Post #2: Mister Roberts

Jon Purcell Saves the Day: Another
Seafaring Tale of Mister Roberts


Like snowflakes, no two directors are exactly alike. And that’s one of the more exciting aspects of acting: each director I work under helps uncover a new facet of myself as a performer and helps push me to the next level as I continue to build my “career” in the city. I had some difficulty developing my character this time around because Susie, the director of Mister Roberts, wanted me to play more broadly than I’m used to.

Most of my theatrical experience has been at a theatre company where realism, subtlety, and naturalism were stressed. After four years with them, I had the “broadness” drilled right out of me. For the most part, any extreme or broad idea I had for a character since then was immediately squashed by me because a little voice in my head told me that it was too big and a real person would not behave like that.

So I strove for a realistic Wiley, while Susie would tell me, “Be bigger, Chris. Have more fun with it.” But I had forgotten what it meant to be bigger. On Monday night, that all changed as my saving grace appeared in the form of Jon Purcell and his take on Ensign Pulver. When I saw him bouncing around the stage, full of manic energy, I had another acting epiphany and I so love those moments.

While theatrical, Jon’s interpretation made complete sense and I finally remembered what being bigger meant. And I knew if he could be that big, then I could do so too. Last night, we did my problem scene once more and this time I was huge and felt a real sense of satisfaction and began to revel in being broad.

So thank you, Jon, for inspiring me to new heights. And thank you, Susie, for giving me the chance to be bigger.

Until the next time, of course.

--submitted by Chris Elston, a cast member of Mister Roberts

The Awesome 80s Prom: Too fun to miss!

Speaking from personal experience, the 80’s were more than a little awesome. The music, the hair, the fashion…ahh, what fun it is to reminisce. Don’t get me wrong, I did NOT get stuck in the 80s. I tried on a pair of leggings the other day, and just couldn’t bring myself to buy them. I’d rather see them on my daughter and let her borrow some of the jewelry I held on to.

Anyhoo, having been there and done that is certainly not going to stop me from experiencing the interactive fun of Awesome 80s Prom. From the stereotypical 80s movie characters to the music and period references, I can’t wait to attend Wanaget High’s prom. The cast is preparing for some hilarious improv and each show will end up having its own vibe based on who attends. Oh, did I tell you the audience votes for the Prom King and Queen each night?

The Awesome 80s Prom opens on Friday, April 30 and runs through May 30. Performances are at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $32 for adults and $21 for students. Book a group reservation for 15 people or more and tickets go down to $23 per adult and $15 per student. This show is a great night out with friends, a fantastic bachelorette party and a unique way to celebrate your birthday.

Single tickets go on sale April 13 for season subscribers and April 20 for the general public. Call 402-553-0800 or visit omahaplayhouse.org.

Group reservations are now available by calling 402-553-4890 x147 or emailing knewman@omahaplayhouse.com.

80s attire is encouraged but not required to enjoy this one. Be sure to bring your sense of adventure--perhaps a drink or two beforehand will help!

Special Events During the Awesome 80s Prom:
Friday, April 30- TAG Teen Prom- students attend for $7
Saturday, May 1- Gay Prom- pre-Prom party & performance for $32
Friday, May 7- ACT II Prom- pre-Prom party, performance
& post-Prom for $50
Friday, May 14- Curtain Club Prom- Rising Star subscribers attend pre-Prom and performance for $15

Special event tickets are available by calling 402-553-4890 x147 or emailing knewman@omahaplayhouse.com.

Here is the review from Dave Williams at The Reader http://tinyurl.com/3amxg2j