TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – July 2009

Sherry Fletcher, President & Interim Chair/Editor www.theatreartsguild.com

Change, Part II TAG By Sherry Fletcher

N IGHT All of the proposed changes to the By-Laws were approved at the annual

meeting on June 13 and some exciting discussions took place regarding UT O proposed changes to awards. E-mail feedback and comments made by

Baby members in attendance were very helpful. You’ll learn more in next month’s Broadstreet Theatre at BLT edition of TAGLines. A few minimal changes will be approved for the 2009- July 16 2010 season while we explore any further changes for the following season.

Don’t worry, no decisions will be made in haste, and your feedback is always ______invited and welcome.

T HIS I SSUE We’ve Gone High Tech — Order Online and Pay by Credit Card It’s finally happened. You can now perform a lot of cool functions via the TAG

On Stage News Web site: The Green Room / Auditions • Renew your membership

Other Good Stuff • Make a donation Theatre Planning Calendar • Pay for an ad • Make your Awards Night reservations! ______

Go to the appropriate section of the Web site for more information on these N EW cool new enhancements (and thanks to Tom Bertino and Allison Wissman for all the work). M EMBERS Jean Burggraf Nominations Night Is this Sunday! th Marilyn F. Carroll TAG’s 17 annual Nominations Night takes place on Sunday, July 5, Belinda Creasser beginning at 7:30 p.m. at PS Collective. Come early to avoid waiting in line to order some tasty food or a refreshing beverage. The incomparable Denny Ariel Ibsen Maddux will host again this year, so you really won’t want to miss this evening Dryden Meints of good fun. Put on your favorite show shirt and come out to cheer for the Amanda Miller nominees as they are announced. There is no charge for this fun event and it Sean Mulhern only runs about an hour or so. Liz Mulhern D. Laureen Pickle Do You Need Your Members-Only Password? Ilya Poluektov Do you need a user name and password to access the Members-Only section of James Reid www.theatreartsguild.com? Go to http://theatreartsguild.com/accessRequest.htm to send your request straight to the Webmaster. Sheri Taylor Mallory Vallier Shop Amazon? Help TAG! Timothy Vallier If you already shop on Amazon, click on our Link to Amazon here or from www.theatreartsguild.com to help raise funds for TAG. It doesn't cost you anything, but TAG earns money for click-throughs. Over the The Candy Project: course of a year, it adds up! Andy King Amanda Miller

Page 1 On Stage News

*BlueBarn presents Seger, a fan from Houston, who fell in love with Patsy’s music after Reefer Madness — the Musical! hearing it on the radio and TV, then met Patsy by chance in a Texas Through July 11 honky-tonk in 1961. The women hit it off and frequently wrote to one Susan Clement-Toberer directs this campy spoof of the notorious another until Patsy’s untimely death at age 30 in a plane crash in 1936 anti-marijuana propaganda film, Reefer Madness. The show is 1963. a tongue-in-cheek raucous musical comedy about clean-cut kids who The entire cast from the 2007 production returns: Erika Hall Zadina fall into a twisted, hilarious downward spiral of reefer, sex and as Patsy, Judy Radcliff as Louise, and The Jordanaires quartet of mayhem. The original production won 20 theater awards and broke Michael Bristol, Bob Kropp, Nelson Lampe, and Rick Tritz. Songs attendance records. include “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “I Fall to The cast features Ben Beck, Bailey Carlson, Jason DeLong, Paul Pieces,” and over 20 more unforgettable country and pop classics. Hanson, Steve Krambeck, Martin Scott Marchitto, Ryan Pivonka, Susan Baer Collins directs; Keith Hart is Music Director. Stage Theresa Sindelar and Jenn Witt in major roles, backed by Teri Manager is Jeanne Shelton. Always… Patsy Cline was written and Fender, Krystal Kelly, Megan Lubeck, Nora Shelton, Courtney Stein, originally directed by Ted Swindley. This limited run performs Jared Michael Walter and Eddie Wayne. The musical comedy Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. showcases costumes by Jenny Poole, scenic design by Martin Scott Tickets are $38 for all seats. Half-priced tickets will not be sold for Marchitto, lighting design by Carol Wisner, musical direction by Mitch this show and no TAG discount will be offered. For reservations or Fuller, and choreography by Roxanne Nielsen. more information, call 553-0800 or visit www.omahaplayhouse.com.

Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays June 28 *Shelterbelt presents and July 5 at 6 p.m. There will be no show on July 4. Tickets are $25/adults, $20/students/TAG members/seniors 65+/groups. Summer 2009: Three Original Works July 9-Aug. 1 For reservations, call (402) 345-1576. The Shelterbelt Theatre is proud to present the premiere productions *The Omaha Community Playhouse presents of three original works by two Omaha playwrights. Late Nite Catechism Mountain Lion and Mrs. Jennings’ Sitter, two plays by Ellen Struve, Through July 12, Howard Drew Theatre will be performed July 9-19, with a special talkback performance on Sister is back! This wildly popular comedy from summer 2008 has July 14 at 7 p.m. featuring the author and cast. returned for another “semester” of adult catechism classes to help The Wind Cries Verona by Jay Huse, will run July 23-Aug. 1. you laugh your sins off. Mary Zentmyer reprises her turn as Sister; In Mountain Lion, Boyd and Peggy's dog may or may not be missing. Elizabeth Kendall is stage manager. Late Nite Catechism is done There may or may not be a mountain lion lurking about. Their son with love and respect and great humor. You don’t have to be Catholic may or may not be an arsonist. Something is definitely wrong in to enjoy it, as hundreds of “students” learned last year. Now, sit up suburban America. straight and pay attention! Mrs. Jennings’ Sitter explores an affluent suburb of Everyday Performances run Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays America, where a kleptomaniac high school babysitter catches Mrs. at 2 and 6:30 p.m. All seats for all performances are reserved and Jennings lying to her husband about the authenticity of a new cost $35, including tax. There is no TAG discount for this show; half- handbag. Accusations accompany blackmail and the two women price tickets will NOT be sold. An added performance on Tuesday, enter into an embattled, alternately intense and comic contest for July 7, is a fundraiser for the Playhouse. All tickets are $50 for this insight involving prescription pills, Ding Dongs, motherhood, world date only and that includes a 6 p.m. fish fry catered by Wheatfield’s religion and scrapbooking. plus the show at 7:30 p.m. To buy tickets, call the OCP ticket line at What’s in a name is the question at the heart of The Wind Cries 553-0800, visit the Playhouse Box Office, or visit Verona. An ambitious actress and a desperate editor conspire with a www.omahaplayhouse.org. male romance novelist to conceal his identity under a female pen name — and the love lives of all three become increasingly *The John Beasley Theater presents entangled as they carry out their scheme. Will it be a case of “all’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest well that ends well?” Through July 12 Performances take place Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Performances run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at Sundays at 6 p.m., except for 2 p.m. on July 19. Tickets are $20 for a 3 p.m. For more information and to confirm production dates, call pass to both sets of shows or $15/adults, $12/students, seniors and 502-5767 or visit www.johnbeasleytheater.org. The theatre is located TAG members. Special $10 pricing is offered Thursdays July 9, 14, at 30th & Q, inside the YMCA LaFern Williams' Community Center. and 23.

