Platte River Bard Podcast
Press Releases: Omaha
UNO Theatre’s Production of Jesus Christ Superstar Opens November 21st
OMAHA, Neb., (November 6th, 2025) — UNO Theatre is proud to present their upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production, directed by Jacob Christiansen, is a fully sung-through musical that follows the story of Christ, from rise, to death, to crucifixion. Though this story is based on biblical characters, this show takes interpretive liberties in its design of the show by leaning into the rock aspects of the show, and framing the story in a more modern context.
This show has also been crafted and created by students at the University of Nebraska at UNO. One of those students is Kaden Weis. Kaden Weis, playing Jesus, has starred in many productions in the community and Colorado, such as Anything Goes, Alice In Wonderland and Cabaret. Because this is a production presented and created by young artists, that’s what makes it so special. This production gives these young artists the chance to develop their skills and give their perspective on the world. This in turn gives this production a fresh perspective and original perspective to the work as a whole.
SHOW DATES
UNO Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar will be performing November 21st-November 22nd & December 4th-6th at 7:30pm with a preview performance on November 20th at 7:30pm.
Jesus Chirst Superstar will also be performing matinee performances November 23rd-December 7th at 2:00pm.
TICKETS
Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar can be bought online or at the UNO Theatre Box Office, located at 6505 University Dr S, Omaha, NE, 68182. Tickets cost $21.50 for each
performance, with the preview performance costing $16.50. Students attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha can get into all performances free by presenting their MavCard to the box office.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Production: Jesus Christ Superstar
Credits: Lyrics By Tim Rice | Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber | Musical
Production Dates: Nov. 20 – Dec. 7, 2025
Theatre: Weber Fine Arts Building Blackbox Theatre, 6505 University Dr S, Omaha, NE, 68182
Show Times: Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2:00 p.m.
Director: Jacob Christiansen
Music Director: Drew Ferkis
Choreographer: Julian Adair
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The 50th Year of A Christmas Carol Opens at the Omaha Community Playhouse Nov. 21
Beloved Holiday tradition has reached hundreds of thousands across Omaha and the region in half a century and is still going strong.
OMAHA, Neb., (November 7, 2025) — The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) proudly announces its 50th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol, running November 21 – December 21 on the Hawks Mainstage Theatre. For five decades, this cherished holiday tradition has brought the magic of Charles Dickens’ timeless story to generations of Omaha families, making it among the longest-running community theatre productions of A Christmas Carol in the nation.
Performances are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Adapted for the Omaha Community Playhouse by Charles Jones in 1975, A Christmas Carol has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Omaha and the region. Each year, audiences are transported to Victorian London to witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative journey from greed to generosity to discover the true meaning of Christmas — a message that resonates as deeply today as it did 50 years ago.
OCP’s production features stunning costumes, elaborate sets, joyful music, and spectacle, matched only by the heartfelt story and Omaha-based talent on and off stage.
“Fifty years of A Christmas Carol means fifty years of community — of artists, volunteers, and audiences coming together to share a story that still moves us,” said Vincent Orduña, Artistic Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse. “It’s incredible to see how this tradition continues to inspire connection, compassion, and the joy of storytelling.”
Tickets are on sale now starting at $50 for adults and $30 for students, with ticket prices varying by performance and seating zone. Online purchases are subject to online ticketing fees. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, located at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.
THREE ‘SCROOGES’ IN 50 YEARS
Veteran Omaha actor Cork Ramer will return for his third year in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Ramer is only the third actor to play the role on OCP’s Mainstage in the production’s 50-year history. Ramer replaced the late Jerry Longe, who retired from the role in 2022 after 17 seasons. The late Dick Boyd originated the role at the Omaha Community Playhouse and played Scrooge for 30 years.
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
The Omaha Community Playhouse has published a special section on its website, Spirit of Carol, dedicated to the history of A Christmas Carol, with historical photos, features stories, videos, and more. Visit OmahaPlayhouse.com.
