October 2008 E-News

SPOTLIGHT ON...

A Christmas Carol - Clocking In
by James Othuse
Resident Scenic Designer

I have always considered the bizarre-looking mantle clock in Scrooge’s bedchamber an important element of the setting, time being so integral to the storyline.  But what do you do when that clock must display six different times within the course of a two hour and fifteen minute show and you can’t manually change the hands?
That was the dilemma we faced when A Christmas Carol was refurbished in 2006.  Since the original production opened in 1976, a volunteer stage hand had moved the hands to the appropriate time from behind the mantle wall.  It was a simple, good old-fashioned, and most often, reliable way of doing it.  With the 2006 re-design of the show, the Scrooge bedchamber wall was reconfigured to thunderously crack open for Jacob Marley’s haunting appearance.  Not only did the wall part down the middle, but it also “flew” to a height of 35 feet above the stage, an elevation no one could possibly reach to change the clock times between bedchamber scenes. READ MORE...

Take a Video Journey through The Cocoanuts

CLICK to watch

Education Department Introduces New Class Format for Winter Session

While walking through the Playhouse parking lot after seeing The Cocoanuts, maybe you thought to yourself, “I’d love to take a beginning dance class, but I just can’t commit to that long of a time frame.”  Or, “I know my kids would love to take an acting course, but their schedules are busy enough as it is.”  In the effort to provide Playhouse patrons with more feasible and varied educational opportunities, the Education Department has decided to make a series of format changes to the upcoming winter class session.  Changes will include…  READ MORE...

October is National Arts and Humanities Month!
Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in what has become this country’s largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities. More information about National Arts and Humanities Month is available online at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/nahm.  Also visit the Nebraskans for the Arts website for an online calendar of October arts events www.nebraskansforthearts.org.

SHOWING THIS MONTH...

NOW through October 12, 2008
By George S Kaufman
Music by Irving Berlin

October 17 through November 16, 2008
by Marie Jones
Sponsored by Simmonds Restaurant Management, Inc

ON SALE THIS MONTH...

A Christmas Carol
November 21 through December 23, 2008
ON SALE NOW!
Sponsored by First National Bank

Yesterday and Today - An Intimate Beatles Experience
December 5 through 31, 2008
ON SALE NOW!
Sponsored by Security National Bank

Act II Presents the “Spotlight” Lecture/Luncheon with Broadway Producer Adam Epstein on November 3, 2008
On Monday, November 3, 2008, Act II, the theatre guild of the Omaha Community Playhouse, will present, in person and on stage, Tony Award winner and Broadway Producer, Adam Epstein.  Epstein is one of the youngest producers on Broadway.  His productions and co-productions have been nominated for 42 Tony Awards and awarded 12; he himself was awarded a Tony in 2003 for producing the Broadway spectacular, “Hairspray.”  
 
The presentation portion of this special event will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the luncheon following at 12:30 p.m.  An intimate patron cocktail party will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. 
 
To purchase tickets, or for more information, please contact Kathy Gross, Reservations Chairman, at 397-7935. 

IMPORTANT DATES...

- 10/1 Tickets on sale for A Christmas Carol
- 10/7 Tickets on sale for Stones In His Pockets 
- 10/31 Discuss the Production:  Stones In His Pockets
- 11/3 Act II Spotlight Lecture and Luncheon with Broadway Producer Adam Epstein