Theater

For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a Volkswagen Bus!

Welcome to Margaritaville! Tully, a charismatic individual juggling roles as a part-time bartender and part-time singer, is convinced that he has life completely sorted out. However, his world takes a turn when a captivating career-driven tourist captures his heart, making him question everything he thought he knew. Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and many more. This hilarious, heartwarming musical is “the party you’ve been waiting for that will knock your flip-flops off” (Entertainment Weekly)!

The Young Playwrights Festival showcases the work of some of the best teenage writers in the Omaha area. Most of the scripts featured in this production are created as part of The Rose’s yearlong Young Playwrights class, which is led by The Rose’s award-winning Playwright-in-Residence, Brian Guehring. Written entirely by teens, the works are filled with comedy, tragedy, hopes, fears, romance and all-out fun.

Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother, but longs for something more. When a forgotten record album sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea to defy social norms and create an all-female mariachi band. But it’s the 1970s, girls can’t be mariachis…or can they? Infused with vibrant, infectious live mariachi music, this regional premiere of American Mariachi is a “big-hearted, musical tug at the heartstrings” (Denver Post) that reminds us how the power of music and love can help overcome obstacles and make the seemingly impossible come true.

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards®, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Titanic The Musical captures the stories of the officers, crew members and passengers of the ever-fascinating catastrophe of the most luxurious ocean liner in the 1900s. From crew in the boiler room to first-class passengers, from the poorest families who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, Titanic captures the entire range of humanity aboard the ship. Showcasing the grand and majestic ship herself with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, don’t miss this five-time Tony Award®-winning musical that ran over 800 performances on Broadway in 1997.

Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo Theater for Young Audiences is a vibrant, puppetry-filled, musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 movie. This show features spectacular songs written by the creators of Frozen and Coco. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

The cast will be made up of a mix of talented performers from multiple Omaha-area high schools, supported by the University of Nebraska Omaha Theatre Department. Come early to secure your spot on the lawn beginning at 3 PM The performance will kick off an exciting holiday week of offerings presented by The RiverFront!

Popcorn Productions, LLC and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park present three melodramas this summer: “Peril of the Storm,” “Baron’s Revenge” and “Troll of Trafalgar.” Performances take place at the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre inside the park.

The only thing dragons love more than parties are TACO PARTIES! If you want dragons to come to your party, serving tacos is the way to go. But do not, under ANY circumstances, serve dragons spicy tacos. Join Robbie and his dog Kodi as they throw the biggest party of the year, with tacos that have NO spice…or do they? Featuring catchy original songs, vibrant characters, and a slew of dragons, this show brings Adam Rubin’s hilarious book to the stage. Will Robbie succeed in throwing the ultimate taco party without any fiery mishaps?

The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims The Wiz is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” Writer Amber Ruffin, originally from Omaha, is part of the creative team that updated the show for contemporary audiences.  

With no houses to paint till next spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of adventures in far-off lands, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook and his entire family of feathered kin, a new opportunity opens up before the Poppers. Suddenly a vaudeville song and dance act unlike any other starts captivating…or waddling through the United States. But will Captain Cook and his family of flippered hatchlings ever make it back home? Come see in this comedy adventure based on the classic book.

Morris likes lots of things: doing puzzles, painting pictures, pretending to be an astronaut. Morris is a kid who just happens to play astronaut using a tangerine dress from his school’s dress-up box because it “reminds him of tigers, the sun, and his mother’s hair.” But some of his classmates think boys can’t wear dresses from the dress-up box because … well, because they’re boys. As Morris asks the jungle characters in his vibrant dreams if there is a wrong way to play astronaut, we see the perfect wonders of how children play pretend. This beautiful show celebrates the many places our imaginations take us to, even the ones that are unconventional and wholly original.

Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem. On a field trip gone awry, they are faced with the ultimate test of their problem solving skills, one that can only be conquered with teamwork. A fun musical based on the Netflix series and the bestselling books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which makes STEM concepts (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math) come to life.

