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The Lofte is located near the intersection of Hwy 1 and Hwy 50 near the town of Manley.  For driving directions and more information about the theater, please visit our website, www.Lofte.com.

Guys and Dolls, Mothers and Daughters

The last time the Lofte performed Frank Loesser’s classic Broadway hit, “Guys and Dolls,” gasoline was $1.05 per gallon.  The Summer Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, and Miley Cyrus was born.  Yes, the year was  1992, and a lot has changed in 18 years.

In 1992 the Lofte was still housed in its original location on the old Rathe homestead.  The lead role of Sarah Brown was being played by Betty Colbert.  “Oh, the heat!” said Betty.  “I remember trying to sing and speak so loudly, and the heat.”  Betty claims she really enjoyed playing Sarah Brown because she is a straight-forward kind of woman.  “She has dreams both professionally and personally and her journey and transformation throughout the show make her an interesting character.”

Artistic Director (and Betty’s husband) Kevin Colbert decided that 2010 would be the year that the Lofte revisited “Guys and Dolls.”  Kevin and Betty’s adult daughter, Samantha has been cast in the role of Sarah Brown.  “At first, I didn’t realize that my mom had played Sarah.  I just knew that we (the Lofte) had done the show before.  My only plan is that I am going to make this character my own.”

Samantha was only two years old in 1992 and doesn’t remember the Lofte’s first G and D production.  “But, my mom has been singing, ‘I Love You a Bushel and a Peck,’ to me since I was a baby.”  Samantha will soon be starting her Junior year at Hastings College.  She is a double major in Music Vocal Performance and Theater.  In January she played Loagainne Schwartzandgrubeniere in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”  Her future plans include getting her Bachelor’s degree at Hastings, her Masters at UN-L and then moving to New York to work for a couple of years.

Kevin Colbert is director of the production and Betty Colbert is the musical director.  With daughter, Samantha playing a leading role, how does this affect the family dynamic?  Samantha Colbert stated, “The only thing I don’t like about working with my mom and dad is that other people might think I got the role just  because I’m the director’s daughter.  I’m working very hard and taking this role very seriously so that people don’t think that.”

Betty Colbert responded, “We treat Sam like everyone else.  I really don’t see a difference.  Sometimes my advice (as a mom) isn’t requested, but I have found Samantha wonderful to work with on the music.  She takes vocal direction very well.  Samantha’s got an amazing amount of talent.  Coming from a small town, I don’t think she realizes how truly talented she is!”

Has Betty offered any advice to her daughter on playing the role of Sarah?   Samantha stated, “If I happen to say, ‘I don’t know how I’ll ever memorize that speech,’ Mom will offer a suggestion on how she did it.  She really has limited her input.  I think she understands that I’m going to do it differently and she wants me to do things my own way.”

“Guys and Dolls” opens on Friday, July 16.  Performance dates are July 16-18*, 22-25*, 29-31 and August 1.  Performances times are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2pm matinees on Sundays.  July 18 and 25 have both a 2pm matinee and 7:30pm evening performance.  Tickets are $16 and can be purchased by calling the Lofte box office at (402) 234-2553.

Auditions at Lofte Community Theatre

Manley, NE [July 12, 2010]- Auditions for Neil Simon’s play, “Jake’s Women” will take place at the Lofte Community Theatre near Manley on Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27 at 7pm.  There are parts available for six women, one man and one young girl (age 10-15).  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.  Kevin Colbert will direct.  Performance dates for the show’s run are Aug 27-29, Sept 3-5, 9-12.

The script revolves around Jake, a novelist who is more successful with fiction than with life.  He is facing a marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life. Jake’s women include his first wife who was killed in an accident, his daughter, his bossy sister, an opinionated analyst, his current wife who is leaving Jake, and a prospective third wife.

More information including complete character descriptions may be found on the Lofte’s website, www.Lofte.com.  Questions may be submitted to Director Kevin Colbert by calling the theater at (402) 234-2553.

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Blackwood Brothers from Memphis TN

July 26 - Monday @ 7PM

306 W. H St.

Weeping Water NE

Free Admission w/ Love offering taken

402-269-5508

www.blackwoodbrothers.com

The Weeping Water First Christian Church Concert Series is excited to announce the return of former Southeast Nebraska favorites, Jimmy Blackwood & The Blackwood Brothers Quartet from Memphis TN. The quartet will in concert Monday July 26 at 7:00PM at 306 H St in Weeping Water.  Admission to the concert is free and an offering will be taken to support the ministry of the quartet. For more information contact Ken Johnson at 402-269-5508

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet was formed in Mississippi in 1934 with brothers Roy, Doyle, James and Roy's son, R.W. The quartet move to Shenandoah in 1940 and were heard three times daily on KMA radio. Hilton Griswold joined the group as pianist and the group traveled across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota during the 40s and many today still remember the quartet from those early radio days.  The Blackwoods’ have always counted their days in Shenandoah and the friends they made back then as some of their greatest blessings. The quartet moved to Tennessee in 1950 and continues to travel around the world singing gospel music. All of the original brothers have passed away but James’ sons continue the 76-year heritage of what has become the best-known quartet in the history of gospel music. The group today consists of Jimmy and Billy Blackwood, first tenor Wayne Little and bass singer Randy Byrd, acclaimed the best tenor/bass combination in gospel music and Mike Hammontree at the piano. The result is one of the best quartets you will ever hear!  We in Weeping Water  and the surrounding area are always happy to host a return appearance by this world-renowned group. Make your plans to attend this great concert.