*Omaha Community Playhouse presents Due to the short runs of the productions, no TAG night out is Always, Patsy Cline scheduled, but Shelterbelt will donate half the proceeds from opening night for both plays to the TAG Scholarship Fund (July 9 & 23, $10 July 8-19 admission nights.) For reservations or more information, call By popular demand, the Playhouse brings back this biographical (402) 341-2757 or visit www.shelterbelt.org. The Shelterbelt Theatre show featuring the timeless music of Nashville legend Patsy Cline. is located at 3225 California in Omaha. The play is based on the true story of Patsy’s friendship with Louise

Page 2 On Stage New

*Papillion-LaVista Community Theatre presents of three couples each at various points of their lives as they deal with South Pacific the painful, rewarding, and agonizingly funny consequences of July 9-18 impending parenthood. With a soaring musical score and a story that Papillion La Vista Community Theatre welcomes you to its third really delivers, this show with book by Sybille Pearson, music by annual musical at the beautiful Sumtur Ampitheatre, located just David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. is one you won't want south of Papillion-LaVista South High School, 108th & Highway 370. to miss! Enjoy an evening under the stars with this Broadway classic featuring Directed by Roxanne Wach, with music direction by Keefer Peterson, Leanne Carlson as Nellie Forbush, Mark Thornburg as Emile, Chris the show features Carrie Beth Stickrod, Kyle Avery, Angie Heim, Thackray as Billis and Becky Noble as Bloody Mary. Ryan Eberhart, Laura Wilwerding, Dan Wach, Sara Planck, Barb Performances run Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. Reserved seats Ross, Audrey Fisher, Kate Wiig, Nick Albrecht, and Michael Taylor- close to the stage are $9.99 and general seating on the green is $5 Stewart. Mary Carrick produces, with Melissa Linn, stage manager; per person. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating on the green. lighting design by Ernie Gubbels; set, sound & properties design by Audience members may either bring a picnic and beverages or Roxanne Wach; costume designer by Kevin Steward; and sound purchase food and beverages at the concession stand. To make consultation by Jeff Lively. Brian Callaghan is sound technician and reservations, visit www.plvcommtheatre.org. Dusty Davis is lighting technician. Performances take place at the Bellevue Little Theatre Fridays & *Ralston Community Theatre presents Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults Li’l Abner and $13/students, seniors & TAG members. For reservations, call July 10-26 (402) 344-3257 or purchase online at www.BroadStreetTheatre.com. Journey to the most unnecessary place in the world: Dogpatch, *Diaper Drive to Benefit the Nebraska Children's Home! U.S.A. Celebrate Ralston Community Theatre’s 30th Anniversary with Help us help our tiniest children! BroadStreet will donate a diaper to a re-mount of its very first production. Reminisce about the good ole the Nebraska Children's Home for each audience member during our days of Sadie Hawkins and Cold War mania. Straight from the funny run. The more in our audience, the more diapers! Other items are pages and onto the stage, this rip-roaring musical is sure to be a also needed. Please consider donating wipes, baby shampoo/soap, good time for all. blankets, baby safety items, diaper bags, bottles, layette sets, Performances run Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at Desitin, and onesies. BroadStreet will be collecting items at the 2 p.m. at the Ralston Performing Arts Centre, 8969 Park Dr. Tickets theatre prior to and following each performance. All items, including are $15/adults and $12/students and seniors. For reservations or diapers, will benefit babies across the Omaha metro area as part of more information, call (402) 898-3545 or visit NCH's pregnancy, adoption, foster care, and early childhood www.Ralstontheatre.org. development programs. For more info about the Nebraska Children's Home, visit www.nchs.org. *Dana College presents The Thursday, July 16 preview is a TAG Night Out to benefit the Black Elk Speaks scholarship fund. July 15-19 *Mills Masquers present Dana College collaborates with St. Charles Community College History Theatre to present this production of John Neihardt’s book, Disney’s High School Musical adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel. The production is co- July 24-Aug. 2 directed by Hal Berry, a 1966 graduate of Dana College and This smash hit will be performed Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. professor of history and theatre at St. Charles CC, and Bill Van and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Barton Theater north of Glenwood, Deest, theatre coordinator at Creighton University. Iowa, on old U.S. Highway 275. Jon Coover is the director, Nicholas The story recounts the history of the American Indian from Columbus Ross is the music director and Jeff DeYoung is the producer. For to the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 and features talented young reservations or more information, call (712) 527-3600 or visit Americans from across the United States with differing backgrounds, www.millsmasquers.org. native and non-native. Florentine Players present Performances take place in Dana’s Lauritzen Theatre, Madsen Fine Florence Follies Arts Center, Wednesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. July 31 & Aug. 1 and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Thursday performance is Teen Night—the first 200 youths age 13-18 will be admitted free with student ID. This year’s version of the annual production is filled with musical skits Tickets are $7/adult and $5/seniors, students and alumni. For from popular shows such as Grease, Evita, Oklahoma, Westside reservations or more information, visit Story, Little Shop of Horrors and more. The third act features the www.dana.edu/blackelkspeaks. band Rabbit Stew playing music from the 50s and 60s. Tickets are $10, with a $2 discount for TAG members. Performances *BroadStreet Theatre Company presents take place at 7 p.m. at the Florence City Hall, 29th & State Streets. Baby Doors open at 6 p.m. For reservations or more information, visit July 17-Aug. 2 www.florentineplayers.com. BroadStreet Theater is proud to present the musical Baby, the story .

