've probably seen it - either the Table Grace Cafe at 1611-1/2 Farnam Street, or even something online for Table Grace The Musical. But what are they? Well, it's both of those things - and yet, so much more! We sit down with Simone Weber, CEO and Musical Missionary with Table Grace and find out "What is this musical?" "Why is it at three venues?…

BVT's 57th Season has arrived! And if you haven't ever heard of Brownville Village Theatre before you are in for a treat. And if you have heard of them, you're still in for a treat! BVT is always a-buzz with activity and rightfully so. They produce five full shows during the Summer. Beginning in July you can see all five in one weekend if you want …

We talk with a few of the young actors in this musical, Shemar "Mar" Toussaint, McKenna Cottone, and Nick Knipe. They are the young stars of "Heathers The Muscial" at SNAP! Productions which opens June 7th. Productions will run until June 23rd with one Industry Night (pay what you can) on June 17th. Our guests are having a blast and working hard at…

Today on our podcast, we're thrilled to have the accomplished and talented Chris Scott, Director of "Barefoot in the Park" at Bellevue Little Theatre, joining us for a chat about this timeless Neil Simon classic play. "Barefoot in the Park" is a Neil Simon masterpiece known for its perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt moments. Chris Scott talks wi…

Today on our podcast, we're diving into the exciting world of Rave On Productions with Kimberly Faith Hickman, Artistic and Education Director. Get ready to hear about all the buzz surrounding their summer lineup! First up, after wowing audiences in Omaha, Rave On Productions is bringing their Omaha Series production, The Awesome 80's Prom to the R…

We were lucky to catch three of the seven women in BLUEBARN's production of "POTUS" or "Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive". This production, Directed by Susan Clement, opened May 23rd and will be showing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until June 23rd! We talk about how their first weekend went and what…

We had a fun visit with Rachel Robbins, Producer, Director, Actor, and Theatre Educator of Popcorn Productions, LLC's Melodramas and her team of actors: Ian Cullin, Samantha Desh, Shade Ingraham, Elizabeth Maack, and Collette Williams. We also spoke to their Lighting and Sound Designer, Zach Wasserman, as well as one of the youngest ensemble member…

Our first Directors Roundtable begins with two talented and charismatic Professors of Theatre: Jamie Bullins from UNL and Ron Zank from UNO! Their expertise and contribution to local theatre made them wonderful guests of our Directors Roundtable. We are so excited to bring you this podcast. We have been working toward this idea for quite some time.…

We sat down with Director Todd Brooks, Stage Manager Krista Freimuth, and Actor Adam Fulbright to talk about Chanticleer's upcoming production "A Chorus Line." This is a cohesive cast who are working hard but having the time of their lives, which of course, is everything community theatre should be. This is going to be a fun production, with a live…

We had the distinct pleasure of meeting Thom Davis, Dramaturg and Vice President of the Board of Directors for Voices in Alliance (VIA Omaha). VIA Omaha produced “The Inheritance Part 1” in October 2023 during their first season, and now are able to begin their 2nd Season with “The Inheritance Part 2.” It's important to note that you can still easi…

The 2024 Spring Platte River Art Show at Mahoney State Park is "The Most Prestigious Art Show on the River!" You’ll find this seasonal event at the Peter Kiewitt Lodge in the upper level, May 4th and 5th. It's free to attend and you will find regional artists with many different kinds of art mediums. Enjoy the day out at the state park as well. We …

Today our episode is with an Omaha theatre legendary favorite, the talented Dick Mueller. This is one of those podcasts you simply won't want to miss if you love theatre in Nebraska. The Firehouse Dinner Theatre, founded and produced by Dick Mueller was a Old Market staple. Mr. Mueller opened the Firehouse Dinner Theatre May 12th 1972. Back in its …

Is an egg is as close to Jesus as a person can get? We had a "sunny-side-up of a time" with Director Kaitlyn Rudeen, and Actors Julie Fitzgerald Ryan and Sarah Dighans while talking about their upcoming production: 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche, which opens April 5th at SNAP! Productions Omaha at Ghost Light Theatre in Bellevue. This is a zany comedy …

