TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – December 2007

Fred Goodhew, President Sherry Fletcher, Chair/Editor www.theatreartsguild.com

A Note from the President by Fred Goodhew TAG A Few Well Chosen Words ... (I hope)

N IGHT O UT A few days ago, I got a phone call from Mary Lou Ruh, a TAG member who sees a great many plays in the Omaha area and is a true supporter None scheduled at time of printing. of live theatre. She had two concerns: The lack of signing for hearing ______impaired people in our theatres and that she didn’t know what to look for when it came time to vote for the technical theatre awards. The TAG board addressed the lack of signing for the hearing impaired T HIS I SSUE at our Nov. 10 meeting. Terry Debenedictis will head a committee charged with finding the means to encourage and implement sign On Stage News language performances in local theatres. The committee will look for The Green Room / Auditions grant money, and will also see if advanced interpretive signing students Other Good Stuff at Iowa Western and Metro would be interested in helping. Theatre Planning Calendar I think this could be a wonderful chance to bring theatre to an audience that has not had much of a chance to experience it. If you have any ______ideas or suggestions, please give Terry a call at 323-7529. As to Mary Lou’s second concern, I told her that I would address the subject in this month’s column. N EW M EMBERS I asked the board members for their input on this subject and we had an

Justin Blackwell interesting discussion about what to look for. A lot depends on the type

Stephanie Bourgeois of production. Barbara, Mark and Tiffany In a more traditional presentation, set, lighting, costumes, properties Taylor and sound designs are best when you don’t notice them. The idea is to be as natural as possible and to enhance the mood or feel of the ______particular scene. In more non-traditional theatre you may see one or more of the designers make more pronounced choices. Lighting or sound may become a focal point for a short time to create a shift in time or place.

As in most aspects of theatre, there is no right or wrong. I will usually

TAG — take into consideration the size of the space and the budget and equipment a theatre company has. I sometimes will vote for a design C ELEBRATING that impresses me with ingenuity. Although the distinction is often 40 YEARS difficult to make, remember that you are voting for design and not execution. D URING 2007! P.S. If you have read this column regularly, you know that I often ask for questions and ideas. This is a prime example of what you as a member can do. Many thanks to Mary Lou Ruh for her suggestion and question. Now it’s your turn.

