by Joe Basque, Contributor Unlike UNO’s production, which uses Steven Dietz’s 1996 adaptation, Chanticleer’s “Dracula” uses the original Hamilton Deane/John L. Balderston adaptation. The 1931 movie classic, starring Bela Lugosi, was based on this version. Lugosi also starred in the 1927 Broadway production, his first major English speaking role. Matt Kelehan, a veteran of many a Shelterskelter, as well as … Read More

by Sara Planck An in-depth interview with Burke High School Senior, Ben Adams. When did you start writing this show and how did you get the idea? I started writing ‘Princesses Anonymous’ the summer going into my eighth grade year. At the time, I just wanted to write a simple 5 scene one-act for my Drama Class, taught by Tony Schik, … Read More

Scott Glasser knows what his students want. “Students want plays with lots of blood. And vampires. They like vampires.” Dr. Glasser will be giving his students all that and more in the opening production of UNO’s 2015-2016 season. “Dracula” is Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic horror novel. Dietz’s adaptation is faithful to the novel, as seen through … Read More

Matthias Jeske knows how to give a great speech. His acceptance speech at this year’s awards was indeed one of the most memorable of the evening, and his award-winning performance in “Spamalot” had many asking when and where this brilliant actor would make his next on-stage appearance.This introvert has many extroverted interesting, including his incredibly accurate presidential impressions (John F. … Read More

Outstanding Featured Actress – Comedy/Drama Stephanie Anderson – Marie, Calendar Girls Outstanding Featured Actor – Comedy/Drama Dennis Collins – Simon Stimson, Our Town Outstanding Featured Actress – Musical Jodi Vaccaro- Miss Andrew, Mary Poppins Outstanding Featured Actor – Musical Chris Ebke – Chris Alvaro, Hands on a Hardbody Outstanding Youth Actress Emma Johnson- Mary Lennox, The Secret Garden Outstanding Youth … Read More

by Joe Basque, Contributor Director Todd Uhrmacher has been trying to convince his choreographer, Michelle Garrity, to do “Thoroughly Modern Millie” for years. Every time he suggested it she would reply, “Oh, big show” and shoot it down. As they mulled over a 2015 production, looking over what other theaters were planning for summer productions, Uhrmacher thought there were gaps … Read More

The Stage Manager opens by informing the audience that “This play is called ‘Our Town.’ It was written by Thornton Wilder. The First Act shows a day in our town. The day is May 7, 1901.” Exactly 114 years later to the day, the Stage manager, played by Nils Haaland, will repeat those lines, beginning the final Blue Barn production … Read More

by Jennifer Gilg, President May 20 is the date for Omaha Gives, Omaha’s annual 24-hour charitable challenge to benefit metro-area nonprofits.  Soon, every nonprofit with which you’ve come into contact will email, facebook, or tweet at you asking for your contribution.  For the first time, TAG will be among those organizations.  Since it’s only natural to ask what organizations truly … Read More