Omaha Performing Arts President Joan Squires recently received the Broadway Presenter of the Year award from The Broadway League for her contributions to the Broadway industry and to the arts in Omaha.
Squires says this honor is more than just a personal one.
“I think it is a wonderful testament to the growth of the community and the series and the support that we’ve received, and particularly our ticket buyers who show up. And it’s an acknowledgement of all we’ve achieved over these last numbers of years. So, while I was honored personally, I think it’s just a wonderful testament to the community.”
Squires is one of the several hundred people, and the only one from Nebraska, who vote on the Tony award winners. She says she sees an average of 25 to 30 Broadway shows a year, which she previews for Omaha Performing Arts to bring to Omaha as well as to determine her votes for the Tony Awards.
“I look for shows that I think represent the best of the Broadway industry, and ones that I think will resonate here in our community. We try to do a mix of the news shows and the wonderful revivals that are out there, and then certainly the logistics of the tours and all of that play a factor. But I know we’ve got some exciting shows coming next season, from American in Paris and Little Mermaid and Waitress and The King and I, and the following year certainly that blockbuster Hamilton will be part of our series – so lots of great shows in store and more to come.”
For more information, the website is Omahaperformingarts.org