Page 1 On Stage News

*Iowa Western Community College Presents *BlueBarn Theatre Presents Moliere's Tartuffe The Santaland Diaries Through Dec. 1 Through Dec. 22 Performances at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage of the Arts Center on For the fourth time since 2001, Tim Siragusa reprises his role as the campus of Iowa Western (10 miles from downtown Omaha, just Crumpet the elf in award-winning humorist David Sedaris’ hilarious off I-80 Exit #8.). Tickets are $8/adults, $5/students/seniors/TAG story of Sedaris' experiences working as an elf in Santaland at members. For reservations or more info, call the box office Macy's in New York City. at (712) 388-7140. Erika Hall, Nick Zadina, Stacie Lamb and Katherine Neary will alternate as elf helpers during the run. Susan Clement-Toberer is the *UNO Department of Theatre presents director. Set Design is by Michelle Zacharia. The Mad Woman of Chaillot The BlueBarn has teamed with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Through Dec. 1 Aging to raise awareness of the needs of the elderly this Christmas Performances at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Fine Arts Building, season. A Giving HeARTS Tree will stand in the lobby of the theatre, 6001 Dodge St. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/seniors & students. inviting audience members to become an elf for the elderly by For reservations, visit or call the Box Office at (554-2335) or e-mail fulfilling their gift wishes this holiday season. [email protected]. Performances are Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances will take place Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. and *SNAP! Productions presents Saturdays, Dec. 15 & 22 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $19/adults, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches $15/students, seniors, TAG members, and groups of 10 or more. . Through Dec. 9 The theatre is located at 614 S. 11th St., in the Old Market. For more Directed by Tom Lowe, the large cast features Matt Allen, Roderick information or reservations, call (402) 345-1576 or visit Cotton, Jennifer Gilg, Kirstin Kluver, Stephen M. Shelton, Michal www.bluebarn.org. Simpson, Therese Rennels and Brian Zealand. Performances take place Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. and *Circle Theatre presents Sundays at 6 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 9, at the A Christmas Spirit Shelterbelt/SNAP Theatre, 3225 California St. Ticket prices are Through Dec. 22 $15/adult, $12/students, senior citizens and TAG members. For In this original story written by Doug and Laura Marr. a ghostly visitor reservations, call 341-2757 or online at www.snapproductions.com. pays a call to the London home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Is it a manifestation of his Sherlock Holmes? Could it be, heaven forbid, the *Bridget St. Bridget Theatre presents arch-criminal Moriarty? Will Harry Houdini pay a call? Or is it the Anna Christie troubled spirit of a famous one who once walked the earth? Through Dec. 9 The show features the talents of Cullen Chollett, Rosanne Glock and Eugene O'Neill's classic is directed by Cathy Kurz and features Laura Laura Marr. Leininger in the title role, with MaryBeth Adams, Matthew Brown, Eric Performances run Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m., with optional Grant-Leanna, Scott Kurz, Eric Salonis and David Sindelar. dinner served at 7 p.m., in the lower level of Central Presbyterian Church, 726 S. 60th St. Tickets for dinner and show are $23, show- Within the value system of early 20th century, even though one man only $13. For reservations, call: 553-4715 or e-mail [email protected]. abandoned his family and the other thinks nothing of patronizing prostitutes in random harbors, an entirely different set of standards applies to women. Thus, Anna is left to decide the fate of herself and *The Omaha Community Playhouse presents others. Can she survive if she tells all? Can she go on if she tells A Christmas Carol nothing? Through Dec. 23, Mainstage Anna Christie premiered on Broadway in 1921 and has enjoyed hit According to Bob Fischbach, Omaha World-Herald reviewer, this revivals in 1952, 1977, and 1993. 32nd annual performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is the best ever. Jerry Longe as Scrooge leads a cast of 40 adults and Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and children. Stage direction is by Carl Beck and Susan Baer Collins, Sundays at 2 p.m. in the Gross Conference Center in the Science with music direction by Jim Boggess and choreography by Roxanne Bldg., on the College of Saint Mary campus, 7000 Mercy Rd. Nielsen. Steve Priesman is stage manager. Tickets are $18/adult, $15/seniors, $5/students. For reservations, call Performances run Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 399-6287 or e-mail [email protected]. at 2 and 6:30 p.m. The 6:30 p.m. performance on Dec. 9 will be shadow-interpreted for the hearing impaired. Tickets for this special, non-subscription production are $39/adults and $24/students. Playhouse subscribers receive a discount price of $30 for each subscription owned. All prices include tax. The TAG discount is not available and half price tickets will not be sold. For reservations or more information, call (402) 553-0800. .