Page 3 On Stage News/The Green Room Gretna Community Theatre presents And coming in August… Cinderella July 11-19 This summer marks the return of the Gretna Community Theatre *The Omaha Community Playhouse presents following a hiatus of many years. Performances of this production Quilters written by Michele L. Vacca (based on the French fairy tale) take Aug. 21–Sept. 27 place Saturday July 11 & Friday July 17 at 7 p.m. and Sundays, July 12 & 19 at 2 p.m. at the Gretna High School Theatre, 11335 S. 204th *The Candy Project presents St. Tickets are $10/adults and $6/children 6-12. Children 5 and under I Love You Because are free. Advance tickets are available at Godfather's in Gretna, and Aug. 7-16 at Gretna Drug.

Excellent Jackie and the Archdiocese Retreat Center’s Arts at the ARCC Series present Auditions & More Auditions HMS Pinafore Come Home to Kanesville, an annual song and dance musical set July 17-31 in the Mormon period of historial Kanesville, is looking for a male, The ARCC’s third season features this delightful Gilbert & Sullivan romantic lead, about 18-25, actor, singer [also hopefully dancer]. operetta. The show features Gary F. Bosanek & Dianne L. Jones as Rehearsals begin July 7. The show runs July 18-Aug. 5 in the historic Sir Joseph Porter KCB and Little Buttercup, with Laura Randall Council Bluffs Mormon Tabernacle. The character is a non-Mormon Stannard as Josephine and Mark Morello as Dick Deadeye. The cast who lives in Kanesville when the Mormons arrive and who remains in also includes Brian Jay, Vicki Molacek, James Christopher Little, Council Bluffs into old age. The cast and crew is nearly all Mormon, Michael Thorfinnson, Brandon Fisher, Drew Sorensen, Kim Alger, and is gathered from an eight-state area. If interested contact Sherrie Bateman, Dawn Engstrom, Chelsea Fisher, Judy Louise, (712) 322-4577 or [email protected]. Anne Soderlund, Mary Sorensen, Tori Sorensen, Dala Wallace, Morgan Chapman, Kevin Engstrom, Steve Fowler, Jason Frye, Jon *Chanticleer Theatre will hold auditions for Annie Warbucks on Ryba, Steve Sorensen, Greg Toohy and Morgan Wise. The show is Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m., and Sunday, July 12, 6 p.m., at the directed and costumed by Gary F. Bosanek, with E. Thomas Harvey theater, 830 Franklin Ave. Production dates are Sept. 11-27. For as musical director, Bernadette Smith as coach accompanist, Mary more information, call (712) 323-9955 or e-mail Little as choreographer, Rob Persing & B.J. Mead as set & lighting [email protected]. designers and Kim Alger as props master. Performances take place Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and *SNAP! Productions has set auditions for Stephen Karam’s play Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Retreat & Speech and Debate for Monday & Tuesday, July 13 & 14, 7 p.m., at Conference Center, 3330 North 60th St. For reservations or more North Side Christian Church, 5555 Larimore Ave. The premise of the information, call 558-1442. play is that three teenage misfits discover they are linked by a sex scandal that has rocked their town. When one of them sets out to TADA Putnam County expose the truth, secrets become currency, the stakes get higher, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the trio’s connection grows deeper in this searching, fiercely July 9-26 funny dark comedy. Needed are one woman and two men who look Set in a gymnasium in a school in Putnam County, the Tony Award 16-18 years old and one woman who looks 40-49. The audition will winning musical tells the hilarious yet heartwarming story of a group consist of cold readings from the script. Rehearsals begin July 20 of six anxiety-ridden, overachieving adolescents vying for the spelling and the run dates of the play are Aug. 20-Sept. 13. For more bee championship of a lifetime. information, contact director Daena Schweiger at (402) 677-4076 or [email protected]. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at

