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CURRENTLY....

NEWS FLASH - ADDED DATE FOR CELTIC CABARET - Thurs March 18!
Celtic Cabaret:  The Lighter Side
Friday, March 12 at Joslyn Castle  8 pm - SOLD OUT
3902 Davenport Street
Wednesday, March 17 at PS Collective in Benson, 8 pm
6056 Maple St. (enter via the Pizza Shoppe)
Thursday, March 18 at PS Collective, 8 pm

JOSLYN VENUE SOLD OUT AS OF MARCH 1 - THERE IS CURRENTLY A WAIT LIST FOR THAT VENUE
ADDED DATE AT P.S. COLLECTIVE!  March 18, 8pm

ALL SHOWS START AT 8 PM
Jill will present her popular Irish-themed cabaret with a new twist this St. Patrick's season.  The theme will be Irish humor.  From bawdy to witty to wise, the Irish have always had a wry take on the state of their existence.  Jill will share songs that tell of wild brawls, hysterical dance mishaps, comedic culture clashes and other ludicrous subjects.  These engaging songs coupled with memorable jokes and playful poetry (as well as some of the less silly standards and ballads that Jill is known for) promise an evening of great fun!  Jill will be accompanied by Bernie and Erin Lowis, who will provide fiddle, bass, piano, guitar and cello (not all simultaneously). 

The two venues this year are unique and wonderful:  the elegant music room of the dazzling and historic Joslyn Castle  at 3902 Davenport, and the intimate and casual ambience of the PS Collective in Omaha's Benson area at 6056 Maple Street.  

FOOD & DRINK:  Light refreshment, beer and wine available for purchase at Joslyn.  Full menu of food and drink available for purchase at the PS Collective.  
SEATING is first come, first served.  Reservations hold seats until 15 minutes before 8.  

RESERVATIONS:  Call (402) 346-6580 or email jillanderson@redchairrecords.com  

TICKETS:  $20 each.  Groups of 6 or more - $15 each.  Round up your friends!

Note:  Cash or check only at the door.  No credit cards.

 

RECENTLY....

Jill directed a freewheeling production of "Comedy of Errors" for the Twelfth Night Festival in Blair, Nebraska January 1 and 2.  She worked with Blair High School students to put together this zaniest production ever. The two evenings of entertainment included a renaissance feast, madrigal choir and instrumental presentations, renaissance dances, dazzling swordplay and "Comedy of Errors."   

Blair's annual Twelfth Night project aims to increase public awareness and appreciation for the arts as they existed during the Renaissance period of English history.  Students participate in interdisciplinary education experiences through a collaborative venture involving various organizations, education departments, and area artists, directors and scholars.  The project culminates in the re-creation of a traditional Twelfth Night Festival as celebrated in 16th century England.  Jill said she was impressed with the combination of talented students, dedicated teachers, and community volunteers who worked tremendously hard on this ambitious undertaking. 

June '09
Sisters of Swing:  The Story of the Andrews Sisters
Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, California  SierraRep.com 
May 22 - June 28, 2009
(Held over through July 5!)  
Jill played Maxene Andrews of the famous Andrews Sisters of World War II fame in her first Sierra Rep experience.  Visit the new photo gallery for Sisters of Swing on the Home page.  The show was a phenomenal hit and the reviewers and audience had only good things to say about it:

• In a pre-opening interview, director Scott Viets said - "One day I was walking up to the rehearsal hall and heard what I thought was an original record of the sisters.  It was our girls rehearsing.  Julie, Carrie and Jill are devoted to capturing the artistry that made these girls legends.  Sometimes I can't tell the difference." - Union Democrat

• "Jill Anderson is terrific as the middle sister, Maxene.  She's the firebrand ... in this story.  Anderson is a fine singer.  Her acting when there's trouble between the sisters is sweet in that innocent sort of way." - Sierra Lodestar

• "Director-choreographer Scott Viets has perfectly cast the roles of the singers.  The actresses infuse real life into their characters and provide insight into their lives and careers...All three of the actresses have beautiful singing voices and together they capture with accuracy the elegant, close harmony of the original songs." - Union Democrat

• "No one can deny the talent of cast members Julie Ludlum, Carrie Madsen and Jill Anderson who skillfully reproduce the group's melodic sound...they all move well in the flirty dance steps...and look stunning in the retro costumes." - Modesto Bee

• “The audience is treated to hit after hit… the fun becomes infectious… and brings the Sisters right into our hearts.” – Daytona News-Journal

• "We enjoyed the show so much last Friday. We think, with a big band behind you, you could go to Broadway!" - Audience member's email

• "I was in the audience yesterday afternoon for your wonderful performance of Sisters of Swing.  I loved it, and just wanted to reach out and tell you that you've a new fan!"  - Audience member's email

 

YOU TUBE VIDEOS....Jill has posted several clips on You Tube. There are examples of Swing, Celtic and Ukulele music plus a video "montage of Jill Anderson as Charlotte Blane in Wicked City Blues" - a film noir musical Jill starred in in Utah. The internet address is www.youtube.com/jillmarit.  Take a look!  

 

Scotch Tasting at Joslyn Castle in Omaha
Thursday, March 26th 7p.m.
Jill joined her lute playing friend, Kenneth Be, to entertain with Scottish songs for lute and voice as part of the entertainment for a Scotch Tasting event. Look for future Scotch tasting events on the Joslyn Castle website.

 

CELTIC CABARET ON THE WATER 

Great new venue... Rick's Cafe Boatyard, 345 Riverfront Drive in downtown Omaha!  Celtic Cabaret returned for St. Pat's at Rick's Banquet Room overlooking the spectacular new pedestrian footbridge and grand Missouri River.  

Jill worked again with Bernie Lowis, Christopher Bonds, and Erin Lowis with special vocal guest, Loren Pascale, singing many of the Irish hits of the original Celtic Cabaret plus a new set of water-themed Irish songs and other surprises.  Lute player, Kenneth Be, opened the show with a set of both old and new music for lute.

Rick's offered a special Irish menu and a beautiful performance space.

If you attended this event, we'd like to hear from you with reactions to the show and to the location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE, SEX AND UKULELES
Jill collaborated with Lauren Pascale and the hot new theatrical group SkullDuggery to bring you this zany confection of a Valentine treat!  This show premiered on Valentine's Day at Pizza Shoppe Collective in Benson (6056 Maple) and played for a two-week run after that.  Jill and Loren are pictured below.
                                      CLICK TO SEE THE POSTER!

Council Bluffs Nonpareil reviewer wrote, "Jill Anderson and Lauren Pascale provided the musical entertainment, singing through set changes and connecting with the audience in utterly charming ways. They have amazing voices and their duets were lovely (and often funny)."

 

TARTUFFE
Jill  directed Westside High School's winter play,  "Tartuffe,"  17th Century French playwright Moliere's hysterical comedy.  The show  played February 11, 12, and 14.  Jill was excited to have such a dedicated and talented group of students to work with, and enjoyed collaborating with their drama teacher, Terry Fischer.  

 

"Celtic Cabaret Live" CD Release Party November 29, 2008

Jill celebrated the release of a live recording based on her Celtic Cabaret concerts from March 2008.
She is grateful to the SRO crowd that came out to the PS Collective for the event.  Celtic Cabaret
Live is now available through CDBaby.  To order directly from this web site, click here.

August 16 - September 13, 2008
Sweeney Todd
Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA  

Jill portrayed Mrs. Lovett opposite Broadway and television star Tom Zemon.
The dark Sondheim musical ran  August 16 - Sept. 13, 2008. 

• Click here for a preshow feature about the show from the 
  GOTriCities Network interviewing Jill and Tom Zemon..  

• For a photo gallery of the show, click photos.

