March Metro Arts Pass



Enjoy the arts with a Metro Arts Pass! If you are a season subscriber to the Omaha Community Playhouse, in the month of March, you can receive $1 off admission at El Museo Latino.

The Metro Arts Pass is sponsored by The Reader and features various nonprofit arts organizations around Omaha. In order to be a Metro Arts Pass member, you only must be a member or subscriber to one of the participating organizations. Every month, OCP members can enjoy a discount at a different featured Omaha arts organization.

Other participating organizations include:
Omaha Children's Museum
Omaha Performing Arts
Bemis Center
Durham Museum
Opera Omaha
El Museo Latino
The Rose
Film Streams
Nebraska Shakespeare
Joslyn Art Museum
Fontenelle Nature Association
The Arts Center
Ballet Nebraska
Love's Jazz & Arts Center
Lauritzen Gardens
Bluffs Arts Council


For more information about the Metro Arts Pass, contact the director of sales at lkaup@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 147.

Altar Boyz, Live in Concert!

“To make it in show business there are only three things you need to do well: act, sing and dance.” That’s ALL?

On March 2 the Omaha Community Playhouse will make way for the opening of the concert-style musical Altar Boyz in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre.

Highly stylized with harmonic ballads and tightly synchronized choreography, Altar Boyz requires a talented bunch.

Director Susan Baer Collins gives her insight and understanding on how to work with a cast of “triple threats.”

“A true triple threat is an extremely strong actor, singer [and] dancer. So musical theatre these days, say in New York…that is the kind of caliber of performer,” Susan said. “Ultimately that means training in all three areas.” When it comes to singing, dancing and acting, Susan added that performers always have a stronger area.

All five of the cast members in Altar Boyz display a wide-range of talent in all three major categories.

Paul T. Hanson (Matthew)
Character Profile: Matthew is the self-proclaimed leader of the Altar Boyz. His physique, manor and attitude are well represented throughout the show.
Performer Profile: Paul has been into theatre since he was in first grade. He studied in New York at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (AMDA). He earned a B.A. in theatre arts at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and when asked what he considers his strongest area Paul said, “triple threat…duh.” He later claimed that acting is his forté

Joseph T. O’Connor (Mark)
Character Profile: Mark is the “sweetest” Altar Boy. Mark’s innocence and quiet confidence makes him the most lovable member in a dynamic cast of characters.
Performer Profile: Besides going to the Rose Theatre in Omaha as a young child, Joseph got his start performing in elementary school plays. Joseph considers himself a singer and musician first. Interestingly enough, he and fellow cast member, David, perform in a local barbershop quartet.


Quinton Stewart (Luke)
Character Profile: Luke is the obvious “bad boy” of the group. He spent some time at a clinic rehabilitating from “exhaustion.” On the contrary, Luke’s performances are never lacking excitement. He brings it.
Performer Profile: Quinton has been performing since his show choir days in the seventh grade at Westside Middle School in Omaha. His talents have landed him on nationally televised events and competitions. Quinton considers himself a singer that can dance.

Roderick Cotton (Juan)
Character Profile: Juan is the group’s “Latin lover,” wooing the ladies with his Latin charm. Juan is an orphan who was raised by nuns in Tijuana. His undying search for his birth parents serves as a precursor to his undying faith in God. He also serves as the Boyz’ wardrobe designer.
Performer Profile: Roderick enjoys auditioning for shows all over the country. He was recently a cast member of Chicago and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at OCP where his dance numbers and song solos wowed audiences.

David J. Zenchuk (Abraham)
Character Profile: Abraham is the only Jewish member in a Christian boy band, and he solidifies his tolerant attitude and leadership within the group.
Performer Profile: David has been involved with theatre since the fourth grade. In high school he heavily participated in choir and honed his skills through voice and dance lessons. David considers his talent for singing his strongest area.

Melanie Walters, Altar Boyz choreographer, and an accomplished triple threat, said that it helps to have knowledge of the performer when choreographing a show. “A choreographer [needs] to be aware of what a singer needs to be focusing on when they’re doing their movement,” Melanie said. “You wouldn’t put a really intense movement where you’re holding notes for a long time. When you’re giving choreography you have those same ideas in mind.”

Collins added that there is a sense of gratification working with such talent. “There are times when I look at them and say, what would you do here? How would you respond to this?,” Susie said. “You’re going to physically do something in an ‘Altar Boy’ way, what do you do? You know it better than I do. Show me,” she added. “I feel very confidant and comfortable asking for their input, and I wouldn’t always necessarily do that.”

