‘Twas the month of December, and all through the barn, the Lofte Theatre is performing a new Christmas yarn.
Playwright Ken Ludwig is famous for his smash comedy masterpiece “Lend Me A Tenor.” His plays have been performed in over 25 countries throughout the world, with translations into at least 16 languages. But did you know he has added a Christmas play to the canon?
Artistic Director Kevin Colbert does, and he will be directing Ludwig’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Lofte Theatre this month. The script is a modern-day treatment of the traditional nineteenth century classic tale. Together a mouse named Amos and his human friend Emily embark upon a journey to visit Santa Claus.
According to Kevin Colbert, this play is Ludwig’s first foray into writing for children. “It’s geared towards children, but there’s some smart writing the adults will like.” The show is only an hour long, but will have an intermission to give parents and kids alike a break and a chance to check out the Lofte’s always great concessions.
Speaking of food, the Lofte is holding special luncheons at noon prior to their three Sunday matinees fundraisers where children of all ages can meet Santa and the rest of the cast. Everyone attending will have the opportunity to eat a catered lunch right on stage, served by the characters from the show. There will even be a chance to visit with Santa and plenty of opportunities for pictures. Advance reservations are required for the matinee lunch. Tickets to the luncheon are just $20. You can attend the matinee without attending the lunch, but why would you? It is a perfect holiday afternoon for families and children of all ages. Spend this Christmas watching great theater away in a manger.
“’Twas the Night Before Christmas” runs Dec. 3- 4, 8-11, and 16-18. Curtain is at 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm (with the optional lunch at noon). Tickets are $19, and tickets for children twelve years or less are only $10. Tickets for the Sunday matinee lunches are in addition to the ticket price, and reservations for the lunch are required. To purchase, exchange or inquire about tickets, contact the Lofte Theatre box office at (402) 234-2553, or e-mail them at LofteTickets@Lofte.com. All information about this and future productions can be found on their website: www.lofte.com. The theater is closer and easier to find than you might think—just take 144th Street (Highway 50) south out of Omaha. Cross the Platte, pass through Louisville, take a left at Highway 1, and the Lofte sign (and the theater) are visible a few hundred yards away to the left.