Factoids are fun! And we certainly learned quite a few about Stephen Santa and all of the productions the upcoming Omaha Community Playhouse's 2022-2023 Season! This was a great chance to get to know Mr. Santa, who comes to us from Pittsburg. His extensive experience in theatre, directing, and also in ways to make theatre available to everyone, along with his passion for theatre, is a perfect match for OCP. Find about it all here on our podcast! ********** Omaha Community Playhouse Contact Infor...
Jun 15, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Morrie Enders, Executive Director of the Lincoln Community Playhouse is a burst of refreshing energy! He talks about their new season, Season 77 called "Stepping in to Season 77" ! Mr. Enders is an introspective and easy to talk with, and we also talk about how LCP handled the height of the pandemic and how the theatre is planning the future. So listen in! You won't want to miss it! LINCOLN COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE CONTACT INFO: Website: https://www.lincolnplayhouse.com/ Facebook: https://www.faceboo...
Jun 04, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 48
It's going to be a busy week in theatre! We talk with Kevin Lawler, Artistic and Administrative Coordinator of the Great Plains Theatre Commons New Play Conference, which begins Sunday, May 30th and runs every day until June 4th, 2022. The Conference will be held at Mid Town Crossing and the Fort Dodge Metro Community College campus. The Conference will have workshops as well as the showing of new plays written by Playwrights from all over the globe. The people involved are too many to list, but...
May 28, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Opening TONIGHT, May 13, 2022, "The 39 Steps" opens at the Chanticleer Community Theatre. We talk with the Director, Roxanne Wach, and her muliti-talented and multi-character cast: Will Muller, Roz Parr, Brennan Thomas, and Marcus Benzel. This small cast packs a lot of fun and suspense in this mix of a Hitchcok masterpiece with a dash of Monty Python. We were able to see the preview last night of this wonderful show and talk with these wonderful Creatives! Don't miss this wonderful podcast and t...
May 14, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 46
We had a fun conversation with Derek Kowal, Director, Shelly Gushard, Musical Director and Lisa Scheve, Choreographer for the 56 Annual Melodrama by the Florentine Players in Florence! And because the weather is nice, we even were able to podcast outside. Don't miss learning about the show - it will even have a parade! The Melodrama "I Saw Her Standing There" or "The Show Must Go On" will run May 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14th at 7:30PM. And in full Florentine Players style, there will be drinks and...
Apr 29, 2022•19 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Last but definitely not least, Charles James Adams talks to the Platte River Bard. From the era that Sheri and Chris grew up in, it was always a joke that five people make an official party, but in this case, if you add Mr. Adams and his wonderful energy and sense of humor, that makes five, so we were an official party! And speaking of party, Mr. Adams plays Simon Stimson, a character that is a little bit wild in Thornton Wilder's "Our Town". Mr. Adams is an Actor, Director, and Writer who has t...
Apr 23, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Shawn Whitsell is yet another impressive and multi-talented individual in the cast of " Our Town " at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre where he plays the role of Mr. Webb. We talk with him about his performance company, Destiny Theatre Experience, as well as some of his other acting experience. He delivers a caring performance as Emily's father in Our Town, and we are fortunate to have been able to meet him and hear his inspiring love of acting! Get your tickets for the last weekend of Our Town at...
Apr 22, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Christopher Austin, who plays the "Stage Manager" in Nebraska Repertory's production of Our Town was so much fun to interview! He has film, theatrical and voiceover credits, and is the current Casting Director at the Contemporary American Theatre Company in Columbus, Ohio. We can tell you that he breathes a new life into the role of the Stage Manager, which is a huge role in this production, and it's refreshing to watch him turn this character into someone who is relatable and contemporary After...
Apr 22, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 42
We are always so delighted to talk with Ron Himes, even if it's just for a few minutes in his busy day. Mr. Himes, Founder and Producer of The Black Rep in St. Louis, was invited along with his cast and crew to perform “Sweat” at the 2022 Inge Festival (Kansas' Official State Playwright Festival in Independence, Kansas) by Lynn Nottage on Friday, April 22nd. Ms. Nottage is being honored at this Playwright Festival. You can either go in person this weekend, or you can watch it virtually (link bel...
