BWW Reviews: BOOM – A Fun Evening of Theatre at Omaha Community Playhouse

As the end of the world approaches, a graduate student takes the preservation of the human race into his own hands through a personal ad. Disaster strikes, food is running out, the lab-turned-shelter is beyond repair and the fish are acting strange. Will he and his "date" survive? This hilarious romantic comedy turned sci-fi fantasy is Contemporary Theatre at its best.

boom is a newer, modern script with many laugh out loud moments. Omaha Community Playhouse has taken on an interesting show, one that I had never even heard of. The show consists of 3 characters, a college biologist, Jules, journalism major, Jo and a museum worker, Barbara.

Jules (Ben Beck) has a theory that the world is soon going to end, but no one believes him. With little time left he decides that in order to save the human race, he must take to a personal ad. Did I mention he’s gay? Beck plays this character with such ease and will have you laughing the night away. His character reminds me much of Jim Parson’s character (Sheldon) from the hit TV series “The Big Bang Theory” and Beck has similar comedic timing.

Jo (Amy Schweid) is a journalism major that shows up to Jules’ underground “apartment” for a “hook-up” (anonymous sex), when she soon realizes Jules is not only gay but he has more than just a “hook-up” in mind. Schweid takes on this spastic, fun, eccentric character with no problem, whatsoever! She is truly fantastic and like Beck has great comedic timing. This character has so many emotional battles, that you begin to wonder how Schweid handled playing such a basket case, but she did!

Barbara (Judy Radcliff) is a museum worker that sits on the side for the majority of the show, at first making you wonder who she is and what part she is playing in the show. Radcliff definitely played a key character in the show and will have you rolling over in laughter with her impromptu comments and actions.

This show is by far one of the most unique shows that I have ever seen. I appreciate that Omaha Community Playhouse is taking on these powerful and yet diverse scripts, it allows for a great, thought provoking night at the theatre. I commend the cast on their phenomenal performances and the energy that they carried throughout this 90-minute, one act show. As for the lighting and the set, Omaha Community Playhouse has once again impressed me with their picture perfect display. Amy Lane (Director) has created another masterpiece! After watching August: Osage County and now Boom, you can guarantee that I will be attending whatever it is that she decides to direct next.

boom is playing the Omaha Community Playhouse from October 19 – November 18, 2012. For more information on this wonderful show or for tickets, call (402) 553-0800 or online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.org or www.TicketOmaha.com. Single tickets are $35 for adults, $21 for students. Group tickets are also available, $23 for adults, $15 for students.

Photo Credit: Omaha Community Playhouse

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