If you’ve always wanted to unleash your inner Jack Nicholson, and will be in Nebraska this winter, then here’s an opportunity. The Benson Theater, an enterprising Omaha company, is hoping to raise the money to buy and renovate a 1923 theater to call home, and among its fund-raising projects is a new theatrical version of “The Shining,” Stephen King’s tale of a substance-abusing and increasingly crazed hotel overseer stuck with his family at a resort during the snowy off-season – the role Mr. Nicholson played to magnificently creepy excess in the 1980 Stanley Kubrick film. The company is holding auditions this week.
The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Moderators: Coyote, nebugeater, Brad, Omaha Cowboy, BRoss
The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/ ... ning/?_r=0
http://bensontheatre.org/
The Benson Theatre wrote:
The Benson Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that fosters the success of local artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and underserved populations within the historic community of Benson. Our goal is to acquire and restore the historic Benson Theatre at 6054 Maple Street in Omaha to serve as a shared community space for business education and artistic performance. Benson is a flourishing arts and entertainment district, and the timing to restore our historic theater and bring more diverse entertainment and vital business education to our community has never been better. The Theatre’s prime location in downtown Benson has the potential to bring thousands of new visitors to the Benson business district for more than 500 events annually.
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- Coyote
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Whoa. Did they really mean 500 events annually?
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Amy Ryan of the Pizza Shoppe is behind this not for profit Benson Theater. A third of the money has been raised so far for the theater, they are in the middle of their capital campaign. Hopes to be purchased by the end of the month, construction will take about a year. It will seat about 225.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Wow I had no idea it would be that big.Coyote wrote:Amy Ryan of the Pizza Shoppe is behind this not for profit Benson Theater. A third of the money has been raised so far for the theater, they are in the middle of their capital campaign. Hopes to be purchased by the end of the month, construction will take about a year. It will seat about 225.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
They bought the building! Can't wait for this one. Will really take Benson to another level.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
That is fantastic. I hope they also raised enough for the renovations to the place. This might just put Benson over the top as an event destination!iamjacobm wrote:They bought the building! Can't wait for this one. Will really take Benson to another level.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Slowly, but surely...
http://lazy-i.com/2015/11/another-possi ... a-tonight/
http://lazy-i.com/2015/11/another-possi ... a-tonight/
With a capacity of around 225, tiered seating and booths as well as room on the floor in front of the stage, the theater reminded me of a smaller version of the Rococo in Lincoln. And despite plans for having a full performance calendar, the theater will have some capacity for other programming; one would assume that would include rock shows.
But any grand opening is likely years away. Organizers say that so far the non-profit has raised half of the $2.5 million budget that would cover all construction expenses plus six months of operating costs. Among the list of supporters were some big names, including Conor Oberst and Alexander Payne.
How long will it take them to raise the other half of the needed cash? Who knows. Organizers said construction wouldn’t begin until their goal amount is raised.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
TIF request before the planning board after all these years.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
I am not well versed in the performing venue scene but $400k seems like a lot for what you're getting here.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
$1.5m building permit now pending.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Looks really good!
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
$3.3 million renovation will bring historic Benson Theatre 'back to life'
This month, the Omaha City Council voted unanimously to give the project up to $400,000 in tax-increment financing, a tool known as TIF designed to spur economic development in blighted areas.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
To be fair, TIFs are on dang near every project in the city. Blighted is an objective term ha.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
"Blighted," when it relates to TIF and similar types of tax incentives, is a technical term regarding income of a certain defined area. With a big enough swath of land in much of urban Omaha, many areas most wouldn't call blighted, are 'blighted' under the technical definition, for better or for worse.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
ita wrote: ↑Tue May 26, 2020 3:16 pm"Blighted," when it relates to TIF and similar types of tax incentives, is a technical term regarding income of a certain defined area. With a big enough swath of land in much of urban Omaha, many areas most wouldn't call blighted, are 'blighted' under the technical definition, for better or for worse.
