Platte River Bard Podcast

We had a lovely conversation with Chanel Savage, Shizzy Springs and Kane Ashton about their roles in the Nebraksa Premiere of the play "Charm" by Phillip Dawkins. 

"Charm" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking play that explores identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. Based on the inspiring true story of Chicago’s Miss Gloria Allen, this powerful work centers on Mama Darleena Andrews (played by Chanel Savage), a poised...

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Kathman (Director) and Carter Fangmeyer (Assistant Director) about what makes "Punk Rock Romeo & Juliet" a production you must go see! 

This is an ecclectic and bold reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet.  Set to the memorable energies of 1970s and ’80s punk rock, you can expect to see a fun reimagination of this classic play.

The historic Wyuka Stables, with its courtyard-style indoor...

We sat down with Nicholas Jansen, President of the Board for Omaha Fringe Festival, to bring you the full lowdown on all 20 amazing performances at this year’s festival—running August 7–10, 2025! Featuring talent from dances to one-person plays, as well as puppets and musicals, every show is bursting with creativity!

This year, the Fringe expands across three iconic venues:

• UNO Theatre (Mainstage & Studio 006)

• Blackston...

We had the pleasure of speaking with the new Directorial team – VJ Orduña, the Artistic Director, and Brandon Box-Hidgem, the Assistant Artistic Director. Together, they’re bringing new passion, innovation, and a bold vision for the Omaha Community Playhouse!

Get to know VJ and Brandon, learn about their creative journey, and get a sneak peek at what's coming up in the 2025-2026 season. First up: The River Bride (Aug. 15–Sept. 14) ...

We’re thrilled to spotlight Coffee Tonk, a brand-new production inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Ben Danaher. This original play makes its premiere at the Omaha Fringe Festival this August at the Shelterbelt Theatre.

On today’s podcast, we welcome several incredible guests from the Coffee Tonk team: Jill Engelstad, the playwright; Steve Hydeen, the director of Coffee Tonk and Program Director & Chief Admin Director of...

We had an awesome time chatting with Carly Frolio and Nick Knipe — the two stars playing the love-struck small-town girl and city boy in the upcoming production of Rock of Ages! And we also spoke to their Director, Jeff Garst.  This is a high-energy, nostalgic 80's musical, with comedy, romance, totally rad costumes, big hair, as well as all the 80's hits! 

"Rock of Ages" premiered in 2005 in LA and Las Vegas 2006.  It then went Of...

What happens when a roller coaster derails and high school kids are killed in the crash, only to make their case to a fortune teller for the chance to be raised from the dead?

This musical, "Ride the Cyclone", is full of unexpected twists and turns, with dark humor, and even some heart.  

"Ride the Cyclone" runs at SNAP! Productions Ghost Light Theatre for this unforgettable ride - July 11-27th.

Music, book, and lyrics were by Jac...

There are so many wonderful summer musicals to attend this summer, and be sure to add this little gem to your list!  Mills Masquers presents "Unexpected Joy", a musical with lots of harmony, soul, and comedy.  We meet four family members who are in different places in life, and they all come together for a memorial service.  This family has had lots of tension over the years, and suddenly they find a path to acceptance, where befor...

Angels Theatre Company is proud to present the 10th Annual First Flight Festival, soaring onto the stage July 17–27!

We spoke with Interim Artistic Director at Angels, Jamie Bullins, along with playwrights David Chapelle and Adrien Loehring (who also is a Composer), and they couldn’t be more excited to showcase this year’s lineup. First Flight features an eclectic mix of new short plays, monologues, and even a musical, all written ...

We are back for our 5th Summer with the Brownville Village Theatre and their 58th Season! There's so much to share that you won't want to miss this podcast.  We discuss their five shows of the summer - plus a world premiere of the play "For the Protection of Girls" written by Rachel Curtiss, Artistic Director at Brownville Village Theatre.  And there's more - flex tickets, talk backs, BVT Young Performers, and more!  We were fortun...

It's going to be a Shrek-tastic Summer at Elkhorn Community Theatre!

What’s summer without a fun musical full of magic, music, and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun?

Get ready for laughs, love, and larger-than-life characters as Elkhorn Community Theatre proudly presents Shrek the Musical! With a cast of 64 talented performers, this family-friendly production promises to lift your spirits and steal your heart.

We had the chance to catc...

We talked with Lance Nielsen, Executive Director at the Nebraskans for the Arts.  The DOGE cuts to the arts, humanities and culture are an important topic making deep and permanent problems for our local Theatres and Creatives.  If you aren't aware of what has been happening, or if you want to hear more about it because there is a lot to read out there, we have put it into podcast format for you to listen and easily t...

Though tickets are limited and a waiting list is already in place, now is the time to sign up for an unforgettable experience!

Opera Omaha’s new production of "Fantastic Mr. Fox",  based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and brought to life by composer Tobias Picker — is the perfect opera for the whole family. Filled with charm, adventure, and clever woodland creatures, it’s a delightful introduction to opera for all ages!

Performed out...

Get ready for a whirlwind of mystery, mayhem, and masterful disguises as Bellevue Little Theatre opens Ken Ludwig's "Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure" on June 6th!

We spoke with four of the five incredible cast members who take on over 40 characters in this fast-paced and thrilling production!

The story begins with a royal scandal — the Bohemian king’s stolen letters spark an international crisis involving spies, blackmail...

We sat down with Denise Putnum, Jae Starling, Michelle Batzer, and Caroline Kelly to talk about their roles in Steel Magnolias, opening May 9th at the Hoff Center at PACE!

This heartwarming and humorous comedy-drama is an unforgettable celebration of friendship, resilience, and Southern charm. Don’t miss the sharp one-liners, heartfelt moments, and hilarious female bonding that make this show a "must-see."

CHANTICLEER COMMUNITY THE...

The Omaha Community Playhouse has their 101st Season lined up -  and we were fortunate to have the chance to hear all about it.  You'll not want to miss this interview with Becky Noble, Executive Director and Mary Carrick, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. We hear a little about their backgrounds and also all the things they have planned for the remaining 100th Season as well as next season!   

There's lots of exciting sh...

We had the distinct pleasure to talk to three very talented Omaha Creatives involved in the upcoming production "Scissoring" written by C. Quintana at VIA Omaha! 

We spoke with Asia Nared, Delaney Jackson, and TammyRa who are part of this small cast about the experience of a Catholic schoolteacher who is also in a relationship with another woman and is forced to step back into the closet.  This is a fairly new play that has also w...

The Platte River Bard attended the 2025 Omaha Fringe Festival Lottery and was able to talk to Board President Nic Jansen, Artistic Director Lara Marsh, Board Member Carrie Nash and Button Contest Sponsor Paul Pape of Paul Pape Designs.  There are cash prizes for the button contest this year that is due April 20th! 

There is a lot of excitement about this year's many applicants, opportunities to volunteer and sponsor - so hear all a...