Page 2 On Stage News

*Mills Masquers presents *Cabaret Theatre presents A Christmas Story We Need a Little Christmas Dec. 7-16 Dec. 14–16 Scott Hite directs this classic story, set in the 1940s. Young Ralphie Performances are Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 longs for a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, but everywhere he p.m. at Bellevue Little Theatre. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/students turns, he is warned that he’ll shoot his eye out. You'll be in stitches and seniors. when one of the guys gets his tongue stuck to the frozen flag pole Another performance takes place Sunday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at Omaha during the infamous "triple dawg dare.” And who could forget the On Stage, 2339 N. 90th St. (90th & Blondo). All tickets are $12. treasured "leg lamp?" Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at *Bridget St. Bridget Theatre presents 2 p.m., at the Barton Theatre, 56543 221st Street — just north of Acacia’s Secret Heart Glenwood. Tickets are $10/adults, $9/students and seniors, Dec. 14–15 $6/children 12 and under. Inaugurating a new "Story Theatre" family series, BSB presents the For more information, visit www.millsmasquers.org or call the box first in a series of original scripts derived from universal myths. office at (712) 527-3600. Carole Waterman’s delightful adaptation of the ancient South African myth features Carole as wise Acacia, Scott Kurz as devious Hyena, * The Omaha Community Playhouse Presents Tracy Iwerson, as a flamboyant Ostrich, and Amy Kunz as spirited Rave On! A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly Riverine Rabbit. Dec. 7–31, Howard Drew Theatre Performances are at 7 p.m. at Gross Auditorium, in the Science Billy McGuigan and his rock-n-roll band return for the fifth and final Bldg., on the College of Saint Mary's campus at 7000 Mercy Road. run of Rave On! A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly, a special non- Tickets are $10. For reservations, call 399-6287 or e-mail subscription production. The show runs Wednesdays–Saturdays at [email protected]. 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. All seats are reserved and tickets are $38, except for two special performances on New Year’s *Omaha Symphony presents Eve. TAG discounts are not available for this special production and Christmas with the Symphony half-price tickets will not be sold. For reservations, call Dec 14–16 (402) 553-0800. This year’s popular event features renowned New York-based director, choreographer, and arranger David Levy, joined by a cast of *SNAP! & Shelterbelt present talented actors, singers, and dancers from Broadway and the Omaha Christmas with the Crawfords area, including Broadway choreographer and dancer Darren Lee, Dec. 13–30 assistant director and lead choreographer/dancer. She's back ... Joan Crawford, that is. SNAP! Productions and Local TV personality Dave Weber returns this year — joined by Shelterbelt Theatre have teamed up again offer the drag romp that Gwendolyn Jones, Ted Keegan and Betsy Wolfe, three talented the Omaha World-Herald says is “... one of the hottest tickets for the vocalists straight from Broadway. Holiday Season.” Performances take place Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday & This fundraiser, which has completely sold out each year, features Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 12th & Hedda Hopper giving a live radio broadcast from Joan’s living room. Douglas. Single tickets range from $15 to $80 and are available at Which of the Hollywood elite drop by to help keep the festivities (402) 345-0606, (402) 342-3560, www.omahasymphony.org or at the interesting? Christmas with the Crawfords is a refreshing antidote for Omaha Symphony Box Office, 1605 Howard Street. Children 12 and the anxiety-prone times of the holiday season. under qualify for half price tickets for the matinee performances on Directed by Michal Simpson and musically directed by Todd Brooks, Saturday and Sunday. the show features a top notch cast of mostly men impersonating Hollywood’s leading ladies. *Omaha Performing Arts Presents Performances are Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 Mandy Patinkin p.m. All tickets are $20. Reservations are strongly encouraged and Dec. 8, Orpheum Theater may be made by calling (402) 341-2757 or online at A Year with Frog and Toad www.snapproductions.com. Dec. 14, Orpheum Theater

