We had an awesome time chatting with Carly Frolio and Nick Knipe — the two stars playing the love-struck small-town girl and city boy in the upcoming production of Rock of Ages! And we also spoke to their Director, Jeff Garst. This is a high-energy, nostalgic 80's musical, with comedy, romance, totally rad costumes, big hair, as well as all the 80's hits!

"Rock of Ages" premiered in 2005 in LA and Las Vegas 2006. It then went Off-Broadway in 2008, and finally premiered on Broadway in 2009 until 2015. In 2012 it also became a musical. Book was written by Chris D'Arienzo.

RALSTON COMMUNITY THEATRE

Tickets and Website: https://ralstoncommunitytheatre.org/

Venue will be located at: Stocks n Bonds, 8528 Park Dr, Omaha, Nebraska 68127

What happens when a roller coaster derails and high school kids are killed in the crash, only to make their case to a fortune teller for the chance to be raised from the dead?

This musical, "Ride the Cyclone", is full of unexpected twists and turns, with dark humor, and even some heart.

"Ride the Cyclone" runs at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre for this unforgettable ride - July 11-27th.

Music, book, and lyrics were by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. "Ride the Cyclone" made it's world premiere in 2008 in British Columbia. It's American Premiere took place in 2015 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It opened Off-Broadway in 2015 and the musicalt will make it's European debut in November 2025.

We are back for our 5th Summer with the Brownville Village Theatre and their 58th Season! There's so much to share that you won't want to miss this podcast. We discuss their five shows of the summer - plus a world premiere of the play "For the Protection of Girls" written by Rachel Curtiss, Artistic Director at Brownville Village Theatre. And there's more - flex tickets, talk backs, BVT Young Performers, and more! We were fortunate to talk with Jack Danter and Rachel Grossman again, as well as Artistic Directors Mitch Bean and Rachel Curtiss, plus two new Company Members, Caleb Martinez and Abigail Martin.

BROWNVILLE VILLAGE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:

Website: http://www.brownvillevillagetheatre.com/home.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BVT1967/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bvt1967

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownvillevillagetheatre/

Brownville Village Theatre, 222 Water Street, Brownville, NE

402.825.4121

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It's going to be a Shrek-tastic Summer at Elkhorn Community Theatre!

What’s summer without a fun musical full of magic, music, and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun?

Get ready for laughs, love, and larger-than-life characters as Elkhorn Community Theatre proudly presents Shrek the Musical! With a cast of 64 talented performers, this family-friendly production promises to lift your spirits and steal your heart.

We had the chance to catch up with Co-Directors Jessica Pulte and Jack O'Connell, along with stars: John Celesky as the lovable Shrek, Hunter Sieckmeyer as the comically villainous Lord Farquaad, and Elliot Brummond as the hilarious Donkey!

Whether you're young, young-at-heart, or just a big fan of fairy tales with a twist, come join us for an unforgettable musical adventure. Don’t miss your chance to experience this Shrek-tacular show!

Grab your tickets now and let your summer start with a roar!

Shrek the Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori, Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, along with elements of its sequels: Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek. The original Broadway production opened in December 2008 and ran until January 2010. It toured from 2010 to 2013. It had several nominations and wins for a Tony, Drama Desk Award, as well as the Tony and Laurence Oliver Award.

ELKHORN COMMUNITY THEATRE CONTACT INFO

Website and Tickets: https://elkhorncommunitytheatre.org/

ASL Performance: June 29th at 2pm

Performance Dates: June 20-22 & 27-29

Summer Camp for Kids Grade 3 through 8 - Performance of Shrek for Kids, (free) June 27th.

Elkhorn South High School, 20303 Blue Sage Pkwy, Omaha, NE

We talked with Lance Nielsen, Executive Director at the Nebraskans for the Arts. The DOGE cuts to the arts, humanities and culture are an important topic making deep and permanent problems for our local Theatres and Creatives. If you aren't aware of what has been happening, or if you want to hear more about it because there is a lot to read out there, we have put it into podcast format for you to listen and easily take in.

It will take all of us working together to advocate and save the already allocated for funding for the arts. We can talk to our US and State Senators, and work on building relationships with them, so they understand the direct impact it is having on our state.

We hope to have Lance back on the podcast again and will continue coverage of this very important issue affecting all Creatives in our country.

NEBRASKANS FOR THE ARTS CONTACT INFO:

Website: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/

GO TO: The NFTA Action Center: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/nebraska-arts-advocacy-network/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskansforthearts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neb4thearts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Neb4TheArts

Address: PO Box 8517, Omaha, NE 68018

PH: 402.817.8176

Though tickets are limited and a waiting list is already in place, now is the time to sign up for an unforgettable experience!

Opera Omaha’s new production of "Fantastic Mr. Fox", based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and brought to life by composer Tobias Picker — is the perfect opera for the whole family. Filled with charm, adventure, and clever woodland creatures, it’s a delightful introduction to opera for all ages!

Performed outdoors at the stunning Lauritzen Gardens, this 80-minute, no-intermission opera is best enjoyed with your comfy chairs and cozy blankets. Surrounded by nature, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience this whimsical world of furry friends and outsmarted farmers.

There will be a Relaxed Performance on June 7 – a welcoming option for those who prefer a more sensory-friendly environment. Find out more information here.

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" was Composed by Tobias Picker, and the Libretto was written by Donald Sturrock. Composed in 1998, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is an Opera Omaha Company Premiere.

OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO:

Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha