Matilda the Musical Review @RoseTheaterCo

We all needed a break. It was fun to step out of our daily routine to go to The Rose Theater.

The show we saw was called Matilda the Musical. I'm sure many of you have seen the movie. The musical is just as fun! 

The boys just keep getting taller, and taller in comparison to their show poster.

Let's Start the Show:

The show runs from June 7-30.

It's 2 hours + intermission. During intermission they serve cookies and a drink.

It's for all ages. I really think it is for all ages. At times I feel like my boys are too old, for some of the shows at The Rose Theater. This held all our attention. The boys liked the movie, so I knew they'd enjoy the musical. Travis was the only one that hasn't seen the movie. He got into the musical as soon as the principal entered the stage. The principal is a man playing a female. He was so funny!

Matilda is an exceptional child with an extraordinary imagination who learns to claim her destiny. A brilliant girl born into a…less brilliant family, Matilda gets sent away to school at the terrible Crunchem Hall, which is led by the mean former hammer-throwing champion Miss Trunchbull. Armed with good friends and a mentor named Miss Honey, Matilda starts a revolution to help herself and others “change their story.”

Time Magazine’s “Best Show of the Year”. Tony® Award winner. Featuring the hit songs “Naughty” and “When I Grow Up”. Filled with high-energy dance numbers and showcasing Omaha’s most talented youth, Matilda is a joyous spectacle that will inspire the whole family!

Cast:

We liked all the actors that played in Matilda. Our favorites were the stars though.

Matilda – Maddie Smith
Amanda – Meghan Essner
Lavender – Eva Cohen
Alice – Chase Robinson
Hortensia – Summer Hurtienne
Eric – Artie Shaw
Bruce – Jonas Caruso
Nigel – Judson Cloudt
Tommy – Carter Pflug
Big Kids- Lillian Cohen, Olivia Hess, Chisom Anyaegbunam, Kaylee Lempke, Chuck Sams*, Elliot Kerkhofs, John Kinney Miss HoneY – Melissa King
Trunchbull – Joey Galda
Mrs. Phelps – Brissa Lopez
Mr. Wormwood – Zach Kloppenborg
Mrs. Wormwood – Sarah Gibson
Rudolpho/Dad 1 – Fran X. Adrianto
Escapologist/Dad 2/Big Kid – Danny Enriquez
Sergei/Dad 3/Big Kid – Earl Spears
Michael Wormwood/Dad 4 – Jonathan Algeroy
Doctor/Big Kid/Henchman – Ben Adams
Acrobat/Mom 2/Big Kid – Kendra Ball
Henchman/Big Kid – Katie Aguilar

Artistic and Production Credits:

I love looking at the set. This one had books, and really cool lighting throughout the show.

Director – Matt Gutschick
Music Director – Jerry Brabec
Choreographer – Sue Gillespie Booton
Scenic Designer – Tim McMath
Lighting & Sound Designer – Craig S. Moxon
Projection Designer – Brittany Merenda
Costume Designer – Sherri Geerdes
Hair & Makeup Designer – Erin Bragg
Production Stage Manager – Lisa Krabbenhoft
Director of Production – Erin M. Solemsaas
Technical Director – Greg Rishoi
Props Mistress – Devon Denn-Young
Scenic Charge Artist – Savannah Savick
Master Carpenter – Jackson Curtright
Associate Lighting Designer – Elton Bradley
Sound Engineer – Christy Hernandez
Scenic Apprentice – Austin Watson
Assistant Stage Manager – Grace Luis
Followspot Operator – Molly Zabawa
Fly Rail Operator – Zach Ackerman
Run Crew – Jesse Groff, Al Kroeten, Nathan Scott
Stitchers – Sherri Geerdes, Erin Bragg, Audio Helkiuk, Jill Maenner

Orchestra:

There was live music that is front and beneath the stage.

Conductor/Keyboard III – Jerry Brabec
Trumpet I – Tim Houston
Trumpet II – Deb Bouffard
Trombone – Paul Niebalski
Reed I – Scott Vicroy
Reed II – Mark Benson
Cello – Christina Allred
Guitar – Ben Eisenberger
Bass – Tom Miller
Keyboard I – Jared Kmiecik
Keyboard II – Amy Nunamaker
Percussion – Michael Pollock

The End of the Show:

They had a question and answer session. I liked that one of the main stars was there to answer questions. Then there was an autograph signing as well.

I'm really glad we were able to go! I enjoyed it, so much!

