Local Art: Theatrical Reviews

The Wizard of Oz

Ralston Community Theatre

Andrew Garey

Recently the Ralston Community Theatre returned this summer with a production of Wizard of Oz. Based on L. Baum Baum’s 1900 novel, it was later adapted into the 1939 classic movie everyone knows and loves.  The stage production of the story was later started in 1987.  Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas is transported to the Land of Oz where she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Good Witch of the North and  the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.  The team also contends with the main antagonist, the Wicked Witch of the West.

This was a great stage production.  The crew staffed a surprisingly small, but very talented cast.  The children playing the Munchkins and other parts were fantastic.  There were however some technical difficulties.  There were issues with microphones which did not pick up the singers’ voices.  The Wizard’s giant face could have been better and more animated.  

If anyone sees this stage show, the lesson is that it will never have the high value of a Hollywood movie.  The stage production had a great use of practical effects. With that in mind, the Wizard of Oz is a worth-while show.

Beauty and the Beast

Lofte Community Theatre

Amanda Charles

If you have had the good fortune to see a show at the Lofte Community Theatre, you are already aware of the magic made there. Beauty and the Beast is indeed a beast of an undertaking and the Lofte rose to the occasion, as it always does, to create a stunning world for its audience to be enthralled with. Young and old see themselves in these characters and in this tale and this classic story brings people from across the generations together (proven through several sold-out productions). Inspiring smiles and laughter in all ages, inviting the young to love the theatre and the older to joyously reflect on the rewards of change in life… this is truly a tale for the ages.

But a story itself cannot alone carry the weight of producing such results. It takes a team to manifest these worlds and the Lofte has assembled a winning team. From an expertly assembled and brilliantly directed cast and orchestra, to artful and thrilling choreography, mystical lighting and picturesque costuming, props, and scenery… the multitude of working parts that came together to produce this masterpiece was truly, well, a beauty to behold.

If you are sad you missed this one, never fear. The Lofte puts on fabulous works of all kinds throughout the year and experiencing them will not only bring joy to your life but also support your local “born-in-a-barn players” in continuing their production of phenomenal art to enrich the lives of our communities.

Visit the Lofte’s website, Lofte.org, to see what’s coming up next or follow the Lofte Community Theatre Facebook page to be apprised of the wonderful collaborations and productions to come! You can also call them at 402-234-2553 for more information about productions and ticket purchases.

The Lofte Theatre

Table Grace, The Musical

Performances are on August 8 and 9 at 7:00 pm, and the Mobile Grace Cafe food truck will be open 1 hour before the show starts.

Table Grace the Musical is loosely based on the mission and impact of Table Grace Ministries through Table Grace Café. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of musicals or are looking for a delightful and uplifting evening out, this production promises to be an unforgettable experience!

In the show, we meet Pearl, a homeless individual whose life is transformed by the Grace she experiences at the café, and she, in turn, offers the same to others. Not only can you see the story of Table Grace, but the Table Grace Food Truck will be on-site for both performances! The truck will open 1 hour before the show starts – the menu will be determined at a later date.

Come for the show, stay for the cause! “Nourishing Bodies and Souls through multiple segments of business to holistically help people around us.” Table Grace Ministries may be most well known for their cafe located at 1611 1/2 Farnam St in Omaha. Their food is available on a pay-what-you-can model, and they accept donations through cards, cash, checks, donating food, or by volunteering. Their menu changes based on what they have available. To donate directly to this organization, to learn more, or to see their current menu, visit tablegracecafe.com

See the musical trailer at Table of Grace

Paint and Sip

Come out to our new pavilion and paint a masterpiece under the guidance of our talented scenic designer and instructor, Linda Dabbs. This, all the while sipping on your favorite beverage and relaxing in the beautiful countryside.

Ticket price includes choice of painting a wooden door sign or garden rocks. Complimentary charcuterie snacks, tea, pop, and one complimentary alcoholic beverage included.

Additional details available by calling the Box Office at 402-234-2553.

Club 50: become a member today!

Did you know that by being a member of Club 50 you get all kinds of goodies from the Lofte for FREE? It’s true! Free popcorn at every show, free pop at every show, a free treat EXCLUSIVE for Club 50 members at every show! Plus the longer you’re a member the more free stuff you get including tickets , drinks, reserved seating, your name on one of the seats in the theatre, and even entry to our 50th-anniversary gala! Want to know more about free stuff? Keep reading…

The goal of Club 50 is to raise enough money to pay off 50% of our mortgage by our 50th season. To accomplish this goal we are asking patrons to donate $50 per month through the end of our 50th season in 2026. Ideally, we’d have at least 390 members – one for each of the seats in the Lofte Theatre!

Club 50 members can join today by donating $50, but if they want to receive the full possible benefits, you’ll want to donate $83.50 a month to have donated enough in time to receive the 2 free tickets to the gala! Not interested in long-term donating? No problem! You can instead donate $600 a year for 5 years, or a one-time minimum donation of at least $3,000 to qualify (please note that if a one-time donation is made, additional donations of at least $50 must be made every year to maintain your Club 50 membership).

Want to sign up? Visit https://www.lofte.org/club-50 to read all of the official information and to Join Club 50 with a recurring donation. Interested in a one-time lump sum donation? Contact the box office at 402-234-2553 or send an email to office@lofte.org, and someone will help you get your membership set up.

Thank you for your contribution and for supporting The Lofte’s continuous efforts to Bring the Arts to Rural Nebraska – and welcome to Club 50!