"Heaven Can Wait" Kicks Off Lofte's 34 th Season

Manley, NE [May 6, 2010]- The Lofte Community Theatre will begin its 34 th season with Harry Segall's classic, "Heaven Can Wait."  It is the story of a loveable prize-fighter, Joe Pendleton whom is snatched into the afterlife before his time.  In an effort to rectify the situation, his guardian angel returns Joe to earth in the body of an elderly millionaire.  "Heaven Can Wait" has all of the ingredients of a lighthearted comedy while also asking important questions about life and true love.

The original stage play "Heaven Can Wait" has been made into several movie versions over the years.  The most well-known was the 1978 film starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie.  The original movie, 1941's "Here Comes Mr. Jordan"  received two Academy Awards for Original Story and Best Screenplay. 

Directed by Kevin Colbert, the production stars Jamion Biesterfeld of Louisville in the starring role of Joe Pendleton.  His well-meaning heavenly guide is played by Bob Pinkerton of Weeping Water.  Other cast members include Theresa Massoth and Mark Sievering of Murray; Mark Sheldon, Tim Sorensen and Jeff Johnston of Elmwood; Anna and Levi Stroebel and Silvia Conley of Omaha; Melinda Mead and David Willingham of Plattsmouth and Hope and Dave Hibler of Manley.

The production runs May 28-30, June 4-6 and 10-13.  Tickets are $16 and can be purchased by calling the Lofte Box Office at (402) 234-2553 or online.  Please note that season tickets for all five of the Lofte's stage productions can still be purchased for $60 through June 13.

Pictured:  Bob Pinkerton of Weeping Water and Jamion Biesterfeld of Louisville star in the Lofte's season opener, "Heaven Can Wait."

ROSS MUMFORD WINS LOFTE SCHOLARSHIP 

The Lofte Community Theatre is proud to announce that its 2010 Scholarship for graduating seniors has been awarded to Ross Mumford of Elmwood.  His parents are Cindy and Tony Mumford.

Ross has been around the Lofte since the tender age of 11.  He was cast in his first play, "Damn Yankees" in 2003 and got to utter the memorable line, "Say it ain't so, Joe!"  His sister had been cast in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" the summer before and he thought that the Lofte would be an exciting place to stretch his theatrical talents. 

One of Ross' most memorable Lofte moments came during the pick-up rehearsal for "Damn Yankees."  For those who aren't familiar with Lofte jargon, a "pick-up rehearsal" is a play practice that takes place the week after a play has opened.  While the cast is supposed to treat this rehearsal as an opportunity to sharpen their performance, it often times turns into a contest to see who can play the biggest practical joke, or cause the most mayhem on stage!  "After that first pick-up rehearsal," says Ross, "I was hooked!  There were so many unscripted jokes an impromptu lines that I thought I was going to cry from laughing so hard!" 

What keeps Ross coming back to the Lofte year after year?  "The people and the positive experience that the Lofte continually supplies.  The Lofte has also helped me improve my singing, acting and overall performance skills.  I'm also lucky to have made so many good friends and special memories during my time here."

Ross is not only a Lofte star, but has an excellent record for his high school extracurricular activities as well!  He's active in speech, choir, Spanish Club and the Elmwood-Murdock FBLA.  During his academic career, Ross has been a three-year All-State member, a two-year National FBLA competitor and received the Nebraska Young Artist Award!  His future plans include attending Nebraska Wesleyan and majoring in music education. 

The Lofte extends its most heartfelt congratulations to Ross and his pursuit of higher education.  Lofte President, Anne Pope said, "Ross' selfless dedication to the Lofte and outstanding academic performance were just two of the reasons that he was chosen to receive the 2010 Lofte Scholarship.  While we all hope that he continues to grace our stage with his contagious smile and quick wit, and we also wish him the best of luck on a brilliant future.,"