The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film with the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts is relaunching the Nebraska Repertory Theatre this fall. The state’s only regional, professional theatre will offer a five-production season beginning September 30.
Tickets are available now through the Lied Center Box Office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or online at http://www.liedcenter.org. A five-show season ticket is $120 and $60 for students and members of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute).
The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, affiliated with the professional Actors’ Equity Association, has been on hiatus since 2014. A new collaboration between the Nebraska Repertory Theatre and the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and a merger of the Rep and University Theatre begins this fall. The Nebraska Rep, over a nine-month season during the academic year, will further expand opportunities for audiences and students to engage with professional artists.
After a national search, Andy Park was hired as Nebraska Rep’s new Artistic Director. Park brings more than 20 years of artistic direction experience to the theatre, and is leading an effort to rebrand the theater to actively engage the next generation of theatregoers. Nebraska Rep will take the biggest step since its founding in 1968 by officially relaunching as a full, year-round professional theatre.
In addition to bringing incredible talent and production values to the region, Nebraska Rep will aggressively work to provide local high school and university students with opportunities to experience professional theatre as audience members. Additionally, students and local theater artists will have access to guest talent including opportunities to network with professionals in the field, classes designed to help students hone their craft and the opportunity to participate in the context of a professional theater producing shows at the highest level.
The first show of the season is “Abigail/1702” by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, directed by Park. Performances will be in the Lied Center’s Johnny Carson Theater Sept. 30-Oct. 15.
Show two is “The Serpent” by Jean-Claude van Itallie and directed by Wesley Broulik. Performances will be in the Temple Building Nov. 3-19.
Show three is Nebraska Rep’s annual holiday celebration “Holiday Cabaret” conceived and directed by Park. Audiences will be treated to holiday standards performed by favorite past Rep performers, emerging artists and surprise guests. To headline this year’s Cabaret, the Rep welcomes Chicago’s premiere, sweet-singing female trio, The Lakeshore Dolls. Performances will be in the Temple Building Dec. 13-17.
Show four has changed since the first season announcement. The new production is "Avenue Q" by Jeff Whitley, music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Performances are in the Lied Center’s Johnny Carson Theater March 2-16. (The production previously in this slot, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Death Star" by Curt Bright is being rescheduled to a future date after June 2018.)
The season concludes with “Lord of the Flies” adapted by Nigel Williams, directed by Park. William Golding’s 20th century classic “Lord of the Flies” explodes onto the stage in a fascinating production that integrates percussion, ritual and fire. Performances are in the Temple Building April 13-22.