Platte River Bard Podcast

Chris visited SNAP! Productions during their rehearsals and spoke to three of the actors from their upcoming musical "Spring Awakening."  We spoke to Jamie Orton who plays Wendla, Jaden Nguyen, Melchior, and Peyton Casey, who plays Moritz. This play was originally written back in 1891 in Germany by Frank Wedekind.  It has been a controversial drama about the consequences of sexual and religious re...

We had a lovely conversation with Charlene Willoughby who plays Katharine, Justin Parsley as Cal, and Bowen Nowak as Will in "Mothers and Sons" by Terrence McNally.  This play opens November 5th at the Shelterbelt Theatre.  This play is a sequel to the 1990 television play "Andre's Mother."  It is set 20 years in the future.  Andre's mother is looking for answers in her life, still drifting along...

We traveled to Red Oak, Iowa to visit the Wilson Performing Arts Center and learn more about their upcoming production of "Night of the Living Dead." This stage adaptation, written by Laurie Allen Ohm, is based on George A. Romero and John Russo's classic film. Audiences can expect a thrilling blend of black and white, color, comedy, and horror as seven strangers find themselves trapped in an isol...

We had the opportunity to sit down with the talented team at Ollie Webb Center, Inc. to talk about their upcoming production of Looking Glass, an original play by Nebraska playwright Kevin Lawler. Director Kimberly Clark-Kaczmarek, Artistic Director Jim Hoggatt, Education Director David Ackermann, and cast members Mary Kelly, Jordon McCoy, and Elise Arnold shared insights into this magical adaptat...

It’s that time of year again—and we're back with our second podcast episode featuring a show with adult themes in the spirit of the spooky season! This time, we’re diving into Future Imperfekt—an original play written, cast, and directed by Nebraska playwright Mark Reid. Presented by The Florentine Players, this eerie production features four spine-tingling vignettes, each hosted by the mysterious...

Join us for a special podcast episode featuring Angel’s Theatre Company’s production of Pivot at Wyuka Stables in Lincoln, Nebraska. If you had the chance to see Pivot at Shelterbelt, you’ll find the Lincoln production brings a unique perspective to the play. The setting of Wyuka Stables adds a new layer to this already powerful story, written by Nebraska playwright Alex Lubischer. We chat with Ja...

Join us at Mahoney State Park in the Peter Kiewitt Lodge on September 26th, 27th, and 28th for a celebration of creativity and regional talent. We spoke with Nia Karmann, Promoter and Organizer of the Platte River Art Show and Owner of Nye Street Studios, about what you can expect this year. The event kicks off Friday evening with a wine and cheese social, and food is available throughout the week...

Leapin' Lizards!  There is a cast of over 60+ kids that are ready to entertain you with "Annie, Jr."! Chanticleer Community Theatre at PACE (Pottawattamie Arts Culture and Entertainment) has put together a talented cast - and a real-live dog - for this fun musical! We talked with Addison Mathie, Isaac Butts, Anna Larsen, Carrington Newlon and Emmalin Newlon about how much fun they are having, and...

We had the opportunity to visit the stage of Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company’s latest production, Doubt: A Parable, at the First Central Congregational Church. This immersive production invites you to step back into 1964, inside a fictional Bronx parish, where a beloved priest, a steadfast school principal, a devoted mother, and a young, impressionable nun each confront questions of faith, convi...

We caught up with Director Todd Uhrmacher and actor Donovan Carr to talk all things wild, weird, and wonderful about "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — opening September 12th at Bellevue Little Theatre! With a cast of 18 Creatives, BLT is ready to rock you with unforgettable characters, energy, attitude, and a whole lot of fishnets and heels! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer - come ex...

SNAP! Productions at the Ghost Light Theatre proudly presents "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" — opening September 12th! We sat down with cast members Connie Lee (Martha) and Adam Bassing (Nick) to talk about the suspense, wit, and emotional rollercoaster of this iconic play. Also starring Cork Ramer as George and Nina Washington as Honey, and directed by the talented Kimberly Faith Hickman, this...

New works from a Nebraska Playwright, a collaboration between Omaha and Lincoln theatres - The Platte River Bard Podcast is there for it!  Shelterbelt Theatre and the Angels Theatre Company present "Pivot", a new works by Alex Lubischer.  This play is about a girl named Kara, who is reclaiming the future she thought was hers in a small Nebraska town. There are lots of twists and turns - and we hea...