Don’t miss Altar Boyz in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre, March 2–25, Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19-40 for adults and $24 for students. For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $29 and student tickets are $18. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (402) 553-0800, visit the Box Office or click here.


Article by Chad Cunningham

21 & Over presents Circle Mirror Transformation



Omaha Community Playhouse's 21 & Over program is pleased to present Circle Mirror Transformation.

Monday, March 12, 2012
7:30 p.m.
Omaha Community Playhouse
Howard Drew Theatre
Free and open to the public, with an opportunity for donations. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker
When four lost New Englanders who enroll in Marty's six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. Called an “absorbing, unblinking and sharply funny play” by the New York Times, Circle Mirror Transformation celebrates the subtle and surprising power of creativity.
The remainder of the 21 & Over schedule for the 2011-12 season is as follows:

May 7, 2012: The Candy Project (special guest artists)
June 18, 2012: Passion Play by Sarah Ruhl

The 21 & Over productions are intended for a mature audience and discretion is advised. For more information on 21 & Over and other OCP alternative programs, contact Amy Lane, Resident Director, at alane@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 164.

21 & Over is sponsored by Omaha Steaks and the Mammel Foundation and media sponsored by Omahype.

Wig Volunteers needed for upcoming production of Hairspray



The Omaha Community Playhouse costume department is looking for a team of talented hairstylists to assist with the fabulous 60s wigs in Hairspray. For this volunteer opportunity, you will be working under the direction of Kaylan Paisley. Originally from Omaha, Kaylan started her theater career as an apprentice at OCP. She went on to graduate from the North Carolina School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Wig and Makeup Design for Theater and Film. Kaylan’s credits include wig construction and design for the first national tour of 101 Dalmatians, the Musical, wig stylist for national tours of CATS and most recently, Legally Blonde, the Musical. She has designed and constructed wigs for OCP’s A Christmas Carol, Chicago and Flyin’ West. Before she returns to national tours, we are thrilled to have her here as the wig and hair designer for Hairspray.


If you are a hairstylist with an interest in theatre and period hair design, we hope you will consider working on this show! Most work will be done in the evenings and on weekends. We are also looking for people interested in working backstage during the actual production helping the actors with their wig changes and styling touch-ups. Call the Omaha Community Playhouse costume shop at (402) 553-4890, ext 138 and ask to speak with Georgiann or Paula. We are setting up times through March to meet with Kaylan to talk about volunteering your time on this exciting show. Hairspray runs May 25–June 24, 2012, and we will begin work on styling the wigs during the first week of April.

Theatre Career Expo

Do you have a passion for theatre? Do you consider yourself creative? Are you a behind-the-scenes kind of person?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, explore all of the career opportunities theatre has to offer at the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Theatre Career Expo!


Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Omaha Community Playhouse, Owen Lobby
Attend at any time throughout the day, stay for however long you like!


All Day Events

• Venue Tables: Meet representatives from regional colleges, theatres and businesses in the theatre and entertainment industry.
• OCP Tours: Tour the Omaha Community Playhouse (Teachers are welcome to schedule private tours).
• Résumé Critiques: Have your students bring their résumés to be critiqued by industry professionals.

Workshops

• Tuning In: Louder is Not Always Better: Sound basics and what makes the event you are attending audible for everyone.
• Puppetry-Bunraku to Avenue Q: The beginnings of puppetry in theatre and a demonstration in front of you!
• Dialects: Basics on how to speak other dialects with an interactive exercise in Standard British.
• Moving Light Magic: Take a look at moving lights, programming boards and the gadgets that make our stages glow with beauty (presented by Theatrical Media Services).
• Scenic Painting: Magic In Front of Your: How do you get into commercial work? How is it different than stage work? Learn how this world is so different, and yet the same in our industry.

For more information, call (402) 553-4890, ext. 135.


Gearing up for Summer

With the mild winter weather, it isn’t hard to imagine the warm summer months that are right around the corner. The Education Department is getting ready for a summer of hot talent and new faces. First Stage, OCP’s summer theatre academy, will be celebrating its 15th year with a look back at the most memorable scenes through the ages. We will be offering our drama day camps, a new improv comedy camp and a three-day puppet-making workshop. For those who prefer to remain behind the scenes, we will also be offering a theatre tech camp. Click here to register.

