Post #1: Mister Roberts

Anchors Aweigh: A Seafaring Tale of "Mister Roberts"

Ahoy, matey, and welcome aboard the USS Reluctant. Actually, welcome to the rehearsal hall at the Omaha Community Playhouse as I bring you to what is fast becoming the world of Mister Roberts. We’re about three weeks into rehearsal now and this ship is fast taking shape (pun intended). It never ceases to be a treat for me as I watch actors make new discoveries of their characters and find ways to turn simple lines into comedic gold.

Just last night, I had a great moment with Ron Chvala who plays Doc. I was lamenting about the end of the crew’s liberty and fondly remembering the Elysium goddess who made a man out of me with the lines, “There goes the liberty. That was sure a wham-bam-thank you, ma’am.” As I turned a dreamy face toward Ron, he stared at me for a brief moment, then deadpanned, “Good night,” before making his exit. I’m glad I already had a goofy grin on my face because I wanted to split my sides laughing. Ron’s delivery was so hilarious that I actually forgot my next line.

And that’s what I like about rehearsals. It’s all about throwing things against the wall to see what sticks and what grows organically as your character slowly begins to take on a life of its own. And the magic doesn’t stop there. Although the point of rehearsal is to create a life from words on a page, the art of acting is an ever evolving animal and I have often seen actors have a moment of inspiration on stage where they’ve discovered another aspect of their character and show it through a new gesture or turn of the phrase and the performance becomes fresh and original once more.

When this adventure began, we were, for the most part, complete strangers to each other. Now we’re slowly becoming a team. . .a unit. . .a family and it’s the constant interaction and chemistry we discover among ourselves that helps us to forge the temporary identities we will soon assume.

Tonight is another rehearsal and another step closer toward creating this incredible world.

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

The 2010-2011 Season Begins With YOU!

The past year has enlightened, challenged and inspired us. Your passion for the Playhouse and commitment to our community presence has allowed us to renew our focus while creating exceptional stage productions and impactful educational programming.

The 2010-2011 Season, a season you helped select, is now on sale! Don't miss the opportunity to see this sensational season as a season subscriber. Season subscribers enjoy early box office openings, save money on tickets, get discounts on Playhouse classes and space rentals and receive special offers at participating local businesses.

Click here to see the production listing and dates.

Click here to download the editable PDF. Email completed form to info@omahaplayhouse.com.

Please contact info@omahaplayhouse.com or 402-553-0800 with questions about our 2010-2011 Season subscriptions.

Winner Announced: All Shook Up Elvis Sing-Off

And the winner is.......Natalie Thomas!

We had two finalists in the All Shook Up Elvis Sing-Off, Stephen Lahowetz and Natalie Thomas. These two videos had two different settings, two different songs, and two different styles. When voting closed, Natalie had 58% of the votes.

Natalie will receive two tickets to a performance of All Shook Up along with a back stage tour and the opportunity to be on stage with the cast during vocal warm-ups.

Missed the video entries? You can still check them out under Fan Videos on our Facebook page.

Billy's Birthday Bash for Lara

You’re invited!
presented by A Breath of Fresh Art.

“Billy’s Birthday Bash for Lara” is a birthday reception and benefit performance by Billy McGuigan. The event, scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2010, at the Omaha Community Playhouse, will raise money toward double-lung transplant costs for Lara Marsh, and to celebrate Lara’s milestone 40th birthday.

The event will begin with a birthday reception between 5 and 8 p.m, followed by a performance by Billy McGuigan at 8p.m. Tickets for the performance are $50 and can be purchased at ABreathOfFreshArt.com. Ticket buyers who donate an additional $50 will receive access to a VIP reception with Billy McGuigan. For more information, call 402.917.4366

Born on April 9, 1970, Lara was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at an early age. Lara is in need of a life-saving double-lung transplant. Volunteers are helping to raise the $100,000 needed for transplant-related expenses not covered by insurance. Double-lung transplant costs often exceed $500,000. The goal of the event is to raise money toward Lara Marsh’s recommended double-lung transplant surgery.

Lara has an active commitment to the arts in Omaha, working with and volunteering at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Snap! Productions, Bellevue Little Theatre, Blue Barn Theatre, Nebraska Shakespeare, the Aksarben Ball, Great Plains Theatre Conference, and many other arts organizations.

She is currently employed as the Artistic Coordinator of the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, the professional touring wing of the Playhouse, as well as the Apprenticeship Coordinator of the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program of the Playhouse, where she assists in the career training of high school and college students.

The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is also assisting Lara Marsh. To learn more about Lara or to make a donation through COTA, go to cotaforlaram.com.