As part of a $6 million capital campaign, the three domes that stand atop the roof of The Rose Theater and contribute to its dramatic palace-like architecture are set to receive custom-made new copper cladding. Scaffolding will go up the week of June 17, and shortly after, a team of project consultants from BVH Architects, WJE Engineers and Kiewit Building Group will remove the old copper and replace it with new material.

The team will also repair the underlying wood structures that support the cladding and add insulation to prevent moisture build-up.

"The goal of the project is to stop rain and melted snow from leaking through the domes and damaging the interior of the theater," said Omaha Theater Company Managing Director Julie Walker. "Restoring the domes has required more work than we originally envisioned, but we are committed to their preservation and eager to get started on the final phase of work."

The new copper cladding will initially give the domes a rosy pink appearance. Over a 20-year- period, they will tarnish and may appear red or black before attaining the blue-green color commonly associated with aged copper. The copper currently on the domes was once painted to achieve the desired hue, but it will be left to age naturally this time, in keeping with architect John Eberson's original vision for the theater. The old material will be recycled and any proceeds will help offset the cost of the project.

To date, The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center Foundation has raised $5.5 million toward the $6 million goal for the capital campaign. Significant interior and exterior work has already been accomplished with the funds raised including:

• The Rose Theater's roof near each of the three domes has been restored, and a new drainage system has been installed.

• Over 400 new manufactured terra cotta pieces have been installed with durable steel fasteners.

• Brick parapet work and joint repairs (tuck pointing and/or re-pointing) are complete.

• Lighting, insulation and ceiling work in the administrative offices is complete.

• Window installation is complete including 16 replacements and nine new storm windows.

The dome restoration work is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The final project included in the capital campaign - the repair and repainting of the ceilings in the Rose Theater lobby and mezzanine - is scheduled for summer 2014.

The donors who have generously contributed so far to the capital campaign include: The Sherwood Foundation, Frances and Louis Blumkin Family Foundation, Anonymous, Kiewit Companies Foundation, Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, Lozier Foundation, Ahmanson Foundation, William and Ruth Scott, Parker Family Foundation, Iowa West Foundation, Becker Foundation, Pacific Life Foundation, David Scott Foundation, Sunderland Foundation, Adah and Leon Millard Foundation, Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation and the Hawks Foundation.

For more information about the campaign, including a video about the project, please visit the "Support Us" tab on the Rose's website: www.rosetheater.org. Donations to the campaign are being accepted online at www.rosetheater.org or through The Rose Box Office at (402) 345-4849. Large donations and questions regarding the renovation and the fundraising effort can be directed to Julie Walker at (402) 502-4622 or juliew@rosetheater.org.

The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to support the preservation and maintenance of the historic Rose Theater. The Rose Foundation owns the theater, which is leased by the Omaha Theater Company.

Founded in 1949, the mission of the Omaha Theater Company is to enrich the lives of young people and their families through live theater and arts education. The company fulfills its mission by offering an exciting season of high-quality, youth-oriented drama productions, school field trips, in-school residencies and workshops, a wide range of performing arts classes, a dynamic youth theater program and a national tour.

The producers of the national tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, and Omaha Performing Arts announced today that single tickets will go on sale to the public today, June 14, at 10:00 a.m. An exclusive pre-sale for American Express Card members will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12.

Tickets for THE BOOK OF MORMON will be on sale at Ticket Omaha., the official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available online at TicketOmaha.com; by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets, Omaha, Neb. Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets by calling 402.661.8516 or toll-free at 866.434.8587. Tickets for THE BOOK OF MORMON are still available as part of the Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Season Ticket package. Purchasing a Season Ticket package is the primary way to obtain THE BOOK OF MORMON tickets until the public on sale on Friday, June 14, 2013.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, South Park. Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python's Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen
Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

THE BOOK OF MORMON will play a strictly limited nine-day, 11-performance engagement from Saturday, October 12, through Sunday, October 20, 2013, at the Orpheum Theater, 409 South 16th St., Omaha, Neb. The Omaha engagement is presented by Omaha Performing Arts and Broadway Across America and will open the 2013/2014 Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Series. Performance times are Saturday, October 12, at 8:00 p.m.; (Editor note: This is the opening night performance, no matinee this date); Sunday, October 13, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Press Night at 7:00 p.m. performance) Tuesday, October 15, Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, October 18, at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, October 20, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) will present 'Til Death tonight, June 14 - July 21, 2013, running on Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m.

