Where Art Meets Autumn: The Fall Platte River Art Show at Mahoney is September 26th-28th!

Join us at Mahoney State Park in the Peter Kiewitt Lodge on September 26th, 27th, and 28th for a celebration of creativity and regional talent.
We spoke with Nia Karmann, Promoter and Organizer of the Platte River Art Show and Owner of Nye Street Studios, about what you can expect this year. The event kicks off Friday evening with a wine and cheese social, and food is available throughout the weekend at the Peter Kiewitt Lodge.
Explore a wide variety of art including glasswork, photography, metal art, paintings, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and start your holiday shopping with handmade items that support local artists.
Platte River Art Show Contact Info:Facebook
PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW CONTACT INFO
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083554623192
Website: https://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/event/platte-river-art-show-at-mahoney-state-park/2025-09-26/
 
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.

The Sun is Out - Chanticleer Community Theatre opens "Annie Jr." at PACE!

Leapin' Lizards!  There is a cast of over 60+ kids that are ready to entertain you with "Annie, Jr."!
Chanticleer Community Theatre at PACE (Pottawattamie Arts Culture and Entertainment) has put together a talented cast - and a real-live dog - for this fun musical!
We talked with Addison Mathie, Isaac Butts, Anna Larsen, Carrington Newlon and Emmalin Newlon about how much fun they are having, and how much they want to show you how hard they have worked at this wonderful show.
Annie, Jr. is a shortened version for kids of the musical, Annie.  The original musical opened on Broadway in 1977 and ran for six years. It also won seven Tony Awards and has had two revivals.  
Chanticleer Community Theatre and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE): 
Tickets & Website: https://www.paceartsiowa.org/
Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center: 1001 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA.
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Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company Opens the Season with "Doubt: A Parable" by John Patrick Shanley

We had the opportunity to visit the stage of Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company’s latest production, Doubt: A Parable, at the First Central Congregational Church.
This immersive production invites you to step back into 1964, inside a fictional Bronx parish, where a beloved priest, a steadfast school principal, a devoted mother, and a young, impressionable nun each confront questions of faith, conviction, and uncertainty.
Before you experience this powerful and intimate performance, take a deep dive with us in this podcast. We explore the themes, and what makes this production so compelling.
Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, Doubt first premiered off-Broadway in 2004 before its acclaimed Broadway run of 525 performances and 25 previews. It was later adapted into the 2008 film starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company continues to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences—and this one is no exception!
Cast:  Delaney Driscoll (Sister Aloyisus), Melissa King (Sister James), Murphy Wulfgar (Father Flynn) and Lisa Israel (Mrs. Muller)​​
Artist/Design Team:Cathy MW Kurz (Director) and Eric Griffith (Stage Manager), and Bill VanDeest (Scenic/Lighting Designer)
BRIGIT ST. BRIGIT THEATRE COMPANY: 
Tickets and Website: https://www.bsbtheatre.com/doubt
First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street, Omaha, NE
Audio Described Performance on September 21st by Radio Talking Book.
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Bellevue Little Theatre opens "Rocky Horror Picture Show" during it's 50th Anniversary!

We caught up with Director Todd Uhrmacher and actor Donovan Carr to talk all things wild, weird, and wonderful about "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — opening September 12th at Bellevue Little Theatre! With a cast of 18 Creatives, BLT is ready to rock you with unforgettable characters, energy, attitude, and a whole lot of fishnets and heels!
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer - come experience the iconic show that broke all the rules — and still rocks the stage.  You'll even be able to experience this production during the 50th anniversary of the movie, which premiered September 26, 1975! 
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the musical, with music, lyrics, and book by Richard O'Brien.  It was nominated for a Tony and a Drama Desk Award in 1975 and also during its Broadway Revival in 2001.  When it first ran on Broadway in 1975, it ran for 10 months, and it's Revival lasted for 15 months. 
Performed all over the world and revived again, plus an incredibly successful movie, it is a cult-classic and timeless story that is also for Adults Only - so plan accordingly!
BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:
Tickets: https://blt.simpletix.com/
Website: http://www.theblt.org/
203 Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska 
402.291.1554
 
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SNAP Productions opens "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

