Christine Swerczek - Page 7

The 50th Anniversary tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha last night with a few surprises. Unlike the plethora of productions performed in the past of this Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaboration, this production mixes a rock concert with an aggressive dance troupe resulting in riotous sight and sound. If you weren't awake when you entered the theatre, you were by the first stinging notes of the electric guitar.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been around for half a century and is still going strong. The national tour heading to Omaha in December has a new style and I'm particularly eager to see it. I spoke with Tommy McDowell who plays Peter to see what he has to say.

Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN just went into my books as one of the most heartfelt plays I've seen. Bellevue Little Theatre outdid themselves with this deceptively simple, meta-theatrical three-act production.

It is refreshing to see Tennessee Williams' brilliant work, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, on a contemporary stage in its purest form. Nebraska Repertory Theatre has succeeded in etching this classic gem into my brain where it lingers with a hint of sadness but also of beauty.

RADIUM GIRLS, D.W. Gregory's sobering play based on real events is onstage at the Kimmel Theatre on Midland University campus. Yellowed newspaper articles about the Radium Girls, photographs, and copies of luminous watch faces and drinks are on display in the lobby, getting us prepared for the story to come. And let me tell you: this is one not to miss.

On October 23 the Lied Center for Performing Arts will be filled to the magnificent chandelier with glorious sets, costumes, music, and 52 cast members and musicians, making this one of the largest touring productions. Derrick Davis, the first African American Phantom on national tour, is an artist who has realized his dream from childhood.

Matthew Lopez' THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE runs at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Lincoln through October 13.

Hold the press for big NEWSIES at Nebraska Wesleyan Theatre!

Everyone loves the story of the little orphan girl who lands in the lap of luxury, and the billionaire who finds what he's been missing...a heart. ANNIE runs through October 13, so there are plenty of chances to catch it. I think you're going to like it here.

GLORIA moves at Nebraska Wesleyan Theatre.

LITTLE WARS. We all fight them. They could be wars of words, wars over ideologies, or wars about favorite sports teams. A cast and crew of seventeen students from University of Nebraska Omaha put their heads together and through devised theatre developed a production so unique, so special, that it held me mesmerized for the entire 55 minutes.

Every other year the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska hosts a special event for all Broadway fans. BROADWAY AT THE LIED will be held this year on Wednesday, September 11, at 7:30 pm.

The University of Nebraska Omaha Theatre Department has devised something new: a student developed and enacted play that recently appeared in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, the largest arts festival in the world. Come celebrate their accomplishment this weekend. September 6 & 7 at 7:30 PM Weber Fine Arts Building - Theatre Running time - 1 hour

I first interviewed Ron Bohmer when he came to the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska as the Prophet Joseph Smith in THE BOOK OF MORMON. Recently, I spoke with him again and am delighted to show you another side of this talented Broadway star who has appeared as the Phantom in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Joe Gillis in SUNSET BOULEVARD, Enjolras in LES MISERABLES, and in a very long list of other lead roles in his 25 year career that has netted him numerous award wins and nominations.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska has announced their fourth biennial GROW A SHOW, a development program for new musical theatre. The workshop, although it is ticketed, is free to the public. Tickets are available online at www.liedcenter.org. This is an incredible free event for theatre doers and goers.