AUDIO DESCIRBED PERFORMANCE
OCP will host an audio-described performance of A Christmas Carol on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for those who are blind or visually impaired. Patrons interested in audio description services for this performance may contact the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800 for additional information.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) SHADOW-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
OCP will host an American Sign Language (ASL) shadow-interpreted performance of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The performance will feature multiple ASL interpreters dressed in light costumes who shadow performers on stage while interpreting. To reserve seats or for additional questions, please contact the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800.
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
OCP will host a relaxed performance of A Christmas Carol on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This relaxed performance will offer a sensory-friendly experience that is welcoming for those with sensory sensitivities.
To reserve seats for the relaxed performance or for additional questions, please contact the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO SELECT PERFORMANCES FOR NON-PROFIT EMPLOYEES
OCP offers special discounted ticket rates for employees of non-profit organizations for performances on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Discounted ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for students. Non-profit employee discounted tickets must be reserved directly through the OCP Box Office by phone at (402) 553-0800 or in person at 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132. This offer is not available online, is subject to seating availability, cannot be combined with any other offers, and may not be applied to previous purchases.
SHINE THE LIGHT ON HUNGER SPONSORED BY CONAGRA BRANDS FOUNDAITON
Patrons are invited to join the Omaha Community Playhouse and Conagra Brands Foundation in the spirit of giving by bringing non-perishable food items to OCP all holiday season long. Food donations may be placed in the blue barrels near the OCP Box Office before or after performances. All items will be donated to the Food Bank for the Heartland.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Production: A Christmas Carol
Credits: By Charles Dickens | Adapted by Charles Jones | Musical orchestration by John J. Bennett
Production Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 21, 2025
Theatre: Hawks Mainstage Theatre
Show Times: Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $50 for adults and $30 for students. Ticket prices vary by performance and seating zone. Tickets may be purchased online at OmahaPlayhouse.com, by phone at (402) 553-0800, or in person at the Omaha Community Playhouse Box Office located at 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132.
Please note: Ticket Omaha is the only official online retailer for OCP tickets. Patrons should avoid purchasing tickets from any third-party ticket resale websites.
Directors: Susan Baer Collins and Jim McKain
Music Director: Jim Boggess
Choreographer: Michelle Garrity
Sponsors: FNBO, David & Jane Offutt, Omaha Steaks, Paige Amick, Rotella’s Italian Bakery, CHI Health, Mangelsen’s, JK Barker Foundation, KETV
ABOUT THE OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE:
Founded in 1924, Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is the nation’s largest non-profit community theatre. As one of the oldest arts organizations in the Omaha, Neb. region, OCP is dedicated to enriching the lives of audiences and participants through entertainment, thought-provoking stories, and first-hand involvement. OCP features two state-of-the-art performance spaces — the 558-seat Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre and the 200+-seat Howard Drew Theatre. In addition to its full season of stage productions, OCP offers arts education programming for all ages through its educational wing, the Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy, along with programming for those with sensory sensitivities and a multitude of community outreach initiatives.
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It's Christmas at the BLUEBARN Theatre!
OMAHA, NE - Three actors. A million Christmas stories. One wildly fast and hilarious mashup. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) at the BLUEBARN Theatre will put the HoHoHo in your Holidays!
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
By Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez
November 20 - December 20, 2025
Directed by Ablan Roblin
Three actors. A million Christmas stories. One wildly fast and hilarious mashup that’s part A Christmas Carol, part The Grinch, part Die Hard (because why the hell not?). Expect laughs, chaos, and a reminder that the best part of the holidays is finding where you belong — even if it’s just surviving your family’s dysfunctional madness with a drink in hand!
