September

TAGLines
The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – September
Fred Goodhew, President
TAG
NIGHT OUT
Sept. 13
Anything Goes
Bellevue Little Theatre
_________________________
THIS ISSUE
On Stage News
The Green Room / Auditions
Awards Night Recap
Other Good Stuff
Theatre Planning Calendar
__________________________
NEW MEMBERS
Sue and Al Badour
Dan Whitaker
Lily Steckman
__________________________
TAG —
CELEBRATING
40 YEARS
DURING 2007!
Sherry Fletcher, Chair/Editor
www.theatreartsguild.com
A Note from the President
by Fred Goodhew
A Few Well Chosen Words ... (I hope)
Fabulous at Forty, and it really was. Awards night was spectacular, and a huge thank
you goes out to all who made it such a resounding success. Liz Heim and her
committee did a great job, as always. The opening video was brilliantly funny, thanks to
Daena Schweiger, Michele Phillips, Barb Ross, Kate Wiig and all the “Nominees.”
Roxanne Wach’s work on the program and photos was outstanding. And, as usual,
Connie Jo Podendorf kept the whole thing rolling and Todd Brooks tickled the ivories to
welcome people to the stage. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. See a
complete list of those who were honored at Awards Night beginning on page 6.
I only received one complaint: It was too short! Actually that came from only one person
and he was talking about the cocktail hour. He thinks it should be an hour so he could
have more time to talk to everyone.
I would like to give a huge thank-you to all the departing board members. Thanks to
Pegi Georgeson for heading the Speakers’ Bureau and talking to groups who had an
interest in TAG, and to Diane Watson, who acted as our corresponding secretary. You
will be missed. Laura Jay, who was appointed to fill an un-expired term will be back this
year as she was elected in her own right. Other new board members elected to threeyear terms are Connie Fowler, Jennifer Gilg, Jim Martin and Paul Schneider. Look for
some great things to happen this year.
Some of those great things have already started. On Aug. 8, TAG was asked by the
Omaha Chamber of Commerce to do a presentation as part of a program designed to
encourage young professionals to stay in Omaha. Many thanks to Dan and Denise
Chevalier and JoAnn Goodhew for helping me spread the word about theatre in
Omaha. We have also been asked by the Joslyn Art Museum to be a co-sponsor of
their September Thursday Night Film Festival. It will be great publicity for us and we will
be working to create more opportunities like this.
Remember, this is your organization, and if you have ideas or just want to help, contact
any board member.
It’s going to be a great year!
Page 1
On Stage News
*SNAP! Productions Presents
Zanna, Don’t!
Through Sept. 16
SNAP! is proud to offer the Omaha premiere of this musical fairy tale
set in a universe where same-sex relationships are the norm. When
the captain of the high school football team falls in love with the
overachieving straight-A student who is a girl, trouble brews, and
mayhem ensues. Zanna, Don’t! is a musical comedy with a positive
message and clean-cut script suitable for the entire family.
The Off-Broadway winner of the GLAAD Media award, four Drama
Desk nominations and the Outer Critic’s Circle nomination for best
musical production features Stephen Michael Shelton as Zanna, with
Dan Chevalier, Scott Fowler, Jeremy Gillmore, Caitlin Mabon, John
Mack, Connie Jo Podendorf, Jenny Preisman, John Remington,
Katie Spicka, Megan Van Alstine and Jerry Woiderski. Todd Brooks
and Scott Fowler direct.
Performances take place Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. and
Sundays at 6 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance on Sept. 16, at the
Shelterbelt/SNAP Theatre, 3225 California St. For reservations, call
341-2757 or online at www.snapproductions.com. Ticket prices are
$15/adult, $12/students, senior citizens and TAG members.
*The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents
Crowns
Through Sept. 23, Howard Drew Theatre
Gospel music and dance underscore this celebratory musical that
explores African-American history as seen through the eyes of a young
black woman from Brooklyn. After a life-altering tragedy, she journeys to
the South to stay with her aunt. As she meets the “hat queens,” she
begins to see how her own fiercely independent spirit is deeply rooted in
the cultural traditions of her people.
Directed by Susie Baer Collins with Jeannie Shelton as stage manager,
the play features Leiloni Brewer, Millicent Crawford, Keonna Crawford,
Lanette Metoyer Moore, Faye Stevens, Constance Turner, and D. Kevin
Williams. Janet Ashley is music director with Alex McDonald as
associate music director and the choreographer is Sondra McSwain.
Performances run Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at
2 p.m. only. Tickets are $38/adults and $24/students. Mention that
you’re a TAG member to get a $10 discount; membership card
required when picking up your ticket. For reservations or more
information, call (402) 553-0800.
*Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Presents
Shining City
Sept. 7–23
BSB opens Its 15th Season with Conor McPherson’s 2004 critically
acclaimed play, Shining City, replacing Doubt due to Dramatist’s
rescinding the rights. Shining City serves as part one of a pairing that
explores the evolution of Irish identity over the last century.