2 p.m. Evening tickets are $18 and matinee tickets are $15. For has scheduled auditions for Oliver, the reservations or more information call (402) 438-TADA (8232) or visit *Bellevue Little Theatre www.tadatheatre.info. opening show for its 2009-2010 season. Auditions for children ages 8 and up will be held on Sunday, July 19, at 6 p.m., and adult auditions The Lofte Community Theatre presents on Monday, July 20, 7 p.m. Combined call-backs will be held on Crazy for You Thursday, July 23. Oliver will be directed by D. Laureen Pickle, with July 17-Aug. 2 music direction by Linda Shirck. Sandy Thompson is the producer. Performances are scheduled weekends Sept. 18-Oct. 4. All those This Gershwin extravaganza is filled with song, dance and hilarious auditioning should bring sheet music for a prepared audition piece, dialogue. Memorable tunes include Bidin’ My Time, I Got Rhythm, and will be expected to sing, dance, and read from the script. For They Can’t Take That Away from Me, Nice Work if You Can Get It, more information, call 291-6136. Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at the theatre located near Manley, Neb. Tickets are $16 each. Season tickets are available for $60 (includes 5 shows). For reservations or more information, call (402) 234-2553 or visit www.lofte.com. Page 4 The Green Room

The Lofte Community Theatre will hold auditions for Over the Classics series Sunday mornings starting July 5. All concerts will air River and Through the Woods Monday & Tuesday, July 20 & 21, from 8-10 a.m.: 7 p.m., at the theatre near Manley, Neb. For more information, call • July 5 – I Love A Parade (Casual Classics, Feb. 7) (402) 234-2553. • July 12 – Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations (Chamber, *SNAP! Productions has scheduled auditions for Jonathan Nov. 15, 2008) Larson’s award-winning Rent Sunday, July 26, 1 p.m., & Monday, • July 19 – Ravel’s Boléro (MasterWorks, Jan. 16-17) June 27, 7 p.m., at the SNAP/Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. • July 26 – Mahler’s Fifth (MasterWorks, May 29-30) No parts have been pre-cast. Todd Brooks, director, and D. Laureen Pickle, music director, are looking for a racially and socially diverse Urban Prairie Puppet League Update cast. Everyone in the show must be able to look and move like a 20- Puppeteer Brian Douglas has built a new puppet production, The something. Auditioners will be asked to sing one song in a pop/rock Fisherman and his Wife, a one-man hand puppet show with all-new style. They may also be asked to sing something from the show. hand puppets made by Brian. The show runs about 30 minutes. Rehearsals begin in September and the run dates are Nov. 19-Dec. Brian tested the show at the Bellevue Public Library in April and will 13 with a possible extension through the end of December, including perform it again in Sept. Trish and Brian will be performing this New Year’s Eve, additional performances during the week and summer at the Arrows to Arrows event in Bellevue, Aug.22, 2 p.m., possible matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Bring conflicts for Washington Park. It will include a puppet workshop for the kids. Sept.-Dec. For more information, contact Todd at (402) 968-5543 or Show and the workshop are free. [email protected] or Laureen at (402) 391-2414 or [email protected]. 85th Birthday Bash for OCP