Continued, next page. *Chanticleer Theatre presents Christmas At Chanticleer, a Holiday Fundraiser December 13–16 Performances run Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults and $5/students & children. For reservations or more information, call (712) 323-9955 or e-mail . [email protected].

Page 3 On Stage News

*Omaha Performing Arts, cont’d. Grande Olde Players present Chris Botti Meet Me in St Louis Dec. 31, Holland Performing Arts Center Through Dec. 9 The lively performance will be followed by a festive balloon drop and Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at a post-concert party that will include party favors, a cash bar and 2 p.m. at the Omaha On Stage theatre in North Plaza 90 Shopping dancing to hits from local cover band The Personics. Concertgoers Center, 2339 N 90th St. Tickets are $13/adults, $12/seniors, can also purchase a Party Package that includes pre-performance $5/children under 18. For reservations contact Colene Moreno at dining featuring premium views of the downtown fireworks, a private 397-5262. post-concert reception with chocolates and champagne and valet parking. Omaha Theatre Company presents A Little House Christmas To order tickets for these performances, call Ticket Omaha at Through Dec 22 (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org. Ticket Omaha has the best seats, and no service fees for tickets purchased in person at the Visit the beloved Ingalls family in this adaptation of the popular Little Holland Performing Arts Center. House on the Prairie books and television show. Directed by James Larson, the show features Erin Bragg, Kevin Ehrhart, Michael Ever After Productions and Harrelson, Jim Hoggatt, Mari Martinez, Suzanne Withem and Sherry Josand Fletcher. *Adair Dance Academy present Nutcracker Delights Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays & Dec. 1-2 Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 each. Discount tickets are available at all area Hy-Vee stores. For reservations or more This new script by Julian Adair tells the story of Clara’s inquisitive information, call (402) 345-4849. great-granddaughter, Marie, who finds a journal in the attic and asks her grandfather about her great-grandmother’s adventures. E.T.A. Kountze Memorial Theater, Mahoney State Park Hoffman’s original tale of the king and queen, their selfish daughter, Christmas in her Heart an inventive watchmaker named Drosselmeier and his helpful Through Dec. 30 nephew Frederick unfolds. Marie learns how the Rat King’s spell was cast and soon learns how the dreaded curse must be broken. The Geraldine Pointer is a selfish woman whose materialism alienated excitement increases with a surprise ending, inspiring to all. both her husband and daughter. Years have passed and something strange is happening to Geraldine. She doesn’t know that she is A cast of nearly 70 dancers, actors and singers features Carly Sinn discovering Christmas in her heart. and Adam Hogston with Elise Beal, Tim Daugherty, Louisa Foster, Curtis Leach, Janet Macklin, Kevin Olsen and Meghan Strathman. Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Additional performances Dec. 26 & 27 are at 7:30 The show is directed by Julian Adair, with original choreography by p.m. Tickets for show plus dinner buffet are $20/adults, $10/children Julian Adair, Ruth Hoagboon, Danielle Laurion and Tricia Lovejoy. 12 and under. Show-only tickets are $8/adults, $6/children 12 and Performances are at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, at under. For reservations, call (402) 944-2523, ext. 7122. Bellevue Little Theater, 203 W. Mission Ave. in Old Town Bellevue, just off Highway 370. Tickets are $10 and available by calling 551- Kathy Tyree Productions 4200 or at the door. Back Down Memory Lane Partnering with Haxby Bears, an organization that puts stuffed Dec. 1–2 animals in the hands of kids in crisis, the producers suggest bringing Start this holiday season by joining the women from the original cast a new or gently loved stuffed animal to be entered in a drawing for of the hit musical Beehive as they journey from the 1940s through prizes. the 70s in this musical review.