Apr 21, 2022•14 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Ms. Thomas is a striking individual, and she lights up the stage with her smile and energy! Joni Thomas is also a UNL Theatre Alumni Graduate and is used to working behind the scenes in local Lincoln theatres including the Nebraska Repertory Theatre and the Lincoln Community Playhouse. But this time she is in front of the audience, and Our Town is her stage debut as the gossipy Mrs. Soames. Don't miss this great show! NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO: Website: https://nebraskarep.org/ Fac...
Apr 21, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 40
This is the third interview with the cast and crew of Nebraska Repertory Theatre's produciton of Our Town . We talked with Composer, Craig Woerz, and Music Supervisor and Arranger, Charlie Alterman about how they recreated and arranged the brand new score for Thornton Wilder's Our Town . Craig is a Composer, Musician and the Managing Partner of Media Storm, and was named a “Media Maven” by AdAge (Inc. 500) for creating one of the most successful media agencies. Charlie is a Broadway Musical Dire...
Apr 20, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Shawn K. Jain, theatrical, tv and film Actor, is an inspiration to all Creatives young and old! Today in our podcast, he shares his story about Acting full-time. Mr. Jain is currently in the production " Our Town " at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, and he plays Dr. Gibbs in this newly reimagined and inclusive version of Thornton Wilder's play. In addition, the play contains a newly revised score which adds life to this heartwarming story (more on that soon!). This is the next in a series of sev...
Apr 17, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 38
What a special treat it was to sit down with Dr. Arthur Feinsod, Guest Director of Our Town at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre that opens April 13th! Dr. Feinsod has served as Artistic Director for Crossroads Repertory Theatre in Terre Haute, Indiana. He also co-founded and served as Artistic Director for Theatre 7 where he staged plays that included Death of a Salesman in the historic Indiana Theatre. As a Playwright he has written Malcolm’s Call , Table 17, Between the Dams and Coming to See Au...
Apr 12, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Musing, A Storytelling Series: LIfe and Death, Stories about Starts and Stops, Beginning and Endings, Renewal, and Letting go at Bluebarn Theatre is already SOLD OUT! But that's okay because there will be a Virtual Offering coming shortly. And on top of that, we had such a fun talk with Seth Fox, Story Curator for this Series, you must listen and find out more! This production's Storytellers are: Angela Fernandez, Brenna McCune, Jeff Koterba, Maureen Mangan, Ralph Kellogg, and Tom Becka Each Sto...
Apr 05, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 36
The upcoming production of God on Trial by the Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company will be an illuminating and fascinating look at a supposed legendary event during World War II of Holocaust prisoners at Auschwitz who decide to put God on trial for breaking his Covenant with the Jewish people. Director and Actor, Murphy Wulfgar (formerly known as Scott Kurz) talks about this moving and powerful play. There is a lot to unpack in this play, and this discussion with Murphy adds so many elements to en...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 35
It's our 100th Episode! And we are celebrating by talking with Ron Himes, founder and Producing Director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, who graces us with a devised piece, Traveling Shoes , at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. There are only two performances of this important piece of work which includes poems, prose, dance, and songs to convey the need to have difficult conversations and realizations about contemporary social issues. Ron also talks with us about his current productions...
Mar 26, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Meet the talented Hal France, UNO Theatre's Music Director to talk about the upcoming Auditions for this summer's High School Musical Theatre! Auditions are March 26th and April 2nd. This is a new opportunity for area theatre students to work with UNO's talented Directors! Don't miss this great opportunity to be in the musical, Fame ! We also talk with Hal about his vast experience in the arts. From Kaneko Art Gallery, to Opera, to Julliard and more! Omaha has a wonderful resource for the Arts! ...
Mar 26, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 33
It's always a treat to meet new talented people, and we were certainly not disappointed in the least when meeting Jill Anderson. Jill is Guest Directing "King Lear" which will be opening at Bluebarn. Jill discusses what will be a fantastic Shakespeare experience, with a large cast packed with local talent, complete with period costumes and an intimate set. We were so fortunate to also not only discuss the works of Shakespeare with Jill, but also to talk about her music and theatre experiences. J...
Mar 19, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 32
It's a British farcical party on the podcast! We had all full guest list, the most we have ever had so far on the podcast! This close-knit cast is making their mark in Glenwood, Iowa by portraying the hilarious cast of the smash hit of the London and Broadway stages, Blithe Spirit , written by Noel Coward. It is now being performed by Mills Masquers at the Barton-Rowe Theater and opens March 12th. Joining us today are: Kari Drake, Director Rita Miller McKinney, the crazy psychic medium Madame Ac...