O¹Casey¹s The Shadow of a Gunman, scheduled to open Oct. 6,
completes the series.
Shining City played on Broadway in 2006, featuring Oliver Platt and
Brian F. O¹Byrne, both nominated for Tony Awards (Platt won).
Directed by Cathy Kurz, with stage management by Angela Dashner,
BSB’s production features Scott Kurz and Aaron Zavitz in the
O’Byrne and Platt roles, with Eric Grant-Leanna and Jennifer McGill.
Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and
Sundays at 2 p.m., in the Gross Auditiorium, Science Bldg., College
of Saint Mary¹s campus at 7000 Mercy Road (72nd and Mercy).
Tickets are $18/adults, $15/seniors (55 and over) and $5/students
with ID. TAG discounts apply. For reservations, call 399-6287.
*Bellevue Little Theatre Presents
Anything Goes
Sept. 14–30
BLT will open its 39th Season with the lively musical Anything Goes,
an amusing shipboard story wrapped around a delightful musical
score by Cole Porter.
Two young people, Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt, meet by chance
the evening before Hope is to sail to England. Billy pursues her, but
things get complicated when they are joined by Hope's mother and
the man her mother intends to marry her to. Numerous unusual
characters populate the ship, including Reno Sweeney, a well-known
evangelist, and her group of “Angels,” as well as Moonface Martin,
Public Enemy #13.
Directed by Curtis Leach, with musical direction by Linda Shirck and
choreography by Julian Adair, the show features Stephanie
Bourgeois as Hope and Adam Hogston as Billy. The cast also
features Karen Bourgeois, Geoff Chenoweth, Julie Clatterbuck,
Debbie Cline, Tim Daugherty, Erica Favor, Tom Fleckten, Colin
Gullickson, Dave Howard, Gloria Jensen, Sue Lively, Aisha Lomax,
Janet Macklin, Kevin Olsen, Kerri Jo Richardson-Watts, Jared
Spence, Meghan Strathman, Carrie Thompson, Cindy Vanek and
Alex Vo.
Sandra Thompson is producing, with Jane Keller as stage manager,
Liz Kendall, lighting design; Jeff Lively, sound design; Jack Hogston,
set design and construction; Julie Gullickson, costumes; Anna
Peace, props; Nellie Chenoweth, sound technician; Maggie Opal,
lighting technician; Patricia Millard, props assistant and John
Thompson, spotlights..
Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at
2 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults, $13/seniors and $7.50/students. For
reservations, call 291-1554.
The Sept. 13 preview is a benefit for the TAG Scholarship Fund.
*Chanticleer Theatre Presents
The Music Man
Sept. 14–30
Directed by John Gibson with music direction by Jerry Gray and
choreography by Jean Nelson, this perennial favorite features Garret
Higginbotham as Harold Hill and Rachel Holmes as Marian. Chris
Allen, Terry DeBenedictis, Denise Putman and Brad Tucker are
joined by another 59 performers. Suzanne Overholtzer stage
manages with props by David Overholtzerr, scenic design by Bob
Putman, sound design by Kris Rutz, light design by Darrin Golden
and costumes by Ibsen Costume Gallery.
Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and
Sundays at 2 p.m., at Chanticleer Community Theater, 830 Franklin
Avenue, Council Bluffs. Tickets are $18/adults, $15/seniors and
$10/students. For reservations or more information, call the box office
at (712) 323-9955 or e-mail [email protected].
A preview on Thursday, Sept. 13, will benefit the Billy Bohannon
Scholarship Fund.
Page 2
On Stage News
*The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents
Thoroughly Modern Mille
*Omaha Performing Arts Presents
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Sept 14 – Oct. 14, Mainstage
The 2007-2008 Mainstage season kicks off, taps and Charlestons
with a blast of “Jazz Age” razzmatazz. Thoroughly Modern Millie,
adapted from the popular 1967 movie starring Julie Andrews, won
the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical.
When a small-town Kansas girl comes to New York in search of a
new life during the Roaring 20s, she trades her “country girl” image
for that of a flapper. Her madcap adventures provide audiences with
a charming meld of familiar tunes and a sense of sophistication that
marks an earlier era of musical theatre.
Directed by Carl Beck with musical direction by Jim Boggess,
choreography by Roxanne Nielsen and stage management by Mary
Dew, the Playhouse production features Jill Anderson, Ben Beck,
Brianna Brei, Samantha Brown, Alex Cass, Jason DeLong, Seth Fox,
Ariel Ibsen, Angie Jenson-Frey, Kim Jubenville, Kirsten Kluver,
Austin Learned, Connie Lee, Debra Massey, Ken McCartney,
Amanda Miller, Ryan Pivonka, Nora Shelton, Courtney Stein, Logan
Vamosi, Melanie Walters, Tiffany White, and Lucy Zukaitis.