Disclaimer: I got tickets from The Rose Theater to help write this review. The Rose Theater did not tell me what to write. All opinions are my own. 

#returntoniobrara Play Review

It was really great to visit The Rose Theater again! I like when we can get out to see something that's for older children.

Right now they are showing Return to Niobrara. It's for ages 8 and up or 4th grade to 10th grande. Perfect for my 10 and 13 year olds.

I really can't see smaller kids understanding the true meaning of the play. Even Isaak asked me questions. They had some future tense happening at the same time as past tense. We thought it was really interesting, but for young kids it could be confusing. I know Mica was happy to have a play that was more advanced to go to.

The set design was fairly simple, yet the symbol changed throughout the play.

For this production they didn't have a live orchestra. BUT they had live instruments playing like flutes, and other similar instruments.

About Return to Niobrara: 

There was two stories that went on in one play. The two stories came together at times.

140 years ago, Steven's great-great grandfather Chief Standing Bear stood up in court and demanded that a federal Judge recognize that Indians are "persons" under the law.

Today, following an altercation where Steven is bullied at school on account of his long hair, Steven must follow in his grandfather's footsteps and speak out against his school's attempt to force him to cut his hair, and ultimately, to erase his identity.

 

Steven has dreams about his Grandfather. His dreams made him understand who he really is.

When Steven stands up for himself, it was difficult to know what part of the constitution the school was violating. His hair was a part of his culture. The school wanted him to cut his hair. Was the school breaking freedom of speech, or were they breaking freedom of religion? Steven was a Christian, but being a Native American is more than being a Christian. It was interesting to see how everything worked its way out.

In the end the school realized they were wrong. Steven learned so much about himself.

Our family loves Native American culture, so we of course got into this play a lot. The whole message was so important!

Show Dates:

The show is at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska from January 25 - February 10, 2019.

February 8 at 7 | February 9 at 2 and 5 | February 10 at 2

Members can receive 4 free tickets, non members pay $20 per ticket.

Call: 402.345.4849 for tickets.

Lobby doors open 45 minutes prior to the show starting. I certainly would get there early to get a seat.

Cast and Crew:

Steven/Bear Shield – Kenneth Ramos
Betsy/Prairie Flower/Bright Eyes – Nathalie Standingcloud
Tom/Thomas Henry Tibbles – Dan Chevalier
Principal McGovern/General Crook – Nils Haaland
Mom/Susette Primeau – Allison Hicks*
Dad/Chief Standing Bear – Albert (Abby) Ybarra*
Jack/A.J. Poppleton – Kevin Ehrhart
Bob/Genio Lambertson – Christopher Violett
Chorus 1 – Zach Kloppenborg
Chorus 2 – Kyle Summers
Musician – Michael Murphy
* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Artistic/Production Credits
Playwright – Mary Kathryn Nagle
Director – Roxanne Wach
Assistant Director – Meganne Horrocks
Scenic Designer – Kathy Voecks
Projection Designer – Brittany Merenda
Lighting & Sound Designer – Craig S. Moxon
Costume Designer – Sherri Geerdes
Hair & Makeup Designer – Erin Bragg
Production Stage Manager – Lisa Krabbenhoft
Director of Production – Erin M. Solemsaas
Technical Director – Greg Rishoi
Props Mistress – Devon Denn-Young
Assistant Projection Designer – Alex Pinchin
Scenic Charge Artist – Savannah Savick
Master Carpenter – Jackson Curtright
Lighting Apprentice – Elton Bradley
Scenic Apprentice/Run Crew – Austin Watson
Stage Management Apprentice – Kali Coates
Assistant Sound Designer – Christy Hernandez
Stitchers – Sherri Geerdes, Erin Bragg, Audio Helkuik, Jill Maenner
Ponca Consultants – Louis Headman and Randy Ross
Ponca Language Translation – Louis Headman
Fight Choreographer – Kevin Barratt
Special thanks to Allyson Currin, Louis Headman, Dwight Howe, Deirdre Lavrakas, Kim Peter Kovac, Randy Ross, Barbara Salvatore, Laurie Smith Camp, Steve Tamayo, Diana Vallier

The End of the Show:

They had a question and answer session. I liked that one of the main stars was there to answer questions. Then there was an autograph signing as well.

I'm really glad we were able to go! Everyone enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I got tickets from The Rose Theater to help write this review. The Rose Theater did not tell me what to write. All opinions are my own. 