The Theatre Arts Guild Omaha (TAG) has been around for over 50 years, but through a series of events, including the pandemic, TAG is in jeopardy of dissolving. We talk with Dylan Peck, current President of TAG, and discuss what might happen to the organization going forward. Dylan has been keeping the organization going in hopes it will be able to …

Join us for a lovely conversation with Quinn Corbin, Manager of the Great Plains Theatre Commons. GPTC has been known for many years for their annual Conference and Playwrighting Festival, but did you know they also have Season Productions? Quinn tells us about all of their programs, and how GPTC supports local and national playwrights and shares a…

What a pleasure to talk to Don Keelan-White and BevVan Phillips, who are in the dramatic and memorable production On Golden Pond at Chanticleer Community Theater at PACE (Pottawattamie Arts Culture & Entertainment) at the Hoff Fmily Arts and Culture Center in Council Bluffs. These two lovely Creatives have such a great perspective of their roles in…

The Omaha Fringe Festival is gearing up for 2024, and to kick it off, they had an in-person lottery draw of 20 Artists plus 6 Alternate Artists on Saturday, March 3rd. We joined them prior to the lottery, and were able to talk separately with Nic Jansen, President of the Board, and Lara Marsh, former Board Member and current Artistic Director. Frin…

Friends, Romans, Party People! What a perfectly delightful conversation with the talented Jay Hayden, Actor and Co-Conspirator of Old School Shakespeare Omaha's production of "Julius Caesar." OSSO productions consist of serious actors, no director and one rehearsal. One! OSSO brings Shakespeare to life in a new time for us to enjoy. Jay gives us al…

What happens in an old movie house with a 35 mm projector with three misfit employees? You'll find out in The Flick by Annie Baker. This play has a small cast of four UNL Theatre Students: Mekhi Mitchell plays Avery, Luke Stursma plays Sam, Sofia Drelizharz plays Rose, and Jackson Wells plays Skylar/The Dreaming Man. Today, we speak with Mekhi, and…

OmniArts Nebraska is gearing up to open their first production of the year, and their 12th season in 2024. This production isn't holding anything back and we spoke to two of the talented individuals involved in this play: Christian Novotny, Director - and Reed Westerhoff, who plays the main character, John. This play, though visually simplistic in …

We spoke with Moira Mangiameli, Director of "Boy" at Snap Productions at the Ghost Light Theatre, and Actor Jey Nelson, who plays Samantha and Adam as the lead role in Boy, which is opening February 2nd. Moiria and Jey talk to us about this complex play written by Anna Zeigler. The play is based on a true story of a person who was born male and due…

Don't shoot your eye out, or lick an icy pole, or get in a fight with the Bumpuses! Instead, come to see A Christmas Story, The Musical at Chanticleer Community Theater at PACE in the Hoff Family Arts Center. We talked with Lara Marsh, Director of this festive and nostalgic production and she gives us some great insight on how it's come together! "…

Find out all about the upcoming "Holiday Lites: Winter's Wonderful Gifts", which is another creative collaboration between Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company and Benson Theatre! Playwright Actor, and Director, Murphy Scott Wulfgar puts some new touches in this holiday play from last year. Maddie Radcliff, Deputy Director at the Benson Theatre, and…

We talk with Maddie Radcliff, Deputy Director, and Beaufield Berry, Marketing Manager at Benson Theatre about their fun events coming up this week! On November 10th, Benson celebrates the "42nd Asbury Short Film Concert." This is New York City’s longest running short film exhibition & touring show and you will be treated to a line-up of the best sh…

It's the beginning of our 5th Season here at the Platte River Bard, and today we talk with Voices in Alliance about their upcoming production, "The Inheritance Part 1", which opens November 3rd and runs through Nov 12th. Voices In Alliance is a theatre company in Omaha which began in 2022. We talk with their Producing Artistic Director, Randall T. …

