Not quite a movie and not a book, theater starts and ends on the stage. The writers, producers, designers, and performers make each show an unrepeatable event.
But audiences do not passively ingest a play, musical, opera, or set. We experience it, we can learn from it, and that journey taken together becomes something else as a flashpoint in time. Plus, it’s a fun time.
Omaha theaters have a fantastic coming fall season, with tons of talented individuals behind the curtains and on the main stage. Read on for a list of the best performances scheduled through the end of 2022.
“School Of Rock”
- September 16 – October 16
- Wednesdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m.
- Omaha Community Playhouse: 6915 Cass St | (402) 553-0800
- $25-$47
Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White, the play by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slate, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “School of Rock” will satisfy fans of the classic-rock canon and the hit 2003 film starring Jack Black, including its original, beloved songs.
The story interjects a hopeful, humorous, and musical tone into a stuffy school setting in which untapped kids meet an unlikely substitute teacher: A down-on his-luck ex-rock frontman posing for the gig to make rent.
“The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”
- October 6 – 31
- Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- BlueBarn Theatre: 1106 S 10th St | (402) 345-1576
- $32-$37 | Free for members
This world-premiere adaptation of Washington Irving’s famous story about a headless horseman will invite audiences for an incredible journey through songs, dances, and puppets.
It’s also sure to get you in the holiday spirit for Halloween.
Ben Beck and Jill Anderson, both from Omaha, wrote the screenplay, and the play features a set designed by Sarah Rowe and original musical compositions by Olga Smola.
“Popularity Coach”
- October 7 – 23
- Fridays: 7 p.m. | Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m.
- The Rose Theater
- General admission: $25 | Free for members
Centered on the work of Rose Playwright-in-Residence Brian Guehring, “Popularity Coach” gives audiences a fresh look into the depths of personal authenticity vs. conformity by examining the world of early school years.
In his story, children named Cooper and Mia hire, you guessed it, a popularity coach to solve their youngster problems after parents and teachers shrug them off with unrelatable wise sayings like “Popularity doesn’t matter.”
Together, they learn how to navigate outsider status.
“ChavoRucos”
- October 7
- 9 p.m. show
- Orpheum Theater
- $45-$89
This Spanish-speaking performance of two comedy titans brings a nice change of pace to the Orpheum Theater.
Adrian Uribe and Ada Ramones will stop in Omaha to perform together for the first time as part of their “ChavoRucos” tour, which roughly translates to “old guys.”
You can order tickets in Spanish by emailing ticketomaha@o-pa.org, and an agent will contact you via phone or email within a few business days.
“The Cake”
- October 7 – November 6
- Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m.
- Omaha Playhouse
- $36
This hilarious and touching new play hails from the mind of mega talent Bekah Brunstetter, who wrote the hit television program “This Is Us.” It features direction by Kim Clark-Kaczmarek.
The story follows a baker from North Carolina who gets confronted with her prejudices after taking on the task of baking a wedding cake for two engaged women partners.
Its tone fuses comedic timing with warmth, and the performance will contain language intended for mature audiences and some nudity.
“X: The Life and Times Of Malcolm X”
- November 4 and 6
- Friday: 7:30 p.m. | Sunday: 2 p.m.
- Orpheum Theater
- Tickets: $19-$99
Opera Omaha presents an exciting experience that fuses history with theatrical presentation and classical and jazz music genres to tell the uplifting and tragic story of Malcolm X, whose legacy as a civil rights icon remains uniquely tied to his birthplace, this city.
It features original compositions by Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Anthony Davis in cooperation with Thulani Davis. The opera premiered in New York in 1986.
“Cinderella”
- November 25 – December 18
- Fridays: 7 p.m. | Saturdays-Sundays: 2 p.m.
- The Rose
- $27-$32
This re-telling of the classic “Cinderella” story for audiences of all ages takes a fantastic approach to a few familiar themes grounded in family disillusionment and sparkly, snowy landscapes.
Through a special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, this adaptation features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics and the book by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane, and orchestrations by Danny Troob with musical adaptation and arrangements by David Chase.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told”
- November 25 – December 18
- Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- BlueBarn Theatre
- General admission: $32-$37 | Free for members
To switch up your winter-themed entertainment this season, the unconventional alternative approach to the lore of holiday tales in “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” offers a hilarious, entertaining, and pop culture-inspired take on every Christmas story, just as the title suggests.
It features a screenplay by Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez, and original music by Will Knapp.
“Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold”
- November 25 – December 23
- Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. | Sundays: 2 p.m.
- Omaha Community Playhouse
- $25-$40
“Sister’s Christmas Catechism,” something like CSI-meets-Bethlehem, sets the stage for a new hilarious and mystery-infused holiday classic centered on a nun investigating the disappearance of the biblical Magi’s gold.
The show brings a new spin on the nativity story, a living nativity that involves the audience as much as the choir and featured performers.
This musical play comes from the creator of “Late Nite Catechism,” with additional credits from Maripat Donovan, Marc Silvia, and Jane Morris.