Performances take place Wednesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and
Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. There is no evening performance on
closing Sunday, Oct. 14. Tickets are $38/adults and $24/students.
Mention that you’re a TAG member to get a $10 discount;
membership card required when picking up your ticket. For
reservations or more information, call (402) 553-0800.
Sept. 25–30, Orpheum Theatre
Ticket Omaha has the best seats, and no service fees for tickets
purchased in person at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
*Mills Masquers Present
An Evening with George Burns
Sept. 14
Return to yesteryear and enjoy An Evening With George Burns with
famed impersonator Dean Hinmon. The performance will be
presented concert style, much like Burns did in his later years.
Beginning with that familiar humor interlaced with song and a bit of
soft shoe, Hinmon also presents George & Gracie’s contemporaries
such as Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Jimmy Durante and Carol
Channing.
The performance takes place Friday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the
Barton Theater on US Highway 275 north of Glenwood. Ticket prices
range from $6 to $10. Reservations can be made at
www.millsmasquers.org or by calling the Barton Theatre at
(712) 527-3600. Tickets will also be available at the door.
*Iowa Western Community College Presents
Marcus Is Walking
Sept. 27 – Oct. 6
Marcus is Walking: Scenes from the Road by Joan Ackerman was
written for the 100th anniversary of the invention of the automobile.
The play examines the emotional landscape we roam as we travel in
our cars. Each vignette explores the landscape of human frailty and
vulnerability, charm and strength. The show, directed by Jerry Ditter,
contains some adult language.
Performances take place Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., in the
Black Box Theatre of the Arts Center on the campus of Iowa Western
(just off exit #8, I-80 east.) Tickets are $8/adults and $5/TAG
members, seniors and students. For reservations, call the Box Office
at (712) 388-7140.
* BroadStreet Theatre Co. &
North Side Christian Church Present
All I Really Need to Know
I Learned In Kindergarten
September 29 & 30
North Side Christian Church presents BroadStreet Theatre Company’s
production of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, based
on the best-selling books by Robert Fulghum, conceived and adapted by
Ernest Zulia, with music and Lyrics by David Caldwell. The play takes a
funny, insightful, heartwarming look at what is profound in everyday life.
Fulghum's stories come to life in an evening of theatrical storytelling and
soundscape. From the rules of the playground to finding the meaning of
life, these stories celebrate our very existence.
Directed by Roxanne Wach, the cast features local favorites Edd Baye,
Denise Chevalier, Eduardo Millan, Barb Ross and Jonathan Wilhoft. The
show is produced by Mary Carrick, stage managed by Melissa Linn, with
technical assistance by Dan Wach.
Performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., at North
Side Christian Church, 5555 Larimore Ave., Omaha. All tickets are $12.
For reservations, call (402) 301-1370.
*BlueBarn Theatre Presents
Seascape
Sept. 27 – Oct. 20
On a visit to the seashore, a couple debates over the direction in
which their lives are headed now that the children are grown. Once
they are joined by another couple, a conversation encompassing life,
death, and evolving consciousness ensues.
This prize-winning play by Edward Albee is directed by Susan
Clement-Toberer and features Pat Kies and Dick Mueller as Nancy
and Charlie and Erika Hall and Nick Zadina as Sarah and Leslie.
Performances are Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays
at 6 p.m. The theatre is located at 614 S. 11th St., in the Old Market.
Tickets are $19/adults, $15/ students, seniors, TAG members and
groups of 10 or more. For more information or reservations, call
(402) 345-1576 or visit www.bluebarn.org.
The Grande Olde Players Presents
The Best Man
Sept. 13–30
The Grande Olde Players open their 23rd season with Gore Vidal’s
political satire, as timely today as when it was written in the 1960s.
Directed by Bonnie Gill, the show features Gary Wallace and Josh
Tuel, with Gary Conrad. Stephanie Elrod, Laurie NeSmith, Helen
Ryan, Mark Schnitzler, Frannie Shelton, Curt Siemers, Rick
Symonsberger, Jim Vinski and Jolene Wostrel.
Performances are Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays
at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13/adults, $12/students and seniors and
$5/students 18 and under. Reservations can be made by calling
Colene Moreno at 397-5262. The theatre is located at 90th and
Blondo in the Hobby Lobby Plaza.
Page 3
On Stage News/The Green Room
The Lofte Community Theatre Presents
The Octette Brige Club
Sept. 7–23
Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Lofte is
located just east of Manley, Neb. For reservations or more
information, call (402) 234-2553.
TADA Productions Presents
Tick, Tick Boom
Sept. 27 – Oct. 7
From the creator of Rent, this rock musical is Jonathan Larson's
autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30
and the courage it takes to follow your dreams.
Performances are held at The Loft at the Mill Theatre in Lincoln. For
reservations or more information, call (402) 438-TADA.