SNAP! Productions at the Ghost Light Theatre proudly presents "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" — opening September 12th!
We sat down with cast members Connie Lee (Martha) and Adam Bassing (Nick) to talk about the suspense, wit, and emotional rollercoaster of this iconic play. Also starring Cork Ramer as George and Nina Washington as Honey, and directed by the talented Kimberly Faith Hickman, this powerful four-person drama is one you won't want to miss.
Save the Date for "Industry Night" (pay what you can) on September 15th
PLUS we discuss the new program that SNAP! is launching called "Artists Applause", this is an endowment fund that supports SNAP! Creatives. Learn more about this tax-deductible opportunity to invest in the arts and make a lasting impact.
Edward Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is a Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award-winning classic that still stuns audiences over 60 years later.
Join us at the Ghost Light Theatre — let the games begin.
SNAP! PRODUCTIONS CONACT INFO:
Tickets and Website:  https://www.snapproductions.com/
 2221 Thurston Cir, Bellevue, NE 68005
 
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.
 
 

"Pivot" by Alex Lubischer opens in Omaha at Shelterbelt and in Lincoln with the Angels Theatre Company

New works from a Nebraska Playwright, a collaboration between Omaha and Lincoln theatres - The Platte River Bard Podcast is there for it!  Shelterbelt Theatre and the Angels Theatre Company present "Pivot", a new works by Alex Lubischer.  This play is about a girl named Kara, who is reclaiming the future she thought was hers in a small Nebraska town. There are lots of twists and turns - and we hear - some good music being used in this production as well!   
It will be at Shelterbelt Theatre August 28 - September 14 and then will be at Wyuka Stables produced by Angels Theatre Company October 9-19th!
SHELTERBELT THEATRE:
"Pivot" opens August 28th
Website and Tickets: www.shelterbelt.com
 
ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:
"Pivot" opens October 9-12 & 16-19
Website and Tickets: www.angelscompany.org
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.

"Charm" has it's Nebraska Premiere by Voices in Alliance Omaha!

We had a lovely conversation with Chanel Savage, Shizzy Springs and Kane Ashton about their roles in the Nebraksa Premiere of the play "Charm" by Phillip Dawkins. 
"Charm" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking play that explores identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. Based on the inspiring true story of Chicago’s Miss Gloria Allen, this powerful work centers on Mama Darleena Andrews (played by Chanel Savage), a poised and passionate Black transgender woman who sets out to teach an etiquette class at a local LGBTQ+ youth center.
"Charm" is Directed by Randall Stevens and Co-Directed by Anthony Holmes and Asia Nared.
"Charm" opens August 14th and runs through the 24th.
Voices in Alliance (VIA Omaha) Ticket & Contact Info:
Tickets Info and Website: https://www.viaomaha.org/ 
This production will be performed at Yates Illuminates, 3260 Davenport St. Omaha, NE.
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Flatwater Shakespeare Presents "Punk Rock Romeo and Juliet"!

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Kathman (Director) and Carter Fangmeyer (Assistant Director) about what makes "Punk Rock Romeo & Juliet" a production you must go see! 
This is an ecclectic and bold reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet.  Set to the memorable energies of 1970s and ’80s punk rock, you can expect to see a fun reimagination of this classic play.
The historic Wyuka Stables, with its courtyard-style indoor/outdoor layout, will transport you into a charming Elizabethan-like amphitheater.  
Find out more about this unique production here!  
FLATWATER SHAKESPEARE COMPANY:
Tickets and Information:  www.flatwatershakespeare.org
Wyuka Stables, 3600 O Street, Lincoln NE
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The 2025 Omaha Fringe Festival is here!

We sat down with Nicholas Jansen, President of the Board for Omaha Fringe Festival, to bring you the full lowdown on all 20 amazing performances at this year’s festival—running August 7–10, 2025! Featuring talent from dances to one-person plays, as well as puppets and musicals, every show is bursting with creativity!
This year, the Fringe expands across three iconic venues:
UNO Theatre (Mainstage & Studio 006)
Blackstone Theatre
Shelterbelt Theatre 
It’s easy to join the fun! Purchase your button ($5) and individual show tickets ($15 each), or go all in with the All Fringe Pass ($80)—granting access to every show (and more repeats if you want)! Buttons are required for entry and go directly to the Omaha Fringe Festival for operating costs.  All button art is created by local artists and chosen via an annual contest.
 