Goosebumps The Musical @RoseTheaterCo Review

We got a chance to visit The Rose Theater this last Friday. What did we see? Goosebumps The Musical - The Phantom of the Auditorium.

About:

Best friends Brooke and Zeke are excited to tackle the next big Drama Club production. We had a bit of a giggle because Zeke is Isaak's nickname - except I've always spelled it Zeek.

But what’s up with that spooky script the theater director has chosen?

And that creepy trap door that leads to tunnels below the stage?

And the strange voices in the theater?

Will the show go on?

Those are all questions that are thought throughout the show.

Showing:

Oct 26 - Nov 11, 2018 - Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

It's 75 minutes, with an intermission in between.

We went on Opening Night. They had kids in costumes go up on the stage. Then there was some trick or treating afterwards. My kids are a little old for those things, but they enjoyed watching the kids up on stage. We did wear costumes, for fun. I love how The Rose always goes the extra mile to make sure kids have a great time!

The show was for all ages. I do think the ages of 6 to 9 is probably best. That's more the ages of kids that would read the stories. Some little kids may not have followed the storyline. I don't think it was too scary for any children though. 

Stage Design:

The stage stayed the same, with a few minor changes throughout. They did have a strobe light, for the elevator going down, and to emphasis scary scenes. 

A Fun Night: 

We did enjoy getting out of the house to see a semi spooky musical. The boys did like that they have read some of the books. That brought back memories. I think they wished it was spookier. They had to not make it too scary for smaller kids.

The actors did a great job! We loved their voices! 

It had a spooky vibe, comedy, and mystery. 

Sponsors: 

Goosebumps: The Phantom of the Auditorium – The Musical is sponsored by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Security National Bank, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Have you read any of the Goosebumps books? 

Disclaimer: We got free tickets to see Goosebumps the Musical. The Rose Theater in no way told me what to write, or influenced my decision on what to say. 

Disney’s Newsies is Showing @RoseTheaterCo - Review

We loved Disney’s Newsies at The Rose Theater last night! 

It was such a great show for all of us! So far we've liked Disney's Newsies, The Christmas Story, Disney's Tarzan and Seedfolks the best! It could be because I have older kids, and boys.

The Rose is a Children's Theater, so they have things for all kid ranges, which is great. This show was best for ages 6 and up. It's 2 hours with one intermission. They serve cookies during intermission.

About Disney's Newsies:

The story is based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic and rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. Andrew Wright, a student at Weslyan University, will make his Rose debut in the role. Jack shares his dream of leaving New York one day with his best friend and fellow newsie, Crutchie, played by Jake Parker. They are joined by newsie newcomer Davey and his little brother, Les. Marcel Daly, who was last seen on The Rose stage as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, will play Davey with Winston Schneider (formerly seen in Prancer and Peter Pan) playing Les.

The story had passion, a moral message, and charm. It was about the underdog getting the credit they deserved.

Show Times:

June 1-17

Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

Where: The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam Street Omaha, Nebraska on the Main Stage

Price: $27 for the Main Stage, $22 for the Balcony | Discounted Tickets are Sold at HyVee

Call for Reservations: 402 345 4849 for Tickets

I don't know part of me thinks it should run longer. Again we liked the show! They put in a lot of work!

Cast:

Part of what I loved is that the cast is mostly boys. That is not something you see often. It was great seeing that some girls played guys too. That gave more vocal range.

Cast Jack Kelly - Andrew Wright
Katherine Plumber - Torisa Walker
Crutchie - Jake Parker
Davey - Marcel Daly
Romeo/Dance Captain - Fran Adrianto
Joseph Pulitzer - Patrick Wolfe
Medda Larkin/Nun - Zhomontee Watson
Bowery Beauty/Nun/Newsie - Samantha Zarders
Hannah/Bowery Beauty/Nun - Rachel Busse
Teddy Roosevelt/Newsie - Jonathan Algeroy
Seitz/Bunsen/Snyder/Wiesel/Jacobi - Manny Oñate
Nunzio/Stage Manager/Mayor/Darcy - Jordan Smith
Henry/Finch/Spot Conlon - Garrett Griffin
Oscar Delancey/Newsie - Ben Adams*
Morris Delancey/Newsie - Wayne Hudson*
Race - Cody Drap*
Les - Winston Schneider*
Albert - Liam Brenzel
Specs/Bill - Payton Johnson*
Elmer - Dina Saltzman*
Mush - Camryn Jordan*
Tommy Boy - Natalie Hanson*
Jo Jo - Nora Coffey*