Auditions & More Auditions
*Opera Omaha will hold chorus auditions for the 50th Anniversary
Season production of Aida on Thursday, Sept 6, 6–8:30 p.m., and
Saturday, Sept. 15, 3:30–6 p.m., at the Opera Omaha offices,
1625 Farnam St. Aida will be performed in April at the Orpheum
Theater. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call
Brad Watkins at (402) 346-4398, x204 or e-mail
[email protected]. Auditioners, who must be high-school
graduation age or above, will be asked to present two selections,at
least one in a foreign language, not to exceed four minutes total.
Arias, art songs, or church solos are acceptable as audition pieces.
An accompanist is provided; individuals are responsible for bringing
printed sheet music to the audition.
*Opera Omaha and The Rose Theater announce auditions for their
collaborative production of All The King’s Men on Saturday, Sept. 8,
1 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. at The Rose Theater. The cast
includes several singing and spoken roles for individuals between the
ages of 9 and 14. High school juniors and seniors who are interested
in the non-performing elements of theater and opera are encouraged
to apply for administrative and technical support internships. The
show will be staged at The Rose Jan. 24-27.
*Bellevue Little Theatre will hold auditions for The Snow Ball by
A. R. Gurney, who also wrote Love Letters, Sunday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m.,
and Monday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at the theater at 203 W. Mission St. in
Bellevue. Jim McKain directs the production, which calls for a cast of
16, including a couple (teens to 20s) with ballroom dancing expertise.
Other cast members can be of varying ages and dancing skill.
Auditioners will read from the script and dance. The show will be
performed Nov. 2–18. For information, call Jim at (402) 597-0288, email him at [email protected], or call producer Bette Swanson at
(402) 292-1920.
*SNAP! Productions will hold auditions for Angels in America,
Parts I & II, Sunday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m., and Tuesday, Sept. 18,
7 p.m., at North Side Christian Church, 5555 Larimore Ave. These
Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning plays call for a cast of 5 men
and 3 women, most of whom will play multiple roles. The cast will
appear in both productions. Auditioners will be asked to read from
the scripts.
Part I: Millennium Approaches, directed by Thomas Lowe, will run
Nov. 15 – Dec. 9. Part II: Perestroika, directed by M. Michele Phillips,
will run March 6–30. For more information, call Tom Lowe at
(402) 201-1022 or e-mail [email protected].
*Chanticleer Theatre will hold auditions for No Time for Sergeants,
Sunday & Monday, Sept. 16 & 17, 7 p.m., at the theatre. Jonathan
Wilhoft directs this side-splitting military comedy which served as the
Broadway debut for both Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. The
production calls for a large cast of men from late teens to 60s,
including one African-American man. There is one female role.
Performances take place Nov. 9–25. For more information, call
(402) 926-9980 and leave a message.
Ever After Productions, Julian Adair's new production company, will
hold auditions for a new theatrical ballet, Nutcracker Delights, on
Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 2 p.m., at Camelot Community
Center, 9270 Cady Ave. To schedule an audition, call
(402) 551-4200. For more information about the production and roles
available, visit adairdance.com.
Support the TAG Publicity Fund
and Laugh While Doing It!
The critics all agree — the “2007 Red Carpet Interview Special”
shown at the 40th Annual TAG Awards on August 5th was a hit!
And now it can be yours with a donation to the TAG Publicity
Fund!
The TAG Publicity Fund was established to promote live, local
theatre in our community. The “Get Real — Experience Live
Theatre” Campaign continues to produce brochures highlighting
all area theatres, and has allowed TAG to place large and small
billboards around town in an effort to keep our thriving theatre
community in the public eye.
Please consider lending your support to the TAG Publicity Fund
… and laugh while doing it! To make a donation and reserve
your copy of the Awards Video, please send an email to
[email protected].
(Suggested donation: $10)
& Other Good Stuff
Rave On! Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Rave On!, a tribute to Buddy Holly, will be performed Dec. 7–31 at
the Howard Drew Theatre of the Omaha Community Playhouse. Billy
McGuigan and his talented band return for a fifth and final year of
rocking the Playhouse during the holiday season. All seats are
reserved and tickets for all performances except Dec. 31 are $38
with tax. The show will run Wednesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and
Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Two specially-priced shows are set for
New Year's Eve. The TAG discount does not apply for this special
production and half-price tickets will not be sold. Tickets go on sale at
10 a.m. on Sept 1. For reservations or more information, visit or call
the Box Office at (402) 553-0800.
Page 4
Page 5
And the Award Goes To
Congratulations to all the nominees and honorees from the 2006-2007 season!