And that specific building... absolutely blighted! Good to see for the Benson area during these uncertain times!
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
The front is off the building. I have a picture, if one is wanted.
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
yes, please post, thanks
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
A new video on there Facebook page showing the progress of the theater.
https://m.facebook.com/BensonTheatre/
https://m.facebook.com/BensonTheatre/
Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Benson Theater renovations bring memories of other area movie houses
https://omaha.com/news/local/history/be ... the-latest
This is probably something that would fit right in on Forgotten Omaha and the most extensive information I have ever found regarding the history of Omaha movie and vaudeville houses. I was not aware that Omaha had quite so many theatres for a burgeoning city in the early 20th century. It must have been a testament to the popularity of silent movies and the need for entertainment in depression era America. Apparently Dinkers bar and grill used to be the the Hanscom theater and was part of more than 70 theaters constructed outside downtown Omaha which are now mostly lost to time. These were in several distinct theater districts comprising North 16th, North 24th, South 24th, Leavenworth Street and Vinton Street during this timeframe. Interesting to note on slides 16 - 18 where it talks about Ralph D. Goldberg purchasing and updating the Dundee Theatre in the 1930s. Assuming this has connection to the namesake Goldbergs restaurant though apparently no familial connection to the original founders. As per the Goldbergs website, "established in 1972, by brothers-in-law Gene Corcoran and Dick Duda".
https://omaha.com/news/local/history/be ... the-latest
This is probably something that would fit right in on Forgotten Omaha and the most extensive information I have ever found regarding the history of Omaha movie and vaudeville houses. I was not aware that Omaha had quite so many theatres for a burgeoning city in the early 20th century. It must have been a testament to the popularity of silent movies and the need for entertainment in depression era America. Apparently Dinkers bar and grill used to be the the Hanscom theater and was part of more than 70 theaters constructed outside downtown Omaha which are now mostly lost to time. These were in several distinct theater districts comprising North 16th, North 24th, South 24th, Leavenworth Street and Vinton Street during this timeframe. Interesting to note on slides 16 - 18 where it talks about Ralph D. Goldberg purchasing and updating the Dundee Theatre in the 1930s. Assuming this has connection to the namesake Goldbergs restaurant though apparently no familial connection to the original founders. As per the Goldbergs website, "established in 1972, by brothers-in-law Gene Corcoran and Dick Duda".
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
That was a good read, especially the part about Dinkers being a theater once upon a time.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
American Son
Benson Theatre
Thu, Aug 18
7:30pm
Benson Theatre is pleased to announce the next production in
Benson Theatre - Season 1, Coming Home . . .
Christopher Demos-Brown’s
“American Son”
Directed by Kathy Tyree
Get tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36337/production/1133340
Through the generous support of:
Mutual of Omaha, Weitz Family Foundations, Nebraska Arts Council, Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund, and Target.
Production Dates: August 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27
Curtain Times: 7:30pm Thursdays through Saturdays, 2pm Matinees on Sundays
Sunday, August 21st will be an ASL interpreted performance.
Post-Show Talkbacks to be announced.
An estranged bi-racial couple must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop incident. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what happened to their son.
What they’re saying-
“"American Son" is not a subtle play; it barely feels like a play at all. With its unrelentingly high tension on every level - maternal, marital, societal - it's more like a slice of a nightmare, with few contours despite its surprises. Its abrupt ending doesn't even offer a chance for catharsis; it just spits you out.” -NY Times
“. . .But this is tense theater designed to shake up our complacency and make us think. In that aim, it succeeds.” -Hollywood Reporter
“. . .there is no denying the play’s emotional force. There are moments when you can feel hundreds of people all holding their collective breath.” – The Guardian
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
The Women Who Ran Film Screening
Benson Theatre
Fri, Sep 9
The Women Who Ran
- a film by Joshua Allen LaBure
Tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36337/production/1135824
The Women Who Ran is an intimate portrait of the history making Omahans running for local office in 2021. For the first time in Omaha, Nebraska’s history, women candidates from all political parties are aiming for every seat on the City Council and the Mayor’s office.
