SNAP Productions! / Ghost Light Theatre in Bellevue opens "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, A Thriller Musical" on April 25th - but there's more! An added performance to the schedule, sing-along performance, an Industry night that is pay-what-you-can and an ASL performance! Hear it from the Barber, Jonas Fogg and Judge Turpin, or ahe…

We had the distinct pleasure to talk to three very talented Omaha Creatives involved in the upcoming production "Scissoring" written by C. Quintana at VIA Omaha! We spoke with Asia Nared, Delaney Jackson, and TammyRa who are part of this small cast about the experience of a Catholic schoolteacher who is also in a relationship with another woman and…

The Platte River Bard attended the 2025 Omaha Fringe Festival Lottery and was able to talk to Board President Nic Jansen, Artistic Director Lara Marsh, Board Member Carrie Nash and Button Contest Sponsor Paul Pape of Paul Pape Designs. There are cash prizes for the button contest this year that is due April 20th! There is a lot of excitement about …

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Pohlman, who has been a driving force at Pickering Firm, Inc. for more than 45 years, shaping the company's growth, culture and leadership. After graduating from Christian Brothers College (now Christian Brothers University) in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Pickering and quickly establis…

Once again, we speak with Nia Karmann about her upcoming art show at the Mahoney State Park! This year, the vendors will span both the 1st and 2nd floor of the Peter Kiewitt building at the Mahoney State Park. She has 21 artists of all kinds: photography, paintings, sculptures, pottery, fiber arts and more! Join the kick off event on Friday, April …

We spoke to Leo Adam Biga, local freelance cultural journalist and non-fiction book author. His works have spanned many years and subjects. Many times he has traveled for his story, including when he accompanied a group of local students to President Obama's Inauguration, and when he went on the set of well-known writer, director, screenwriter, and…

This episode of the ChangeMakers podcast, produced by CityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, features an insightful conversation with Kathy Mull, the Executive Director of The Cocoon, a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency located in Wood County, Ohio. Hosted by Jeremy C. Park, the episode delves into…

Marie Schuette, local Playwright and Creative, premieres her play "Stuck with Lemons" at the Shelterbelt Theatre February 13th-March 2nd. We talked with Marie Schuette and the Director of this play, Amy Lane about the origins and development of this play that was created and brought to life here in Omaha! This play is a collaboration with Great Pla…

During the interview, Monnie talks about how growing up in Dayton, Ohio, and spending summers working on a family farm in Kentucky, picking tobacco and baling hay, helped form a work ethic that continues to drive success today. He talks about father's service and his family's legacy of service and how that led him to serve in the US Marine Corps, t…

"Misery" adapted by William Goldman (who also wrote "Princess Bride") is based on the novel by Stephen King. SNAP! Productions will open this production on February 7th and it will run through February 23rd. This three-person show will entertain you with it's wacky and dark plot, as well as it's well-done fight scenes. We talked to Kaitlyn Rudeen w…

We talk with Actor Hannah Post and Director Mackenzie Zielke about their production, "The Girl on the Train" which opens January 31st at Bellevue Little Theatre. This is a suspenseful thriller was originally a book by Paula Hawkins and a New York Times Best Seller before it was a movie, and then a play adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. If…

The 19th Annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards (OEAA) Awards are here! On February 16, 2025, the awards will be held at The Admiral Theater (admiralomaha.com/). We have the scoop here for you about this prestigious Omaha tradition! Find out why the OEAA puts on their awards, how the voting works, how the venue dictates the award show, and lear…

It’s January 20th, 2025! And we have the scoop of the year! Opera Omaha has announced their 2025-2026 season effective today, January 20th, and we have all the information here to share it with you! We talk with Allison Swenson, General Director and Katrina Thurman the Director of Artistic Administration about all of the exciting line-up of product…

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM). With over 25 years dedicated to childhood development, Dr. Burgess shares his fascinating journey—from early inspirations in childhood to groundbreaking research in emotional and cognitive processes…

The Lied Center for Performing Arts and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating the music of "RENT" with their performance of "RENT In Concert" on January 18th, 2025! We had learned there are incredibly talented young Nebraska performers that will be part of this fun production and we wanted to share a few of those with you! We spoke to …

We talked with Director Sara Scheidies about her upcoming production "She Kills Monsters" by Qui Nguyen which opens January 20th at the Chanticleer Community Theatre at the Hoff Center at PACE. "She Kills Monsters" was published in 2011 and was nominated for the Drama Desk Awards, GLAAD Media Awards, and ITBA Patrick Lee Awards in 2012. In 2013 it …

With the addition of the technological age, bullying has become even more apparent as a big problem that our kids and even adults face. We spoke with Dr. Patricia Newman, Founder and Executive Director of RESPECT. RESPECT is a not-for-profit organization formed of professional actor-educators, led by a child psychologist, advised by community organ…

