Let your talent shine this summer at OCP!
Whether you passion lies in front the curtain or behind, the Omaha Community Playhouse has something for you! First Stage Summer Theatre Academy is celebrating its 15th year with a review that will revisit all the classic moments that has made OCP's academy shine throughout the years. Not a fan of the spotlight? First Stage technical theatre academy may be for you. Learn the secrets behind creating theatre magic in set, costumes, props or all of the above. OCP also offers Drama Day Camps for younger theatre stars. Looking forward to seeing you at OCP this summer! Register now! Click here or call (402) 553-4890, ext. 131.
'Streetcar' cast and director take a fresh approach to a classic
There are some plays and films that seem to be the industry standard to which all other plays and films are compared. They contain iconic characters that are revered from generation to generation. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and an Academy Award-winning movie, A Streetcar Named Desire is definitely a legendary title. Even those who have never seen it could probably quote it without even realizing it.
So how do a cast and director breathe new life into a well-known classic?
“When I picked up the script to read it a few months ago, I was knocked out by how truly great the story was,” said Director Amy Lane. I think you tackle an iconic play the same way you tackle any play...tell the story, be honest with the characters, let the language shine.”
“It’s best to bring as fresh a perspective as possible to every role,” said Teri Fender who plays Blanche DuBois. “I can’t help but think that Tennessee Williams would far prefer that his plays feel organic and new each time they’re performed, as if they are brand new paths to be traveled, rather than simply repeating what’s been done so well before.”
What approaches do actors take to give iconic characters a fresh outlook?
“The key to taking on a role of this size and stature in any play is to bring your own ideas and instincts to the table and use everything you have to make it your own,” said Fender. “The second you start trying to do what someone else has done just because it worked for them, is the second you’ve failed as an actor because you’ve essentially removed yourself from the equation.”
“It is my goal to be as honest to the piece as possible without trying to emulate or give the audience a ‘Marlon Brando’ reading,” said Chad Cunningham who plays Stanley Kowalski. “I want those who are familiar with Streetcar to discover something new, and I want those who aren't to make their initial experience memorable.”
“I really just am trying to come at the character from her point of view on everything,” said Leanne Hill Carlson who plays Stella Kowalski. “In her circumstances, how does she feel when a particular event happens? Why does she feel that way? It makes her so real to me, and I can justify every choice I make as an actor that way.”
How might this version be different from other versions of A Streetcar Named Desire that audience members have seen?
“I had only seen productions of the play designed with muted, neutral colors...as if the life and color had been drained out of the setting,” said Lane. “But Williams' original script described a vibrant, robust, Technicolor world into which Blanche floats like a tattered moth. It was such a striking image for me and the designers; I instantly threw away my preconceptions of the play and focused on this original script!”
A Streetcar Named Desire runs April 27-May 27, Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. in the Howard Drew Theatre. Tickets are $35 for adults and $21 for students. For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $23 and student tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, visit the Box Office, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.
So how do a cast and director breathe new life into a well-known classic?
“When I picked up the script to read it a few months ago, I was knocked out by how truly great the story was,” said Director Amy Lane. I think you tackle an iconic play the same way you tackle any play...tell the story, be honest with the characters, let the language shine.”
“It’s best to bring as fresh a perspective as possible to every role,” said Teri Fender who plays Blanche DuBois. “I can’t help but think that Tennessee Williams would far prefer that his plays feel organic and new each time they’re performed, as if they are brand new paths to be traveled, rather than simply repeating what’s been done so well before.”What approaches do actors take to give iconic characters a fresh outlook?
“The key to taking on a role of this size and stature in any play is to bring your own ideas and instincts to the table and use everything you have to make it your own,” said Fender. “The second you start trying to do what someone else has done just because it worked for them, is the second you’ve failed as an actor because you’ve essentially removed yourself from the equation.”
“It is my goal to be as honest to the piece as possible without trying to emulate or give the audience a ‘Marlon Brando’ reading,” said Chad Cunningham who plays Stanley Kowalski. “I want those who are familiar with Streetcar to discover something new, and I want those who aren't to make their initial experience memorable.”“I really just am trying to come at the character from her point of view on everything,” said Leanne Hill Carlson who plays Stella Kowalski. “In her circumstances, how does she feel when a particular event happens? Why does she feel that way? It makes her so real to me, and I can justify every choice I make as an actor that way.”