OMAHA FRINGE FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO:
Tickets and Website:  www.omahafringe.org 
 
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Omaha Community Playhouse Welcomes VJ Orduña and Brandon Box-Hidgem!

We had the pleasure of speaking with the new Directorial team – VJ Orduña, the Artistic Director, and Brandon Box-Hidgem, the Assistant Artistic Director. Together, they’re bringing new passion, innovation, and a bold vision for the Omaha Community Playhouse!
Get to know VJ and Brandon, learn about their creative journey, and get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the 2025-2026 season. First up: The River Bride (Aug. 15–Sept. 14) and Grease (Sept. 12–Oct. 12)!
Omaha Community Playhouse Contact Information:
Tickets and Information: https://www.omahaplayhouse.com/ 
Facebook: omahaplayhouse
Instagram:@omahaplayhouse
Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132
 
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"Coffee Tonk" Premieres at the Omaha Fringe Festival August 8-10, 2025!

We’re thrilled to spotlight Coffee Tonk, a brand-new production inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Ben Danaher. This original play makes its premiere at the Omaha Fringe Festival this August at the Shelterbelt Theatre.
On today’s podcast, we welcome several incredible guests from the Coffee Tonk team: Jill Engelstad, the playwright; Steve Hydeen, the director of Coffee Tonk and Program Director & Chief Admin Director of the 402 Arts Collective; Brigette Chizek, who plays dual roles as singer Jonelle and bar owner Olivia; and Mark Drendt, who portrays the lead character, Daniel West.
This production is truly a collaborative effort. The 402 Arts Collective provided the acting talent, and the River City Shakers bring energy and movement through dance. The Great Plains Theatre Commons supported playwright Jill Engelstad in developing the script. And, of course, the Omaha Fringe Festival and Shelterbelt Theatre provide the platform and venue to bring it all to life.
All Omaha-based. All incredible creatives. All working together to tell new and meaningful stories.
Tune in to the podcast to hear behind-the-scenes insights and enjoy a taste of Ben Danaher’s inspiring music featured in Coffee Tonk.
The Omaha Fringe Festival runs August 8–10, 2025, featuring 20 original productions, each no longer than one hour. Performances will take place at three venues: Shelterbelt Theatre, two stages at the UNO Theatre, and the Blackstone Theater.
Don’t miss this celebration of new work, local artistry, and collaborative storytelling!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
402 Arts Collective:  https://402artscollective.org/ 
Ben Danaher: www.BenDanaher.com 
Omaha Fringe Festival: https://www.omahafringe.org/ 
RIver City Shakers: https://www.facebook.com/p/River-City-Shakers-100064757254152/ 
Coffee Tonk at the Omaha Fringe Festival Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeTonkFringeFestival 
 
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.

A blast from the past - and Happy Hour! "Rock of Ages" opens at Ralston Community Theatre

We had an awesome time chatting with Carly Frolio and Nick Knipe — the two stars playing the love-struck small-town girl and city boy in the upcoming production of Rock of Ages! And we also spoke to their Director, Jeff Garst.  This is a high-energy, nostalgic 80's musical, with comedy, romance, totally rad costumes, big hair, as well as all the 80's hits! 
"Rock of Ages" premiered in 2005 in LA and Las Vegas 2006.  It then went Off-Broadway in 2008, and finally premiered on Broadway in 2009 until 2015.  In 2012 it also became a musical.  Book was written by Chris D'Arienzo.
RALSTON COMMUNITY THEATRE
Tickets and Website: https://ralstoncommunitytheatre.org/
Venue will be located at:  Stocks n Bonds, 8528 Park Dr, Omaha, Nebraska 68127
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.