Help celebrate the Omaha Community Playhouse’s 85th birthday and *The Wilson Performing Arts Center in Red Oak, Iowa, purchase a season membership or star card at a party hosted by announces auditions for Lend Me A Tenor, Monday & Tuesday, Melissa Jarecke on Wednesday, July 8. The gathering starts at Aug. 17 & 18, 7 p.m., at the PAC. The eight-member cast includes 5:30 p.m. to accommodate those who may be in rehearsal. The party two males 20-30 (one requires some singing), one female 20-30, features Jim Boggess on keyboard, some surprise entertainment, two males 45-55 (one a bit rotund and requires some singing), two and appearances by popular OCP show characters including A females 45-60, and one female 30s. Rehearsals are Monday- Christmas Carol’s Scrooge. Bring along any friends who might be Thursday, 7-9:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 1. Production dates are interested in buying tickets. Dress casually, have a glass of wine or Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 9-18. For more information contact Larry other and share the fun. Melissa's address is 5007 Platteview Road. Brandstetter at (712) 623-4053 To RSVP or for more information, contact Melissa at 680-2887 or [email protected].

& Other Good Stuff BLT Fireworks Stand Music and Movies Continue at the Holland Center Bellevue Little Theatre still needs volunteers to help sell fireworks Omaha Performing Arts will offer free outdoor movies and concerts at over the July 4th holiday. Curtis Leach is in charge of this major the Holland Performing Arts Center for the third summer. July 17 will fundraiser for the theatre. Flexible hours and a generous discount on feature the Solid Brass Quartet at 7:45 p.m. and Irving Berlin’s White fireworks are offered to all who can help, as well as a good time. The Christmas, starting about 8:45 p.m. The Aug. 14 band is TBA; the booth is located in front of the No Frills Supermarket on Fort Crook move will be ET: The Extra Terrestrial. For more information, visit Road. If you can spare a few hours during the days before or on July www.omahaperformingarts.org. 4, please e-mail Curtis at [email protected] or Clara Sue at [email protected]. Offerings in Conjunction with Black Elk Speaks Additional activities surrounding the production include a Celebrating the Arts, a Fundraiser for the photographic exhibit by St. Louis photographer, Chris Brewington, John Beasley Theater celebrating the world of Black Elk, the land of the Pine Ridge A great evening of food, drinks music and entertainment to benefit Reservation and the tapestry of the badlands and the people. There the John Beasley Theater has been scheduled for Friday, July 17, 6- will be an opening night gala for the performance, as well as Black 11 p.m., at the Billesbach Estate, 4502 Tucker St., Omaha. The Elk Day in Blair. A special closing performance will include a event will also feature a silent and oral auction. Tickets are $75 per Veterans Day for Native Americans. The Native American person or $100 per couple. Reservations are due by Friday, July 10, Commission will also sponsor a craft show in conjunction with the and can be sent to Rita Sanders, 702 Fort Crook Road South, performances. Bellevue, NE 68005. For more information, contact the theater at 502-5767.

KVNO to Rebroadcast Symphony Series

Relive the beauty and inspiration of the Omaha Symphony’s 2008/09 season this summer. Classical 90.7 KVNO will rebroadcast 16 concerts from the orchestra’s MasterWorks, Chamber, and Casual