Providing a raw look behind the scenes with those change makers and their campaigns, The Women Who Ran showcases the candidates and the community they hope to represent. Is Omaha ready for change? What does the future look like with more women in leadership? The Women Who Ran inspires residents of Omaha and beyond to ask these questions and reflect on the need for more than the status quo.
Join us for the only live showing of this documentary film on Friday, September 9th at the Benson Theatre. Doors at 6:30pm, film at 7:00. After the hour-long screening we’ll have a short Q&A with the producers, candidates, and the non-profit Women Who Run, offering a chance to hear about what’s next with politics in Omaha
Benson Theatre
Fri, Sep 9
The Women Who Ran
- a film by Joshua Allen LaBure
Tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36337/production/1135824
The Women Who Ran is an intimate portrait of the history making Omahans running for local office in 2021. For the first time in Omaha, Nebraska’s history, women candidates from all political parties are aiming for every seat on the City Council and the Mayor’s office.
Providing a raw look behind the scenes with those change makers and their campaigns, The Women Who Ran showcases the candidates and the community they hope to represent. Is Omaha ready for change? What does the future look like with more women in leadership? The Women Who Ran inspires residents of Omaha and beyond to ask these questions and reflect on the need for more than the status quo.
Join us for the only live showing of this documentary film on Friday, September 9th at the Benson Theatre. Doors at 6:30pm, film at 7:00. After the hour-long screening we’ll have a short Q&A with the producers, candidates, and the non-profit Women Who Run, offering a chance to hear about what’s next with politics in Omaha
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Wine & Song Road Show
Sept 25, at 7:00PM - 9:30PM
Benson Theatre
Wine & Song, the popular L.A. songwriter showcase hosted by Brad Colerick, is coming to Omaha for one very special evening! Show will feature Colerick, Chad Elliott, Laura Joy and special guests.
The Wine & Song series began in 2009, hosted by singer-songwriter Brad Colerick, a Nebraska native who has called California home since the late ‘80s. He presents touring songwriters from all over the U.S. and beyond. His decades long career in the music business has given him a chance to work with many high profile artists, but also exposed him to the extremely talented working-class songwriters and musicians flying under the radar of mainstream success. These are amazing artists who delight at the chance to play to the kind of listening-room audiences Colerick has cultivated — where people hang on every word. Not to hear the hits, but to hear the stories and great songs of the road, chronicling real life and the joys and struggles therein.
The show will feature Colerick along with Arizona songstress Laura Joy, Iowa troubadour Chad Elliott with fiddler Kathryn Severing Fox, and Colerick’s long-time collaborators Steve Hanson and Jim Pipher from Lincoln. Plus a special guest appearance by Cleveland-based artist and rapper Jul Big Green (who appears in Colerick’s upcoming “Fireline” music video.) Also sitting in with Colerick will be his former Aurora album musical collaborator, Gene Klosner of Omaha.
This intimate show will have you longing for bygone days of A Prairie Home Companion. The event will also feature wines by celebrated California winemaker and Omaha native, Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars.
Sept 25, at 7:00PM - 9:30PM
Benson Theatre
Wine & Song, the popular L.A. songwriter showcase hosted by Brad Colerick, is coming to Omaha for one very special evening! Show will feature Colerick, Chad Elliott, Laura Joy and special guests.
The Wine & Song series began in 2009, hosted by singer-songwriter Brad Colerick, a Nebraska native who has called California home since the late ‘80s. He presents touring songwriters from all over the U.S. and beyond. His decades long career in the music business has given him a chance to work with many high profile artists, but also exposed him to the extremely talented working-class songwriters and musicians flying under the radar of mainstream success. These are amazing artists who delight at the chance to play to the kind of listening-room audiences Colerick has cultivated — where people hang on every word. Not to hear the hits, but to hear the stories and great songs of the road, chronicling real life and the joys and struggles therein.