Mar 05, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Join us for a delightful conversation with Todd Uhrmacher, Director and Costume Designer, of Grease ! Nebraska is fortunate to have such a talented Director "behind the wheel" (pun intended) of this production at Bellevue Little Theatre. Todd is so much fun to talk with, and we are honored he took the time to meet with us. Your chills will multiply when you hear the amazing voices of 25 cast members of this hit musical return to the stage. It will be electrifying, so don't miss it! Grease opens ...
Feb 28, 2022•19 min•Season 3Ep. 30
We speak to Steven Williams, Professor at UNO and Head of Design and Production at UNO, Jocelyn Reed and Aaron Butler, both Co-Producers of the Crossing the Street Festival at UNO and also UNO Fine Arts students. Jocelyn and Aaron produced and directed a festival of plays, poetry and prose which celebrates BIPOC voices and addresses the need for difficult conversations about race, gender, and age - and our human connectedness. The title of the festival has some special origins as well that you'l...
Feb 23, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 29
We are always so honored and await in eager anticipation of being able to speak with Andy Park, Artistic Director of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Andy has written and directed the Nebraska Repertory's upcoming production, The Way to the Way. This will be a fantastic performance full of rich cultural history, a powerful message of connectedness and humanity, paired with a stage full of puppets in every form as only Andy's imagination can deliver an experience of exporting ourselves into a spec...
Feb 22, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Now You Are Dead: A Pick Your Own Play Adventure opens February 17th and runs just one weekend through Sunday, February 20th, The Florentine Players at the The Florence Community Theater brings You, the Audience, the power to choose the structure of the play! Find out all about it here on our podcast as we talk with Writer, Director, Eric Green and Actor, Nate Hunzeker! Written by Bill Grennan, Greg Harries, Shannon Jackson, and Andrew Yolland. Adapted by Eric Green, Derek Kowal, and Tracey Mauk...
Feb 13, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Find out What's Happening in the Arts in Eastern Nebraska in February 2022! *********** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: h...
Feb 05, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 26
We are so excited to bring to you our conversation with Petra Wahlqvist, Executive Director of Nebraskans for the Arts! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful resource for supporting Creatives in our State! Petra has such a fun background to talk about, which has prepared her well for her new role at NFTA. Petra is the co-founder of Blitx, a non-profit, arts innovation and education and engagement community building in Lincoln, NE. Petra has studied and performed all around the world and is su...
Jan 16, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Musing, A Storytelling Series have begun at Bluebarn Theatre! We talk with Seth Fox, Curator of the Series and he discusses how this live event came about and what all they have planned! Seth is incredibly easy to talk to and you'll enjoy hearing about these unique events! Each quarterly event has several storytellers taking the stage to deliver a 6 to 12 minute story. Musing is making an open call to storytellers! So if you are thinking about pitching an idea to Seth, you can email him at musin...
Jan 08, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Jon Flower debuts his Directing skills in Bellevue Little Theatre's Death By Design, which opens January 14th and runs until January 30th! Don’t miss this comedic mystery "whodunnit" play written by Rob Urbinati. Jon is not only a Director, but an experienced Actor and has served for many years as the Board President of WhyArts?. You may have most recently seen him playing Gomez in The Addams Family at the Ralston Community Theatre! So you won't want to miss this hilarious farce, Death by Design...
Jan 06, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Happy New Year! Find out What's Happening in Eastern Nebraska in the Arts in January 2022! We also are featuring the music of two talented area artists who contribute greatly to the Arts Community, Jennifer Novak Haar and Mark Haar of Novak and Haar Music: https://n-hmusic.com/ . Jennifer and Mark are part of the Outreach Program at the Omaha Chamber Music Society and have contributed their performances to their You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtnpCCIJG_YmUqHKYCbdDw . If you ...
Jan 02, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Find out What's Happening in Eastern Nebraska in the Arts, December 19th through the 31st, 2021! If you have Art News you'd like added to the program, you may email us at "platteriverbardnews" at gmail. HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking A...
Dec 19, 2021•15 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Find out What's Happening in the Arts in Eastern Nebraska! We have a little bit of a different format this week, so check it out and let us know if you like it better! Also, find out how you can email us your Art news and happenings to add to the program. HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get...
Dec 10, 2021•20 min•Season 3Ep. 20
