BLUEBARN Theatre Presents “The Woodsman” by James Ortiz

BLUEBARN Theatre (bluebarn.org) presents Strangemen Theatre Company’s Obie Award-Winning The Woodsman by James Ortiz with Music by Edward W. Hardy and Lyrics by Jen Loring, May 16–June 16, Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 26 and June 2 at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.

The Woodsman is a darkly beautiful, haunting, and heart-breaking story told through original music, physical storytelling, and innovative puppetry. Based on the writings of L. Frank Baum, The Woodsman tells the forgotten origin story of the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, before he joins Dorothy on the yellow brick road. This ‘abundantly beautiful’ show follows Nick Chopper on a magical journey filled with dangers and wonders that are breathtaking to behold.

The performance ensemble for The Woodsman features Moira Mangiameli, Matt Olsen, Anna Jordan, Stephanie Jacobson, Barry Carman, Be Louis, Caulene Hudson, Michael Burns, and Beau Fisher.

BLUEBARN is bringing the original creative team behind The Woodsman to Omaha to work with our incredible local talent in bringing this haunting tale to life. The Strangemen Theatre Company and the BLUEBARN share another origin story—each company was formed by graduates of the same acting conservatory, SUNY-Purchase. Strangemen mainstays James Ortiz (director/playwright/set design), Claire Karpen (director), Will Gallacher (movement director), and Amanda Lederer (puppet master) will lead the BLUEBARN ensemble. The Woodsman will also feature stage management by Meghan Boucher, lighting design by Jamie Roderick, costume design by Jennifer Pool, and scenic painting by Craig Lee.

This BLUEBARN Theatre production is generously sponsored by Amy Haddad and Steve Martin, Kerry Dobson and Bruce Reneaud, First National Bank, Valmont, and Anne Thorne Weaver. General admission ($35) and senior ($30) tickets are available at bluebarn.org. Educator, military, and BLUCrew tickets are available through the box office (402) 345-1576.