Christine Swerczek - Page 9

There are no adequate words to describe SWEAT. It is paralyzingly good. See for yourself.

LEADING LADIES is totally worth a $10 ticket and a 20 minute ride. You will congratulate yourself for choosing to see this show.

By the time you read this, you may have missed your chance to see Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Ralston Community Theatre. You may have thought that it's a 'tale as old as time,' that you've seen several times, both on film and on stage. But this one may be different. This one felt more like home than a quiet village. The performers were familiar, the theater was in a local high school, and the audience...your friends and neighbors...were loving every minute. I especially enjoyed watching the face of a little girl dressed in her Belle costume completely entranced. Sometimes seeing something through the eyes of a child makes it new again.

The Pinewood Bowl in Lincoln, Nebraska has been producing a summer musical every year since 1949. This July, the rural villagers of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will take the stage in Lincoln's outdoors. This family favorite with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and Howard Ashman, was adapted from the animated musical film. Nominated for a plethora of Tony Awards, it did take the win for Best Costumes. According to Claire Wilkinson who plays Belle, this local production will also feature some fantastic costuming. Claire shared her musical theatre background with me and offered her thoughts on Belle, the musical, and what it's like to rehearse at an outdoor venue.

Omaha's South High Magnet School with Rebecca Noble, curriculum specialist for Visual Performing Arts, has once again tackled a big story requiring cast diversity with abilities in dance, vocal, and acting.

She's back! SHE ROCKS! THE WOMEN OF ROCK is better than ever filled with Vaughan's favorite songs by women.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL opening tonight at The Rose Theatre is two hours of fun seasoned with just enough pathos to heighten the experience. It's an exceptional show that will do well with children and adults alike. Children will like the silliness while adults will recognize something deeper.

In 1975 E. L. Doctorow wrote an epic novel that encompassed racism, immigration, feminism, the unequal distribution of wealth, and the hope of 'The American Dream.' Terrence McNally took that story to the stage with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Omaha Community Playhouse reprises that monumental musical from its own memorable run 13 years ago on its stage.

Spectacular Visuals! Vocals to die for. Cameron Mackintosh's MISS SAIGON, the sweeping tale of love amidst war-torn Vietnam, is something to see.

Circle Theatre presents the last production of its 2018-2019 season, Do Not Go Gentle by Suzan Zeder. Do Not Go Gentle takes a look at relationships through the eyes of three generations.

Ellen Struve, respected Omaha playwright, has created an 'epic' play for the 14th annual Great Plains Theatre Conference. Her play called EPIC will take place in the Metropolitan Community College/ South Omaha Campus in ITC room 120 on May 29, 30, and 31 at 7:30 pm.

The 14th Annual Great Plains Theatre Conference is almost here! Opening May 26 and running through June 1, this is an ideal place to participate in workshops, develop your skills as a playwright or a theatre professional, or simply watch some excellent new plays.

It was so fascinating speaking with Matthew Overberg, ensemble member and language consultant for MISS SAIGON, running May 28-June 2 at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha. Matthew has a special insight and expertise not only in theatre, but in Vietnamese language and culture. He has an amazing tale to tell about his own parents escaping Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.

If you have a heart, you will love this show. It's way too good to let it pass you by.

Who would ever think of creating a musical based on a carnival shooting gallery filled with the ghosts of presidential assassins? The idea is ridiculous; therefore, this show is ridiculous...ly entertaining!