I love Omaha: A sweet afternoon at the Omaha Community Playhouse

Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by Princess Lasertron in omaha

Last week my friend Eric and I took a break from working at CAMP and headed out for dinner and show. I haven’t been to a play in ages so we went to the Omaha Community Playhouse in midtown and saw a hilarious one-woman show we had been hearing about called The Lady With All The Answers about advice column HBIC Ann Landers.

Acted by Kathy Wheeldon, the play is set in 1975 in Ann’s office while she is trying to write a particularly difficult column. Recounting her experiences, sharing stories of some of the best advice she has doled out, and even musing to the audience and asking for their input–for example, polling us on who is married and which way we like to have the toilet paper facing. I went from having tears in my eyes to laughing out loud, and overall it was a wonderfully engaging comedy with these brilliant moments of poignancy and emotion.

From the Omaha World-Herald:

If you’re familiar with Landers’ voice, speech patterns and mannerisms, you’ll know Wheeldon not only studied the essence of this real-life character — she’s got it down cold. The wry grin, the sparkle in the eyes, the energy and humor that radiated from Landers in personal appearances are all there.

Costumer Lynne Ridge has done her job, too: the bouffant hairdo with a flip, the bright red nails and lipstick, the sparkling chunks of jewelry, an elegant dressing gown and pajamas, a full-length mink. The illusion is complete: Ann is in the room.

Nice room, too. Jim Othuse’s set design features cream-colored wooden pillars with crown molding set in a black void, an alcove with the skyline of Chicago peeking out, a couple of Impressionist paintings, Ann’s desk and typewriter, a cabinet hi-fi on which crooners and light jazz give Ann something to dance to. Even a collection of owl statuary.

Truly! The styling on the set was brilliant to me. I loved the hanging crystal chandelier, the vintage furniture, and the way posts were used to create the illusion of walls–they displayed photos and artwork but through them we could see into her hallway and foyer. The owls were also a thoughtful touch–Ann loved collecting them because they represented wisdom. Even Ann’s styling was perfect–she reminded me of my ever-stylish Grandma (who is from the same town as Ann!).

So I think we were the only people in the room under 60 for this particular matinee, and Eric seemed to be the only unmarried one (judging by Ann’s poll). He swears that some lady gave me the evil eye when she saw us together. Ha!

It was such a professional and memorable experience and I wish more people in the metro realized what awesome acting talent we have here locally. I also feel like I have a new personal heroine in Ann. She advised people through their troubles through four decades of American history and culture. The grace and class with which she approached tough issues throughout the decades is remarkable.

I had so much fun at the Playhouse–I resolve now to go more often. I forgot how beautiful the building is, how kind the greeters and employees are, and how easy it is to lose yourself in a quick afternoon at a performance. It’s cheaper than a movie. The audience is more polite. And they have wine, hello.

I am getting a season pass to the Playhouse and I would love to see more college students and young people in my generation support this art. Seriously such a blast. Actually, yeah, just go buy tickets now. Other shows coming up that I really want to see include Footloose, Nunsense (heeelarious), Steel Magnolias, and Guys & Dolls.

Photos (except the one of me) courtesy of Omaha Community Playhouse.