Teacher Sees Former Students Excel on Stage in Yesterday and Today

For years, Billy McGuigan and his brothers Ryan and Matthew have thrilled audiences around the country with their all-request Beatles tribute show, Yesterday and Today. Billy has had a successful and fulfilling career as a musician and entertainer, having created three critically acclaimed musical tribute shows. Every year fans are delighted with the return of the toe-tapping, sing along show Yesterday and Today to the Omaha Community Playhouse. One fan in particular, Kent Hanon, has been coming to Yesterday and Today on New Year's Eve for years to celebrate the holiday and watch his former students perform an energetic rendition of The Beatles' music. Kent taught Billy and his brothers drama at Bellevue East while they were in high school.

When asked what Billy was like when he was younger Kent said, “Billy, or Billy Mug, as I used to call him, was one talented and dedicated student. He wanted to be the best at everything he did, but he didn’t have an ego. Billy would be anything I needed him to be whether an actor, a singer, a musician or even a tap dancer.”

Billy wasn’t solely devoted to music as Kent explains, “He was more interested in acting when he was younger. Billy used to do stand-up at the Funny Bone and got cast in several musicals, which is how he eventually got his start in music. He had the natural ability and dedication to do almost anything. I always knew he was destined to do great things.”

Kent continues to describe Billy as “a natural showman who can be anyone you want him to be. Billy’s confidence and talent make him a great performer that audiences love. He has such a great rapport with his audiences because he is energetic, funny and knows how to keep them engaged.”

When asked why he attends the New Year's Eve performance of Yesterday and Today every year Kent explains, “There is no better way to ring in the new year than with Billy and his brothers rocking out to The Beatles music. It never gets old because every show is different. That’s the great part of a request show.” When describing the atmosphere on New Year's Eve, he says, “The show is loud and full of energy. A lot of the same people come back every year, so it’s fun to see familiar faces enjoy the show year after year.”

Kent is planning on attending Yesterday and Today again this New Year's Eve to see Billy and his brothers showcase their talent and their love for the Beatles music.

Be sure to catch this all-request Beatles tribute show as it will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along to every song. Share your stories and relive your memories with your favorite Beatles songs. No two shows are the same and every show is a guaranteed energetic and exhilarating time!

Tickets are on sale now. The show runs from December 7- 31 in the Howard Drew Theatre. Tickets: $38; Groups of 12 or more: $32. Special New Year's Eve Performances at 7 p.m., tickets: $50 and 10 p.m., tickets: $75. There are no Twilight tickets. For tickets, call (402) 553-0800, click here or come in today.

Story by Ryan Murray