Performances are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 Omaha Ballet presents & 6:30 p.m., at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 69th & Cass. Imperial Nutcracker Tickets are $25, seating is reserved. For reservations, call 614-3666. Through Dec. 2

This opulent new production of the holiday dance classic was German American Society presents redesigned at a cost of nearly $400,000. The Imperial Nutcracker is Die Schnur Puppen set in 1890s St. Petersburg, the time and place that inspired Dec. 2 composer Tchaikovsky to write his classic musical score. This marionette troupe, in residence at the Omaha German- Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday & American Society, performs its free show for Christmas In Germany, Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets range from $29- open to the public. The program includes Hansel and Gretel and the 40 and can be purchased from Ticket Omaha at 345-0606 or Marvelous Toy. For performance time check www.ticketomaha.org. Discount coupons for $3 off the regular box www.germanamericansociety.org. Jerry Golmanavich is artistic office price are available at Hy-Vee. director. .

Page 4 On Stage News/The Green Room

TADA *River City Mixed Chorus presents Not A Down Home Branson Christmas Great Men of Song Dec. 13-16 Jan. 12-13 TADA presents the premiere production of this comical musical *Omaha Performing Arts presents celebration. From half-hazard magicians, a hilarious Russian Phantom of the Opera ventriloquist, fun-filled songs & hilarious skits that mix a touch of Jan. 30-Feb. 24 Monty Python with a dash of Hee-Haw, a tweak of Saturday Night Live and a pinch of the Grand Ol’ Opry, this is the perfect blend of entertainment to spoof the little town of Branson. Auditions & More Auditions Performances take place at The Loft at the Mill, Lincoln. For reservations, call (402) 438-TADA (8232) or visit *Bellevue Little Theatre will hold auditions for Musical Comedy www.tadaproductions.info. Murders of 1940, the third production of the season, on Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 3 & 4, 7 p.m., at the theatre, 203 W. Mission. Six adult The Office Party women and four adult men are needed. Todd Urmacher will direct Dec. 15–Jan. 27 this production, which runs Feb. 8 through 24. For more information, call 738-1510. Gary Planck directs the newest interactive show along the lines of Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding at the Millard Plaza Ballroom, 5339 S.139st. *Shelterbelt Theatre will hold auditions for the annual From For more information, contact Gary. Shelterbelt with Love on Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., in the back room of California Tacos at 33rd and California. Auditioners will read from Omaha Theatre Company presents the chosen scripts. For more information, e-mail Gingerbread Man [email protected]. Dec 26-29 Auditions for the * production of Jesus Christ The original script was written by Jim Hoggatt. The play is directed by Mills Masquers' Kevin Ehrhart and features two actors playing a multitude of Superstar will take place Sunday & Monday, Dec. 16 & 17, 7 p.m., at characters. For reservations or more information, call the Barton Theater. Jeff Mitts will direct. Performances are scheduled (402) 345-4849. weekends Feb. 21–March 2. For more information, call the theater box office at (712) 527-3600, or online at www.millsmasquers.org. Murder Hits a High Note The Barton Theater is located on US Highway 275, a mile north of Dec. 31 Glenwood at 56543 221st Street. Auditioners should be prepared to sing (bring a prepared piece). Mills Masquers auditions are always This New Year’s Eve, get ready for an evening of laughs, mystery open to all. and, of course, murder, while enjoying a three-course gourmet dinner and champagne toast at the PS Collective in Benson. TADA Productions announces auditions for Smokey Joe’s Cafe by It's the fabulous fifties — the era of the sock hop, drive-in restaurants, appointment only. For more information or to schedule an Elvis Presley, and leather jackets! Homicide detective Carol appointment, call TADA at (402) 438-8232. Roles are compensated. Barkenhoffer agrees to help chaperone a high school prom with her Rehearsals will begin in January. teacher boyfriend, Dennis McDonald. Tempers flare when everyone finds out that the Principal has replaced Bill Haley and the Comets with Pat O'Malley, an Irish tenor and former student at the school. Thanks & Thanks Again During Pat's performance the Principal drops dead and it's up to Huge thanks to our generous members who support TAG’s many Carol to find out who planned a "perfect pitch" murder. projects by sending in a donation along with their membership The production features Bob Edwards, Tim Herrington, Leanne Hill, renewal. (This list current as of Oct. 31.) Joseph Miloni, Barb Ross and Luigi Valentino. $49 and under $100 and over Performances are at 6:30 and 9 p.m. next to the Pizza Shoppe in Brian Callaghan Curt Siemers Benson, 6056 Maple. Tickets for dinner and show are $45 plus tax & Riley Garrigan gratuity. For reservations, call (402) 932-9007. Liebermann Family David Mainelli and coming in January… *Bridget St. Bridget presents & Other Good Stuff Orpheus Descending Jan 11-27 Looking for TAG Night Out Sign TAG has misplaced one of our large, foam core TAG Night Out signs. If you’ve noticed one hanging around your theatre, please contact Anne Shaughnessy, TNO chair, at [email protected]

Page 5 The Green Room Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival A UNO Television production team traveled to Madagascar and Coming to Omaha Area followed zoo personnel, local experts and graduate students from The festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Madagascar to produce the film. Actor Danny Glover narrates the and hosted by Creighton University, Iowa Western Community documentary and Peter Buffett composed the original music. The College and UNO will take place Jan. 20-26. The Region V Festival program was recorded and produced in high definition. will include participation by 1,700 students and faculty from 75 Sponsors of the documentary are the Hubbard Family Foundation, colleges and universities in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South HunTel Communications, From the Top, and UNO Television. Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Most activities will take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Help TAG When You Order from Amazon Omaha. The 6-day festival includes invited college productions, the Do you order books and music online from Amazon.com? When you Irene Ryan acting competition, the Thayer lighting competition, the visit the Amazon Web site by going through our Web site, Barbizon design awards and Design & Technologies Exhibition, and www.theatreartsguild.com, TAG receives a small commission on the several other acting, directing, writing, and designing activities and sale. workshops. Festival coordinators Kathleen Bagby Coate and Jerry Ditter are To Speak or Not To Speak currently seeking the following support for the festival: TAG offers a Speakers’ Bureau to come to your school or • Electronic pianos or upright wooden pianos which may be organization to talk about live theatre here in the Big O! Our teen used during the festival reps can talk to drama classes and clubs as well. Please contact • Accompanists to play for student auditions or workshops Pegi Georgeson, 330-7762, to set up a date with TAG. • 4x4 tables with 4 legs to be used for student auditions • Food for late-night hospitality suites *Mills Masquers Announce 2008 Season • Advertising in the festival brochure The Mills Masquers in Glenwood, Iowa, will kick off its 31st season with the musical classic, Jesus Christ Superstar. The show will be • Printing support for brochure and signage directed by Jeff Mitts, and is scheduled to open in early March. See • T-shirt printing for volunteers the audition notice on page 5. • Decorations for student parties. Additional shows for 2008 include For more information or if you are interested in helping, contact • A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Jeff DeYoung Kathleen at (712) 325-3409. • Wonka Junior, directed by Craig Florian For more information about the festival, visit www.kcactf5.org. • The Diary of Anne Frank, directed by Nancy Wright