After teaching countless students about the saints, venial sins, limbo and more, Sister is now offering up hilarious lessons on the Sacraments of Marriage and the Last Rites, including her own wacky version of the Newlywed Game. Classroom participation is a must, so bring along your sweetie and your sense of humor for a session with the country's feistiest couples counselor!

Tickets are available at the OCP Box Office, by calling (402) 553-0800 or online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.org or www.TicketOmaha.com. Single tickets are $35. Group tickets are $32.

The Omaha Community Playhouse is supported in part by the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Established in 1924, the Omaha Community Playhouse is the largest community theatre in the United States based on memberships sold and facility size, among other factors. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. (Producer) is based in New York City. EEI has made its mark on the theatrical touring industry by offering a variety of new and exciting plays and musicals to an ever growing list of professional presenting organizations throughout the country. In addition EEI has performed over 1500 fundraising events for schools, church groups, and private parties. EEI brings all aspects of producing under one roof: sales, production, casting, creative and technical. EEI productions have been produced and presented in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Since 1999 EEI has produced; Late Nite Catechism: The Series, Maybe Baby, It's You, The Yiddish Are Coming, The Yiddish Are Coming!, Shout! The Mod Musical, Tony N Tina's Wedding, Defending the Caveman, We're Still Hot! The Musical and are former producers of Jeanie Linders' Menopause The Musical. EEI is now proud to present Girls Night: The Musical, Late Nite Catechism, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Nite Catechism 2, 'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3, Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold, Sister's Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?, The Santa Class, A Girls Night Musical: Girl Talk!, Etta May's White Trash Diary, and Etta May and The Southern Fried Chicks.

The cast has been announced for the Omaha performances of SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody! Omaha Performing Arts presents SPANK! for three performances tonight, June 13, at 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, at 8:00 p.m. in the Orpheum Theater. The musical comedy parody is part of the Omaha Performing Arts' 2012/2013 Season.

Tickets for SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody start at $40. Tickets can be purchased online at TicketOmaha.com, by phone at 402.345.0606, or at the Ticket Omaha office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets. Only the orchestra level of the Orpheum Theater will be open for sale for this production.

Omaha audiences are about to get spanked by the new comedy that puts a hilarious spin on the saucy book that caused a world sensation. Alice Moran stars as Tasha Woode (the Anastasia Steele-like character), Patrick Whalen is Hugh Hanson (the ChristIan Grey-like character) and Suzanne Sole is "E.B. Janet" (the "author").

Books aren't the only thing parodied in SPANK! - songs get a sexy makeover, too. You'll never hear Willy Wonka sing "Pure Imagination" the same way again after hearing "Room of Sexy Domination." SPANK! will involve some audience participation, as well, but don't worry, no one needs to sign an NDA.

Since its premiere in October of 2012, SPANK! has become a huge box office hit with tour dates in more than 70 cities across the United States and Canada. According to The Weekender it's "a spankin' good time." The Toronto Stage calls it "a sexy, hysterical, rip-roaring good time." BroadwayWorld.com said "SPANK! is raucously hilarious, a perfect girl's night out!".

Lobby doors open one hour before each performance. Audience members can purchase specialty SPANK! cocktails at the show. After the show, audience members can pose for a photo with Mr. Dangerous himself.

Learn more about why this show has become a hilarious hit at www.TicketOmaha.com or www.SpankShow.com. Then come and enjoy the naughtiness in person at the Orpheum Theater, tonight, Friday and Saturday, June 13, 14 and 15. This performance is for mature audiences only.

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

Imagine getting a diverse group of teens to cooperate in a creative endeavor that lasts for months, pushes boundaries, and asks them to reveal their innermost hopes and fears not just once, but every year for fifteen years.