Outstanding Comedy/Drama
I Am My Own Wife, SNAP! Productions
Leading Actress, Musical
Jennifer Gilg, Eating Raoul
Outstanding Musical
Eating Raoul, Shelterbelt Theatre
Leading Actor
Scott Fowler, Eating Raoul
Outstanding Direction, Comedy/Drama
Kevin Lawlor, I Am My Own Wife
Supporting Actress
Allison Bottkin-Wissman, Lucky Stiff, BLT
Outstanding Direction, Musical
Daena Schweiger, Eating Raoul
Supporting Actor
Tim Vallier, Eating Raoul
Outstanding Music Direction
Nancy Curry, Eating Raoul
Featured Actress
Denise Chevalier, Eating Raoul
Outstanding Choreographer
Patrick Roddy, Eating Raoul
Featured Actor
Dave Howard, Lucky Stiff
Outstanding Cabaret or Special Event
Why do Women Get the Best Songs, North Side Church
Outstanding Ensemble
Hot Monkey Love, Eating Raoul
Outstanding One Act
Laundry and Bourbon, Circle Theatre
Outstanding Youth Actress
Caroline Iliff, Peter Pan, OCP
Outstanding New Script
The Princess and the Pee by Lily Baber Coyle
Outstanding Youth Actor
Joey Galda, Kimberly Akimbo, OCP
Outstanding Set Design
I Am My Own Wife, Bill Van Deest
Outstanding Youth Tech
Raymond Barnes, Lucky Stiff
Outstanding Lighting Design
I Am My Own Wife, Homero Velo
Backstage Award
Liz Kendall
Outstanding Costume Design
Eating Raoul, Leslie Angeroth & Kevin Steward
Theatre Educator Award
Kate Wiig, North High School
Outstanding Property Design
I Am My Own Wife, Rhonda Hall & Nancy Ross
TAG Bob Roberts Board Appreciation Award
Anne Shaughnessy
Outstanding Sound Design
I Am My Own Wife, Molly Welsh
Barb Ross
Leading Actress, Comedy/Drama
Mary Carrick, ‘night Mother, BroadStreet
Leading Actor
Nick Zadina, I Am My Own Wife
Scholarship Winners
Amber Naylor, Westside High School
Amanda Pintore, Central High School
Katrina Powell, Bellevue East High School
Amanda Rounds, Thomas Jefferson High School
Supporting Actress
Sherry Josand Fletcher, Hot Flashes, BroadStreet
Supporting Actor
Dennis Maddux, Rise and Fall of Little Voice, SNAP!
Featured Actress
Liz Heim, Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Submissions for TAGLines must be
received by the 14th of the month:
[email protected] or
taglines @cox.net.
Featured Actor
Dan Chevalier, Velvet, Baby D
Page 6
Awards/The Green Room
TAG Norm & Louise Filbert
Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Liz Heim
A most worthy and very surprised Liz Heim was recognized for her
service to the theatre community with the TAG Lifetime Achievement
Award. Her nomination letter reads:
Some people can do in 10 years, what it takes others a lifetime to
accomplish. Some make their mark in one or two areas — some
run the gamut. Many in our community tilt to the right, due to the
sheer weight of their right brains — few can stand tall and
balanced with a left brain as functional as the right.
We are blessed with many talented, energetic, and delightful
people — but only a few are equally productive as a chief or
Indian. Few can recognize and effectively utilize the skills of
others — often delegating the “sexy,” visible roles to others, while
they juggle diplomacy, negotiation, and custodial duties with
grace and good-humor.
It’s hard to believe that it was only 10 years ago that Liz Heim
flew into our town and quickly settled in to give every talent she
had to offer to TAG and the theatre community as a whole.
Whether as an actress, producer, stage manager, TAG Board
member, or SNAP Board president, Liz is organized, energetic,
and electric. Her generosity is renown, her thoughtfulness
unmatched, her abilities endless.
This is her 6th year chairing or co-chairing the TAG Awards
Banquet. In that time she has developed an incredible team
whose members, under her leadership, spring into action a year
in advance, making the process seem almost effortless. Even
people who have moved out of the area still participate in the
process.
Each year she has improved the nomination ballot counting
process and has turned “Hell Day” into a party. A party where the
ballot counters have a chance to revisit the season, review the
huge body of excellent work, and enjoy the opportunity to be a
part of the process to honor our peers, our friends, and our
family.
Most theatres in the area have enjoyed her talents on stage.
Every theatre has enjoyed her as an audience member, seeing
as many shows as possible and, when she can’t, making sure
her tickets are used. As a member of the SNAP Board — as a
board member, a SNAP producer, and as Board president — she
has sought out new talent, taken care of old talent and made it
home for everyone who volunteers in any capacity.
She is one of a kind — a jewel — and thank heavens, she’s ours.
— Barb Ross
More Other Good Stuff
TAG Photo Archive Is Born
— by Roxanne Wach ([email protected])
I’d like to thank those who attended the Awards Gala for their
enthusiastic reaction to the Omaha theatre retrospective video and to
the souvenir program for Awards night. I had a great time pouring
through all the photographs that I received. I now have about 10 gig
of photos stored on my new media drive and nearly all are identified
with show title, production year and producing company/theatre. It's
my plan to create a database of the images with the notes that
people provided with their photos and with as many people identified
in the photos as possible. We should eventually have a searchable
database of images from Omaha's rich theatre history.