How might this version be different from other versions of A Streetcar Named Desire that audience members have seen?
“I had only seen productions of the play designed with muted, neutral colors...as if the life and color had been drained out of the setting,” said Lane. “But Williams' original script described a vibrant, robust, Technicolor world into which Blanche floats like a tattered moth. It was such a striking image for me and the designers; I instantly threw away my preconceptions of the play and focused on this original script!”
A Streetcar Named Desire runs April 27-May 27, Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. in the Howard Drew Theatre. Tickets are $35 for adults and $21 for students. For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $23 and student tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, visit the Box Office, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.
Billy's Last Performance as Buddy in Rave On
Billy McGuigan will kick off his final Rave On tour as Buddy Holly at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Don't miss this monumental show!
Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience
June 8-24, 2012
Special Event in the Howard Drew Theatre
Written, directed and produced by Billy McGuigan
Musical Direction by Darren Pettit
Produced by Rave On Productions © 2007
Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience reinvents the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, high-energy, rock n’ roll extravaganza featuring America’s premier Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan! Backed by the rockin’ Rave On band, their incredible musicianship ignites the stage and breathes new life into the music of Buddy Holly!
In this rock and roll tour-de-force, audiences will experience all the thrills of a Buddy Holly concert re-imagined, which includes such hits as “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Oh Boy” and of course, “Rave On.” In a unique twist, Billy as ‘Buddy celebrates the birth of an era and pays homage to fellow rockers Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience
June 8-24, 2012
Special Event in the Howard Drew Theatre
Written, directed and produced by Billy McGuigan
Musical Direction by Darren Pettit
Produced by Rave On Productions © 2007
Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience reinvents the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, high-energy, rock n’ roll extravaganza featuring America’s premier Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan! Backed by the rockin’ Rave On band, their incredible musicianship ignites the stage and breathes new life into the music of Buddy Holly!
In this rock and roll tour-de-force, audiences will experience all the thrills of a Buddy Holly concert re-imagined, which includes such hits as “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Oh Boy” and of course, “Rave On.” In a unique twist, Billy as ‘Buddy celebrates the birth of an era and pays homage to fellow rockers Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
Tickets are $38 or $32 for groups of 15 or more. For more information or tickets, call (402) 553-0800 or visit the OCP Box Office.
Sponsored by: American Title, Inc. and Gale & Judy Wickersham
Sponsored by: American Title, Inc. and Gale & Judy Wickersham
April 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 April, you can receive two tickets to Opera Omaha's The Mikado for $50 on April 13 or 15.
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
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.
21 & Over Presents The Candy Project
Omaha Community Playhouse's 21 & program is pleased to present special guests The Candy Project.
Monday, May 7, 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.
The Candy Project
This fresh, local company is dedicated to bringing contemporary, intimate and awesome musical theatre to the Omaha area. Join us as they present Kooman and Dimond’s Homemade Fusion, a vibrant, cutting-edge new song cycle. The Candy Project is musical theatre for a new generation.Director: Cathy Hirsch
Music Director: Luke Furman
Cast:
Roderick Cotton
Sam Hartley
Cathy Hirsch
Stephanie Kidd
Steve Krambeck
DeAnna Langabee
Megan McGuire
Jaimie Pruden
David Rubio
Homero Vela
Allison Wissman
The remainder of the 21 & Over schedule for the 2011-12 season is as follows:
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.
"Tenor" Actors Hone Their Comedy Techniques
"The foundation of acting is the reality of doing. Good acting is not an accident."
--Aristotle
According to actor Desi Arnaz, “An actor who is good at comedy can also be very good at drama, but not necessarily vice versa.” So what makes the unique breed of comic actors so successful at drawing laughs? For the upcoming Omaha Community Playhouse production of Lend Me A Tenor, the director and cast members weigh in on their comedic techniques.
"I think comedy comes from honesty," said Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, who plays the character of Max. "If you're not listening it's not real. Often times anyone who thinks they're funny generally isn't."