Page 5 The Green Room

Theresa Sindelar: The Cabaret! UNO Television Receives Silver Telly Awards Theresa is trying to raise money to finance a trip to see Second City Two UNO entries were chosen from more than 13,000 for the Silver in Chicago. Catch her cabaret “cause it's the legal way for me to Telly, the highest Telly Award. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of raise money!” on Sunday, July 12, 6 p.m., BLUEBARN Theatre. the Telly Awards, worldwide entries were chosen from previous Telly winners over the past 30 years. The Silver Telly Council, the judging The Candy Project Announces Web Site and First Musical and oversight body, is comprised of top industry professionals who Omaha’s newest theatre company is now online at are past winners of a Silver Telly. www.thecandyproject.com. The group has also scheduled its first ™ Madagascar: Conservation vs. Survival has now won its musical. Regarded by some as a Company for the 21st century, I second Silver Telly. The first was awarded in 2007 when Love You Because is a modern-day musical love story, a sweet and the program was initially released. The documentary funny romantic comedy about contemporary dating in New York City. details the extreme struggle the country’s people have as Leading the cast are Candy Project founders Dan Chevalier, Cathy they try to balance feeding a growing population with Hirsch, Andy King and Amanda Miller. Rounding out the cast are preserving highly endangered and globally unique habitats. Joey Galda and Katie Miller. Randall Stevens will direct. The musical The documentary spotlights how researchers from the is set for a 6-show run, Aug. 7-16 at the Pizza Shoppe Collective, Henry Doorly Zoo are collaborating with local people in located in the heart of downtown Benson. Madagascar to meet these competing goals. Danny Glover narrates with original music composed by Peter Buffett. For more information, please visit or contact the team at The program also received a Davie Award and a Regional [email protected]. Emmy.

™ The War Comes to Nebraska explores the significant Iowa Western Announces Season contributions made by the men and women of Nebraska in The theater department at Iowa Western Community College will the effort to win World War II. Nearly 140,000 Nebraskans open its 2009-2010 season with the regional premiere of Evil Dead: joined America’s armed forces, while those who remained The Musical, a comedic take on a 1980s horror franchise. The show on the home front played an equally important role, as runs weekends Nov. 13-21. The spring production will be Venus by detailed in this 90-minute documentary. The production Suzan-Lori Parks, a story set in 1810 about a young black woman was originally released in 1997 and at that time was who tours the world as a freak show star because of her enormous recognized by the American Association for State and posterior. Run dates are April 22-May 1. Local History and also received a Gold CASE award.

Theatre Conference Announces 2010 Honored Playwright Council Bluffs Offers Music and Movies in the Park The Great Plains Theatre Conference has announced that the 2010 The Bluffs Arts Council and the Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation honored playwright will be Pulitzer-Prize-winner David Lindsay- Department are proud to once again offer a summer concert series in Abaire. Abair wrote Rabbit Hole in 2007. The following of his hits downtown Bayliss Park, every Wednesday, 6:30-8 p.m., through the have been produced in the metro area: Fuddy Meers, Wonder of the summer. Each concert will feature a different style of musical World and Kimberly Akimbo. He also wrote the books for the performance. All concerts are free and open to the public. Audience musicals Shrek and High Fidelity. The Fifth Annual Conference is members are urged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket; concessions scheduled for May 29-June 5, 2010. will be available.

Earl Bates Hosts Open Mike and Retro Session In addition to music, folks will be able to enjoy Movies in the Park TAG member Earl Bates hosts his Acoustic Jam every Wednesday each Friday evening. The movies are also free and open to the night 7:30 p.m., at Lucky's Ten O One, 1001 Pacific St. There is no public; freewill donations are accepted. Each feature film will begin at cover and plenty of parking. Earl also hosts a Retro Session every dusk. For a complete schedule of the bands and movies, go to the Thursday, 6-8 p.m., at Julio’s on S. 13th Street in the Old Market. Earl Bluffs Arts Council website at www.bluffsarts.org. is joined by occasional guests doing the classics from the 60s to the This year marks the 22nd season of free concerts and films. Music 80s. There is no cover. and Movies in the Park are made possible by donations and grants.

