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The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – October, 2003
TAG NITE OUT Preview!
All in the Timing
Art & Soul Center for the Arts
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (13271 Millard Ave)
October 9, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy theatre at a great price.
Your donation will help to support the TAG Scholarship Fund.
Dear Denny_________________
Words of advice and insight from one of
Omaha’s most respected thespians
Dear Denny:
I am the ultimate venue-nut (I’d use another term but there may be kids
reading this). I can't get enough of theatre....I love it, love it, love it!
Sure beats reruns of “The Golden Girls”. What’s a theatre-addict like
me to do on a Sunday night after all of the theatres are dark until the
following Thursday? I'm through all of my DVD's and Streisand
doesn't return my calls! Help me, Denny…you’re my only hope!".
Signed,
Buh-Bye, Bea Arthur…Hello, Dolly!
Dear Buh-Bye Bea Arthur…Hello, Dolly!:
Fear not! A new bar in town, FLIXX (located one block south of
Western Heritage Museum across from Banana Joes) is providing a
movie and musical lover's dream. Every Sunday night from 8 to 10
p.m. they present a program called "From Stage and Screen" that is
shown on several televisions located in front of high-rise tables and
leather couches. Hosted by John Arnsdorf (Sunday in the Park With
George), you can watch excerpts from your favorite movies, Broadway
musicals, theatrical events, or request specific scenes from his huge
DVD collection. So gather up your favorite thespian and check out one
of the most unique evenings of entertainment that Omaha has to offer.
Signed,
Denny
If you have a theatre-related question you would like posed to Denny
Maddux, submit it to [email protected]. Your question may be
answered in an upcoming issue! Keep it clean, folks (or relatively so!).
Help us recruit new members!
Direct interested parties to
www.theatreartsguild.com for a membership form!
Truly Terrific Theatres
An Actors Perspective
By Barb Ross
I‘ve enjoyed the Spotlight on Theatres series, which provided the
histories and missions of our area venues. I’d like to do a similar series
from a volunteer actor’s point of view. Every one of our theatres has
it’s own special qualities that makes it a great place to play. I’ll
periodically share my perspective of those qualities. I’ll also mention
one possible drawback (so as not to be labeled the Pollyanna of TAG).
For those theatres who haven’t let me in yet; I’ll be asking those of you
who have had the opportunity to perform there to share your thoughts
about the venue.
Probably the most logical place to start is the beginning – the Omaha
Community Playhouse. It is the flagship of our theatre community,
the longest established, and, of course, the largest community theatre in
the country. (How cool is that for Omaha!)
Although performing at the Playhouse for the first time may seem
intimidating to some of you, trust me, the spacious dressing rooms,
costumes (none of which came from your closet) made to order and
freshly laundered twice a week, sets that are not only actor friendly, but
actor proof, and playing to audiences in the hundreds each night of the
run, makes even the most novice amateur actor feel like a professional.
This is the obvious perk of doing a show at “The Playhouse”. This
atmosphere is created by the real professionals – a wonderful paid staff
that have 40 (and often 50 and 60) hours a week to focus on each
production. To the actor – one need focus on only one thing – acting.
But, like any community theatre, the life-blood is the volunteers and
OCP has a loyal cadre of experienced volunteers proportionate to its
size contributing to all aspects of the production process. They have
Stage Managers, with dozens of productions under their belts, who
would be capable of running any production anywhere in the country dressers who can transform you in seconds - nimble fingers in the
costume shop - helpful voices in the box office - and those wonderful
and delightful interns backstage and in the booth (sometime ask me
about the one who told me to “improvise” when I realized the New
York skyline was sitting in my living room set). Doing a show at the
Playhouse gives one the feeling of coming into a large extended family
as welcomed guest.
Barb’s Drawback: I’m usually so focused on learning during the
rehearsal process, that it’s not until the run begins that I really get to
know my fellow cast and crew members. So, because of the
availability of dressing rooms and no real green room, it is difficult for
me to really get to know fellow team members beyond my “stable
mates” and, of course, fellow smokers.
Next Month: Ralston Community Theatre – community theatre in its
purist form.
Page 1
- On Stage News * Little Apple Productions presents the
chilling, one-hour opera, The Medium for
four performances (two being late night
offerings!) in the intimacy of the Shelterbelt
Theatre, October 23, 25 & 26.
This
innovative and unique presentation of musical
drama is one not to miss! Written by Gian
Carlo Menotti and performed in English as
originally written, the story follows Madame
Flora (Baba), a medium, who conducts false
séances for grief stricken parents whose
young children have endured tragic deaths.
With the help of her daughter Monica and
Toby, a mute gypsy boy, the medium greedily
tricks parents into regularly returning to speak
to their dead. But the spirits can’t be fooled.