We had a lovely conversation with Chanel Savage, Shizzy Springs and Kane Ashton about their roles in the Nebraksa Premiere of the play "Charm" by Phillip Dawkins.  "Charm" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking play that explores identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. Based on the inspiring true story of Chicago’s Miss Gloria Allen, this powerful work centers on Mama Darleena Andrews...

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Kathman (Director) and Carter Fangmeyer (Assistant Director) about what makes "Punk Rock Romeo & Juliet" a production you must go see!  This is an ecclectic and bold reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet.  Set to the memorable energies of 1970s and ’80s punk rock, you can expect to see a fun reimagination of this classic play. The historic Wyuka Stabl...

We sat down with Nicholas Jansen, President of the Board for Omaha Fringe Festival, to bring you the full lowdown on all 20 amazing performances at this year’s festival—running August 7–10, 2025! Featuring talent from dances to one-person plays, as well as puppets and musicals, every show is bursting with creativity! This year, the Fringe expands across three iconic venues: UNO Theatre (Mainstage...

We had the pleasure of speaking with the new Directorial team – VJ Orduña, the Artistic Director, and Brandon Box-Hidgem, the Assistant Artistic Director. Together, they’re bringing new passion, innovation, and a bold vision for the Omaha Community Playhouse! Get to know VJ and Brandon, learn about their creative journey, and get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the 2025-2026 season. First up:...

We’re thrilled to spotlight Coffee Tonk, a brand-new production inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Ben Danaher . This original play makes its premiere at the Omaha Fringe Festival this August at the Shelterbelt Theatre. On today’s podcast, we welcome several incredible guests from the Coffee Tonk team: Jill Engelstad, the playwright; Steve Hydeen, the director of Coffee Tonk and Program Di...

We had an awesome time chatting with Carly Frolio and Nick Knipe — the two stars playing the love-struck small-town girl and city boy in the upcoming production of Rock of Ages! And we also spoke to their Director, Jeff Garst.  This is a high-energy, nostalgic 80's musical, with comedy, romance, totally rad costumes, big hair, as well as all the 80's hits!  "Rock of Ages" premiered in 2005 in LA a...

What happens when a roller coaster derails and high school kids are killed in the crash, only to make their case to a fortune teller for the chance to be raised from the dead? This musical, "Ride the Cyclone", is full of unexpected twists and turns, with dark humor, and even some heart.   "Ride the Cyclone" runs at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre for this unforgettable ride - July 11-27th. M...

There are so many wonderful summer musicals to attend this summer, and be sure to add this little gem to your list!  Mills Masquers presents "Unexpected Joy", a musical with lots of harmony, soul, and comedy.  We meet four family members who are in different places in life, and they all come together for a memorial service.  This family has had lots of tension over the years, and suddenly they fin...

Angels Theatre Company is proud to present the 10th Annual First Flight Festival, soaring onto the stage July 17–27! We spoke with Interim Artistic Director at Angels, Jamie Bullins, along with playwrights David Chapelle and Adrien Loehring (who also is a Composer), and they couldn’t be more excited to showcase this year’s lineup. First Flight features an eclectic mix of new short plays, monologue...

We are back for our 5th Summer with the Brownville Village Theatre and their 58th Season! There's so much to share that you won't want to miss this podcast.  We discuss their five shows of the summer - plus a world premiere of the play "For the Protection of Girls" written by Rachel Curtiss, Artistic Director at Brownville Village Theatre.  And there's more - flex tickets, talk backs, BVT Young Pe...

It's going to be a Shrek-tastic Summer at Elkhorn Community Theatre! What’s summer without a fun musical full of magic, music, and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun? Get ready for laughs, love, and larger-than-life characters as Elkhorn Community Theatre proudly presents Shrek the Musical! With a cast of 64 talented performers, this family-friendly production promises to lift your spirits and steal yo...

We talked with Lance Nielsen, Executive Director at the Nebraskans for the Arts.  The DOGE cuts to the arts, humanities and culture are an important topic making deep and permanent problems for our local Theatres and Creatives.  If you aren't aware of what has been happening, or if you want to hear more about it because there is a lot to read out there, we have put it into podcast format for you t...

Though tickets are limited and a waiting list is already in place, now is the time to sign up for an unforgettable experience! Opera Omaha’s new production of "Fantastic Mr. Fox",  based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and brought to life by composer Tobias Picker — is the perfect opera for the whole family. Filled with charm, adventure, and clever woodland creatures, it’s a delightful introduction t...