Coming together on stage to reignite live performing arts

"All Together Now" brings together local theatre performers for a special weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – From high schoolers to college to local professionals, theatre lovers all over the capital city are getting the chance to celebrate live theatre by performing, together.

Presented by Music Theatre International, “All Together Now” is a global event designed to enjoy local theatre. The one here in the capital city will be held at the Lincoln Community Playhouse.

“When people are here, when creative people are here, singing and dancing and acting and just the social buzz of being in a play together, that is the life force of theatre,” said Morrie Enders, Executive Director of the Lincoln Community Playhouse.

Robert Rook, Managing artistic director of TADA Theatre, said, “It’s just great to see live theater back on stage again, the best way. I think live streaming has been wonderful. And that’s nice, but the best way to experience theatre is in person.”

Thousands of theatrical organizations around the world are putting on a similar show this weekend to help climb out of the pandemic.

“A lot of theaters had to close their doors during COVID. Right now, nationally, we’ve lost 29% of performing arts houses throughout the United States that will not reopen,” said Rook.

Nine local theatre companies are taking part in Lincoln’s production with over 50 participants.

“It’s a great opportunity just to maybe meet people that I’ve only ever seen on stage but never had a conversation with, you know, we follow each other, we’ve supported each other, but maybe not had this opportunity to spend time in a room together,” said Dustin Witte, Managing artistic director of OmniArts.

All of the theatre organizations will be splitting the profits of the event.

Performers will be singing some classic hits from musicals such as Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, Into the Woods, and many more.

“You’re going to come and you’re going to see one of the greatest things that you could possibly do as a human being, which is to share a communal social theatrical event together,” said Enders.

Shows are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved at https://www.lincolnplayhouse.com/ or by calling the box office at 402-489-7529 between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.