They are restless and turn the tables on their
scheme. Enjoy this opera, which is rarely if
ever performed in Omaha, in an intimate,
cabaret-style setting, with three of the four
performances
immediately
following
Shelterskelter 8. Show dates and times are
Thursday, October 23 & Saturday, October 25
at 11 p.m; two performances on Sunday,
October 26 at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. No
performance on Friday, October 24. Tickets
are $10.00 and may be reserved by calling the
Shelterbelt at 341-2757. Tickets are also
available at the door or online at
www.shelterbelt.org. Beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are available for purchase
at the theatre. Cast: Mary Carrick, D.
Laureen Pickle, Eduardo Millan, Sara Planck,
Jennifer Witt and Wai Yim. Directed by D.
Laureen Pickle and Connie Jo Podendorf;
Music Direction: D. Laureen Pickle;
Accompanist: Salli Compton; Stage Manager:
Connie Jo Podendorf; Lighting & Sound:
Dave Podendorf; Set: Roxanne Wach.
* Art & Soul Center for the Arts presents
David Ives’ awarding winning collection of
one-acts, All in the Timing. These short-butsweet comedies will push your smart buttons
and have you laughing all the while. The
evening will be complete with simple coffee
house fare, available at modest prices. The
cast includes: Steve Aden, Linda Meuret,
Patrick Runge, Glen Thomas, Niki Whitehall,
Alex Williams, and ‘lissa Hall Rotolo; Kay
Johnson is directing. All in the Timing runs
October 10-11 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in
advance by calling 861-9308 or 895-3366.
Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for Seniors,
Students, Art & Soul or TAG members; and
$3 for children 12 and under.
All
performances are at St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church, 13271 Millard Avenue, just south of
L Street off of 132nd. Through music, drama,
dance, art education, a non-commissioned
gallery, and the talents of individuals from
across the metro area, Art & Soul has become
the Center for the Arts in west Omaha! For
more information about Art & Soul, call 8619308.
As part of its Hot Dog Matinee Series, the
* Dundee Dinner Theatre will present
Cinderella, Cinderella. A participation play
for children, Cinderella will never make it to
the ball without their help.
Cinderella,
Cinderella was written by children’s theatre
playwrights Steve and Kathy Hotchner. This
production
is
produced
by
special
arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing
Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
The
Dundee Dinner Theatre production is directed
by Christopher Violett and features Diana
Humphrey, Olivia Daniel, Kellie Dunlap,
Nick Herink, Calvin Hansen, Mallory Sleight,
Luke Socha, Morgan Wees and Jacque Wilke.
Production dates are September 20, October
4, 11 and 18 at noon. An optional hot dog
lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are
required for the hot dog matinee. The ticket
price is $7 for the show and $9.99 for lunch
and show (tax not included). For information
on ticket availability please call the Dundee
Dinner Theatre at 558-8535.
The * Iowa Western Community College
(IWCC) Department of Theatre will present
the American classic Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
by Tennessee Williams, October 16-26.
Originally written in the 1950’s, Cat explores
the inner working of the self, family, and
society. The play deals with love, and
infidelity,
family
relationships,
and
mendacity. The cast includes Laci Neal, Nick
Johansen, Alisha Rodasky, Josh Mahood,
Tanya Elwood, Leah Macaulay, Evan
Freemyer, Matt Weddle, Rusheea Smith,
Katie Krimmel, Stevie Gaul, Amanda Branch,
and Jesse Cozad. Direction, set and lighting
design by IWCC theatre instructor Chris
Gray; makeup and costume design by IWCC
Associate Professor of Theatre Hersh
Rodasky; sound design by Tom Whiteman.
Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30
p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Cat on a Hot Tin
Roof will be presented in the Black Box
Theatre in the Arts Center on the campus of
Iowa Western Community College. Tickets
are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and
The * Blue Barn Theatre opens its 15th
season with Cruelties/Chelsea, two original
plays by Max Sparber about Truman Capote
and Andy Warhol. Directed by Rob Urbinati
and starring Nils Haaland, Pam Carter, Moira
Reilly, Hughston Walkinshaw, Jill Anderson,
Tim Siragusa, Larry French, Shane Staiger
and Daniel Saricedo. Performance dates are
September 19 – October 19 (no
performances October 9 – 12). For tickets or
information, call the Blue Barn at 345-1576.
students. Iowa Western students and staff are
free with a ticket voucher. To reserve tickets,
or to get more information, please call (712)
388-7140.
* Stages of Omaha's production of Bat Boy
The Musical makes its Nebraska Premiere at
The Millennium Theatre, October 2 –
November 9. This comedy/horror musical is
based on the discovery of the Bat Boy by the
Weekly World News about a half boy/half bat
creature who is discovered in a cave near
Hope Falls, West Virginia. The local sheriff
brings Bat Boy to the home of the town
veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is
eventually accepted as a member of the family
and taught to act like a "normal" boy by the
veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage
daughter, Shelley. Shelley and Bat Boy, who
have fallen in love, run away together from
the ignorant townsfolk and have a blissful
coupling in the woods, but their happiness is
shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a
secret. Soon the entire town arrives and hears
the shocking story of Bat Boy’s unholy origin.
