We got off to an early and spectacular start this year, kicking off the season with 13 performances of Disney’s Frozen in August. This was a historic show for several reasons, including being the Lied’s first outing as co-producer of a mainstage show of these epic proportions. It also boasts the 4th highest attendance of any show in Lied history (following Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, and Moulin Rouge), and certainly the show with the largest number of children having their first Lied Center (and often, first live performing arts!) experience. What a thrill it was to see the Lied Center packed with families making forever memories and all the little princesses and princes absolutely mesmerized by the magic of live performance!
Now we look forward to a fall full of unique and exciting events, including our signature celebration of Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday on Oct. 23. We’re celebrating Nebraska’s favorite son (and Lied Center founder!) with a once-in-a-lifetime evening, and you don’t want to miss it. Read more on page 4 of this newsletter!
We’re also looking forward to the return of many of our favorite musical masters over the next few months, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Soweto Gospel Choir, Yo-Yo Ma, and Canadian Brass.
The Lied Center founders dreamed of bringing the world’s top artists to the people of Lincoln and Nebraska, and because of your support we’re realizing that dream every day! Thank you for all you do to support the life-changing power of the arts to bring people together, lift people up, and remind us of the good things we all share.
I look forward to seeing you soon at the Lied!
The Lied Center for Performing Arts has already had its first show of the season with Disney’s Frozen. What an absolute treat during the scorchingly hot days in August!
Friends of Lied members throughout the state are vital to sustaining a vibrant performing arts center in Nebraska. Now, more than ever, we need your help in supporting the Lied Center, as funding for the arts has taken a hit. As ticket sales cover less than half of the cost of putting on a show, fundraising is so important in assuring the Lied can bring in the best artists in the world. Friends of Lied currently has 1,035 members. We have a goal to increase to 1,300 members by Dec. 31. Please help us by spreading the word about why you love the Lied Center, inviting others to shows they will enjoy, or even better, gifting them their own Friends of Lied membership, so they may enjoy all the benefits.
Arts Across Nebraska will kick off early this year with performances of Omaha Street Percussion. You can attend performances in Alliance on Sept. 22, Scottsbluff on Sept. 23, and McCook on Sept. 24. Please encourage friends and family in these communities to attend the shows. Educational outreach throughout the state is an important mission of the Lied Center and is funded in part by your Friends of Lied membership.
The annual FOL gala will be Jan. 31, 2026. Mark your calendars and don’t delay in getting your tickets when they go on sale. Last year we sold out in eight days, and we don’t want you to miss the event of the season. We also encourage you to follow Friends of Lied on social media. We will be posting more content this year on what the FOL board does behind the scenes.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Lied!
Bill Stephan, CVE
Deb Nelson
FALL RETREAT
In September, the Friends of Lied Board of Directors held its annual Fall Retreat in the Lied Center Commons. With centerpieces of gourds and pumpkins providing fall color, attendees heard details on the Lied Center’s upcoming season from Executive Director Bill Stephan and an overview on educational programming from Educational Outreach Manager Sasha Dobson. Existing board members welcomed 12 new members for the first full board meeting of the 2025-2026 season, where everyone brainstormed fresh ideas for the year ahead. The day wrapped up with committee work on the Lied Royale gala fundraiser coming Jan. 31.
GIVE TO LINCOLN DAY
A big thank you to everyone who donated to Friends of Lied through Give to Lincoln Day in May! We received 203 donations and raised a total of $105,276.75 including matching funds. This is a new record for the Friends of Lied! We were #18 on the leaderboard out of 502 participating nonprofits.
STAFF FEATURE
Michelle Zinke has been the Administrative Coordinator for the Lied Center since Jan. 2025. She has 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in a variety of roles, including grants, procurement, training and events, service coordination, community outreach, and more. She also has been an active member of the Lincoln performing arts community since 2000 as a stage manager and other behind-the-scenes positions. Michelle has a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Spanish. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Voices of Hope and is active with several other community organizations including Fresh Start Home and Little Free Pantries. Michelle is a recipient of the Artscene Backstage Award (Mayor’s Arts Award) and the Bud Cuca Servant Leader of the Year Award (Leadership Lincoln).
WELCOME NEW FRIENDS OF LIED MEMBERS!