Are You Ready to Take the Ride? "Ride the Cyclone" The Musical is at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre

What happens when a roller coaster derails and high school kids are killed in the crash, only to make their case to a fortune teller for the chance to be raised from the dead?
This musical, "Ride the Cyclone", is full of unexpected twists and turns, with dark humor, and even some heart.  
"Ride the Cyclone" runs at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre for this unforgettable ride - July 11-27th.
Music, book, and lyrics were by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. "Ride the Cyclone" made it's world premiere in 2008 in British Columbia.  It's American Premiere took place in 2015 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.  It opened Off-Broadway in 2015 and the musicalt will make it's European debut in November 2025.
SNAP! PRODUCTIONS CONACT INFO:
Tickets and Website:  https://www.snapproductions.com/
 2221 Thurston Cir, Bellevue, NE 68005
 
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©Platte River Bard Podcast by Chris and Sheri Berger.

Add this musical - "Unexpected Joy" - to your Summer Musical List!

There are so many wonderful summer musicals to attend this summer, and be sure to add this little gem to your list!  Mills Masquers presents "Unexpected Joy", a musical with lots of harmony, soul, and comedy.  We meet four family members who are in different places in life, and they all come together for a memorial service.  This family has had lots of tension over the years, and suddenly they find a path to acceptance, where before they found conflict.
We spoke to Director, Ryan Fuller and Actor, Kristen Binder about this lovely little production in Glenwood IA.  Get your tickets now and enjoy the harmonies of pop, folk, rock and blues in this sweet little theatre.
"Unexpected Joy" is a Concord Theatrical Production.  Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell.  Music by Janet Hood. The World Premiere happened in 2016, and then it premiered off-Broadway in 2018.
CONTACT INFO:
Tickets and Website:  www.millsmasquers.com
Address:  56542 221st, Glenwood, IA 51534
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Join us for the 10th Annual First Flight Festival by Angels Theatre Co. - with Jamie Bullins, Dave Chapelle, and Adrien Loehring!

Angels Theatre Company is proud to present the 10th Annual First Flight Festival, soaring onto the stage July 17–27!
We spoke with Interim Artistic Director at Angels, Jamie Bullins, along with playwrights David Chapelle and Adrien Loehring (who also is a Composer), and they couldn’t be more excited to showcase this year’s lineup. First Flight features an eclectic mix of new short plays, monologues, and even a musical, all written by members of the Angels Playwriting Collective. Each piece runs around 10 minutes—short, sharp, and unforgettable.
Catch every show in just two unique Flights—but don’t wait! Tickets sell out fast for this one-of-a-kind celebration of local voices and bold new work.
Get your tickets today, and then buckle in for Angels Theatre Company’s signature flights!
 
ANGELS THEATRE COMPANY:
Tickets & Website:  https://angelscompany.org/ 
First Flight will be presented at UNL's Studio Theatre, 1st floor of the Temple Building, 12th & R Streets in Lincoln, NE.
 
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The Brownville Village Theatre's 2025 Summer Season Includes a World Premiere!

We are back for our 5th Summer with the Brownville Village Theatre and their 58th Season! There's so much to share that you won't want to miss this podcast.  We discuss their five shows of the summer - plus a world premiere of the play "For the Protection of Girls" written by Rachel Curtiss, Artistic Director at Brownville Village Theatre.  And there's more - flex tickets, talk backs, BVT Young Performers, and more!  We were fortunate to talk with Jack Danter and Rachel Grossman again, as well as Artistic Directors Mitch Bean and Rachel Curtiss, plus two new Company Members, Caleb Martinez and Abigail Martin.
BROWNVILLE VILLAGE THEATRE CONTACT INFO:
Website: http://www.brownvillevillagetheatre.com/home.html 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BVT1967/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bvt1967 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownvillevillagetheatre/ 
Brownville Village Theatre, 222 Water Street, Brownville, NE
402.825.4121
 
 
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It's going to be a Shrek-tastic Summer at Elkhorn Community Theatre! Shrek, The Musical Opens June 20th!