• A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, directed by Ken UNO Television Wins Regional Emmy and Whitacre. Silver Davey Awards For more information, visit the Mills Masquers Web site at The film Madagascar — Conservation vs. Survival was awarded an www.millsmasquers.org. Emmy for a topical documentary at the Heartland Regional Emmy

Awards Oct. 27 in Denver. The Heartland Chapter, one of twenty regional chapters across the United States, is comprised of Would You Like to Receive TAGLines Via E-Mail? Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and part of Wyoming. With the costs of postage and printing continuing to rise and the quantity of junk mail rising too, TAG may offer members a choice in The Davey Awards honor productions from smaller agencies, delivery. The choices would be to continue receiving TAGLines via production facilities and public relations firms. Just as David defeated snail mail or to receive e-mail notification and download a pdf from the mighty Goliath with a big idea and a little rock, so do the Davey our Web site. If you are interested in the e-mail option in lieu of mail, Awards honor the achievement of the creative Davids where strength let us know by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. comes from ideas, intelligence and out-of-the-box thinking, not a giant's bankroll. Submissions for TAGLines must be received by the Produced by UNO Television, the one-hour documentary details the th struggle Madagascar faces as it tries to balance feeding a growing . 14 of the month: population with preserving endangered habitats. The program [email protected]. highlights the work of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

Page 6 On Stage News Pulitzer-Prize Nominee Tina Howe Selected as *Omaha Symphony Joins LinkUP! Again 2008 Great Plains Theatre Conference Honored Playwright Created by Carnegie Hall, Communities LinkUP! aims to increase Metropolitan Community College and the Great Plains Theatre students’ performing, creating, and listening skills through a series of Conference have announced that Tina Howe has been selected by “linked” activities that include classroom instruction and interactive Edward Albee to receive the Edward Albee Great Plains Theatre orchestra concerts. Conference Award at the 2008 Conference scheduled for May 24-31. The Omaha Symphony is one of only 10 symphony orchestras As the honored playwright, Howe will read from her new play at an nationwide invited to participate in the program. The 2007-8 season evening event during the Conference. Howe plans to invite actress marks the third year for the program in Omaha. Because of its Jane Alexander to the reading. During the Conference, Howe will innovative approach and success with the LinkUP! Program, the also serve as a panelist with other visiting dignitaries critiquing the Omaha Symphony is serving as a role model for implementing the work of top tier playwrights. LinkUP! Program across the country. Best known for her plays Painting Churches and Coastal One these innovations is the “Musician Mentor” program. Eight Disturbances, Howe has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Omaha Symphony musicians participate by adopting 10 classrooms Play and is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Best Play. She and visiting them twice during the program, for a total of more than won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play, the 160 classroom visits throughout the program. OBIE Award for Distinguished Playwriting, the Outer Critics Circle During these visits, the musicians perform for students, provide Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in answers to questions regarding music and their careers, and play Literature, a Rockefeller Grant, two NEA fellowships and a alongside the students on the LinkUP! selections they will perform for Guggenheim Fellowship. Howe is a member of the council of the the final concert in the spring. Dramatists Guild of America and teaches playwriting at Hunter The Omaha Symphony was the originator of the “Music Mentor” College in New York City. component of the Carnegie program — and now other orchestras According to a news story in the Nov. 22 edition of the Omaha World- across the country are emulating what the Omaha Symphony started Herald, Edward Albee recently announced that he would not be three years ago. attending the conference this year because of political upheaval at Beginning in the fall and continuing after the first of the year, the Metro. Communities LinkUP! Program will culminate in two interactive *Florentine Players Announce Season and concerts scheduled for April 16 at the Holland Performing Arts Offer Improv Workshops Center. At these concerts, the students will demonstrate what they’ve learned throughout the program through singing and playing their During 2008, the Florentine Players will be offering workshops, recorders with the Omaha Symphony. productions and activities. • Jan. 15, 22, 29: Improv Workshops 2nd Annual Professional Development Conference & • Feb. 8, 9: Night at the Improv Audition Fair Scheduled at North High School • Feb. 12, 19, 26: Singing and Karaoke Workshops Friday & Saturday, Dec. 14 & 15, *Omaha North will again host this • March 14, 15: Murder Mystery opportunity for high school students in the performing arts. For more • May 9-18: Melodrama information, contact KateWiig at (402) 557-3447 or • July 18, 19: Follies — Best of Florence [email protected]. • Aug. 22, 23: Luau Murder Mystery • Sept.: Taste of Florecne during River City Roundup *3rd Degree Productions • Oct. 4: Garage Sale Omaha's newest production company is seeking actors, directors • Oct. 17, 18: Halloween Murder Mystery and stage crew. For more information, e-mail • Dec. 6: Breakfast with Santa [email protected] or visit www.3rddegreeproductions.org.