This musical, while funny, is also a touching
and sympathetic look at this tortured creature,
showing us that he was more than a freak, a
menace or an abomination. The production
features upbeat show-tunes, gospel, pop, rock,
tango. And in the end everyone will learn the
true nature of the Bat Boy in all of us. The
production stars Kevin Buswell as Bat Boy.
Featuring Mary Pennisi, Anna Rebecca
Kunkel, Sam Reimer, and Riley Garrigan,
with Leiloni Brewer, Lena Cigleris, Keith T.
Morgan, Rusty Perry and Nicholas Walker
and a special guest appearance by Jason
Rogers as Pan. Directed by Jerry R. Ditter;
musical direction by Darius Makaitis.
Performances at The Millennium Theatre in
the Union Plaza Bldg on the corner of 16th and
Jackson Streets (601 S 16th St), ThursdaySaturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
No shows Oct. 30-Nov. 2. Online tickets
available at www.stagesofomaha.com or by
phone at 345-8166. Adults: $15, Students,
Seniors, Mil and TAG: $12.
The Grande Olde Players Theatre opens its
19th season with The Solid Gold Cadillac,
September 11 – October 5, with
performances Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30
p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. What happens
when a woman with a few shares of stock
takes on a corporate Board of Directors? This
timely comedy is certain to touch a few hot
buttons as it is shown how just a few simple
questions can create pandemonium. Tickets:
$15 adults; $14 seniors; $5 children under 18.
Page 2
- On Stage News The * Dundee Dinner Theatre kicks off its
fall 2003 Season with the Midwest premiere
of Pageant. Pageant pits six beauty queens
against each other in the Glamouresse annual
extravaganza. Miss Texas, Miss Great Plains,
Miss Deep South, Miss Industrial Northeast,
Miss Bible Belt and Miss West Coast sing,
dance and camp it up in evening gowns and
bathing suits. A hilarious talent contest is
equaled only by the zany spokesmodel event,
which requires them to hawk the sponsor’s
outrageous cosmetics. While les girls (played
by men) swirl around the charming host in the
funniest beauty contest ever seen, judges
selected from the audience decide who will
be crowned Miss Glamouresse. It’s certain to
be a screamingly funny evening for all who
attend! Pageant was written by Bill Russell
and Frank Kelly, with music by Albert Evans.
It was originally conceived by Robert
Longbottom.
The Dundee production
features Ron Osborn, Wai Yim, Kevin Smith,
and Phillip McGuire. Ron Zank directs, with
music direction by Mitch Fuller and
choreography by Wai Yim. Production dates
are September 11 - October 18, with
performances Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m.
and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices range
from $13.50-$24.95 not including tax. Group
rates are available for parties of 20 or more.
Student, senior, and tax discounts are
available. For information and reservations,
please call the Dundee Dinner Theatre at 5588535.
The * Omaha Community Playhouse
presents the comedy/drama Visiting Mr.
Green in the Howard Drew Theatre
September 19 – October 19. Mr. Green
(played by Bill Hutson) is an elderly, retired
dry cleaner who wanders into traffic and is
almost hit by a car driven by a young
corporate executive. The young man is given
a community service sentence of helping Mr.
Green once a week for six months. The play
follows the two men's growing and changing
relationship and turns into a gripping drama
as they show each other how to move
forward. Directed by guest artist Judith Hart,
with scenic design by James Othuse, lighting
design by Steve Wheeldon costume design by
Cate Wieck and stage managed by Lara
Marsh. Showtimes are Thursdays – Saturdays
at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Admission: from $10 (student) - $22 (adult),
depending on the day. Group discounts are
also available. For reservations, call the OCP
Box Office at 553-0800 or visit our website at
www.omahaplayhouse.com.
Fiddler on the Roof will open the Bellevue
Little Theatre's 35th anniversary season,
running weekends from September 19 October 5. Fiddler on the Roof, which is
based on stories by Shalem Aleichem,
chronicles the struggle of Tevye, a poor
dairyman, to marry off his five daughters and
to deal with everyday family problems. The
musical chronicles the poignant story of a
tight-knit Jewish community and the
hardships faced by the close-knit villagers in
everyday life. Added to these are the
mounting obstacles resulting from changing
social mores and the growing anti-Semitism
of Czarist Russia. This work is rich in both
historical and ethnic detail, and provides a
true insight to the problems faced by the Jews
during this time of turmoil. With the book by
Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler
features familiar songs such as "Sunrise,
Sunset"; "If I Were a Rich Man", and
"Matchmaker". Performances Fri. and Sat., 8
p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: $15 (adults);
$13 (seniors); and $7.50 (students).