As those of you who have seen the video can attest, these memories
are just too precious to allow to disintegrate.
I know that there are more photos out there and we want to preserve
them! Posed cast shots, publicity shots, color, black and white,
backstage shots, action shots during a production, you name it ...
we want it!
To Supply Photos Yourself
If you have a scanner, please scan your images at 300dpi jpg or
200dpi tif files. Don't touch them up. E-mail them to me with as much
info as you have on the production. Minimum information needed is
production title, production year and producing company/theatre. If
you have a program, you can scan the cast list/production staff. If
you have a review or preview article, feel free to scan it as well.
To Have Us Scan Photos For You
Contact me to get more information and to set up an appointment.
You'll get a disc of your touched-up photos as a lovely bonus!
For Theatre Companies
If you haven't already, send me your production history (list of
productions with production year and title). If your company is no
longer in existence, it's even more important for us to have your
production history!
If You Have a Scanner
...and would like to volunteer to help scan photos, I would welcome
the assistance. (You just have to scan and send images to me — no
need to touch them up.)
Thanks so much for helping us preserve this ephemeral art that we
all love!
Jazz On Stage at Omaha on Stage
The free jazz concert series will feature Steve Shininger performing
“An Evening with Sinatra” on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m., with a jam
session in the lobby at 5 p.m., at Omaha On Stage, 2339 N. 90th St.
(90th & Blondo). Shininger, a multi-talented musician who also plays
drums with Robert Glaser’s Urban Delight and guitar with Boardwalk,
is a former band director and veteran of the U.S. Air Force Band who
currently plays with the Omaha Jazz Orchestra.
Funding for the concert comes from U.S. recording companies
through the Omaha Musicians’ Association, Local 70-558 of the
American Federation of Musicians, the Grande Olde Players Theatre
and Dr. Mark and Bonnie Gill Manhart.
Would You Like to Receive TAGLines Via E-Mail?
With the costs of postage and printing continuing to rise and the
quantity of junk mail rising too, TAG may offer members a choice in
delivery. The choices would be to continue receiving TAGLines via
snail mail or to receive e-mail notification and download a pdf from
our Web site. If you are interested in the e-mail option in lieu of mail,
let us know by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Help TAG When You Order from Amazon
Do you order books and music online from Amazon.com? When you
visit the Amazon Web site by going through our Web site,
www.theatreartsguild.com, TAG receives a small commission on the
sale.
Page 7
“’Tis better to keep mum, than to name a few while forgetting some….” That was the motto the night of August 5, 2007. Now
that the nerves are past, I can properly thank all of you without (hopefully) forgetting anyone! Thanks for the wonderful production
gang — your dedication, support, and enthusiasm made Eating Raoul one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve worked on.
You ROCK!
Daena
Cast
Jennifer Gilg – Mary Bland
Scott Fowler – Paul Bland
Tim Vallier - Raoul
Mark Barta – Ginger
Denise Chevalier – Gladys the “Raoulette”
Sean Lomax – Howard Swine
Todd Maxwell - James
Mallory Rennels – Inez the “Raoulette”
Therese Rennels - Donna the Dominatrix
JoAnn Goodhew - Stage Manager
Adam Nathan - Scenic Design
Kevin Steward, Leslie Angeroth - Costumes
Liz Kendall, Tom Reardon - Lighting Design
Connie Fowler - Properties
Jeff Lively - Vocal Sound Design
Artistic Staff
Liz Heim - Producer
Nancy Curry - Music Director
Patrick Roddy - Choreographer
Sam McGanahan, Kim Curry - Run Crew
Band
Fred Goodhew – Keyboards
D.J. Coonfield – Electric Guitar
Bob Roose – Bass
John “Trey” Warnhoff - Percussion
Joslyn Museum Presents Art After Dark
Joslyn Museum is inaugurating a new Thursday evening program of
classic films that will be of interest to a variety of audiences including
adults, young adults, empty-nesters, film buffs, college students and
high school students. Make sure to check out these free events!
Sept. 6
• Pre-feature animations: The Cat Came Back (1988;
7 minutes); Flutter (2006; 7 minutes)
• Shorts: Jammin’ the Blues (1944; 20 minutes);
New Orleans Blues (1943; 20 minutes)
• Feature: Jazz on a Summer Day (1958; 84 minutes).
This precursor to Woodstock is the granddaddy of all
concert films, a chronicle of the Newport, Rhode Island,
Jazz Fest where music greats like Louis Armstrong,
Thelonious Monk, Chuck Berry, Mahalia Jackson, and
Dinah Washington gave electrifying performances.
Sept. 13
• Pre-feature animations: A History of American Animation
(12 minutes); The Danish Poet (2006; 8 min.)
