Platte River Bard Podcast platteriverbard

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 their roles in this play.  For those who haven't heard, "Heathers, The Musical" has been a very popular play these days and was the inspiration for the movie "Mean GIrls."  The lyrics and book was written by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, and has been a hit since 2014.  It hits on such subjects as bullying, school violence and some other dark humor and is packed full of beloved songs, and  embraces the 80's nostalgic era.
Come see this energetic and influential play, it opens June 7th at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre!
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SNAP! PRODUCTIONS
Snap Productions at Ghost Light Theatre is located at 2221 Thurston Circle, Bellevue, Nebraska.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.snapproductions.com/
 
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 YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA.
Please find us and Subscribe!
 
 

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 with us about some of the behind-the-scenes details in putting this production together, as well as his team of talented creatives.  
Tune in to our podcast for an insightful discussion about "Barefoot in the Park" and Neil Simon's endearing play. 
 
BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:
Tickets: https://blt.simpletix.com/
Website: http://www.theblt.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bellevuelittletheatre/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellevuelittletheatre/ 
203 Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 
402.291.1554
 
 

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 Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 7th and 8th. Picture this: immersive theatre and improv meets 80's nostalgia, optional but highly encouraged 80's attire, live music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities for improv and storyline participation. It's going to be a blast!
Next on the agenda, from July 19th to 21st, The Omaha Series presents The Outsiders at the Benson Theatre. Based on S.E. Hinton's iconic novel and the beloved film adaptation, this play promises to bring the gripping tale to life in a whole new way.
But wait, there's more! The McGuigan Arts Academy is hosting Summer Camps throughout June and July, catering to various age groups and interests. From Happy Feet for the little ones aged 5-7 to Rock 'N' Palooza for ages 12 and up, there's something for everyone. Hurry, classes are filling up fast, so be sure to register now on their website at https://www.mcguiganartsacademy.com/summer.
And if you think that's all, think again! Tune in to our podcast to get an exclusive sneak peek at what Rave On Productions has in store beyond this summer. Between Rave On Productions' Omaha Series, and the McGuigan Arts Academy, there is something for everyone.
CONTACT INFO:
Rave On Productions: https://www.raveonworldwide.com/
For Tickets:  The Omaha Series: https://www.theomahaseries.com/
To Register for Classes:  McGuigan Arts Academy:  https://www.mcguiganartsacademy.com/summer
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:  https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA.
Please find us and Subscribe!
 

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 to expect for the rest of the run!
"POTUS" was nominated three times for a Tony award and was first produced on Broadway in 2022.  The Playwright, Selena Fillinger described the play as "the ways in which we uphold patriarchy when a man's body is not in the room."  It promises to be a hilarious look at politics and sex.
This show does contain explicit language and adult humor, however it won't keep anyone away.  Shows are selling out so get your tickets at BLUEBARN.org or by calling their box office at 402-345-1576. 
This is the end of  BLUEBARN’s 35th Season so come celebrate their last show this season.
Be sure to check BLUEBARN’s website for more free engagement events and community partnerships which are related to the brilliance of remarkable women who shaped history, and have paved the way for women.
BLUEBARN CONTACT INFO: 
Tickets & Website:  http://bluebarn.org/
Or call the Box office at 402-345-1576.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluebarn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebarntheatre_omaha/ 
Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/bluebarntheatre_omaha/
Bluebarn Theatre: 1106 S. 10th St. (10th and Pacific) Omaha, NE
PH: 402-345-1576
 
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:  https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA.
Please find us and Subscribe!

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 members, Weston.
Melodramas just opened their three new shows for Part 1 of their 2024 season which runs from May 24th to August 25th!  Their new shows are: 
B Mine Forever by John Burkhart
Gary Botter and the Divining Sphere by Julie Eischleman
The Phantom of Darkgrove by D. Chapelle
Popcorn Productions' Melodramas are fun, rowdy, and a completely different theatre experience than the usual live theatre experience.  Guests are expected to "boo" the villain and "aww" the hero or heroine.  And guests can also opt to throw popcorn or dollar bills (of any $ value of their choosing).  Actors are expected to pick up the tips and continue on with their lines.  These productions are a mixture of theatre and improv, each performance being a different experience with so much crowd interaction.
Shows are inside the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre at the Mahoney State Park.  Concessions are available and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.  Also the building is air conditioned and has all the indoor amenities.  So if you are out at Mahoney State Park it is a great escape from the outdoors and enjoy theatre! 
CONTACT INFO FOR POPCORN PRODUCTIONS MELODRAMAS:
Website: https://www.melodrama.net  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Melodramas-100057354133892/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcorn_productions_melodramas/
You can also call for Ticket Reservations:  402-944-2957
Adults are $9, Kids 12 and under are $7.  You can also get a Family Package of 2 Adults and 2 Children for $28.
 
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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@platteriverbardpodcast.
Please find us and Subscribe!
 
 
 

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.  There will definitely be more Roundtable discussions in the near future!
Ron Zank is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Nebraska Omaha.  He has a BA in English from UNL, a MA in Theatre from UNO and a PhD in Theatre from the University of Missouri Columbia. Ron teaches Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, as well as Introduction to Theatre and Script Analysis.  He has directed at many local Omaha Area theatres, such as Chanticleer Community Theatre, Shelterbelt, GPTC, the Dundee Dinner Theatre and Bluebarn Theatre.  
Jamie Bullins is an Associate Professor of Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL and also advises for their student-run theatre, Theatrix.  Jamie specializes in Costume Design and you may have even seen a play he has been involved in at several Lincoln and Omaha theatres.  He also is a Scene Designer and Playwright. He has an M.F.A. in Theatrical Design / Scenography is from the University of North Carolina / Greensboro, and he moved to Lincoln from Atlanta, Georgia.  Jamie is also Staff for Angels Theatre Company's Playwriting Collective. 
Both of these talented Directors have been on our Podcast before and we were elated to have them back for a fun discussion about Directing!  We thank them profusely for being part of our first Directors Roundtable!
To check out some of the theatres Jamie and Ron are involved in, here are their websites websites:
UNO Theatre at the Weber Fine Arts Building
Nebraska Repertory Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film
Theatrix 
Angels Theatre Company - Playwriting Collective
If you have a question you'd like to hear asked on our next Roundtable, let us know at admin@platteriverbard.com. 
 
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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@platteriverbardpodcast.
Please find us and Subscribe!