Reservations are recommended and may be
made by calling 291-1554. Box Office hours
are Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don't forget to use your TAG discount and
Curtain Cash! Cast: Curtis Leach, Liz Heim,
Therese Rennels, Terra Marsden, Keigan
Albers, Jenna Gray, Christina Thomas,
Samantha Swanson, David Duzikeis, J. Todd
Reagan, Mike Ferrell, Ed Swanson, Terry
DeBenedictis, Tim Daugherty, Mary Welsh,
Tom Flechten, Terry Schmidt, James Tobey,
Dan Beard, Maggie Opal, Amy Kubala
Conklin, Maura Duffy, Chelsea Duran,
Jennifer Graham, Karina J. Rodriguez,
Audrey Rupnow, Linsay Van Horn, Julie
Hadley, Janita Pavelka, Anna Peace, Danielle
Smith, Nicholas Swanson, Tammy Swanson,
Cindy Vanek, Jo-ElWeese, Jeff Livley, John
Norton, Alex Cass, Ben Cass, Thomas
Knudson, Kent McCoy, Mark Prasch, and J.
Smith. Production Team: Bridgette Robbins,
stage director and choreographer; Tim
Marsden, musical director; Jane Keller, Stage
Manager; Robin Klusmire, producer; Jeremy
Lubash co-producer/lighting technician;
Jeannine Bernier, costumer; Keith Hart, set
designer; Tom Reardon, lighting designer;
Jeff Lively, sound designer; and Michael
Samuelson, sound technician.
Trapped or Contesting the Inevitable
Indelibility of Restorative Ratiocination
or Omaha, a theatrical and deranged foray
into what it means to be “trapped in Omaha,”
and how people come to accept and embrace
Omaha, for better or worse. And Omaha,
being in the middle of America, comes to
stand for and epitomizes for many what
are core values of the “good American.” A
triple dip of materialism, patriotism, and
creativity, drizzled with desire, melt local
performers together into a groovy, sticky
mess of an evening. A script very loosely
based on A Summer Evening in Des Moines
by
Charles
Mee
(author
of
bobrauschenbergamerica) is blended together
with original performance pieces written and
composed by Kevin Bensley, Sarah Brown,
Jason Dorwart, Brandon Rohe, and Susann
Suprenant. Bear witness to, and participate
in, a celebration of what it means to enjoy
being stuck in “the middle of America.” The
show runs Fridays and Saturdays, September
26-27 and October 3-4 at 11:00 p.m. as part
of the * Blue Barn's Round Midnight Series.
Tickets are $5 (please note new price for this
venue) and no reservations are being taken. If
you would like more information about the
show, please call 346-1773 or e-mail
[email protected].
Showing at the Omaha Theater Company
for Young People (all performances at The
Rose, call 345-4849 for tickets and
information):
October 3-5, Miss Nelson is Missing, a
delightful
musical
that
"rocks
the
schoolhouse." Performances are Friday at 7
p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
October 9-12, Teatro Mestizo at The Rose
presents the play, Who Killed Don Jose?, a
suspense thriller by famous Chicano novelist,
Rudolfo Anaya. Teatro Mestizo is a theater
troupe at The Rose, dedicated to exploring
issues that surround and engage the Latino
community. Performances are Thursday at 7
p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m., in
the Hitchcock Theater.
October 24-November 2, the Omaha Theater
Ballet presents Dracula, an Omaha premiere!
Dracula will make full use of ballet's power
to evoke mood and emotion through
movement, bringing this gothic tale to life in
a psychologically thrilling production.
Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays
at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will
also be a special Halloween performance of
Dracula at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31,
with a costume contest! The lobby will open
at 9:30 p.m. for costume judging, and
beverages will be sold. Participants will
parade across the stage before the show and
hear the costume winners announced at
intermission. Costume winners will receive
prizes after the Dracula performance.
Members of the local media will serve as
costume judges.
Page 3
- On Stage News On Friday, October 24, don’t miss the
Heaven and Hell Costume Ball, a fundraiser
for the Omaha Theater Ballet. After the 8
p.m. performance of Dracula, guests will
walk one block north to the Scottish Rite
Cathedral. Upstairs, those who visit Heaven
will enjoy refreshments of a divine nature,
such as strawberries dipped in chocolate,
champagne and beautiful harp music.
Downstairs, those who visit Hell will delight
on devil’s food desserts, wine and beer, and
dance to the sounds of The Confidentials.
Call The Rose Box Office at 345-4849 for
more information or to make reservations
* Mills Masquers will present The Bat on
October 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and
October 19 at 2 p.m. The show will be
staged at The Barton Theatre, Home of the
Mills Masquers on U.S. Highway 275 north
of Glenwood, IA. Tickets can be reserved by
phone at 712-527-3600, or online at
millsmasquers.org. The Bat, written by Mary
Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, is
directed by Scott Hite, produced by Jason
Morrison and Stage Managed by Stephany
Sanborn. The show is about Cornelia Van
Gorder who rents the summer home of a New
York banker who had been reported dead in
Colorado some months before. She is warned
the mysterious things are happening around
the house, but she refuses to move. About
this time it is discovered that a large sum of
money is missing from the dead banker’s
bank. Immediately the suspicion is aroused
that, far from being dead, the banker has
stolen the money, hidden it in a secret
chamber in the house, and is awaiting a good
chance to sneak back and get it. Four
different people are after the money - the
bank cashier, wrongfully accused of taking it;
a detective engaged by Miss Van Gorder to
clear up the mystery; a doctor friend and
supposed confederate of the missing banker,
and The Bat, a notorious thief who has long
eluded police. There are mysterious murders,
shivery wrapping and many false leads for the
audience to follow before the mystery is
finally cleared. Cast includes Nancy Wright,
Phyllis Schwaninger, Jolene Hensley, LeMar
Osterholm, Jim Kalhorn, Jason Morrison,
Micah Reffo, Bill Pugsley, Mark Hamilton,
and Jim Karjala.
