It's a Wonderful Life @RoseTheaterCo Review

It was really great to visit The Rose Theater again! It's been awhile, since we've gone there. Too long! Their shows are geared towards kids, and my boys are 13 and 16. BUT their latest show is wonderful for my boy's ages. 

We all enjoyed the show It's a Wonderful Life. It's their first show that they had at The Rose Theater in 1995. 

Overall Thoughts:

Travis said he felt like he could relate to the dad in the play. He seriously can be a Scrooge during this time of year. All holiday things fall in my lap. Santa Claus in our house is not a guy. It's a girl all the way. LOL

Isaak just liked being there. He misses going places, and doing things. It kept his attention all the way through. 

Mica liked that it wasn't a musical. They typically do have mostly musicals at The Rose Theater. A play is great to go to as well. he now gets all the hidden humor that only adults catch. 

I liked that it was less draggy than the movie. The movie just kind of goes on and on. The play didn't seem to do that. It was entertaining throughout. I did feel a bit sad because I thought about how kids missed so much with live performances that places like The Rose Theater offers. 

Safety First:

I have to be honest, we really don't go very many places, since covid became a thing. I'm vaccinate and boosted, I still wear a mask, and I still feel like other people do not care; they either get it or don't. I have to really want to go somewhere to venture out to do things. At this show masks were required. Overall people were respectful of that. The actors didn't wear masks while they were performing. They had less people in the venue to help stop the spread as well. It was also available for online streaming. 

About:

Meet George Bailey, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. George always wanted to get out of the town he lived in, but one thing lead to another and he was stuck. It's about George realizing that his town and life were not as bad as he thought. Featuring live music from the era and a virtuosic cast playing multiple roles, this production is the perfect homage to the power of community. 

The Set

The set was really pretty with things from the town and decked out with Christmas stuff. I liked seeing old things like the phone, and radio. 

Show Dates:

The show is at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska from December 5-20, 2021. There are online shows.

It's 75 minutes.   

It is for all ages. 

Cast and Crew:

Actor 1 (Clarence) – Wayne Hudson II 

Actor 2 (Joseph) – Stella Clark-Kaczmarek 

Actor 3 (George Bailey) – Marcel Daly 

Actor 4 (Peter/Mary) – Delaney Jackson 

Actor 5 (Billy/Harry) – Zhomontee Watson 

Actor 6 (Potter/Burt/Others) – Matthew Olsen 

Actor 7 (Pete/Sam/Others) – Natalie Hanson 

Actor 8 (Violet/Erin/others) – Carina Dumarce 

Actor 9 (Janie/others) – Maddie Smith 

Actor 10 (Zuzu/others) – Anina Frey 

Actor 11 (Understudy 3 & 6) – Kevin Ehrhart 

Actor 12 (Understudy 4, 5, 7, 8) – Caulene Hudson-Pace 

Actor 13 (Understudy 1, 2, 9, 10) – Grace Garrigan 

Artistic/Production Credits Director – Sarah Brown 

Assistant Director – LaDareon ‘LD’ Copeland 

Music Director – Jerry Brabec 

Choreographer – Sue Gillespie Booton 

Stage Manager – Lisa Krabbenhoft 

Scenic Designer – Lindsey Purvis Lighting Designer – Matt Benes 

Sound Designer/Engineer – Christy Hernandez 

Costume Designer – Sherri Geerdes 

Hair & Makeup Designer – Zach Kloppenborg 

Director of Production – Erin M. Solemsaas 

Technical Director – Hunter Andrews Props Mistress – Devon Denn-Young 

Scenic Charge Artist – Savannah Savick Master Carpenter – Jackson Curtright Stitchers – Sherri Geerdes, Zach Kloppenborg, Audio Helkuik

Contact The Rose Box Office: 

• 402.345.4849 for more information

• Tickets for play are $20 Main Floor 

• Members of The Rose receive discounted tickets to the production

Disclaimer: I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see It's a Wonderful Life. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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. 

The Doll Maker’s Gift @RoseTheaterCo - Review

I picked the snowiest day of the year so far to go to The Rose Theater. It was so worth it. I needed a break from the house!

The show we saw was called The Doll Maker's Gift. As soon as we got there Isaak said, "I'm going to see this show with my school as well." I said, "Double the fun!" 

It was hard to get a good photo of the boys because it was so cold.

