Omaha Community Playhouse will present August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson January 16 through February 8. This Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is a powerful story about family, history and legacy. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, two siblings clash over the fate of a prized heirloom piano, symbolizing their family’s painful history. There is a special offer of $25 tickets with promo code: PIANO25. For more information, visit their site.
Cali Commons has a few events coming up:
Buzzed: A Bee Tribute will debut on January 16-18 and January 23-25. The opening reception will be Friday, January 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Buzzed is a tribute to our tiny winged heroes, the bees, who keep the world blooming. This art show swarms with creativity, featuring works from local artists inspired by the beauty, brilliance and ecological magic of bees. Admission is free, and street parking available on 40th Street (north/south of California) and on California east of 40th.
The art event Pinecone Bumble Bees will be hosted on January 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This hands-on art experience will allow participants to explore bee‑inspired artwork and make tiny pollinators using pinecones, wings, and wiggle eyes. Feel free to branch out and create any insect or pollinator that sparks your imagination. This free drop‑in craft activity will be available while supplies last.
Bee Keeping with Mark Welsch of Elmwood Park Honey will be held on January 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating local bees, local blooms and the incredible honey produced in Omaha’s Elmwood Park. Mark Welsch, local beekeeper, will be at Cali Commons for an open discussion on bee keeping, as well as honey for sale. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about how honey is made, this is a chance to connect and learn.
Saint Cecilia Cathedral will present the Saint Cecilia Cathedral Flower Festival January 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and January 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their Cultural Center & Gallery at 701 North 40th Street. Experience beautiful flowers, soothing music, admirable creations and other artworks, and the architectural design of the building. Admission is free.
Opera Omaha’s Susannah will be featured at the Orpheum Theater on January 30 and February 1, directed by famed soprano Patricia Racette. The renowned soprano has appeared in all of the world’s celebrated opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Paris Opera and Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Now, Racette steps into a different role as she directs Opera Omaha’s upcoming production of Susannah, a title role in which she made her opera debut at age 20.
One of the most performed American operas, the music is undeniably inspired by familiar folk melodies that underscore the opera’s Appalachian setting. Opera Omaha’s production will be one of the first in a yearlong national celebration of composer Carlisle Floyd’s centennial. For further information, visit their Opera Omaha.