* Denotes member theatres
Shelterskelter 8 at the * Shelterbelt Theatre
continues a fine tradition of screams and
laughter, tension and comedy in a unique oneact format that allows amateur playwrights
and local actors and directors to hone their
craft. The two-hour show includes: Husker
Hell (written by Joe Basque, directed by Edd
Baye); An Arrangement with Women (written
by Michael Comstock, directed by Randall
Stevens); Blind Date (written by Joe Basque,
directed by Erik Nelson); Hon, You've Got to
Love Me (written by Tim Kaldahl, directed by
J. Todd Reagan); Shakespeare Lives (written
by Mark Harvey Levine, directed by Lorie
Obradovich); Future Echoes (written by Edd
Baye, directed by Randall Stevens); Can You
Hear Me Now? (written by Joe Basque &
Daena Schweiger, directed by J. Todd
Reagan); Aesop's Court (written by Tim
Kaldahl, directed by Erik Nelson); Burn Me
(written by Tim Kaldahl, directed by J. Todd
Reagan); The Corpse (written by Joe Basque,
directed by Randall Stevens). “It’s a great
mix this year,” said Dave Podendorf, who is
co-producing the show with Daena
Schweiger, the Shetlerbelt’s assistant artistic
director. “We’ve got a nice balance of ‘scare
you’ material along with some one-acts that
are extremely witty. It’s always a popular
show and the audience won’t be
disappointed.” Shelterskelter opens Oct. 17
and runs through Halloween. Thursday,
Friday and Saturday night curtains are at 8
p.m.; Sunday 6 p.m.
Halloween week
includes 8 p.m. shows on the 28th and 29th,
as well. The Halloween night show is capped
by an after curtain costume party. The final
play each night of Shelterskelter, The Corpse,
will have a unique feature—a guest body.
Several members of the media and local
actors have agreed to help out the Shelterbelt
and, well, just lie there . . . dead. To make
reservations, call the theatre at 341-2757 or
go online, www.shelterbelt.org. This is a
popular show, reservations are highly
recommended. Tickets are $15 for adults;
$12 for seniors, students and TAG members.
The Shelterbelt is located at 3225 California
Street. The cast of Shelterbelt includes:
Chrissie Corbin, Mike Coyle, Alex Fowler,
Scott Fowler, Trude Grosenbach, Nicole
Irwin, Amie James, Matt Kellehan, Erik
Nelson, Don Nguyen, Connie Jo Podendorf,
Dave Podendorf, Daena Schweiger, Pat
Schwery. Jesse Treakle, Cameron Van
Cleave, Bill Wassem, Molly Welsh, Aaron
Wilhoft
Send your audition information to TAGLINES for the
October Newsletter!
The
Afghan
Women
by
William
Mastrosimone, produced by The Angels
Theatre Company opens Oct. 22 at The
Loft at the Mill, a new performance space at
8th & P Streets in Lincoln. Performances are
Oct. 22-24, 26, 29-31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30
p.m. Tickets are $15 regular admission, $10
for students and seniors. A percentage of the
box office will go to International Orphan
Care. For more information visit our website
at www.angelscompany.org.
The * Blue Barn is pleased to announce the
return for 3 nights only of last year's TAG
award winning drama A Piece of my Heart.
On October 25-27 the original cast will
present this powerful drama about women in
the Vietnam War which garnered awards last
year for Best Sound, Best Actress, Best
Supporting Actor and Best Director. All
performances are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are
$15/Adults, $12/Students and Seniors and
$10 for TAG members. The Blue Barn is
currently raising money to take A Piece of my
Heart to Washington DC to participate in the
10th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women's
Memorial during the Veterans Day Weekend
in November. Call 345-1576 for reservations.
The Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company
proudly presents Dracula, a thrilling new
adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 19th-century
Gothic tale of suspense and horror for four
consecutive
weekends,
October
10November 2. The Gothic theme--the epic
human battle between the forces of darkness
and light, mysteriously complicated by an
inexplicable attraction to the forbidden--has
never been more magnetic, seductive, and
frightening than in Bram Stoker’s novel. Yet
in all that time, no film or theatrical version
of the book has rendered a true adaptation of
the book. BSB staff and company member
Scott Kurz has created an adaptation
absolutely true to the novel – a fascinating
and horrifying struggle between damnation
and salvation. An outstanding array of actors
brings the play to life: Amy Kunz, Laura
Leininger, Terry Doughman, David Mainelli,
Scott Blankenship, Jeremy Earl, John
Hatcher, Daniel Dorner, Jerry Onik, David
Sindelar, Lisa Kalantjakos, Cthy Buresh,
Shannon Carrol, JoAnn Goodhew, Keith
Homan, Chris Elston and Roger Valdez.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at
7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Exception:
The Halloween night performance will begin
at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 general; $13
seniors; and $5 students. TAG discounts
apply. For reservations, call 399-6287.