Brooklyn Newsies Olivia Bryant*, Drew Cota*, Cooper Nielson*, Austin Lempke*, Danny Denenberg, Jayven Brandt, Sophie Williams*

Disney's Songs:

ACT ONE

Santa Fe (Prologue) - Jack, Crutchie

Carrying the Banner - Jack, Newsies, Nuns

The Bottom Line - Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Hannah

Carrying the Banner (Reprise) - Newsies

That’s Rich - Medda

I Never Planned on You/Don’t Come a-Knocking - Jack, Bowery Beauties

The World Will Know - Jack, Davey, Les, Crutchie, Newsies

The World Will Know (Reprise) - Jack, Davey, Les, Newsies

Watch What Happens - Katherine

Seize the Day - Davey, Jack, Les, Newsies

Santa Fe - Jack

ACT TWO

King of New York - Davey, Katherine, Les, Newsies

Letter from The Refuge - Crutchie

Watch What Happens (Reprise) - Davey, Jack, Katherine, Les

The Bottom Line (Reprise) - Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen

Brooklyn’s Here - Spot, Newsies

Something to Believe In - Katherine, Jack

Seize the Day (Reprise) - Newsies

Once and for All - Jack, Davey, Katherine, Newsies

Seize the Day (Reprise 2) - Newsies

Finale Ultimo - Company

Top Voice: Torisa Walker! The main girl in the photo above.

Most Fun to Watch: Fran Adrianto! He was the one in the front of the photo below. He really got into his moves and singing.

Artistic & Production Credits:

Director - Jerry Jay Cranford
Assistant Director - Geran Ramet
Music Director - Jerry Brabec
Choreographer - Sue Gillespie Booton
Costume Designer - Sherri Geerdes
Scenic Designer - Tim McMath
Projection Designer - Brittany Merenda
Lighting & Sound Designer - Craig S. Moxon
Hair & Makeup Designer - Erin Bragg
Production Stage Manager - Lisa Krabbenhoft
Production Director - Erin M. Solemsaas
Technical Director - Greg Rishoi
Props Mistress - Devon Denn-Young
Scenic Charge - Lauren Crabtree
Master Carpenter - Jackson Curtright
Lighting Apprentice - Matthew Benes
Scenic Apprentice - Saylor Novonglosky
Production Apprentice - Christy Hernandez
Assistant Stage Managers - Meghan Boucher, Molly Fryda
Run Crew - Zach Acherman, Jesse Groff, Donavon Perrone
Spot Op - Avi Littky, Amanda Harris
Stitchers - Sherri Geerdes, Erin Bragg, Audio Helkiuk, Jill Maenner

Orchestra:

Keyboards - Jerry Brabec, Mitch Fuller
Trumpet - Marcus Nunez
Trombone - Paul Niedbalski
Reed - Michael Prucha
Drums - Jeff Kolega
Percussion - Michael Pollock
Guitar - Jason Koch
Violin - Mary Amador
Cello - Christina Allred
Bass - Tom Miller

Certainly a great musical! 

The Rose Theater is a nonprofit organization. Their sponsors include: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Mutual of Omaha, Whitmore Charitable Trust, Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and many private donors.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from The Rose Theater. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Seedfolks is Showing @RoseTheaterCo - Review

Our family went to watch Seedfolks at The Rose Theater. We went in not knowing what the play was about, and quickly learned that it was one of our favorites!

It's good to get to the show 20 or 30 minutes early because there is open seating.

We walked into a stage filled with 3 big screens, which graphics were on. Throughout the show the graphics changed. In some cases there was animation that was included.

About Seedfolks:

Photo Curtesy Children's Theatre Company Minneapolis, MN

The play was written off a novel. Now I so want to get the book! 

It's a "One-Woman Show" that was made for Children's Theaters. I wasn't sure if a one character play would keep children's attention. It most certainly did capture everyone's attention. 

The actor Sonja Parks plays about 22 characters in the play! She changes her voice, her accent, and her age with each character. 

Photo Curtesy Children's Theatre Company Minneapolis, MN

It starts with a young girl that wants to keep the memory of her grandfather alive by planting been seeds in a junky lot. She clears the glass and trash to plant her beans. Other neighbor's follow in her foot steps. Finally many people have different things planted in the garden. They all plant things for different reasons. Some witness segregation, while others see people coming together. Through it all there is growth in the garden, and in the community. 

We loved the message! 