The show will feature Colerick along with Arizona songstress Laura Joy, Iowa troubadour Chad Elliott with fiddler Kathryn Severing Fox, and Colerick’s long-time collaborators Steve Hanson and Jim Pipher from Lincoln. Plus a special guest appearance by Cleveland-based artist and rapper Jul Big Green (who appears in Colerick’s upcoming “Fireline” music video.) Also sitting in with Colerick will be his former Aurora album musical collaborator, Gene Klosner of Omaha.
This intimate show will have you longing for bygone days of A Prairie Home Companion. The event will also feature wines by celebrated California winemaker and Omaha native, Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
“The Women Who Ran” at Benson Theatre
“The Women Who Ran”
September 9
7 p.m. movie | $17
Benson Theatre
To get in touch with the political undercurrent in Omaha, look at the women running for office in the new documentary “The Women Who Ran” at Benson Theatre on September 9 at 7 p.m. The film highlights a first for the city: women of every political party running for every City Council seat and Mayor. It also takes an intimate look behind the scenes. After the hour-long feature, stick around for a Q&A session with the candidates, producers, and the non-profit Women Who Run. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.
Movie magic gets rooted in boots-on-the-ground political work in this enlightening documentary and dialogue.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Opera in Conversation: Inspiration, Process and Insights
Oct. 13th, Tue at 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Benson Theatre
Artists from X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X share their inspirations, creative process, and some behind the scenes insights.
Opera in Conversation is a series of three sessions surrounding Opera Omaha mainstage productions that features creatives, scholars, and other public figures with a hope to foster cross-disciplinary exploration of art, big questions, and community connections.
Join Opera Omaha on Tuesday, October 18th at the Benson Theatre for our first X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X Opera in Conversation.
This Opera in Conversation will explore the Creative Inspiration, Process, and Insights for this new production of X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X. Featuring Christopher Davis, who provided the story for this production, Ronnita Miller, who sings Ella, and Choreographer Rickey Tripp.
Admission is FREE, advance registration is requested.
Oct. 13th, Tue at 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Benson Theatre
Artists from X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X share their inspirations, creative process, and some behind the scenes insights.
Opera in Conversation is a series of three sessions surrounding Opera Omaha mainstage productions that features creatives, scholars, and other public figures with a hope to foster cross-disciplinary exploration of art, big questions, and community connections.
Join Opera Omaha on Tuesday, October 18th at the Benson Theatre for our first X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X Opera in Conversation.
This Opera in Conversation will explore the Creative Inspiration, Process, and Insights for this new production of X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X. Featuring Christopher Davis, who provided the story for this production, Ronnita Miller, who sings Ella, and Choreographer Rickey Tripp.
Admission is FREE, advance registration is requested.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
Benson Film Festival
Benson Theater
Fri, May 19 - 20
The Benson Film Festival celebrates film, art, and community. The vision of this festival is to incorporate neighborhood artists and businesses, highlight filmmakers, and create an immersive and connective experience for the community. The Benson Film Festival aims to bring local, national, and international artists & filmmakers together right here in the Benson Creative District!
The festival is presented by Aksarben Creative in collaboration with the Benson Theatre.
Benson Theater
Fri, May 19 - 20
The Benson Film Festival celebrates film, art, and community. The vision of this festival is to incorporate neighborhood artists and businesses, highlight filmmakers, and create an immersive and connective experience for the community. The Benson Film Festival aims to bring local, national, and international artists & filmmakers together right here in the Benson Creative District!
The festival is presented by Aksarben Creative in collaboration with the Benson Theatre.
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Re: The Benson Theater (6054 Maple Street)
'Celebrating ourselves' Omaha native recognized for broadway production