Improv workshops take place on Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., and are free to Florentine Players members. Non-members may join for only $5 and will receive newsletters and notice of Florence events.

Page 7 Page 8 Theatre Planning S SUM T W THF S SUM T W THF S SUM T W THF S SUM T W THF S SUM Dec. 2007 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Member Theatres IWCC — Tartuffe UNO — Mad Woman Ever After — Nutcracker OPA — Mandy Patinkin SNAP — Angels in Amer. BSB — Anna Christie OPA — Frog & Toad BB — Santaland Diaries Circle — Christmas Spirit OCP — Christmas Carol MM — Christmas Story OCP — Rave On SP & ST — Crawfords CT — Christmas at Chan . Cab. T — Need a Little BSB — Acacia's Secret OS — Christmas with Sym.

Non-Member Theatres OB — Imperial Nutcracker GOP — Meet Me St. Louis OTC — Little House Kountze — Christmas Heart Tyree — Memory Lane GAS — Schnur Puppen TADA — Not a Branson Murder Hits a High Note

Auditions BLT — Musical Comedy ST — With Love MM — JC Superstar

TNO=TAG Night Out Black Box=Closing Performance

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December 2007

TAG Board of Directors & General Information

Jerry Abels (2008), Recording Secretary, (712) 329-9066 [email protected] Liz Heim, Ex-officio, Awards Chair, (402) 552-9326 Zach Baltz (2006-7), Teen Rep, North High School Laura Jay (2010), Theatre Grant Chair, (402) 517-8707 [email protected] Tom Bertino, Ex-officio, [email protected] Jim Martin (2010), Membership co-chair(402) 933-6259 Craig Bond (2009), Treasurer-elect, (712) 322-6442 [email protected] Emily Neve (2009), Scholarship & Teen Rep Co-Chair, (402) 960-1811 [email protected] Allison Botkin-Wissman (2008), Treasurer, 672-0806 Cali Neuberger (2007-8), Teen Rep, Central High School [email protected] Cristen Cavel (2007-8), Teen Rep, Burke High School Karli Newman (2009), Scholarship Co-Chair, (402) 561-0988 [email protected] Terry DeBenedictis (2009), Membership co-chair, (712) 323-7529 Les Schultz (2008), Finance Co-Chair, (402) 630-6254 [email protected] [email protected] Sherry Fletcher (2009), Newsletter chair/E-Broadcasts [email protected] Paul Schneider (2010), Theater Services(402) 384-8338 Connie Fowler (2010), (402) 455-3918 [email protected] Anne Shaughnessy (2009),TAG Nite Out Chair/Membership co-chair, [email protected] Jennifer Gilg (2010), Corresponding Secretary/Publicity (402) 551-6284 Miranda Smith (2007-8), Teen Rep, Treynor High School [email protected] Fred Goodhew, Ex-officio, President, (402) 391-2270 [email protected] Jim Watson (2008) Historian, (402) 346-7598 [email protected] JoAnn Goodhew (2008), Program Chair, (402) 391-2270 [email protected] • The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m., at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Fred Goodhew at (402) 391-2270 if you plan to attend. • The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the November Newsletter is Sunday, Dec. 16. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via e-mail to [email protected] or mail to TAG, Attn: Sherry Fletcher, Box 24008, Omaha, NE 68124. • To advertise in TAGLines, e-mail [email protected]. Our rates cover both inserted flyers (which you supply) and printed advertisements. Check out our advertising rates under About Us at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non-members may only advertise theatre-related business. • To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an e-mail to [email protected]. • An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes, cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG e-broadcasts, contact Sherry Fletcher at [email protected]. Page 10