• Feature: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975;
100 minutes). The horror-comedy-musical and
quintessential cult movie follows hero Brad Majors (Barry
Bostwick) and heroine Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) as a
flat tire leads them to a bizarre castle and the "hospitality"
of mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry).
September 20
• Pre-feature animations: Best of the Best: National Film
Board of Canada Animations (selections from 1971-1981;
10 minutes); Ryan (15 minutes)
• Feature: The Sound of Music (1965; 174 minutes). One of
the most popular film musicals of all time, the Rodgers and
Hammerstein classic stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a
novitiate who becomes governess to a large family in
1930s Austria and charms both her charges and their
father (ChristopherPlummer). Winner of five Oscars,
including Best Picture.
September 27
• Short: Pictures for the Sky (30 minutes)
• Feature: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948;
100 minutes). A classic tale of the elusive search for gold in
the Sierra Madre Mountains by a trio of ill-matched
prospectors that meet in Tampico, Mexico. Director John
Huston's third feature film, Treasures of the Sierra Madre is
a combination adventure story and Western shot almost
entirely on location (one of the first). An intense character
study showing the corruptive and cancerous effects of
greed on the souls of men, the film contains one of the
most famous lines in film history, briefly spoofed and
misquoted in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles (1974):
“Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no
badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!”
Page 8
The Green Room
Free Publicity Available at Borders
If you would like to receive free publicity in a high-traffic area for your
show or event, send your promotional materials (posters, flyers,
brochures) to Laureen Pickle, % Borders, 7201 Dodge St., Omaha,
68114. She has a designated area in the store for Omaha performing
arts. She plans to rotate materials on a regular basis and feature as
many local performing groups as possible.
Opera Omaha Special Membership Offer to TAG Members
Throughout Opera Omaha’s rich history of producing operas and
musical productions of a high artistic quality, the backbone has been
the ongoing support from organizations like the Theatre Arts Guild.
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary season, Opera Omaha is excited to
present a special membership offer to the members of TAG.
The definition of “membership” is the purchase of tickets to the two
main stage productions, The Tragedy of Carmen and Aida. Opera
Omaha members will also have the opportunity to purchase “add on”
performances at a discounted rate. The discount for Theatre Arts
Guild members can be obtained by redeeming the Opera Omaha
Membership Offer Form posted to the Members Only section of the
TAG Web site, www.theatreartsguild.com.
The 2007-2008 season begins with the return of the popular
Evenings with Stewart Robertson concerts and continues with All
The King’s Men, a children’s opera produced in collaboration with
The Rose Theater; The Tragedy of Carmen, bringing a new
shortened, reinterpreted and rearranged version of Georges Bizet’s
famous opera Carmen; and will close with a special all-new
production of Aida, designed by local artist Catherine Ferguson.
Theatre Arts Grant
Is there a conference or seminar you or your theatre group would like
to attend? Do you need help with your entrance fees or submission
fees? You may be eligible for up to $300 if you apply for the Theatre
Arts Grant. The grant is available year-round to any member who has
graduated from high school or received their GED, for theatre-related
activities that benefit the Omaha theatre community. Send in your
application by the first of any month and the TAG board of directors
will review it and make a decision during that same month. Contact
Laura Jay at (402) 517-8707 or [email protected] for more
information or to request an application.
To Speak or Not To Speak
Just a reminder that TAG offers a Speakers’ Bureau to come to your
school or organization to talk about live theatre here in the Big O! Our
teen reps can talk to drama classes and clubs as well. Please
contact Pegi Georgeson, (402) 330-7762, to set up a date with TAG.
News of Our People
Erica Hall and Nick Zadina are engaged. Congratulations!
Orpheum Celebrates 80th Birthday
Omaha Performing Arts will be celebrating the 80th birthday of
Omaha’s grand theatre this season. From Fred Astaire and Frank
Sinatra to David Copperfield and Disney’s The Lion King, the
Orpheum has hosted eight decades of the finest in arts and
entertainment.
Special events, designated as part of the Omaha World-Herald
Anniversary Special Series, will be featured during this landmark
season. They include: Riders in the Sky, October; Mandy Patinkin,
December; Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, April; and Hal Holbrook in
Mark Twain Tonight, May.
Call for Plays Announced for
Third Annual Great Plains Theatre Conference
The Great Plains Theatre Conference is a celebration and
exploration of theatre, with emphasis on the work of new and
emerging playwrights. The Conference includes play labs, panel
discussions, writers workshops, master classes and theatrical
readings at which participants and attendees have the opportunity to
meet award-winning playwrights, directors, producers and actors, as
well as critics and scholars. Evening events include theatrical
productions and receptions. Details, schedule and updates will be
posted on www.mccneb.edu/theatreconference as they become
available.
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is seeking plays for the 3rd
Annual Great Plains Theatre Conference featuring Edward Albee,
scheduled for May 24-31, on MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus. Selected
playwrights will participate in Conference play labs, public readings
and feedback sessions of these new works. Play submissions must
be received by Dec. 10.