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Taylor and Carter English, co-founders of The Rise School of San Antonio, to explore the transformative power of faith, family, and purpose-driven action. Their journey begins with personal challenges—the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who was…

What is Christmas without music, friendship and snow? The 1954 movie "White Christmas" was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2008, and will give you all the great feelings of the famous Hollywood movie. While we were at PACE, visiting Chanticleer's production of this play, we heard lots of dancing and singing and spoke with Music DirectorJennifer …

We are blessed with another holiday collaboration between Benson Theatre and Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Co.! This holiday you will see inside seven different apartments at Holiday Tower. We talk with Dulcie Mueller, Writer and Actor, and also Midge Radcliff, Co-Executive Director of Benson Theatre. They reveal what this holiday show is about, the …

Exciting things have been in the works at Bellevue Little Theatre! On December 6th they will open the world premiere of "It's A Wonderful Life"! This play was adapted from the movie version by Dr. D. Laureen Pickle and John Arnsdorff. It contains the wonderful story from the movie that so many people adore, plus some well-placed music to get you in…

After a 5 year hiatus, The Madrigal Christmasse Feast is back! The event is presented by Dwayne Ibsen, Ibsen Costume Gallery, & Chanticleer Theater on December 5th and 6th. We talked with Denise Putnam, Howard Swain and Musical Director, Mark Morello. This festive event promises an evening filled with music, entertainment, and delicious food, all s…

We had the pleasure of speaking to Steve Krambeck, Director of "A Very Special Holiday Special", and Dan Wach, Executive Director of Shelterbelt Theatre. This production is a celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah, and where they meet, since they will both be celebrated on December 25th this year. Writer Mark Harvey Levine produced 8 short funny, ye…

The Lincoln Community Playhouse in Lincoln, Nebraska is honored to host a World Premiere, and winner of the American Association of Community Theatres New Play Fest, The China Shop, written by Richard Manley. The play opened November 8th and had a sold out audience on Sunday November 10th. There is now one week left to see this award winning play! …

The Fall Platte River Art Show is here! This weekend, November 15th through the 17th, head on out to Mahoney State Park to the Peter Kiewitt Lodge and enjoy the day! We talk with Nia Karmann, Promoter and Organizer of the Platte River Art Show and Owner of Nye Street Studios. On Friday evening, there is a wine and cheese event to kick off the eveni…

Five different women - all named Betty - who are of different backgrounds and gender identities, all converge to share their story about anger, sex, love and theatre. The play was written by Jen Silverman, and it premiered in Washington DC in 2018. High comedy and high energy, this play is sure to entertain and yet address the issues of women, femi…

Here's a serious and deeply complex play you don't want to miss this season: "Freakshow" (1999) by Carson Kreitzer at SNAP! Productions opens November 8th! The Platte River Bard spoke to Giles Russo and Nick Knipe and discussed what this production has in store for you! The setting: Behind the scenes of a traveling Freakshow, those who have been ou…

This 100th ChangeMakers Podcast episode honors the legacy, career, and calling of Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, who has been intertwining medicine and ministry for decades to transform lives and communities. Join host Jeremy C. Park as he talks with Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., who announced his retirement in June 2024, after serving as President and…

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS (International Development and Educational Associates), who shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting how stepping into hard moments and saying "yes" can transform the world. During the interview, Gabrielle talks about growing up in a family …

Find out why you won't want to miss "American Psycho The Musical" at SNAP! Productions at Ghost Light Theatre. This Musical opens September 20th and runs until Septemeber 29th. We talk with Stage Manager, Christina Belle; Set Builder and Designer, Doug Hartshorn; and actor and comedian who is also new to Nebraska, Geoffrey Eggleston. Don't miss thi…

Talk about a great time of year to see The Mel Brooks Adult Young Frankenstein! Bellevue Little Theatre is kicking off this sensational fall production with a Costume Party on Friday the 13th (of course!), that ends with wine and cheese that will leave you with an electrically charged great time. We had a lively discussion with the Director of this…

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Chris Powers, Founder and Executive Chairman of Fort Capital and host of The Fort Podcast, who shares his personal and professional journey and highlights the intersection of mentorship and business growth. During the interview, Chris talks about growing up in El Paso and Lubbock, Texas, and how he started getting int…

We have a short chat with the Director and cast of VIA Omaha's Production of "Plot Points in Our Sexual Development" that opens August 15-25th. Meredith Melville, MFA, came to Nebraska as a visiting Director from Texas to direct this play. The play only has two cast members, which are Asia Nared and Arson Starkloff-Crane who have created sparks on-…

It's Directors Roundtable in Lincoln! We talk with Timothy W. Scholl, Executive Artistic Director of Angels Theatre Company, Morrie Enders with the Lincoln Community Playhouse, and Jamie Bullins, who is a longtime Director, Associate Professor of Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL, and also part of the Staff of the Angel…