Performances
November 20th-December 20th, 2025
Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm | Sun Nov 23, 30 & Dec14 @ 2:00pm | Sun Dec 7 @ 6:00pm
No performance Thu Nov 27
ASL Performance: Thu, Dec 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Tickets
General Admission ($47), Educator | Healthcare | Military | Groups of 10+ ($42),
BLUCREW Young Arts Patrons ($32) purchase tickets online at bluebarn.org or by calling the box office Monday -
Friday 10am – 4pm @ 402.345.1576
Cast
Ensemble: Jonathan Purcell, Theresa Sindelar, Josh Peyton Creatives
Stage Manager: Nic Jansen, Assistant Stage Manager: Cain Ingram, Scenic Designer: Martin Marchitto, Lighting Designer: Maya Pacana-Bredenkamp, Sound Designer: Bill Kirby, Props Designer: Amy Reiner, Costume Designer: Denise Ervin, Sound Board Op: Mindy Cotner, Scenic Artist: Craig Lee, Master Carpenter: Shane Staiger
Generously Sponsored by: Omaha Steaks, Dave and Jane Offutt, and Dundee Bank. Cocktail Sponsor: Fizzy's Fountain & Liquors. With additional support provided by the Nebraska Arts Council | Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Engagement & Community Partnerships
Engagement Events are free and open to the public.
Giving HeARTs Tree
A Fundraiser for Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA)
BLUEBARN is proud to continue its partnership with Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA), now in it its 18th year! Ornaments bearing the names of local elders in need will be on sale on the Giving HeARTS Tree located in the lobby. Become an elf for the elderly by fulfilling holiday gift needs for seniors in the region.
Art Exhibit Curated by Josh Brown | Location: BLUEBARN Lobby
Confirmed featured local artists to-date: Mary Zicafoose, Peyton Pearson, Shelby Seier, Therese Straseski As family, friends, and holidays bring us together in the cold, we weave together the familiar and the new. We encounter fiber every day. Interwoven asks patrons to pause and take a closer look at elevated examples of fine and functional fiber art.
A pre-show art chat with curator Josh Brown and a featured artist will be announced at a later date.
Interwoven Art Exhibition is open 45 minutes prior to every scheduled performance of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And then Some) and during box office hours (10am-4pm, M-F) throughout the run. All art proceeds go directly to participating artists.
ART IN THE BLUE is Sponsored by Jeff & Danielle Gordman
Community Partnerships
BLUEBARN is proud to collaborate once again with Film Streams for a new season of National Theatre Live.
BLUBARN Season Members and Film Streams Members will both enjoy member perks from the partnering theatre throughout the season. Film Stream’s National Theatre Live’s 25/26 Season is on sale now at filmstreams.org
TRUBLU SEASON MEMBERSHIP 3-PACS ON SALE NOV 4 IN LIMITED SUPPLY
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The Omaha Community Playhouse presents the hilarious interactive hit Late Nite Catechism, opening December 5
Omaha, Neb., (December 3, 2025) —Sister is back by popular demand at the Omaha Community Playhouse as Late Nite Catechism takes the stage December 5 – 21, 2025 in the Howard Drew Theatre.
A side-splitting interactive sensation, Late Nite Catechism features Sister, a quick-witted habit-wearing nun with a heart of gold. One part improv, one part stand-up comedy, the show is a blend of nostalgic humor and satire, with the audience playing the students in Sister’s classroom.
Created by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, the unexpected lessons and spontaneous interaction have made it a theatrical sensation for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. No two performances are ever the same.
Performance Details:
- Dates: December 5 – 21, 2025
- Location: Howard Drew Theatre | Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, Neb.
- Showtimes: Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $40 (group discounts are available)
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at omahaplayhouse.com, by phone at (402) 553-0800, or at the OCP Box Office at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha.
Ticket Omaha is the only official online retailer for OCP tickets. Patrons should avoid purchasing tickets from third-party ticket resale websites.
About the Omaha Community Playhouse:
Founded in 1924, Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) is the nation’s largest non-profit community theatre. As one of the oldest arts organizations in the Omaha, Neb. region, OCP is dedicated to enriching the lives of audiences and participants through entertainment, thought-provoking stories, and first-hand involvement. OCP features two state-of-the-art performance spaces — the 558-seat Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre and the 200+-seat Howard Drew Theatre. In addition to its full season of stage productions, OCP offers arts education programming for all ages through its educational wing, the Shirlee & Henry Fonda Theatre Academy, along with programming for those with sensory sensitivities and a multitude of community outreach initiatives.