Crowns
By Regina Taylor
Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
Presented in cooperation with
OMAHA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN
August 24 – September 23, 2007 • In the Howard Drew Theatre
Gospel music and dance underscore this celebratory musical play which 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. Crowns is a moving and thrilling event to open the 2007/2008 season at the Playhouse.
Hats are sponsored by THE PLAYHOUSE PRODUCERS
Lobby Display sponsored by OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
Crowns' program can be downloaded HERE.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
By Richard Morris (from his original screenplay) and Dick Scanlan
Additional songs by Scanlan (lyrics) and Jenine Tesori (music)
September 14 – October 14, 2007 • A Mainstage Series Production
This 2002 Tony Award winner for Best Musical hits the Playhouse Mainstage with a blast of the Roaring ‘20s! A small town Kansas girl goes to New York in search of a new life. She trades her country girl image for that of a Flapper – and taps and Charlestons her way into your heart! Charming and sophisticated, with a wonderful musical score, you won’t want to miss it!
Sponsored by FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Matt and Ben
Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers
October 19 – November 18, 2007 • In the Howard Drew Theatre
Set in 1995 when Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were struggling actors, the secret to success drops magically from the sky in the form of a script – the script to the Academy Award winning Good Will Hunting. Realizing
that this is their key to Hollywood fame, our heroes begin a journey full of moral dilemmas. This delightfully venomous comedy shows Hollywood’s power duo as you’ve never seen them before.
Sponsored in part by ENTERPRISE BANK
Charles Dickens’
A Christmas Carol
Adapted for the Stage by Charles Jones
Music by John Bennett
November 16 - December 23, 2007 • A Special Event on the Mainstage
Timeless – Tradition – Terrific
This classic musical tale of holiday cheer and redemption graces the Mainstage for the 32nd time. This production has earned a reputation for its lavish costumes and sets as well as outstanding performances and technical surprises. The Omaha Community Playhouse is proud to present this annual gift to our community.
(A Christmas Carol is a special event and not included in a season subscription package)
Orchestra sponsored by WALENTINE O’TOOLE MCQUILLAN & GORDON
Sponsored by HDR
Rave On!
A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly
By Billy McGuigan and Chris Acker
December 7 – December 31, 2007
A Special Event in the Howard Drew Theatre
The farewell tour! Billy McGuigan and crew return to heat up the Howard Drew Theatre with this ever-popular musical revue of Buddy Holly’s classic rock-n-roll hits. Your last chance to hear and see the fabulous Rave On! at the Playhouse. Don’t miss it – order your tickets early!
(Rave On! is a special event and not included in a season subscription package)
TM/© 2005 Buddy Holly by CMG Worldwide/ www.CMGWorldwide.com
Sponsored by LAMP RYNEARSON
Same Time, Next Year
By Bernard Slade
January 18 – February 10, 2008 • A Mainstage Series Production
One of the most romantic comedies ever to hit Broadway, Same Time, Next Year follows a love affair between two people who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners, morals and attitudes are hilariously mirrored by the lovers as we watch. Very funny and genuinely romantic, this play remains one of the most widely produced plays in history.
Sponsored by UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
Company
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by George Furth
February 8 – March 16, 2008 • In the Howard Drew Theatre
The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark “concept musical,” considered by many to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theatre. Bobby is everybody’s favorite friend and he’s single. Join Bobby and his unforgettable married friends as they try to find him the perfect girl and figure out what makes a perfect relationship. This winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical is an honest, sophisticated look at relationships, with a brilliant and energetic score containing many of Sondheim’s best-known songs including “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive.”
PLEASE NOTE: CONTAINS MILD ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE
Sponsored in part by GALE & JUDY WICKERSHAM, DR. JACK & KATHY LEWIS, JOANNE & BOB BERKSHIRE and BROADMOOR
Cliffhanger
By James Yaffe
February 29 – March 22, 2008 • A Mainstage Series Production
A seemingly mild-mannered professor of philosophy is driven to murder to protect his reputation and career. He attempts to devise a fool-proof cover-up, but complications arise, and you’ll be watching from the edge of your seat as he tries to disentangle himself from his web of deceit! Suspenseful and full of unexpected twists!
Shakespeare in Hollywood
By Ken Ludwig
April 11 – May 4, 2008 • A Mainstage Series Production
Set against a backdrop of 1930s Hollywood, Shakespeare in Hollywood is a zany comedy pairing Puck and Oberon, two of Shakespeare’s most famous characters, who are magically transported to the film set of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Instantly smitten with the glitz and glamour of showbiz, they interact with such Hollywood legends as Jack Warner and James Cagney, while battling William Hayes and his code of ethics. Shakespeare in Hollywood is the latest hit from the author of Broadway’s Crazy for You, Lend Me Tenor, and Moon Over Buffalo.
Sponsored by U.S. BANK
The Crucible
By Arthur Miller
May 2 – June 1, 2008 • In the Howard Drew Theatre
In the puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, allegations of witchcraft begin when a group of girls is found dancing in the forest at night. Using actual historical accounts of witch trials from the late 17th century, Arthur Miller weaves a chilling allegorical tale of morality, fear, and injustice. You won’t want to miss this classic from one of America’s greatest playwrights.
Sponsored by KUTAK ROCK LLP
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
South Pacific
Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Tales of the South Pacific, by James A. Michener
May 23 – June 22, 2008 • A Mainstage Series Production
The finest kind of balance between story and song, hilarity and heartbreak. Few Broadway musicals can match the songs of South Pacific for their beguiling tunes and meaningful lyrics. Whether addressing such varied subjects as love at first sight, racial prejudice, or lost possibilities, they speak a rare yet simple language. Audience-pleasing production values as you have come to expect from the Playhouse, will enhance this theatrical gem. Truly a classic – with memorable musical numbers such as “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”
Sponsored in part by DAVID & ANNE RISMILLER, DEL & PHYLLIS TOEBBEN, CJ & PAT MARR, CHARLES & MARY HEIDER, MICHAEL & GAIL YANNEY, RED & JANN THOMAS, FRED & MARCIA BACKER and HUSCH BLACKWELL SANDERS
Orchestra sponsored by THE PAUL AND OSCAR GIGER FOUNDATION Leading Man Costume sponsored by THE BEN, PAUL and RACHEL GALLAGHER FOUNDATION
Educational Workshop Sponsor: Qwest and Bank of the West
Orchestra Sponsor: The Paul and Oscar Giger Foundation
Leading Man Costume Sponsor: The Ben, Paul and Rachel Gallagher Foundation
Media Sponsor: Cox Communications