Amanda Andersen
Bonnie Arrasmith
Dolores Arten
Kate Aufdenkamp
Marie Barrett
Allison Bauer
Janet Behrends
Patricia Bennett
Dagnija Bite
Leslie Bonelli
Traci Bruckner
Cary & Ginger Colton
Kurt Clyne
Nancy Coniglio
William Dewey
Scott & Kate Engel
Ann Z. Eroshevich
Chuck Fuhrer
Elizabeth Goehring
Darrin & Diana Good
Larry E. Graham
Martin Hall
Linda & Richard Harr
Chris & Nancy Henry
Charley & Debbie Hill
Ken Hopkins
Robert J. Huff
Tony & Jennifer Jessup
David Jones
Shelley Kahrs
Amy Killeen
Christine K. Kunz
Sheila Lueders
Elizabeth & Herman Lui
Michaela Mallery
Lois Mayo
Lynne McNally
Peggy Newquist
Mark & Debra Nicholson
Patrick & Lacey O’Hare
Christy Phelps
Cynthia Pierce
Janet K. Poley
Paul E. Read
Marjorie Ross
Debby Sampson
JoAnn & David Schoengold
Sue Schulz
Elizabeth Scott
Joe Selig
Coleen Shepler
Peter Smith & Annette
Thompson
Frank & Paula Swinnea
Beverly J. Thomsen
In Memory of Eric D. Brandt
Thomas Trumble
Jan & Mike Tuckerman
Cindy Waltke
Tyler & Jenna Waters
David & Mikaela White
Margee Bartle & Terry
Wittler
Julia Zornes
Michelle Zinke
Experience an Intimate Evening with Manhattan’s Queen of Cabaret
The legendary Marilyn Maye holds the record for the most guest appearances by a singer on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, with 76 show-stopping features that led Johnny to dub her the “Super Singer.” The night before she’s part of the Carson 100 celebration, she’ll perform her signature solo cabaret in the Lied’s Carson Theater.
A timeless icon who has been entertaining audiences for more than eight decades, Manhattan’s Queen of Cabaret is thrilled to be part of celebrating Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday. Maye is a consummate entertainer who breathes new life into classics, carrying the torch from her peers who originated tunes of the Great American Songbook. Expect to hear entertaining stories of her time on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson!
The Houston Chronicle termed her “A National Treasure,” and the Smithsonian Institution chose her recording of “Too Late Now” for its Best Compositions of the 20th Century permanent collection, alongside artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Maye regularly performs for capacity crowds at NYC’s 54 Below, and made her Carnegie Hall solo concert debut in 2023. Don’t miss her performance in the Carson Theater on Oct. 22!
Heeeeeere’s Johnny! Celebrating Johnny Carson’s 100th Birthday
You’re invited to Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday party! On Oct. 23, the Lied Center will celebrate the life and legacy of native Nebraskan, UNL alum, Lied Center founder, and iconic late-night host Johnny Carson.
Carson 100 will bring back the magic and laughter of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show with the talented artists who were featured guests during Johnny’s extraordinary 30-year late-night run. This special one-time event is hosted by Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell with live performances by master magician Lance Burton, comedians Wil Shriner and Carol Leifer, singer Marilyn Maye, variety acts Mike Caveney & Tina Lenert, and the full UNL Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Greg Simon, plus amazing highlights of Johnny’s most memorable moments and characters. Come join us in celebrating Nebraska’s favorite son on his centennial birthday!
This once-in-a-lifetime event is produced in partnership with Carson Entertainment Group.
Big Red Lied Experience Welcomes Students, Community Back to Campus
The Arts for All program kicked off the season on Aug. 29 by hosting the annual Big Red Lied Experience, an event packed with activities, food trucks, and community, topped off with a concert. This year’s headliner was mxmtoon, a singer-songwriter known for her intimate, ukulele-driven indie pop music that dives into themes of self-discovery, identity, and the ups and downs of coming-of-age with honesty and vulnerability. The show opened with Emmy Jo, an indie pop artist based in New York City and a University of NebraskaLincoln alumna and former Lied Center intern.
The event started early with carnival games, inflatables, a photo booth, and food trucks, provided by UPC Nebraska. There was also an arts club fair sponsored by the Lied Center Student Council featuring 13 different student organizations, including Lazzi Improv, UNL Theatrix, and many more. Students could check off activities on a bingo card for a chance to win a Lied Center Broadway package, making the experience even more interactive. Over 800 people attended the concert, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere.
Events like these are so important at the start of the school year because they give students a chance to connect with the arts and each other. Arts for All gives students free or reduced price access to performances that might otherwise be out of reach, helping them make the most of their college experience while building a sense of community on campus.
