A mobile musical experience is transforming Omaha bars and event spaces into intimate Broadway showcases while creating performance opportunities for local artists.
Omaha Broadway Bar, founded by NYU Vocal Performance Graduate Curtis Reynolds, has expanded from a single September 2024 performance at Mr. Toad’s to regular shows at 15 various Omaha venues. The series recently added five new locations in January and February has built a performer roster of over 100 local musicians and singers.
What is Omaha Broadway Bar?
Omaha Broadway Bar is a hybrid piano bar and Broadway show that brings live musical theater directly to neighborhood gathering spots. Rather than requiring audiences to travel to dedicated performance venues, the mobile format eliminates traditional barriers to accessing live entertainment in Omaha.
Each show tailors performances to match the venue’s personality and crowd.
“What I love about Omaha Broadway Bar is it brings a lot of different people together in one room to create a really magical event that only happens once,” Reynolds said. “Since Omaha Broadway Bar is a rotating cast of singers and musicians, there’s always a unique show.”
From Cruise Ships to Omaha Venues
Reynolds holds a vocal performance degree from NYU and worked as a dueling pianist on cruise ships before moving to Omaha to teach privately at Creighton University and UNO.
He launched what he initially called “Curtis & Friends” with a small performance for friends and family at Mr. Toad’s in September 2024. Positive response led him to develop the concept into a mobile show format.
“I’ve always told people I tried to make an event that I would enjoy attending and then just hoped that other people enjoyed that as well,” Reynolds said. “Even people who come to a show will tell me afterward, ‘I don’t love show tunes, but I love this show.'”
Creating Opportunities for Omaha Performers
With over 100 performers connected through Reynolds’ network, the rotating cast structure allows local artists to demonstrate abilities and build audiences outside traditional theater production schedules.
The mobile creates consistent performance opportunities for Omaha’s musical theater talent while maintaining show quality across different venues. Each performer connects through Reynolds, who manages all bookings and coordinates the shows as a labor of love.
Live Music Entertainment Across Omaha
The intimate venue settings distinguish Omaha Broadway Bar from larger theater productions. Reynolds describes the performances as human-centered experiences where audiences crave connection with performers.
“I create a space that I enjoy and invite people into it,” he said.
Omaha Broadway Bar books both public venue performances and private events, including weddings. The rapid expansion from one venue to 15 within months demonstrates strong demand for accessible, live entertainment in Omaha.
Where to See Omaha Broadway Bar
Follow Omaha Broadway Bar on Instagram for upcoming performances and venue announcements across the Omaha metro.
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