Betsie Freeman World-Herald

2 months ago | omaha.com | Betsie Freeman |Betsie Freeman World-Herald

Omaha chef David Utterback is once again a nominee in the final stage of the James Beard Awards competition. Utterback was nominated for best chef Midwest, which includes Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. He was cited for his work at Ota and Yoshitomo, his restaurants in Benson. He also has a restaurant — Koji — in Countryside Village near 87th and Pacific Streets.

2 months ago | omaha.com | Betsie Freeman |Betsie Freeman World-Herald

When Omaha sisters Linda and Patty Wolf worked at the Dundee Theater, things were a lot more formal than they are now. Movie tickets were available by reservation only. And corps of ushers and usherettes — mostly polite, helpful high schoolers — escorted patrons to their seats. They weren’t wearing the standard uniform — jeans and T-shirts — of today’s teens.

2 months ago | omaha.com | Betsie Freeman |Betsie Freeman World-Herald

Raise your hand if you need more magic in your life. How about mystery? Or escapism? I know I do, and I know where you can find them. “The Old Man and the Old Moon,” now onstage at the Omaha Community Playhouse, has all three. The musical play is charming, fanciful, funny and, in a gentle and heartwarming way, it makes you ponder your own life and relationships. The story centers on the Old Man, who must climb a ladder every day to refill the Old Moon with liquid light.

2 months ago | omaha.com | Betsie Freeman |Betsie Freeman World-Herald

The late Jerry Longe couldn’t have been more different from Ebenezer Scrooge, the crabby British businessman he portrayed at the Omaha Community Playhouse. “He was a gifted actor and wonderful human, whose kindness, humor and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege to work with him,” Playhouse leaders said this week on Facebook.

2 months ago | omaha.com | Betsie Freeman |Betsie Freeman World-Herald

The 50th anniversary of “A Christmas Carol,” plus the theater’s first productions of two popular Broadway musicals, are highlights of the coming Omaha Community Playhouse season. Actors, singers and staff announced the lineup for the theater’s 101st year at an event for patrons Tuesday night on the Hawks Mainstage. The plans include 10 shows from Aug. 15 through June 28, 2026.