Help TAG Grow Theatre Arts Grants Available If you’ve been a member of TAG for a little while, you know the many Are you looking for a way to help with expenses for a class or benefits that membership offers. You can help your fellow cast- and convention? There is still money available for a Theatre Arts Grant. crewmates discover TAG advantages by taking the time to talk about Contact Laura Jay at [email protected] or 517-8707 for an TAG while you are in rehearsal or production. People new to theatre application, or download one from the TAG Web site. You might be or the area may not have heard about what a great organization we the next recipient. have. Be kind and tell them about TAG. If they would like more information about TAG, be sure to direct them to our Web site and let Watch for Your Awards Night Invitation & Ballot them know that membership rates and application forms can be Final ballots and invitations to our annual Awards Night Gala will go found there. in the mail next week. New this year: make your reservations online You can also mention that you are a TAG member in your program and pay by credit card! See you Sunday, August 2, at the Holiday Inn bio. It’s a great way to spark some discussion when your colleagues Convention Center! read their programs. Page 6 Page 7 Theatre Planning WTHFSSUMTWTHFSSUMTWTHFSSUMTWTHFSSUMTWTHF Jul-2009 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 BB — Reefer Madness OCP — Late Night Catechism JBT — Cuckoo's Nest OCP — Always, Patsy Cline ST — Original Works PLVCT — South Pacific RCT — Li'l Abner DC — Black Elk Speaks BT — Baby TNO MM — HS Musical FP — Follies

Non-Member Theatres GCT — Cinderella ARCC — HMS Pinafore TADA — Spelling Bee LCT — Crazy for You

Member Theatre Auditions CT — Annie Warbucks SNAP — Speech & Debate BLT — Oliver SNAP — Rent WPAC — Lend Me a Tenor (August)

Non-Member Auditions Kanesville Lofte — Over the River

TNO=TAG Night Out Black Box=Closing Performance

Page 8 Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. P.O. Box 24008 Omaha, NE 68124-0008 www.theatreartsguild.com

Keep receiving TAG mail. Send address & e-mail address changes to: TAG c/o Barb Ross 9035 Raven Oaks Drive Omaha, NE 68152 [email protected]

July 2009

TAG Board of Directors & General Information Sherry Fletcher (2009), President, Newsletter Chair/E-Broadcasts Lois Nemec (2011) (402) 733-6453 Membership assistant (No e-mail) [email protected] Emily Neve (2009), Scholarship Co-Chair & Teen Rep, (402) 960-1811 Connie Fowler (2010), (402) 455-3918 [email protected] [email protected] Jennifer Gilg (2010), Corresponding Secretary/Publicity (402) 551-6284 Karli Newman (2009), Scholarship Co-Chair, (402) 561-0988 [email protected] [email protected] Jerry Onik (2011), Theatre Services Co-Chair (402) 733-8161 [email protected] Laura Jay (2010), Treasurer, Theatre Grant Chair, (402) 517-8707 Paul Schneider (2010), Theater Services Co-Chair (402) 384-8338 [email protected] [email protected] Mary Kelly (2011), Finance Co-Chair, Awards Co-Chair (402) 733-6999 Anne Shaughnessy (2009),TNO Co-Chair/Membership Co-Chair, [email protected] [email protected] Melissa Linn (2009) (402) 319-3574 [email protected] Allison Wissman (2011), Recording Secretary, 672-0806 Denny Maddux (2011) TNO Co-Chair (712) 310-0265 [email protected] [email protected] Jim Martin (2010), Membership Co-Chair, President-elect (402) 933-6259 [email protected] Tom Bertino, Ex-officio, [email protected] Liz Heim, Ex-officio, Awards Co-Chair, (402) 552-9326 Rox Wach, Ex-officio, Archivist/Librarian (402) [email protected] Teen Reps: Cali Neuberger and Bailey Newman • The next Board of Directors’ meeting will be held Saturday, July 11, 10:15 a.m., Swanson Library, 90th & W. Dodge Road. Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call Sherry Fletcher at (402) 991-4187. • The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the July Newsletter is Friday, July 24. • To submit newsletter information/articles, send via e-mail to [email protected] (preferred) or mail to TAG, Attn: Sherry Fletcher, Box 24008, Omaha, NE 68124. • To advertise in TAGLines, e-mail [email protected]. Our advertising rates can be found 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 9