STEPHEN KING'S 'THE SHINING' AT OMAHA'S BENSON

Stephen King's The Shining Play

Stephen King's Overlook Hotel will come to life at Omaha’s Sokol Auditorium in the world premiere event from director Jason Levering, STEPHEN KING’S “THE SHINING,” A PLAY, for three SOLD OUT performances only, on Friday, March 21 at 7pm, Saturday, March 22 at 2pm & 7pm.

For the first time ever on stage, the tragic story of the Torrance family, Jack, Wendy and Danny, and their battle against the inhuman forces of the Overlook Hotel will come to life at Omaha’s Sokol Auditorium in the world premiere event STEPHEN KING’S “THE SHINING,” A PLAY.

All proceeds will benefit the Benson Theatre in Omaha, NE. Stephen King granted the rights for three performances of the play on March 21 & 22. Mr. King also approved the cast and script written by Omaha residents Benson Theatre Artistic Director Jason Levering and Aaron Sailors. Levering is directing the play.

“Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Stephen King, we have a unique opportunity to bring his horror masterpiece to the stage for a great cause. A little known fact is that Mr. King originally conceived “The Shining” as a sort of play - a tragedy with five acts - but it instead evolved into a novel with five parts,” commented Levering.

Christina Rohling as "Wendy," Marc Erickson as "Jack" and Christopher Levering as "Danny" in Stephen King's "The Shining," A Play. 

The goal is for the Benson Theatre to be purchased by the non-profit organization, to restore the historic theatre and for it to become a cultural beacon for the citizens of Omaha. This fundraiser is one of the ways everybody can contribute to the cause. In a city well-known for the philanthropy of its people, the support has been phenomenal!

Visit www.TheShiningOmaha.comfor more info.

Supporters of the theater can also make donations through the Benson Theatre website any time and through the crowd-funding campaign, which offers a variety of incentives at different contribution levels, currently running on Hatchfund.org through March 22. Visit HERE to make a donation.

ABOUT THE BENSON THEATRE

The Benson Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that fosters the success of artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and underserved populations within the historic community of Benson. Our goal is to acquire and restore the historic Benson Theatre at 6054 Maple Street in Omaha to serve as a 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.

Built in 1923 as a vaudeville theater, the Benson Theatre building is currently closed to public assembly and in need of a full renovation. Benson is a flourishing arts and entertainment district, and the timing to restore this historic theater and bring more diverse entertainment and vital business education to north Omaha has never been better. The Theatre’s prime location in downtown Benson has the potential to bring thousands of new visitors to the Benson business district for more than 500 events annually.

Fundraising Goal

The Benson Theatre Project is currently raising $250,000 to purchase the historic Benson Theatre by April 2014. We raised more than $70,000 in cash and in-kind donations during Phase I of fundraising to lease the building from April 2012 to April 2013 and apply for 501(c)3 nonprofit status from the IRS (granted in September 2012). Your tax-deductible donation will help preserve a historic landmark and support more educational opportunities for Benson and the greater Omaha community.

Donate

When you donate to the Benson Theatre Project, your tax-deductible donation will help preserve a historic landmark and support more educational opportunities for Benson and the greater Omaha community. For more information on Benson Theatre sponsorships, contact Amy Ryan at amy@bensontheatre.org.

The Benson Theatre first operated from 1923-1926 as the Benalto Theater. From 1927-1953, the theater was part of a chain of neighborhood theaters owned by the Epstein Bros. The Benson Theatre could originally seat an assembly of 400 for vaudeville performances, film screenings, and community events. The Benson Theatre Project is working with Omaha architect Alley Poyner Macchietto and Omaha general contractor Lund-Ross Constructors to complete the historic renovation. The estimated $850,000 project will include:

New infrastructure systems, including electrical and HVAC

Preservation of the original theater stage

Reconstruction of the building’s original sloped floor

Construction of a new projection booth and staff offices

Reconstruction of the original theater lobby

Use of energy efficient construction techniques and sustainable materials and equipment