2025-2026 Student Matinee
Offerings at the Lied Feature
Literary Hits
Every year, hundreds of students from Lincoln and far beyond experience student matinees at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. These special performances during the school day are fun and meaningful experiences for students of all ages, often providing a first glimpse into the world of the performing arts and powerful connections to classroom learning. This year’s offerings are unique productions based on bestselling books by Dav Pilkey, Mo Willems, and Mari Sandoz.
Best of all? These shows are available for only $5 per student! For every 10 students, we’ll also provide two complimentary adult tickets.
Check out this year’s offerings, then share with the teachers, parents, and students in your life so they can plan their trip to the Lied!
Our first matinee of the season is Dog Man: The Musical on Nov. 10 at 10:30 AM. Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is our second matinee of the year on Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:30 AM. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling “Pigeon” picture books, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! Featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
Lastly, we are presenting a Lied Center commissioned work, Animal Engine Theatre Company’s Capital City on Apr. 10, 2026. Money. Corruption. Murder. Welcome to Capital City. In this searing original play inspired by Nebraska author Mari Sandoz’ infamous novel Capital City, the Great Depression has split the people of a fictional Midwestern city in two: the rich and the poor. What lengths will the have-nots go to in order to gain back their land, homes, and dignity? How far will the haves go to make sure they control it all?
Frozen Dazzles the Community with Outreach Opportunities
Disney’s Frozen Lied’s season, filled with vibrant visuals and stunning performances. During the second week of the show’s stay, there were seven outreach events to further the Lied Center’s connection to the Lincoln community.
To start on Aug. 14, there was a Page to Stage Storytime at Bennett Martin Library featuring a visit from the Ice Princess. Part of the continued partnership with Lincoln City Libraries, this engagement featured snow-themed crafts, freeze dancing, and stories about princesses and sisterhood, serving 115 people.
On Aug. 19, two Q&A sessions were held for Lincoln Public School students. Sheridan Elementary School is gearing up for their own production of were able to bring two artists to hold a Q&A with these young artists. Jasmine Swaby and Brittany Pent Rohm answered a myriad of questions that the drama class had prepared. Students asked about the artists’ favorite shows and moments where they may have felt nervous to perform. To close the Q&A, Jasmine and Brittany sang “Let it Go” with the students, leaving a lasting and heartfelt impression on the Sheridan Q&A, Dylan Blussick, Laura Guley, and Matthew Fedorek met with 21 theatre students from Moore Middle School. Again, students had the opportunity to ask the artists about a life in theatre and what made them fall in love with it.
On Aug. 21, students who previously participated in the Lied Center Triple Threat Broadway Intensive took part in a vocal master class with Cate Hayman and Kyle Kemph. Each student prepared a 32-bar cut of music which they sang for the artists, then received constructive feedback on their performance. These master classes help provide aspiring artists with key knowledge of the performing arts world.
Two dance masterclasses were held concurrently with captain, Carly Haig, and Madysen Piper of the ensemble, on Aug. 22 at UNL’s Temple building. These classes were curated for 35 intermediate dancers aged 12 and up from local dance studios.
Lastly, on Aug. 23, a local Girl Scout troop was invited to a postshow Q&A with Liz Leclerc and Laurel Denk. Laurel, the actress playing Young Elsa, is also a Girl Scout and shared her experience being in theatre at an early age. Thirty-nine students asked questions about the artists favorite moments in the show as well as some of the biggest challenges they have overcome.
The cast’s energy and passionate participation in these outreach events provided ample opportunities for the Lied Center to connect with students and community members through Lincoln community organizations such as Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Public Schools, the Girl Scouts, as well as numerous local dance groups.
Lied Center for Perf orming Ar ts
301 Nort h 12th Street
PO Box 880151
Lincoln, NE 68588-0151
liedcenter.org/suppor t/friends
U.S. Postage Paid Lincoln, NE
Permit No. 1034
JAN 31, 2026
JOIN US ON JANUARY 31, 2026, for an ultra-glamorous, high-society, vintage tropical beach bash! This Palm Beach-themed evening will include cocktails, live and silent auction, a gourmet dinner and live entertainment. It’s all to support the performing arts, so dig out your elegant duds and dancing shoes! It’s sure to be a hot, tropical night of pageantry under the palms at the Lied Royale! THIS EVENT SOLD OUT LAST YEAR, SO GET YOUR TICKETS FAST!
Corporate sponsorships opportunities are available through OCTOBER 31
Friends of Lied get early access to purchase tickets starting NOVEMBER 7
Remaining tickets will be available to the public starting NOVEMBER 17
