Playhouse Announces Endowment Campaign and Unveils “The Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre”



On Wednesday, September 23rd over 400 invited guests gathered at the Omaha Community Playhouse for an evening of exciting announcements and entertainment. The Omaha Community Playhouse Foundation announced the beginning of the public phase of an Endowment Campaign to “preserve the tradition and secure the future” of Playhouse programs and productions. Campaign Chairman, John Gottschalk, announced that over $3,100,000 has already been committed towards a total $6,000,000 campaign goal. Reaching this goal will ensure the current level of Playhouse programming.

In conjunction with the campaign announcement, the Playhouse unveiled the newly renovated Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre. Made possible through a generous gift from these longtime Playhouse supporters, some of the renovation highlights include: new, more comfortable theatre seats, beautiful mahogany wood floor and new carpeting, increased handicapped accessibility, new stage curtain and light coves, and a new and greatly improved sound system.

The Hawks are serving on the Honorary Committee for the Endowment Campaign along with Bruce Lauritzen, Carl Mammel, Ken and Ann Stinson and Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen. Joining Campaign Chairs John and Carmen Gottschalk are Dennis and Ginger O’Neal, who are serving as Vice Chairs. All guests in attendance were treated to a showing of “The Playhouse Anthem Video” as well as a Preview Performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

We hope our entire Playhouse family enjoys the new Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre. We also hope you’ll join us in our Endowment Campaign to ensure that the quality educational and entertainment opportunities the Playhouse provides are available for future generations. If you would like more information about how you can participate in “preserving the tradition and securing the future” of the Playhouse please contact Alena Furlong, Development Director, at 553-4890 ext. 127 or afurlong@omahaplayhouse.com