It's going to be a Shrek-tastic Summer at Elkhorn Community Theatre!
What’s summer without a fun musical full of magic, music, and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun?
Get ready for laughs, love, and larger-than-life characters as Elkhorn Community Theatre proudly presents Shrek the Musical! With a cast of 64 talented performers, this family-friendly production promises to lift your spirits and steal your heart.
We had the chance to catch up with Co-Directors Jessica Pulte and Jack O'Connell, along with stars: John Celesky as the lovable Shrek, Hunter Sieckmeyer as the comically villainous Lord Farquaad, and Elliot Brummond as the hilarious Donkey!
Whether you're young, young-at-heart, or just a big fan of fairy tales with a twist, come join us for an unforgettable musical adventure. Don’t miss your chance to experience this Shrek-tacular show!
Grab your tickets now and let your summer start with a roar!
Shrek the Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori, Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, along with elements of its sequels: Shrek 2, Shrek Forever After and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek.  The original Broadway production opened in December 2008 and ran until January 2010. It toured from 2010 to 2013.  It had several nominations and wins for a Tony, Drama Desk Award, as well as the Tony and Laurence Oliver Award.
ELKHORN COMMUNITY THEATRE CONTACT INFO
Website and Tickets:  https://elkhorncommunitytheatre.org/
ASL Performance:  June 29th at 2pm
Performance Dates: June 20-22 & 27-29
Summer Camp for Kids Grade 3 through 8 - Performance of Shrek for Kids, (free) June 27th.
Elkhorn South High School, 20303 Blue Sage Pkwy, Omaha, NE
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Nebraskans for the Arts Gives Us A Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard Against DOGE Cuts!

We talked with Lance Nielsen, Executive Director at the Nebraskans for the Arts.  The DOGE cuts to the arts, humanities and culture are an important topic making deep and permanent problems for our local Theatres and Creatives.  If you aren't aware of what has been happening, or if you want to hear more about it because there is a lot to read out there, we have put it into podcast format for you to listen and easily take in. 
It will take all of us working together to advocate and save the already allocated for funding for the arts.  We can talk to our US and State Senators, and work on building relationships with them, so they understand the direct impact it is having on our state.
We hope to have Lance back on the podcast again and will continue coverage of this very important issue affecting all Creatives in our country.
 
NEBRASKANS FOR THE ARTS CONTACT INFO:
Website: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/ 
GO TO:  The NFTA Action Center: https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/nebraska-arts-advocacy-network/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nebraskansforthearts/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neb4thearts/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Neb4TheArts 
Address: PO Box 8517, Omaha, NE 68018
PH: 402.817.8176
 
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A Whimsical Outdoor Family Opera Awaits! Opera Omaha brings "Fantastic Mr. Fox" to Lauritzen Gardens!

Though tickets are limited and a waiting list is already in place, now is the time to sign up for an unforgettable experience!
Opera Omaha’s new production of "Fantastic Mr. Fox",  based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and brought to life by composer Tobias Picker — is the perfect opera for the whole family. Filled with charm, adventure, and clever woodland creatures, it’s a delightful introduction to opera for all ages!
Performed outdoors at the stunning Lauritzen Gardens, this 80-minute, no-intermission opera is best enjoyed with your comfy chairs and cozy blankets. Surrounded by nature, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience this whimsical world of furry friends and outsmarted farmers.
There will be a Relaxed Performance on June 7 – a welcoming option for those who prefer a more sensory-friendly environment.  Find out more information here. 
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" was Composed by Tobias Picker, and the Libretto was written by Donald Sturrock.  Composed in 1998, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is an Opera Omaha Company Premiere.
OPERA OMAHA CONTACT INFO: 
Website & Tickets: www.operaomaha.org 
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/operaomaha/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/operaomaha/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/operaomaha
You Tube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/operaomaha
LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST
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Ken Ludwig's "Moriarty" opens at the Bellevue Little Theatre - Let the sleuthing begin!

Get ready for a whirlwind of mystery, mayhem, and masterful disguises as Bellevue Little Theatre opens Ken Ludwig's "Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure" on June 6th!
We spoke with four of the five incredible cast members who take on over 40 characters in this fast-paced and thrilling production!
The story begins with a royal scandal — the Bohemian king’s stolen letters spark an international crisis involving spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace on the line, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson team up with the clever and charming American actress Irene Adler to confront the nefarious genius Professor Moriarty and his global web of henchmen.
Premiered at the Cleveland Play House in April 2023, Moriarty is packed with Victorian-era costumes, classic Holmes-style sleuthing, and is a light-hearted comedy, and a high-stakes adventure you won't want to miss!
 
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
 
LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST
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 Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com.
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