The Mills Masquers Summer Musical is here! Opening August 2nd and running until August 11th, there will be much harmonizing, dancing and comedy! We talked with Don Torbett, Music Director; Adam Clayton, Associate Director; Don Vinkenberg, Choreographer; and Connor Edick, who is the Actor who plays Spongebob Squarepants. This is a musical for everyo…

We are happy once again to discuss the Omaha Fringe Festival 2024 ! This will be the 5th year of the festival and Omaha is so lucky to have one. If you aren't familiar with the history of the Fringe Festival, it began as a festival in Edinburgh Scotland in 1947. Since then it has expanded to over 100 cities all over the world. Join us for our conve…

Clay Farris Naff is a recently accomplished playwright who is debuting his new play The Cleanup Lady. Clay is an author, and has been an award winning journalist, a correspondent for the United Press International in Tokyo, a freelance reporter for National Public Radio, Newsweek, Huffington Post, Earth Magazine, The Humanist, and Scientific Americ…

On this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of community transformation with Dr. Chris Lambert, a visionary who's redefining nonprofit success and neighborhood revitalization. Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, an award-winning author of "Next Level Nonprofit," and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit orga…

We talked with Jay Hayden and Grace Grennan about their upcoming production A Midsummers Nights Dream. Old School Shakespeare is known for their One Rehearsal model as they share Shakespeare in non-traditional locations in a wildly fun way! Hear all about where they will be so you can catch them. Omaha is lucky to have a group of seasoned actors wh…

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, where we dive into the importance and power of community colleges, civic engagement, and mentorship with one of host Jeremy C. Park's closest friends from grade school in Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Molly M. Harris, Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College. Dr. Harris has b…

Opera Omaha is always a pleasure to visit, and their 2024-2025 season promises more Opera to Go, Opera in Conversation, Opera Outdoors, Poetry in Music and so much more. Plus they will have three productions in their season, with an additional family friendly opera that we will let Allison Swenson, General Manager and Katrina Thurman, DIrector of A…

You've probably seen it - either the Table Grace Cafe at 1611-1/2 Farnam Street, or even something online for Table Grace The Musical. But what are they? Well, it's both of those things - and yet, so much more! We sit down with Simone Weber, CEO and Musical Missionary with Table Grace and find out "What is this musical?" "Why is it at three venues?…

BVT's 57th Season has arrived! And if you haven't ever heard of Brownville Village Theatre before you are in for a treat. And if you have heard of them, you're still in for a treat! BVT is always a-buzz with activity and rightfully so. They produce five full shows during the Summer. Beginning in July you can see all five in one weekend if you want …

We talk with a few of the young actors in this musical, Shemar "Mar" Toussaint, McKenna Cottone, and Nick Knipe. They are the young stars of "Heathers The Muscial" at SNAP! Productions which opens June 7th. Productions will run until June 23rd with one Industry Night (pay what you can) on June 17th. Our guests are having a blast and working hard at…

Today on our podcast, we're thrilled to have the accomplished and talented Chris Scott, Director of "Barefoot in the Park" at Bellevue Little Theatre, joining us for a chat about this timeless Neil Simon classic play. "Barefoot in the Park" is a Neil Simon masterpiece known for its perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt moments. Chris Scott talks wi…

Today on our podcast, we're diving into the exciting world of Rave On Productions with Kimberly Faith Hickman, Artistic and Education Director. Get ready to hear about all the buzz surrounding their summer lineup! First up, after wowing audiences in Omaha, Rave On Productions is bringing their Omaha Series production, The Awesome 80's Prom to the R…

We were lucky to catch three of the seven women in BLUEBARN's production of "POTUS" or "Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive". This production, Directed by Susan Clement, opened May 23rd and will be showing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until June 23rd! We talk about how their first weekend went and what…

During the interview, Jerry talks about growing up in Northern California and going through traumatic experiences with his family. He shares how he was able to move forward in college and work with a friend to launch a durable medical equipment business, and how his frustration of working with attorneys caused him to go to law school to help his co…

We had a fun visit with Rachel Robbins, Producer, Director, Actor, and Theatre Educator of Popcorn Productions, LLC's Melodramas and her team of actors: Ian Cullin, Samantha Desh, Shade Ingraham, Elizabeth Maack, and Collette Williams. We also spoke to their Lighting and Sound Designer, Zach Wasserman, as well as one of the youngest ensemble member…

Our first Directors Roundtable begins with two talented and charismatic Professors of Theatre: Jamie Bullins from UNL and Ron Zank from UNO! Their expertise and contribution to local theatre made them wonderful guests of our Directors Roundtable. We are so excited to bring you this podcast. We have been working toward this idea for quite some time.…