Today we feature the Platte River Art Show being held in Ashland at the Mahoney State Park this weekend, October 13-15th. We had the opportunity to talk to their Event Producer and Photographer, Nia Karmann, to tell us everything that will be happening at Mahoney State Park. Admission is free so come out and enjoy celebrating the visual arts this w…

Exciting things are happening in the new Snap! Production space at 2221 Thurston Circle in Bellevue, Nebraska! On October 6th, Snap! Productions will premiere "American Idiot" for the first time in the Omaha area. This will be a large talented cast to bring you all of the great music by Green Day and many stories throughout. We visited the new spac…

SNAP! Productions has unveiled their new season! After overcoming some obstacles in recent years they are also on the cusp of unveiling their new space! We find out about the amazing work they are doing for theatre, talk about their upcoming season shows, and discuss their meaningful mission statement. You won't want to miss everything being planne…

We had an enjoyable conversation with Rafael Untalan, Director of the upcoming production "Sense and Sensibility" which opens September 28th through October 7th at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre in Lincoln. Mr. Untalan is an Assistant Professor at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, as well as an Actor with acting and directing credits to…

We were so honored to talk with Hank Stratton, the new Executive Director of the Nebraska Rep and the Director of UNL's Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. We had a fun discussion about their new season, which is packed with a variety of productions! And it wasn't just their season, we had the opportunity to get to learn more about Mr. Stratt…

We were honored to talk with Kevin Doncaster, Founder of Warhawk PTSD Service Dogs, and also Jimmy Weber. Both of these men are veterans of our military and have served overseas. Along with two other musicians, Jimmy Weber will be performing at the Benson Theatre on September 21st at 7PM. The event is called "Chords for Canines" and the event will …

We talk with Director, Todd Uhrmacher and Actor, Riley Pope about their production of The Prom! This is a newer Broadway play, based on a real story and it is full of high energy, music, and dancing! It is also the Nebraska Premiere of this play, so what a great chance to get to go see it! Learn more about it here with our fun conversation with Ril…

We spoke with the Director and a few of the large cast of Oliver, Jr. at Chanticleer Community Theater at the Hoff Center at PACE! Director Denise Putnam, Actors Lilly Ozello, Dean Patrick Pope and Moyer McDermott tell us about their experience, and even some great advice, in this exciting production! We love to talk with the younger folks who are …

Angels Theatre Company just announced their 2023-2024 Season and we had the honor of talking with Timothy Scholl, Executive Director! Angels offers a wide array of programming for new works. They have their full-length season productions, which are newer plays written by local playwrights. The Solo Tales and Ales program allows the Playwriting Coll…

We were lucky enough to get an hour with two of the busiest, most hard working young songwriters in town - Mary Kutter & Brian Alexander! Together, this team is navigating the TikTok world, sync opportunities, and potential publishing deals. And they really figured it out! Sometimes all it takes is a little slide into the dm’s… --- Support this pod…

We are happy once again to get the scoop on the upcoming Omaha Fringe Festival 2023 which will be held August 10-13th, 2023! We talked with Tamar Neumann, Executive Director and Jason Levering, Artistic Director of the Omaha Fringe Festival. Be sure to check out the Fringe participants appearance at the August 5th Omaha Farmer's Market, and also on…

Brownville Village Theatre in Brownville, Nebraska is abuzz again, and they are bringing us 5 fabulous shows this summer! Not only are they having their 56th season, they will also have a special lawn party on July 7th for the World Premiere of Death at Downton. You can dress up in your favorite 1920's garb, and meet the writer of Death and Downton…

Join us for a very fun and totally off-the-rails conversation with one of our favorite Creatives! Jamie Bullins, who is a master of all theatre related trades, heads up the Angels Theatre Company's Playwriting Collective and is gearing up for their 8th Annual First Flight Festival. The First Flight Festival will feature 12 locally written plays, mo…

Artistic Director, Kevin Colbert of the Lofte Community Theatre and Actor, Jennifer Gilg talk with us about their upcoming play, Wit, ("W;t") written by Margaret Edson. This play won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize, and is a heartfelt play is about a strong and intelligent woman, Vivian Bearing (played by Jennifer Gilg) who realizes she is in the last two …