Now imagine if a collective group of the most esteemed theater professors and artistic directors agreed that one person provided the most innovative programs for young people to express themselves and wanted to recognize that achievement.

You've envisioned Brian Guehring's work as founder and co-director of The Pride Players and the winner of the 2013 Lin Wright Special Recognition Citation.

The American Alliance for Theatre and Education has announced Guehring will receive its highest honor for his work at The Rose Theater for whom he "established special programs, developed experimental work, made a distinctive educational contribution or provided meritorious service thus furthering theatre and drama for young people".

The American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) is one of the most prominent organizations nationally who connect and inspire a growing collective of theatre artists, educators, and scholars committed to transforming young people and communities through the theatre arts.

"This award demonstrates the widespread value of the programs Brian has developed and speaks, yet again, to the impact our theater has on the national scene," said Matt Gutschick, Artistic Director at The Rose.

Guehring is the Director of Education and Playwright-in-Residence at The Rose Theater. In 1999, he founded the Pride Players as an outlet for exploring issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and straight allied teens. The program brings together teens who use improvisation to write skits, scenes, parodies, poetry, songs and true story monologues to address their common concerns. More than 9,500 teens, parents, teachers, counselors and family members have seen the productions. The Pride Players have toured to national theater conferences, as well as local schools. The program was awarded the 2006 Human and Civil Rights Leadership Award from the National Education Association.

Written comments about Guehring from the members of the AATE Awards Committee:

Brian excels in every category included in the Wright award...Brian is a prolific playwright and many of his plays have been produced by several prestigious theatres. He has been represented at New Visions/New Voices; He has been an invaluable member of the Omaha Theater Company for 14 plus years where he has directed, co-directed, and acted; is co-founder of the nationally recognized Pride Players which were featured as the keynote performance for the AATE Conference, 2012. The list of his contributions and accomplishments is astounding. The lives he has touched are already a living legacy.

Brian has been an outstanding advocate and innovative producer of work for and by LGBQT youth. The incredible work of Pride Players has led to a network of complimentary programs across the country, echoing the importance of this work.

I was able to see the work of Pride Players at the 2012 AATE conference and was able to see the work of Pride Players at the 2012 AATE conference and was instantly moved by the incredible passion and artistry of this group under Brian's Leadership. His work as a director, producer, mentor, and advocate certainly speaks volumes to his contributions to the theatre community. The countless individuals who have participated in Pride Players, or been moved to action by watching one of their performances adds to this legacy.

Brian is using theatre to transform the way young people across the country are facing community identity and the importance of LGBQT issues. The legacy Pride Players have created serves as a shining example of how an individual can prompt change through performance.

Guehring will be attending the AATE awards ceremony on July 24th in Washington, D.C. Formerly known as the AATE Special Recognition Citation(s), the award Guehring will receive was renamed in honor of Lin Wright, Professor (1973+) and Chair (1983-1996) of the Theatre Department at Arizona State University, researcher and President of Children's Theater Association of America, 1981-83.

The Rose Theater focuses on providing educational and entertainment opportunities for children and families. Founded in 1949 as Omaha Junior Theater, The Rose now welcomes tens of thousands of child to The Rose Theater each year, as well as providing outreach to schools and classes in drama, playwriting, technical theater, dance and voice.

The Broadway Dreams Foundation will give aspiring performers across the country their big break with "Circle of Dreams," the 2013 Summer Performing Arts Intensive Tour. The national non-profit training program will present an incredible roster of Broadway directors, performers and industry insiders who will offer musical theatre training, mentoring and career opportunities through unique, week-long performing arts intensive workshops for students of all ages.

The Broadway Dreams Foundation will kick off "Circle of Dreams" at RISPA in Atlanta, GA on June 3, 2013 followed by week-long intensives at the Matthews Playhouse in Charlotte, NC; UCLAin Los Angeles, CA; Omaha Performing Arts in Omaha, NE; The KimMel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA and Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT.