We didn't have to wait too long for the show to start. My boys love to read through the program.

About Return to The Doll Maker's Gift: 

• Book by EllaRose Chary and Fran Sillau 

• Music by Brian Feinstein

• Lyrics by Sammy Buck Based on The Doll Maker’s Gift by Sashi Fridman 

• Produced in Partnership With Deborah Denenberg 

Nora is the star of the show. She reminded me of myself. A doll lover, that's super imaginative. Nora lived in a Russian Jewish community that faces the Pogroms of the 1900s, a time of ethnic cleansing of Jews in Russia.

After their cousins' village is attacked, Nora's family is threatened, her family is forced to flee to America.

They discover at the last moment that they don't have enough funds to pay for everyone's passage. Young Nora will have to stay behind, with the threat of attacks ever increasing. She is left with a family friend, a kind doll maker who offers to care for her until they can earn enough money to pay for her journey to America.

Nora and the devoted doll maker show that all obstacles can be overcome with the help of good friends and community.

This show featured original music and an essential story drawn right from history, The Dollmaker’s Gift is an uplifting exploration of what makes humanity great.

I had a talk with the boys about how show that the show meant way more than girls and dolls. It was a feel good show. Don't tell anyone, but I cried when Nora made the voyage with her Mom and sister.

Show Dates:

The show is at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska from February 22 - March 10, 2019.

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.

The show is best for ages 8 and up. I can tell my boys will stay interested if it is for older kids.

Cast and Crew:

Nora – Maddie Smith
Rosa – Chloe Irwin
Soldier/Fairy Doll – Annlynn Casey
Soldier/Captain Doll – Chuck Sams
Moshe/Jacob/Boxer Doll – Noah Fowler
Anna/School Girl Doll – Dina Saltzman
Mama – Abby Gerdts
Papa/Guard – Steve Hydeen
Zalushka/Uncle Abraham – Patrick Wolfe
Pola/Aunt Rebecca/Ticket Doll – Sue Gillespie Booton

Artistic/Production Credits:

Director – Fran Sillau
Music Director – Jerry Brabec
Orchestrator – Makulumy Alexander-Hills
Choreographer – Sue Gillespie Booton
Scenic Designer – Jamie Bullins
Lighting Designer – Craig S. Moxon
Sound Designer – Christy Hernandez
Costume, Hair & Makeup Designer – Erin Bragg
Production Stage Manager – Meghan Boucher
Director of Production – Erin M. Solemsaas
Technical Director – Greg Rishoi
Props Mistress – Devon Denn-Young
Resident Costume Designer – Sherri Geerdes
Resident Stage Manager – Lisa Krabbenhoft
Scenic Charge Artist – Savannah Savick
Master Carpenter – Jackson Curtright
Lighting Apprentice – Elton Bradley
Scenic Apprentice – Austin Watson
Stage Management Apprentice – Kali Coates
Run Crew – Jesse Groff
Stitchers – Sherri Geerdes, Erin Bragg, Audio Helkuik, Jill Maenner

Orchestra:

Keyboard/Conductor – Jerry Brabec
Sub Percussion – Jeff Kolega
Keyboard – Amy Nunamaker
Percussion – Michael Pollack
Reeds – Michael Prucha
Cello – Patty Ritchie
Sub Cello – Drew Ritchie
Sub Cello – Christa Speed

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. 

Elf: The Musical @RoseTheaterCo #review #omaha

Last night we had a super fun time. We got to go see Elf: The Musical at The Rose Theater. 

The set design was really cool! Everything was coated in glitter and the images changed throughout the show. Note how the kids didn't sit with us. They just wanted to be close to the stage.

About Elf: The Musical:

If you're familiar to the movie, the musical has the same flavor. Different things happen, which made it more fun to watch. We didn't feel like we were watching something we already have watched. It was great because it had some adult and child humor. Isaak leaned into me at the 1/2 way point and said, "What's PETA?" They made a joke about Santa not having reindeer because of PETA making a big deal about them. Most of the jokes were at his level though.  