Page 4
- The Green Room Scott Jackman Memorial Fund
This past spring, TAG lost Scott Jackman, a
past president of TAG and a friend and patron
of all of the area’s theaters. However, thanks
to the Scott Jackman Memorial Fund, Scott’s
influence in the theater community can
continue. Due in large part to a generous
donation from Theatres of the Midlands, the
Scott Jackman Memorial Fund currently
stands at $1150. The question is, how should
that money be put to use? The TAG Board
has considered several different possibilities,
including the creation of a post-graduate
scholarship in Scott’s name, the institution of
an annual grant program for specific theater
projects, and the initiation a publicity
campaign to increase awareness of area
theater offerings, but we’d like your input as
well. If you have an idea for the Scott
Jackman Memorial Fund, please contact TAG
President Jennifer Gilg (551-6284 or
[email protected]). In the meantime,
help keep Scott’s memory alive but adding
your donation to the Fund!
Rocky Horror Tickets On Sale
Tickets for Stages of Omaha's production of
its Award-Winning Musical, The Rocky
Horror Show at Omaha's historic Orpheum
Theatre are now on sale. Performances are
Halloween night, Friday October 31 at 9 p.m.
and Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets
are $25 and can be purchased in person at the
Civic Auditorium Box Office (18th and
Capitol Ave in Omaha) or through Ticket
Master (402-422-1212: Omaha, 402-4751212: Lincoln, www.ticketmaster.com, or at
any Bakers, Younkers or Russ's location).
Prop Bags and show information are available
online at www.stagesofomaha.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New TAG Members!
Constance Allan
Cabaret Productions
(Gordon Cantiello, Rep)
Marlys Frohwein
Kate Garst
Kristin Johnson
Mark Langdon
John LaRue
Chris Nelson
Maxine Scott
Chuck Scott
Emily Smythe
Amanda Wirth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next T.A.G. Lines
Deadline:
October 15
Glory’s Do’s and Don’ts
DO respect your director and respond his/her constructive notes, even if you don’t agree.
DON’T be afraid to talk with your director about your character and ask questions.
DON’T be disrespectful during your audition and attempt to “throw” a part you’re not
interested in. It’s not fair to your fellow actors who are also auditioning and is a waste of
the director’s time.
DO try and branch out and get involved with other theatres. Spread your wings!
DON’T provide your fellow actors and peers with “constructive” notes prior to preview or
opening night unless your opinion was solicited. This is the Director’s job. Doing this
only reflects poorly on you and causes the actor to loose focus. Enjoy the show and
remember – it takes guts to be on stage. Be a supportive peer.
Blue Barn Fundraiser
Stages of Omaha Season
The Blue Barn Theatre, located in Omaha’s
historic Old Market district proudly
announces a spectacular event, ON THE
SET with EDIE FALCO. On October 11,
the Emmy Award winning actress and star of
HBO’s THE SOPRANOS will come to town
for a one-night-only gala affair. Modeled
after the Bravo Channel’s “Inside the Actor’s
Studio,” this exciting evening will feature an
in-depth interview with Falco about her film,
television, and theater career and the art of
acting. Blue Barn Executive Director
Hughston Walkinshaw explains Falco’s
involvement this way, “Many of us Blue
Barners went to college in New York with
Edie to study acting. After the success of our
Alexander Payne fundraiser last year we
decided to give Edie a call and try it again.
She said she’d do it in a heartbeat.” In
addition to an interview, the evening will
include clips from Falco’s film, television and
theater work, an audience Q and A and a
special “Wrap Party” reception with Falco
immediately following the show and catered
by Lo Sole Mio. ON THE SET with EDIE
FALCO will take place on the mainstage at
the Omaha Community Playhouse on October
11th beginning at 8 p.m. preceded by a
cocktail hour with a cash bar at 7:30 p.m. All
tickets are $50.00 and seating is general
admission. Tickets go on sale September
15th. The next morning, Sunday, October
12th the Blue Barn will host a special Brunch
with Carmela on the Blue Barn stage from
10:30 a.m. - Noon. This intimate, catered
brunch with Edie is limited to 25 people.
Cost is $275 and includes a ticket to On the
Set with Edie Falco on Saturday evening. Call
the Blue Barn Theatre at 345-1576 for more
information.