All submissions must be made electronically. Additional guidelines
include:
• Individuals may submit one play only.
• Scripts cannot have been professionally produced
(readings and amateur productions are acceptable).
• Submissions cannot be children’s plays or musicals.
• The reading time of short play submission cannot exceed
30 minutes; long play submissions can be any length.
• The submission must be a completed work, not a portion of
a larger work.
For a complete, detailed list of guidelines and submission inclusions,
visit www.mccneb.edu/theatreconference or e-mail
[email protected].
2nd Annual Professional Development Conference &
Audition Fair Scheduled at North High School
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 14 & 15, Omaha North will again host this
opportunity for high school students in the performing arts. TAG
member Kate Wiig, Omaha North drama instructor, is seeking
workshop presenters in the areas of acting, dance, lighting, accents,
playwrighting, improv, stage combat and more.
Hosts are needed to house the college representatives expected to
attend. North High would also like to see representatives from all
area theatres participate in the Fair.
Students from all area high schools are encouraged to register. The
$25 fee includes food, workshops, the opportunity to audition for
multiple colleges and universities and a video of their audition. For
more information, contact [email protected].
.
Page 9
Page 10
Theatre Planning
Sep-2007
S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Member Theatres
*SNAP — Zanna, Don't!
*OCP — Crowns
*BSB — Shining City
*BLT — Anything Goes
*CT — Music Man
*OCP — Modern Millie
*MM — George Burns
*IWCC — Marcus Walking
*OPA — Spelling Bee
*BT — Kindergarten
*BB — Seascape
TNO
Non-Member Theatres
GOP — Best Man
Lofte — Octette Club
TADA — Tick, Tick, Boom
Member Auditions
*OO — Aida
*OO — Kings Men
*BLT — Snow Ball
*SNAP — Angels
*CT — No Time Sergeants
Non-Member Auditions
EA — Nutcracker Delights
TNO=TAG Night Out
Black Box=Closing Performance
Page 11
Theatre Arts Guild, Inc.
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
P.O. Box 24008
PAID
Omaha, NE 68124-0008
OMAHA, NE
PERMIT NO 1024
www.theatreartsguild.com
Your newsletter is sent bulk mail
and not forwarded. Keep your
address current!
Send changes to:
TAG c/o Barb Ross
9035 Raven Oaks Drive
Omaha, NE 68152
[email protected]
September 2007
TAG Board of Directors & General Information
Jerry Abels (2008), Recording Secretary, (712) 329-9066 [email protected]
Zach Baltz (2006-7), Teen Rep, North High School
Tom Bertino, Ex-officio, [email protected]
Craig Bond (2009), Treasurer, (712) 322-6442 [email protected]
Liz Heim, Ex-officio, Awards Chair, (402) 552-9326
Laura Jay (2010), Theatre Grant Chair, (402) 517-8707 [email protected]
Jim Martin (2010), (402) 933-6259
Emily Neve (2009), Scholarship & Teen Rep Co-Chair, (402) 960-1811
Allison Botkin-Wissman (2008), 672-0806 [email protected]
Cristin Cavel (2006-7), Teen Rep, Burke High School
Terry DeBenedictis (2009), (712) 323-7529 [email protected]
Sherry Fletcher (2009), TAGLines Editor/E-Broadcasts taglines@net
Connie Fowler (2010), (402) 455-3918 [email protected]
Jennifer Gilg (2010), Publicity Chair, (402) 551-6284 [email protected]
Fred Goodhew, Ex-officio, President/TAG Night Out Chair, (402) 391-2270
Cali Neuberger (2006-7), Teen Rep, Central High School
Karli Newman (2009), Scholarship Co-Chair, (402) 561-0988 [email protected]
Les Schultz (2008), Finance, (402) 630-6254 [email protected]
Paul Schneider (2010), (402) 384-8338
Anne Shaughnessy (2009)
Miranda Smith (2006-7), Teen Rep, Treynor High School
Jim Watson (2008) Historian, (402) 346-7598 [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
JoAnn Goodhew (2008), Program Chair, (402) 391-2270 [email protected]
•
•
•
•
•
•
The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m., at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Board meetings are held the
second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Fred Goodhew at (402) 391-2270 if you plan
to attend.
The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the October Newsletter is Saturday, Sept. 15.
To submit newsletter information/articles, send via e-mail to [email protected] or mail to TAG, Attn: Sherry Fletcher, Box 24008, Omaha,
NE 68124.
To advertise in TAGLines, e-mail [email protected]. Our rates cover both inserted flyers (which you supply) and printed advertisements.
Check out our advertising rates under About Us at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non-members may only advertise theatre-related business.
To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an e-mail to [email protected].
An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in the TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes,
cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG e-broadcasts, contact Sherry Fletcher at [email protected].
Page 12