Step into the secret annex and witness the extraordinary courage of Anne Frank and her family. In a time of unimaginable darkness, their story shines a light on hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Experience the raw emotion and poignant honesty of Anne's diary as her words transport you to a hidden world where dreams and fears collide. This is a powerful, unforgettable journey that will leave you profoundly moved.

Buckle up for a wild ride filled with campy fun and musical nostalgia! A 1970s cruise turns from boogie fever into chaos with tornadoes, earthquakes, and infernos, all set to your favorite disco hits! This hilarious, over-the-top musical is packed with fabulous retro hits like “Hot Stuff”, “I Will Survive”, and “Hooked on a Feeling”. A wildly entertaining show guaranteed to leave you feeling buoyant and singing all the way home! Contains mild adult content and themes.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

Born from the creative spark of four passionate Generation X creators, GenX Takeover celebrates their generation’s pride and good times through hilarious standup and live tours all across the US. The vibrant voices in GenX Takeover include The Real Slim Sherri, Jon Wellington (The Dadbod Veteran, DBV), Nick Harrison (The Professor), and Kelly Manno, your best friend in your head.

You may know your Chinese Zodiac animal, but do you know how the 12 animals were chosen? Discover the magical origin story in The Great Race, a whimsical world premiere puppet play adapted from Chinese mythology. When three young neighbors have a friendship-ending argument, a wise Chinese grandmother uses the power of storytelling to transport them into the legendary tale of the Great Race. As they experience the thrilling competition that determined the order of the zodiac, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, understanding, and the bonds that unite us.

Jealousy, deception, and murder. A nail-biting, edge of your seat thriller. A new adaptation of Frederick Knott’s masterpiece of suspense and 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film. When a husband plots the perfect crime to murder his wife, things quickly spiral into a web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected twists. This gripping mystery will have you guessing until the final moment. Contains mild adult content and themes.

Shakespeare’s most-beloved romantic comedy springs to life in this delightful ballet! Feuding fairies and mismatched lovers collide in the Forest of Arden, leading to a busy night of comic confusion and dazzling dance, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s enchanting score.  It’s a merry affirmation that with the right kind of magic on your side, true love can conquer all!

A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! For over 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the timeless hits of ABBA that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.

Yee-haw! Get ready to kick up your heels with 'Oklahoma!', the musical that's as fresh as a prairie breeze! This classic tale bursts with high-spirited romance, lively rivalries, and toe-tapping tunes that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Join Curly and Laurey as their budding romance blossoms amidst the excitement of a brand-new state. But watch out for the brooding Jud Fry, who threatens to stir up trouble. With iconic songs like 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' and 'People Will Say We're in Love,' this is a rip-roaring, heart-pounding celebration of love, community, and the pioneering spirit of the American West. Don't miss out on a good ol' time!

“Step in time” into the whimsical world of imagination and wonder! The beloved story of the practically perfect nanny who transforms the lives of the Banks family takes flight! With dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and a heartwarming tale, Mary’s delightful adventures will whisk you away on a ride of joy and laughter. Don’t miss this stunning and unforgettable family classic that’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

The beloved story of the practically perfect nanny who transforms the lives of the Banks family takes flight! With dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and a heartwarming tale, Mary’s delightful adventures will whisk you away on a ride of joy and laughter. Don’t miss this stunning and unforgettable family classic that’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Enter the icy world of Arendelle where the newly crowned Queen Elsa has accidentally set off an eternal winter. Join her younger sister, Anna, along with Kristoff, Olaf and Sven on a snowy adventure to find Elsa and save the kingdom. But as the storm rages on, both sisters must learn that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. Settle in for some hygge, a little bit of joking, and a whole lot of letting go!

Wicked, Omaha’s most “popular” musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”  From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked — the untold true story of the Witches of Oz — transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.  

Disney’s Newsies Jr. is a high-energy musical about a group of New York City newsboys who rise up against powerful newspaper publishers in 1899. Led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, the “newsies” go on strike to fight for fair wages and better working conditions, discovering the strength of unity and the power of standing up for what’s right.