--Aristotle
According to actor Desi Arnaz, “An actor who is good at comedy can also be very good at drama, but not necessarily vice versa.” So what makes the unique breed of comic actors so successful at drawing laughs? For the upcoming Omaha Community Playhouse production of Lend Me A Tenor, the director and cast members weigh in on their comedic techniques.
"I think comedy comes from honesty," said Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, who plays the character of Max. "If you're not listening it's not real. Often times anyone who thinks they're funny generally isn't."
Since Lend Me A Tenor requires a large amount of physical humor, Anthony believes that timing and honesty are the most important aspects of his character's development.
The entire play is set in a hotel suit in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934 where eight unique characters find themselves amidst a classic case of mistaken identity. The financially motivated Saunders is the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company who has hired Tito Merelli, a world-famous tenor, to perform the Italian opera Otello. Before Tito can even leave his hotel room a series of unfortunate events causes the star to miss the beginning of his critically acclaimed performance. Rather than cancel the sold-out show and refund the audience, Saunders instructs Max, his dutiful assistant, to take the tenor's place on stage.
"Good farces not only have incredibly sharp timing, but developed characters," said Director Carl Beck. "To me I think it's the last strong farce that's been written. Farce is a difficult thing to write and a difficult thing to perform correctly." The importance placed on the characters and their development is what Carl says makes Tenor a crowd pleaser. It isn't just about the obvious sex jokes and slamming doors, but rather how the audience cares about the characters and their desire to know what happens next.
Joe Dignoti, who plays the famous tenor Tito, claims that the show's irony plagues the characters and hinders their agendas all to the audience's benefit. "It's a very energetic comedy of errors." Pratfalls, mistaken identity, wardrobe malfunctions and a clever script makes Lend Me A Tenor a comedic classic.
Don’t miss Lend Me A Tenor in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre, April 13–May 6, 2012. Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19-35 for adults and $21 for students. For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $23 and student tickets are $15. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (402) 553-0800, visit the Box Office or click here.
Article by Chad Cunningham
Theatre Career Expo Success Once Again!
The 6th Annual Theatre Career Expo at the Omaha Community Playhouse was a great success again this year! Over 200 students participated in five workshops and visited with twenty venues.
The Theatre Career Expo was created to connect drama theatre students and theatre career bound men and women with those currently in the profession. This includes those who work at universities, theatre businesses and theatres themselves. All venue participants are from Omaha and the Midwest region, including guests from South Dakota and Missouri. After visiting with these entities, participants are able to see the wonderful opportunities available to them “in our own backyard.”
The event also showcased workshops. The following workshops were presented: Sound; Louder is Not Always Better; Puppetry; Bunruku to Avenue Q; Dialects; Moving Light Magic and Scenic Painting: Magic in Front of Your Eyes.
Special recognition goes to the Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) of Omaha for providing partial funding of the event.
With such a great response and connections amongst the participants and students, we look forward to next year!
What others are saying:
The Theatre Career Expo was created to connect drama theatre students and theatre career bound men and women with those currently in the profession. This includes those who work at universities, theatre businesses and theatres themselves. All venue participants are from Omaha and the Midwest region, including guests from South Dakota and Missouri. After visiting with these entities, participants are able to see the wonderful opportunities available to them “in our own backyard.”
The event also showcased workshops. The following workshops were presented: Sound; Louder is Not Always Better; Puppetry; Bunruku to Avenue Q; Dialects; Moving Light Magic and Scenic Painting: Magic in Front of Your Eyes.
Special recognition goes to the Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) of Omaha for providing partial funding of the event.
With such a great response and connections amongst the participants and students, we look forward to next year!
What others are saying:
“Just keep doing all that you are doing!! Excellent training and community service to people and the arts!!”
“Just having this is great. I like the space and running it all day. …thank you so much for allowing us to participate. We will be coming back next year.”
“The facilities are beautiful, the lunch was delicious, the staff was incredible, and the students were engaged and prepared. A+ for the event!”
“Set up, layout of event was great – allowed for good traffic flow. Great attendees who were interested in what we had.”
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