World Premiere of Stephen King's THE SHINING, A PLAY to Begin 3/21 at Sokol Auditorium

History will be made next weekend when the world's first theatrical adaptation of Stephen King's classic horror novel 'The Shining' premieres in Omaha.

'The Shining, A Play' will bring the tragic story of Jack, Wendy, and Danny Torrance to the stage on March 21 and 22 at Sokol Auditorium. The exclusive and limited engagement includes an opening night performance at 7 p.m. on March 21 and performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 22.

Tickets to the world premiere of 'The Shining, A Play' can be purchased at theshiningomaha.com and bensontheatre.org. Individual tickets are $30, and a limited number of VIP tickets are still available for $60. VIP tickets include special seating, souvenir tickets, and a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.

All proceeds will benefit the purchase of the historic Benson Theatre at 6054 Maple Street in Omaha. The Benson Theatre nonprofit plans to renovate the building to serve as shared community space for business education and artistic performance. The Benson Theatre will offer independent programming and serve as an alternative stage in north Omaha for existing nonprofits, schools, and performing arts organizations.

International bestselling author Stephen King granted the Benson Theatre the rights to adapt his first hardcover bestseller as a fundraiser. King later approved a script co-written by Benson Theatre Artistic Director Jason Levering and Aaron Sailors.

"Thanks to the generosity of Mr. King, we have a unique opportunity to bring his horror masterpiece to the stage for a great cause," said Levering, who is also directing the play. "A little known fact is that Mr. King originally conceived 'The Shining' as a sort of play, a tragedy with five acts."

A group of 11 actors make up the cast, including Marc Erickson as "Jack," Christina Rohling as "Wendy," and Christopher Levering as "Danny." Rohling lives in Omaha and is a supporter of the Benson Theatre's mission.

"There are so many talented people in this city who are always trying to put on a show," Rohling said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to have such a wonderful space for those groups to have a home to come to. I think it's a great opportunity for our city."

The Benson Theatre is currently raising $250,000 to purchase the historic Benson Theatre by April 30, 2014. Built in 1923 as a vaudeville theater, the Benson Theatre building is currently closed to public assembly and in need of a full renovation. Learn more and donate at bensontheatre.org.

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