Stages of Omaha has added three shows to
its 2004 Season. All performances are at The
Millennium Theatre, except for 1776 which
will be performed on the Rose Blumkin
Performing Arts Center mainstage. The new
season includes:
- tick, tick ... BOOM! by Jonathan Larson
(Feb 12 - Mar 14)
- Side Show by Bill Russell & Henry
Krieger (Mar 25 - Apr 18)
- Evita by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd
Webber (Apr 29 - May 30)
- 1776 by Sherman Edwards & Peter Stone to
be performed at The Rose (June 30 - July 4)
- Once on this Island by Lynn Ahrens and
Stephen Flaherty (July 15 - Aug 15)
- A Man of No Importance by Terrance
McNally, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
(Aug 26-Sept 19)
- The Fix by Dana Rowe & John Dempsey
(Sept 30 - Oct 31)
Don’t Go It Alone!
Want to see a show but don’t
want to sit alone? Grab your
membership roster and make
some calls to your fellow TAG
Members.
Form your own
group and help to support your
local theater community! Get
out and see some great theater!
Page 5
- The Green Room Theatre Space to Rent?
H o m e l e s s
Production Companies in Need
Have an open slot without a show to fill it? Or a few dark
weekends here and there? Consider renting your space to
one of our local theatre production companies that’s without
a home. Many of these new companies aren’t able to
produce the number of shows to make establishing their own
space a realistic endeavor. Some don’t yet have the
financial resources for building renovations and start up
costs. Sharing your space can be a win-win situation for
both your theatre and these small yet ambitious
organizations. Consider renting your space for a flat fee or
sharing a cut of the door. There are many options in making
a space-share beneficial. And best of all, it means more
great theatre for all of us!
If your theatre is interested in offering space to a production
company in need, contact Mary Carrick, T.A.G. Lines Editor
at [email protected] or at 344-3257. Information on
availability can be published in future newsletter issues.
Blue Barn Announces 2003/2004 Season
- Cruelties/Chelsea (see On Stage News)
- A Piece of My Heart by Shirley Lauro (October 24, 25 and 26). For
three nights only this powerful drama (and multiple TAG award
winner) returns to the Blue Barn stage prior to traveling to Washington
D.C. and performing as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the
Vietnam Womens' Memorial.
- The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris (November 28-December
21), starring Tim Siragusa as the naughty Xmas elf
- Hi Hat Hattie by Larry Parr (February 6 - 29, 2004). Directed by
Susan Clement-Toberer. A thrilling one woman musical celebrating
the life of legendary entertainer Hattie McDaniel, the first
African/American to win an Academy Award for her portrayal of
Mammy in Gone With The Wind.
Shelterbelt Public Reading
The Shelterbelt is pleased to announce a public reading of its
next full length original play, Marlin Perkins Under Glass, by
Tim Kaldahl. This funny and poignant play explores love,
relationships, and the path not taken. Kaldahl's one acts have won
TAG Awards the past two years, and his new play, which will be
produced at the Shelterbelt next April, is sure to be a hit. The reading
will be at the Shelterbelt/SNAP! Theatre, 3225 California Street,
October 4 at 1 p.m. The reading is free and all are welcome to attend.
Questions? Call Joe Basque, 551-6282.
Medusa Project Presents The Gorgon Gala
Come one, come all for the Gorgon Gala presented by the Medusa
Project on October 4 at the Hot Shops Art Center (13th and Nicholas).
Enjoy an art show and opening reception beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds
from the $5 suggested donation will benefit the Medusa Project and
help local artists create, show and sell their work. Regular gallery
hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 p.m.
Other events throughout the month of October:
October 11: Weisenheimers (Omaha’s own Improv Comedy Troupe);
doors open at 7:30 p.m.
October 17: Screening of Transphasis II (filmed documentary of
last year’s show); doors open at 7:30 p.m.
October 24 & 25: Nebraska Book Festival - featured readers
beginning at 9 p.m. Don’t miss the poetry slam on Saturday!
TAG Teen Corner
By Christopher Violett
Now that we're in the swing of things with both school shows and
community, I feel it is a good time to discuss everyone's favorite
part of productions.........the audition. I spoke with Dr. D. Laureen
Pickle about teens and their audition. She gave a great list of do's
and don'ts. Here are just a few of them.
Do:
-Bring music (in your key)
-Dress appropriately
-Sing the right song for your voice
(in your range)
-Rehearse with the accompaniment
Don’t
- Sing “Tomorrow”
- Sing “Happy Birthday”
- Sing anything from
from Les Mis
- Vieux Carre by Tennessee Williams (April 9 - May 2, 2004). Directed
by Hughston Walkinshaw.
One of his last and best. This
autobiographical play takes place in the New Orleans' French Quarter
in 1938. A steamy character drama full of desire and quiet desperation.
A Summer Surprise (June 4 – 27, 2004). We’re holding off
announcing our summer show until production rights become available.
Pickle said the most common mistake is teens singing songs that
aren't appropriate for their age, such as "I Dreamed a Dream" or
"This is the Moment." Keep some of these pointers in mind.
Hopefully Pickle's years of experience and tidbits of advice will help
your audition run as smooth as butta'.
- Look for several guest shows during the season and a special summer
play series!
Upcoming High School Productions:
Looking for the perfect gift?
