New works from a Nebraska Playwright, a collaboration between Omaha and Lincoln theatres - The Platte River Bard Podcast is there for it! Shelterbelt Theatre and the Angels Theatre Company present "Pivot", a new works by Alex Lubischer. This play is about a girl named Kara, who is reclaiming the future she thought was hers in a small Nebraska town. There are lots of twists and turns - and we hear - some good music being used in this production as well!

It will be at Shelterbelt Theatre August 28 - September 14 and then will be at Wyuka Stables produced by Angels Theatre Company October 9-19th!

SHELTERBELT THEATRE:

"Pivot" opens August 28th

Website and Tickets: www.shelterbelt.com

ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:

"Pivot" opens October 9-12 & 16-19

Website and Tickets: www.angelscompany.org

We had a lovely conversation with Chanel Savage, Shizzy Springs and Kane Ashton about their roles in the Nebraksa Premiere of the play "Charm" by Phillip Dawkins.

"Charm" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking play that explores identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. Based on the inspiring true story of Chicago’s Miss Gloria Allen, this powerful work centers on Mama Darleena Andrews (played by Chanel Savage), a poised and passionate Black transgender woman who sets out to teach an etiquette class at a local LGBTQ+ youth center.

"Charm" is Directed by Randall Stevens and Co-Directed by Anthony Holmes and Asia Nared.

"Charm" opens August 14th and runs through the 24th.

Voices in Alliance (VIA Omaha) Ticket & Contact Info:

Tickets Info and Website: https://www.viaomaha.org/

This production will be performed at Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport St. Omaha, NE.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Kathman (Director) and Carter Fangmeyer (Assistant Director) about what makes "Punk Rock Romeo & Juliet" a production you must go see!

This is an ecclectic and bold reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet. Set to the memorable energies of 1970s and ’80s punk rock, you can expect to see a fun reimagination of this classic play.

The historic Wyuka Stables, with its courtyard-style indoor/outdoor layout, will transport you into a charming Elizabethan-like amphitheater.

Find out more about this unique production here!

FLATWATER SHAKESPEARE COMPANY:

Tickets and Information: www.flatwatershakespeare.org

Wyuka Stables, 3600 O Street, Lincoln NE

We sat down with Nicholas Jansen, President of the Board for Omaha Fringe Festival, to bring you the full lowdown on all 20 amazing performances at this year’s festival—running August 7–10, 2025! Featuring talent from dances to one-person plays, as well as puppets and musicals, every show is bursting with creativity!

This year, the Fringe expands across three iconic venues:

• UNO Theatre (Mainstage & Studio 006)

• Blackstone Theatre

• Shelterbelt Theatre

It’s easy to join the fun! Purchase your button ($5) and individual show tickets ($15 each), or go all in with the All Fringe Pass ($80)—granting access to every show (and more repeats if you want)! Buttons are required for entry and go directly to the Omaha Fringe Festival for operating costs. All button art is created by local artists and chosen via an annual contest.

OMAHA FRINGE FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO:

Tickets and Website: www.omahafringe.org

We had the pleasure of speaking with the new Directorial team – VJ Orduña, the Artistic Director, and Brandon Box-Hidgem, the Assistant Artistic Director. Together, they’re bringing new passion, innovation, and a bold vision for the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Get to know VJ and Brandon, learn about their creative journey, and get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the 2025-2026 season. First up: The River Bride (Aug. 15–Sept. 14) and Grease (Sept. 12–Oct. 12)!

We’re thrilled to spotlight Coffee Tonk, a brand-new production inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Ben Danaher. This original play makes its premiere at the Omaha Fringe Festival this August at the Shelterbelt Theatre.

On today’s podcast, we welcome several incredible guests from the Coffee Tonk team: Jill Engelstad, the playwright; Steve Hydeen, the director of Coffee Tonk and Program Director & Chief Admin Director of the 402 Arts Collective; Brigette Chizek, who plays dual roles as singer Jonelle and bar owner Olivia; and Mark Drendt, who portrays the lead character, Daniel West.

This production is truly a collaborative effort. The 402 Arts Collective provided the acting talent, and the River City Shakers bring energy and movement through dance. The Great Plains Theatre Commons supported playwright Jill Engelstad in developing the script. And, of course, the Omaha Fringe Festival and Shelterbelt Theatre provide the platform and venue to bring it all to life.

All Omaha-based. All incredible creatives. All working together to tell new and meaningful stories.

Tune in to the podcast to hear behind-the-scenes insights and enjoy a taste of Ben Danaher’s inspiring music featured in Coffee Tonk.

The Omaha Fringe Festival runs August 8–10, 2025, featuring 20 original productions, each no longer than one hour. Performances will take place at three venues: Shelterbelt Theatre, two stages at the UNO Theatre, and the Blackstone Theater.

Don’t miss this celebration of new work, local artistry, and collaborative storytelling!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

402 Arts Collective: https://402artscollective.org/

Ben Danaher: www.BenDanaher.com

Omaha Fringe Festival: https://www.omahafringe.org/

RIver City Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/p/River-City-Shakers-100064757254152/

Coffee Tonk at the Omaha Fringe Festival Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeTonkFringeFestival

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.