"Making it on Broadway is not an easy task," says Executive Director Annette Tanner. "It's a given that you have to be exceptionally talented, but what you really need is an edge. BDF gives our students that edge by offering them the rare opportunity to work with top Broadway directors, performers and decision makers for a full week. That's far more valuable than any open call."

Attendees will receive first-rate training in acting, dance and vocal performance before participating alongside their Broadway idols in a dynamic public concert event directed by one of the industry's finest directors. Students will also learn how to improve their audition skills and have the opportunity to audition and perform for top NYC casting directors and agents, including Craig Burns andRachel Hoffman from Telsey + Company and Jamie Harris from Clear Talent Group, all of whom will offer valuable feedback.

Acclaimed directors Stafford Arima (Allegiance), Dan Knechtges (Lysistrata Jones) and Matt Lenz (Pageant) along with Emmy Award nominated choreographer Spencer Liff ("So You Think You Can Dance") will lead the creative team which also includes BDF Artistic Director Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan), Education Director Craig D'Amico (Fiddler on the Roof) and Executive Director Annette Tanner. The Broadway faculty will also include Nick Adams (Priscilla), Quentin Earl Darrington (Ragtime), Meg Gillentine (Fosse), Deidre Goodwin (Chicago), Greg Graham (Fosse),

Tyler Hanes (A Chorus Line), Liz McCartney (Annie), Nancy Opel (Memphis), Andrew Palermo (Wicked), Nicole Parker (MadTV, Wicked), BDF alumni Ryann Redmond (Bring It On The Musical),Otis Sallid (Smokey Joe's Café), Kirsten Scott (Big Fish), Matthew Scott (Jersey Boys) and more.

The Philadelphia intensive will include master classes devoted to mastering the college audition process led by Mary Anna Dennard, top college audition coach and author of "I Got In!" Joining Dennard will be representatives from top musical theatre schools including, Gary Kline (Carnegie Mellon University), Kaitlyn Hopkins (Texas State), Mark Madama (University of Michigan) and Robin Lewis (Rider University).

The Broadway Dreams Foundation is the country's premier performing arts education program dedicated to ongoing engagement, inspiration, and access regardless of a student's ability to pay. In 2012, 42% of all BDF students participated on full or partial scholarship. With a faculty of Broadway stars, directors and agents committed to giving back to the theatrical community, BDF provides invaluable training to anyone who aspires for a career in the performing arts. The unique program offers students highly personalized and supportive mentorship, an exciting and collaborative learning environment and ongoing networking to build confidence and life skills. The Broadway Dreams Foundation provides a life changing experience.

More than 4,000 students have participated in BDF programs. Past students have gone on to perform with Broadway, national touring and regional productions including Bring It On: The Musical (Ryann Redmond, Calli Alden), bare (Ariana Groover), Memphis (Lindsay Roberts), Catch Me If You Can (Greg Kamp), The Book of Mormon (Paris Nesbitt), Shrek(Chase Todd), The Addams Family (Ethan Wexler), A Chorus Line (Sidney DuPont), Spring Awakening (Blake Daniel) and more.

For more information on The Broadway Dreams Foundation, please visit: www.mybroadwaydreams.com.

CIRCLE OF DREAMS - THE 2013 SUMMER INTENSIVE TOUR

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Dream LAB

June 3 - June 7, 2013

RISPA (4155 GA Highway 9, Milton, GA)

Directed by Stafford Arima, Dan Knechtges and Matt Lenz

Audition Dates: Final casting on June 1, 2013

Tuition Cost: $495 for 12 and over and $395 for 11 and under

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Dream LAB

June 9 - June 11, 2013

Matthews Playhouse (100 McDowell Street, Matthews, NC)

Directed by Dan Knechtges

Audition Dates: Final casting on June 8, 2013

Tuition Cost: $295 for 11 and over

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

June 17 - 23, 2013

UCLA Freud Playhouse (245 Charles E. Young Drive East)

Directed by Stafford Arima with Choreography by Spencer Liff

Tuition Cost: $895

OMAHA, NEBRASKA

July 8 - July 14, 2013

Omaha Performing Arts (1200 Douglas Street)