Buddy the Elf has always been a little different. Even among his professionally festive Christmas coworkers Buddy really stands...TALL! But when Buddy learns from Santa that he’s a human, the enormous former elf embarks on a quest to the sparkling city of New York during the holidays to find his father. His unusually upbeat, childlike cheer has a powerful effect on everyone he encounters—with sometimes disastrous results! But will Buddy be able to charm his stressed-out dad who long ago lost his seasonal spirit and wants nothing to do with a son he didn’t know he had? This fun-filled musical adaptation of the favorite holiday film that became an instant classic is a stuffed stocking full of song and dance that your family will most definitely want on your Christmas Wish List!

Dates:

It runs from November 40 to December 23. Check Rose Theater's website because some shows are already sold out. This is a popular one!

Ages:

It's for all ages, but if kids get restless there is a wiggle room that parents can take them.

Time:

It's 2 hours long. They do have an intermission. During the intermission they sell cookies and drinks.

Cost:

Members are $20 main seating and $15 for balcony.

Non Members are $27 main seating and $22 for balcony.

Purchase tickets on their website or by calling 402.345.4849.

The Characters:

They were fun! There wasn't an actor that did a bad job.

Buddy – Dan Chevalier
Jovie – Regina Palmer
Walter Hobbs – Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek
Emily Hobbs – Melissa King
Michael Hobbs – Josiah Hydeen
Santa Claus – Zach Kloppenborg
Greenway/Store Elf – Sarah Gibson**
Deb – Mary Carrick
Manager – Shannon Duke
Sam/Mrs. Claus – Sue Gillespie Booton**
Sara/Store Elf/Waitress – Kendra Ball
Chadwick/Store Elf – Lauren Krupski
Matthews/Store Elf/Fake Santa – Christopher Violett
Jim/Store Elf/Fake Santa – Fran X. Adrianto**
Businessman/Ensemble/Store Elf/Fake Santa – Garrett Griffin**
Charlotte/Elf/Intern/Store Elf – Francesca Kerkhofs*
Office Intern/Elf/Store Elf – Audrey Persaud*
Office Intern/Elf/Store Elf/Fake Santa – Raymond Butler
Police/Fake Santa – Noah Fowler
Elf/Police/Fake Santa – Matt Kielian
Store Elf/Fake Santa – Nate Kielian
Elf 1/NY Sports Fan Kid/Christmas Kid – Colin McMahon*
Charlie/Christmas Kid – Carson Bishop*
Shawanda/Elf/Christmas Kid – Martina Perversi*
Elf 2/Store Elf – Camryn Jordan*
Elf 3/Store Elf – Emma Wambsgans*
Featured Rockefeller Ice Skater/Customer – Rachel M. Radloff*
Featured Rockefeller Ice Skater/Elf/Christmas Kid – Sky Radloff*

Artistic and Production Credits:


Director – Matt Gutschick
Assistant Director/Ed. Rep – Dana Pittman
Music Director – Jerry Brabec
Choreographer – Sue Gillespie Booton
Scenic Designer – Adam Rowe
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
Assistant Stage Manager/Apprentice – Kali Coates
Followspot Operator/Apprentice – Elton Wayne Bradley
Scenic Apprentice – Austin Watson
Sound Engineer/Apprentice – Christy Hernandez
Assistant Stage Manager – Dacota Schwarte
Followspot Operator –
Fly Rail Operator – Zach Ackerman
Run Crew – Jesse Groff
Qlab Operator – John Horton
Stitchers – Sherri Geerdes, Erin Bragg, Audio Helkiuk, Jill Maenner

Live Orchestra:

My kids and I love to check out the live Orchestra display before the show begins. It's so cool!

Jerry Brabec – Conductor
Curtis Pelster – Trumpet I
Marcus Nunez – Trumpet II
Paul Niebalski – Trombone I
Noel Johnson – Trombone II
Chris Acker – Trombone Swing
Scott Vicroy – Reed I
Andrea Smith – Reed II
Stanton Harper – Reed III
Samantha Perkins – Violin I
Heidi Copeland – Violin II
Christina Allred – Cello
Jennifer Novak Haar – Keyboard I
Amy Nunamaker – Keyboard II
Jerry Brabec – Keyboard III
Tom Miller – Bass
Jeff Kolega – Drums
Michael Pollock – Percussion

Go See it:

It really got us in the holiday spirit. I'm sure it will you too!

Sponsors: 

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Kid Cuisine, Hy-Vee, Omaha Steaks, World Port Seafood, Nebraska Arts Council, and Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Disclaimer: I'm writing this in connection to The Rose Theater. I was given tickets from The Rose Theater. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.