Cruise the World at Destination: World's Fare


Set sail Saturday, March 31 with ACT II at Destination: World’s Fare as you cruise to exotic ports of call without ever leaving the Omaha Community Playhouse. Please join Honorary Chairs Captain and Mrs. Carter and Vernie Jones aboard the S.S. Jones for an evening of fun, food and entertainment at ACT II’s annual benefit for OCP.

Behold the wonder of Alaska, enjoy the reggae sounds of Jamaica, experience the underwater world of the Caribbean and enjoy variety show entertainment at the Captain’s reception aboard the S.S. Jones. Patron travelers will enjoy access to the exclusive Pirate’s Cove for the duration of the evening, featuring the music of the Linoma Mashers and fabulous cuisine from Catering Creations.

Ports of Call:

•S.S. Jones: Featuring fabulous entertainment and delicious desserts, the Captain’s reception aboard ship is the place to be. We’ll be showcasing the cream of the crop in local performers—talented singers, amazing magic, flair bartending and more. Preserve your memories of the evening and have your photo taken by the ship photographer!

•Alaska: Prepare to have your heart stolen by the majesty of Alaska. Relax and sample the bounty offered in this scenic locale. Don’t forget to try the catch of the day!

•Jamaica: Let your hair down at the Barefoot Tiki Bar with a signature cocktail and enjoy Caribbean cuisine as the reggae sounds of Jamaica play in the background. Compete in the ring toss and have your hair braided in the local custom.

•Mystic Reef: You’ll be amazed at the watery world of the Caribbean. We’re taking you on an underwater adventure like you’ve never experienced. Marvel in this cool blue lagoon as you enjoy taste sensations.

Patron tickets for this special night are $125 per ticket and feature exclusive access to Pirates’ Cove, catering by Catering Creations and dancing to the sounds of The Linoma Mashers. General Boarding tickets are available for $75 per ticket. All tickets provide event access from 6 to 9 p.m. and include unlimited food and drink. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the development coordinator at (402) 553-4890, ext. 145 or the Box Office at (402) 553-0800.

21 & Over Presents: The Encyclopedia Show



Back by popular demand, Omaha Community Playhouse's 21 & Over program is pleased to present The Encyclopedia Show.

Monday, Feb. 20, 2012
7:30 p.m.
Omaha Community Playhouse
Howard Drew Theatre
Free and open to the public, with an opportunity for donations. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

Brought to you from Omaha Spoken Word artist, Katie F-S and the minds of Chicago poets and producers Robbie Q. Telfer and Shanny Jean Maney, The Encyclopedia Show is a live variety extravaganza that commissions local and touring artists and experts from many disciplines to use their individual talents to present a different verbal encyclopedia entry each month. Get ready for a fun, interactive night; The Encyclopedia Show is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
The remainder of the 21 & Over schedule for the 2011-12 season is as follows:

March 12, 2012: Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker
May 7, 2012: The Candy Project (special guest artists)
June 18, 2012: Passion Play by Sarah Ruhl

The 21 & Over productions are intended for a mature audience and discretion is advised. For more information on 21 & Over and other OCP alternative programs, contact Amy Lane, Resident Director, at alane@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 164.

21 & Over is sponsored by Omaha Steaks and the Mammel Foundation and media sponsored by Omahype.

February Metro Arts Pass Deal



Enjoy the arts with a Metro Arts Pass! If you are a season subscriber to the Omaha Community Playhouse, in the month of February, you can receive $10 tickets to The Adventures of Nate the Great at The Rose and 10% off exhibitions and gift shop items at Love's Jazz & Arts Center.

The Metro Arts Pass is sponsored by The Reader and features various nonprofit arts organizations around Omaha. In order to be a Metro Arts Pass member, you only must be a member or subscriber to one of the participating organizations. Every month, OCP members can enjoy a discount at a different featured Omaha arts organization.

Other participating organizations include:
Omaha Children's Museum
Omaha Performing Arts
Bemis Center
Durham Museum
Opera Omaha
El Museo Latino
The Rose
Film Streams
Nebraska Shakespeare
Joslyn Art Museum
Fontenelle Nature Association
The Arts Center
Ballet Nebraska
Love's Jazz & Arts Center
Lauritzen Gardens
Bluffs Arts Council


For more information about the Metro Arts Pass, contact the director of sales at lkaup@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 147.