Christine Swerczek - Page 13

Omaha Community Playhouse is trying something that hasn't been done in awhile. They have cast two sets of leads in the upcoming Jason Robert Brown musical, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. This production is not only unique in its double casting, it's based in our neighboring state, Iowa. Here is a story that's near and dear to our hearts. But how will the Playhouse manage two Francescas and two Roberts? I spoke with the director, Kimberly Faith Hickman, and the leads, Angela Jenson Frey and Thomas Gjere, and Mackenzie Dehmer and James Verderamo to get their take on the process.

Claudia Yanez, who plays Rebecca and understudies for the lead role of Gloria, will be on her feet as Gloria at the Orpheum from February 26 to March 3.

There are some stories you never forget. You cannot forget because they are seared into your memory like a brand. One of those is John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Omaha Community Playhouse has brought that story of loneliness, love, and hope to life with a brilliance you won't want to miss.

Migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression, George-an intelligent but uneducated man-and Lennie-a large man with the mind of a child-dream of making enough money to buy their own land. When a crime is accidentally committed, the two men are faced with a moral predicament in one of the most powerful and devastating stories of the 20th century.

If you want to spend 90 minutes with good music, bad rollerskating, and silly fun, this is for you.

A wizard, a hobbit, elves, trolls, dwarves, goblins and a dragon swarm the darkened Circle Theatre to tell the tale of THE HOBBIT, Patricia Gray's adaptation of the 1937 classic fantasy novel by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Reviews unanimously resound with high praise for this world premiere of a play with Omaha roots. I have to say...I agree with all of it.

THE KING AND I is a grand musical with classically sung music which appeals to a large segment of the theater population. The central themes of abuse of power, slavery, and women's position in society may have improved since the 1950s, but the struggle continues.

Having eagerly awaited seeing the Omaha Community Playhouse production of the Tony Award winning play, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, I was disappointed to find that I was not moved. The story, the setting, the action all combined to create a chilly feeling that I couldn't shake.

Dominic Torres who plays Christopher in the show says: 'I think people should come and see the show. It's truly, truly very inspiring. The moral of the story is that the diagnosis does not describe you. Even if you are on the autism spectrum, or whatever other spectrums there are, you are still a person. You can do what you want to do if you put your mind to it.'

Laura Osnes (Cinderella-Cinderella), Susan Egan (Belle-Beauty and the Beast, and the voice of Meg-Hercules), and Courtney Reed (Jasmine-Aladdin) brought their considerable princess powers to the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska along with their 'Fairy God Fairy' Benjamin Rauhala.

ALADDIN is completely satisfying as a theater experience because it has it all: great music, extravagant sets and lighting, gorgeous costumes, enchanting choreography, solid actors, and humor.

The Omaha Community Playhouse's newest show, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, is something new. Something different. Something special. Fortunately, you will have from January 18 through February 10 to satisfy your curiosity!

Suzanne Withem, director of Chanticleer Theater's upcoming production of LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL, talks about character development and what makes this timeless musical a story for all.

Cathy Kurz, Artistic Director and Founder of Omaha's Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company, talks about classic theatre and what's ahead for its 26th season.

Ron Bohmer, who plays Elder Price's father in the national tour of BOOK OF MORMON, talks about this controversial musical which he calls a 'Love Letter to Musical Theatre.' As Bohmer said, 'It really is, in my lifetime, the biggest love letter to this art form. And I love this art form! To be part of something that gives audiences that feeling every night is a deep honor.'

Thursday night's opening of MAMMA MIA! at Nebraska Wesleyan's McDonald Theatre was a party in the Greek Isles. The extremely enthusiastic crowd of mostly college aged people vociferously approved this romp through ABBA's memorable music. Chest booming laughter, screams, and hoots resounded through the house. But it was all good... because it is all good.

Three unbelievably talented, real ORIGINAL Broadway Princesses singing the petticoats off every beloved princess song in the book! We're throwing a magical musical event and you're invited!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns to the Omaha Community Playhouse for its 43rd year. This holiday favorite is based on Charles Dicken's classic novel and adapted for stage by Omaha's Charles Jones.

Rob Lindley, performing the role of Monsieur Andre' in the National Tour of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, has local roots. Currently based in Chicago, Lindley spent his youth in Northwest Iowa. I spoke with him this week about growing up in a small town and making it in the big city. PHANTOM is Lindley's first national tour, but it is not his first time on stage. A Jeff Award winner and five time nominee, Lindley has performed a wide variety of roles in FUN HOME, SECRET GARDEN, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, CAROUSEL and many more. He is an accomplished vocalist, actor, and director.