Cast and Crew:

Actor: Sonja Parks 

Understudy: Joy Dolo

Director: Peter C. Brosius

Set and Projection Designer: Jorge Cousineau

Costume Designer: Sonya Berlovitz

Lighting Designer: Paul Whitaker

Composer/Recorded Music: Victor Zupanc

Sound Designer: Sean Healey

Dialect Coach: D'Arcy Smith

Dramaturg: Elissa Adams

Choreographer: Joe Chvala

Associate Lighting Designer: Craig Gottschalk

Stage Manager: Jamie J. Kranz

Tour Technicians: Kristy Haupt, TBD

Light Board Operator: Matt Benes

Run Dates:

February 23 - March 11

It's best for ages 8 and up. Guess what? The adults in our house loved it too!

Call to reserve tickets: 402.345.4849

Perks:

• They have a fun program for the kids! 
• They have merchandise sold by Oriental Trading Company. 
• They also sold the book. 
• They often have cookies you can buy to snack on. 
• If kids do get restless there's a spot for them to go. 
• They have a question and answer time after the show that we always stay for. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from The Rose Theater. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

@RoseTheaterCo - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review

The last few musicals we've been to at The Rose Theater have been for a younger audience. I was so glad that The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was a show we all could enjoy!

This musical is by Jahnna Beecham & Malcom Hillgartner. Adapted from the play by Barbara Robinson.

I love when they leave the stage curtains open, so we can see the set before it begins. There's live music that plays during it. My son Isaak always loves to look under the stage at those who play something.

We saw their last rehearsal. There was bound to be some mistakes, but it didn't seem like they missed a beat.

About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever:

It's a feel good kind of a story. 

The Herdman children are the worst. They don't get any attention at home, so they act out to get negative attention. They decide to crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant. The whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story (and the Herdman kids) through new eyes in this hilarious musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.

What We Thought:

It's best for ages 5 and up just because of the length. It's 2 hours long with 1 intermission. I think it's a great musical to see for any family! If you have smaller and older children I think this is a great show to go to. It held the attention of my 9 and 12 year olds, as to where some other shows are just too young to hold their attention. This show has different aged actors that each family member may relate to.

There's a lot of discussion you can have after the musical. You can talk about acceptance, empathy, social dynamics, and the true meaning of holidays.

We ended up loving the "naughty" children in the end. They disobeyed because they didn't have anyone that cared for them. When Grace stepped up to the plate to take over the pageant the kids finally saw that someone was willing to give them a chance.

The youngest little girl had spunk and was so cute!

Cast:

Grace Bradley – Sarah Gibson
Bob Bradley – Dan Chevalier
Helen Armstrong – Theresa Sindelar
Reverend Hopkins – Kabin Thomas
Luanne Wendleken – Jennifer Gilg
Betty Brown – Moira Mangiamelli
Conne St. Clair – Marguerite Bennett
Youth Pastor – Robby Stone
Miss Brandel/Nurse – Ashley Laverty
Imogene Herdman – Kaeli Vondra
Gladys Herdman – Chase Robinson
Ralph Herdman – Wayne Hudson
Leroy Herdman – Luke Nieland
Claude Herdman – Josiah Hydeen
Ollie Herdman – Jonas Caruso
Beth Bradley – Lilly Weak
Charlie Bradley – Carson Bishop
Ivy Reed-St. Clair – Chloe Irwin
Elmer Hopkins – Mason Lindsey
Teddy Shoemaker-Brown – Kian Roblin
Alice Wendleken – Annabella Mosher
Ensemble – Hayden Blayney, Briana Nash, Phoenix Nehls

They use a lot of students for the cast.


This is when all the spunk turned friendly:

Run Dates:

December 1 - 23. Catch a show soon!

Friday, Dec. 8 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9 - 2 pm
Sunday, Dec. 10 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 15 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 2 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 7 pm
Sunday, Dec. 17 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 22 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 23 - 2 pm

Tickets Please:

2017-18 memberships are on sale now. Members save $7 per ticket on up to 10 tickets. Call now to get reservations: 402.345.4849. Member tickets can be purchased by members for $20 Main Floor | $15 Balcony. (Regularly $27 Main Floor | $22 Balcony.)

There is a break during the show where they serve drinks and cookies. They do have a question and answer time after the shows, or you can opt to get your child's program signed by one of the actors.

Will you be seeing any Christmas plays, musicals, movies, orchestras or ballets this season?

I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.