Directed by Matt Lenz and Dan Knechtges

Audition Dates: Final casting June 14 - 15, 2013

Tuition Cost: $895

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

August 5 - August 11, 2013

KimMel Center for the Performing Arts (260 South Broad Street)

Directed by Stafford Arima

Audition Dates: Final casting July 26 - 27, 2013

Tuition Cost: $995

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

August16 - August 18, 2013

Triple Threat Extreme Workshop

Hartford Stage (50 Church Street)

Tuition Cost: $195

The story is from the Old Testament, but the vision of the production team at The Rose Theater is definitely 21st centurY. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will be presented as the summer musical at The Rose Theater in Omaha, tonight, May 31 - June 16.

"At the core, it's a show about family, love and forgiveness," said director Randi Hard. "Each production of Joseph is unique. Ours has a modern, very eclectic concept that will look stunning and highlight the ensemble's singing and dancing talents."

The favorite Biblical story of Joseph and his "coat of many colors" comes to life in the classic musical by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Joseph, a boy with prophetic dreams, experiences a difficult and inspiring journey when he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually becomes a revered leader of Egypt. Featuring a delightful range of song styles, this timeless tale of family and faith offers a moving musical event for the entire family.

Director Hard, scenic designer, Adam Rowe, and lighting designer, Craig Moxon, have more of a "present-day stadium rock show" image for the musical that was first performed in 1968. Each of the musical styles in the show - rock, country & western, calypso, pop and opera - will be framed in a different way with either moving set pieces brought or danced on by actors or flown in from the rafters. With no spoken dialog, the show is a non-stop musical revue guided by a narrator character.

"The only reason we'll stop the action is for applause or laughter," said Hard.

The inspiration for the design is a blend of fashion-forward window dressing seen in stores, like Anthropologie, combined with the glitz and speed of televised awards shows.

"We're thinking about impactful, and affordable, ways to make a statement," said Rowe. "For example, creating a huge backdrop for big production number made entirely out of hula hoops and zip ties to frame a stage filled with singers and dancers. It's about fluid and clever scene changes that build and are punctuated by the lighting effects and the audience's imagination."

To help with the rock show effects, designer Moxon is bringing in additional lighting instruments that would more likely be found in concert venues than in a children's theater. Additionally, a backdrop of texturized foam core will provide a surface for dramatic and impactful lighting techniques.

While the visuals will be stunning, the show's messages will be delivered with warmth and humor. At its core, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a family show that adults and children will both enjoy at different levels. Stylized to give the audience the opportunity to discover secrets within the show, such as recognizable contemporary images like bar codes and shopping bags from local stores, the serious story of betrayal and forgiveness will be clear to all.

Rose Artistic Director, Matt Gutschick, believes the message of the show is a powerful one. "Joseph shows us the power we have to control our own responses to our circumstance.

If we build our faith in humanity with its Technicolor variety, we'll be blessed with pieces of ways to build a better world," said Gutschick.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first publically produced collaboration by Rice and Lloyd Webber. Many of the musical themes heard in Jesus Christ Superstar have their origin in the score for Joseph. The show won seven Tony awards and national tours have been headlined by David Cassidy and Donny Osmond.

In the production at The Rose, Joseph will be portrayed by Sam Swerczek. Although this is his first performance at The Rose, Swerczek has played the role of Joseph at The Lofte Theater, in Manley, NE. He also toured internationally with The Young Americans, understudied for Hugh Panaro (current Phantom in Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera) in the role of Valjean in Les Miserables at the La Mirada Theater in Orange, CA, and was nominated by the Theater Arts Guild for his performance as Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening at The Blue Barn Theatre.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presenTed May 31 - June 16 with shows at 7 pm on Fridays, and 2 pm each Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 for main floor and $20 for balcony. Discount vouchers are available at area Hy-Vee Food Stores. For reservations, call (402) 345-4849, go to www.rosetheater.org, or visit the Box Office at 2001 Farnam St. The show is recommended for ages 5 and older. The performance is 1 hour and 55 minutes and includes a 15-minute intermission.

Pictured: Joseph is Sam Swerczek. Photo credit: Herb Thompson Photography.