How about some Curtain Cash?
Contact Therese Rennels, your
Curtain
Cash
expert
at
[email protected]. She’ll tell
you everything you want to
know and more!
Burke presents Rumors - Oct. 23-25 at 7 p.m. (557-3232)
Millard North presents Into The Woods - Oct 17-20. (691-1365)
Millard South presents Into The Woods - Oct 10-12. (895-8268)
Ralston presents Once on this Island - Oct 23-26. (337-7373)
Millard West presents The Waltze of the Toreadors - Oct 2,3,and 5.
(896-6000)
Page 6
Theatre Planning Calendar
October, 2003
1
W
2
Th
3
F
4
5
Sa Su
Op
Miss Nelson is Missing - OTCYP
8
W
9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 22 23
Th F Sa Su W Th F Sa Su W Th
29
W
30
Th
31 1 2
F Sa Su
Cl
Cl
Trapped or Contesting the Inevitable… - *Blue Barn
Cl
Cl
The Solid Gold Cadillac - Grand Olde Players Theatre
The Solid Gold Cadillac - Grand Olde Players Theatre
Op
Who Killed Don Jose? - OTCYP
Cl
Op
Bat Boy The Musical - *Stages of Omaha
Cl
Pageant - *Dundee Dinner Theatre
Cl
Visiting Mr. Green - *Omaha Community Playhouse
Op
Dracula - Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company
Cl
Cl
Cinderella, Cinderella - *Dundee Dinner Theatre
Op
Op
The Bat - *Mills Masquers
All in the Timing - *Art and Soul Center for the Arts
Cl
Cl
Cl
Cruelties/Chelsea - *Blue Barn Theatre
Op
Shelterskelter 8 - *Shelterbelt Theatre
& 28
Op
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - *Iowa Western Comm. College
Cl
Op
Dracula - Omaha Theater Ballet
Cl
Op
The Medium - *Little Apple Productions at the Shelterbelt
Cl
Op
A Piece of My Heart - *Blue Barn Theatre
Curtain Cash Theatres:
B & D Productions
Bellevue Little Theatre
Blue Barn Theatre
Chanticleer Theatre
Circle Theatre
Dundee Dinner Theatre
Cl
Cl
Op
The Afghan Women - Angels Theatre Company - Lofte
* Denotes member theatres
24 25 26
F Sa Su
Little Apple Productions
Omaha Community Playhouse
Ralston Community Theatre
Shelterbelt Theatre
SNAP! Productions
Stages of Omaha
Cl
Theatre Arts Guild, Inc.
October, 2003
TAGLINES!
P.O. Box 24008
Omaha, NE 68124-0008
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OMAHA, NE
PERMIT NO 1024
www.theatreartsguild.com
Your newsletter is sent bulk mail and not
forwarded. Keep your address current!
Send changes to:
TAG c/o Barb Ross
9035 Raven Oaks Drive
Omaha, NE 68152
[email protected]
Your 2003/2004 TAG Board of Directors
Steve Adair, Past President, Ex-officio
Tom Bertino, Webmaster, Ex-officio
Mary Carrick (2004), Newsletter Chair/Ed.
Gary Emenitove, TAG E-Broadcast, Ex-officio
Jo Gaver (2005), Corresponding Secretary
Jennifer Gilg (2004), President
Rhonda Hall (2004), Programs Chair
Liz Heim (2006)
Michael Krohn (2005)
Amanda Link (2005), Scholarship Chair
551-5687
572-7971
344-3257
397-6052
551-6284
551-4904
552-9326
898-0776
492-8252
D. Laureen Pickle (2006)
Connie Jo Podendorf (2004), Recording Sec.
Denny Maddux (2005), TAG Night Out Chair
Melissa Jarecke (2005), Public Relations Chair
Therese Rennels (2004), Curtain Cash Chair
Bob Roberts, Historian, Ex-officio
Barb Ross (2006), Membership Chair
Daena Schweiger (2006)
Chris Violett (2003-2004), Teen Rep/Chair 493-4285
Don Wieczorek (2004), Theatre Services Chair
Ted Roche (2006)
391-2414
322-7504
256-1535
592-3124
391-3944
493-4490
571-8311
861-8637
558-3465
292-3781
Send TAGLINES newsletter information by email to: [email protected].
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To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, email to: [email protected]
TAG – Doing Business…
…And Henceforth
- The next TAG Board Meeting will be on Saturday, October 11
at 10 a.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
- Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG
Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Jennifer
Gilg at 402-551-6284 if you plan to attend.
- The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for
The November Newsletter is October 15th at 4 p.m.
- To advertise in TAGLINES, contact us. Our varying rates cover
Both inserted flyers (which you supply) and ads printed on
Newsletter pages. Non-members may only advertise theatre-related
Business.
- E-mail Newsletter information/articles to [email protected] or mail to
Mary Carrick, 4207 Shirley Street, Omaha, NE 68105.
- Check out the online advertising rates at our website: www.theatreartsguild.com.
Rates based on the number of views!