REVIEW SAMPLER:

The Bristol Herald Courier reviewer says:
 "...the actors – especially Jill Anderson as Mrs. Nellie Lovett – are 
beyond superb.."   (Click review to read full text.)

Wytheville Enterprise:
"As a long-time Barter fan, I really enjoy seeing my favorite actors in new roles, 
and so it is with Jill Anderson in Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

Washington County News:
"The singing in this production is strong and lively.  Tom Zemon, as Sweeney Todd, has a 
deep voice that hauntingly evokes his character’s passion and anguish.  Jill Anderson, as 
Mrs. Lovett, returns to Barter after portraying Sara Carter in Keep on the Sunnyside earlier 
this year.  Her voice is perfect for the role of the pathetic guttersnipe who enables Sweeney 
Todd on his path to destruction... Sweeney Todd ... will engage all of your senses and 
emotions.  It is spectacle and romance on a grand scale."

Several student groups attended the production along with the regular patrons.  Here is one teacher's
response in an email to the artistic director, Rick Rose:

"WOW!  SWEENEY TODD is the finest production that I have seen at
the Barter!  I took a small group of high school students Sunday, September
7th, and we were blown away.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Tom Zemon for an extraordinary, manly
Sweeney Todd who sang to die for with amazing levels of acting that
enriched, defined, and mesmerized.
Bravo, bravo, bravo to Jill Anderson for being a unique and flawless Mrs.
Lovett.  I believed every word you said and was delighted with your
inventiveness, comic timing, and physicality.  Dare I tell you that my
students loved you much more than Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone or Helen
Bonham Carter.  You are fantastic!
Special kudos to an awesome ensemble... Mick Houlahan, J. Casey Barrett, and
Michael Hance... you can sing for us anytime.
Now, we all know that Sondheim is insane to perform, so thanks for the
minimal staging which really allowed us to appreciate the genius of your
performances.  If we didn't mention you by name, don't think that we didn't
love you.  The kids are still buzzing about the show today, and the rest of
the school is sad that they didn't attend.
THANK YOU for your hard work and an incomparable day.

Click here for the Barter web site.

April 24 through May 24, 2008  
Keep on the Sunny Side
Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA

Jill starred as Sara Carter in this biographical musical about the famous Carter Family,
the "First Family of Country Music."  The musical focuses on the love affair between 
A.P Carter and Sara and features the famous "Bristol Sessions" of 1927, when the
trio of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter (mother of June Carter Cash) recorded and
made famous the Appalachian folk songs they had grown up with.

Jill plays autoharp at right above.  

Click REVIEWS for the reviewers' comments and another photo

"Sunny Side" is the most requested show at the Barter.  Standing ovations were the rule
throughout the run of the show.  

March  '08
Celtic Cabaret
PS Collective, 6056 Maple Street in Benson
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm    Sunday at 6 pm 

Jill, Bernie Lowis and Christopher Bonds  presented a concert of Celtic music
at the intimate PS Collective in Benson.  Jill was a member of the Irish trio, 
Beyond the Pale in the early to mid 90s and has since had a solo career in Irish music for many 
years.  She has recorded three CD collections of songs from Ireland 
and Scotland and has a great love for the traditional folk music of 
these countries.  From plaintive laments to songs of battle to 
comedic tunes, Jill, with the able accompaniment of Bernie and Christopher 
on guitar, cello, violin, bass, bodhran drum, and keyboards, presented
favorites such as "Fields of Athenry," "Lea Boys Lassie," "Patriot Game"
"She Moves Through the Fair" and other selections.
An enthusiastic crowd filled the room each evening.

January '08
80th Birthday of Orpheum Theatre
At this private event, Jill sang duets from "Phantom of the Opera" 
with Broadway star Gary Mauer at Omaha's historic downtown 
Orpheum Theatre. The gala event honored the historic theatre as well as the 
Charles and Marge Durham family, who have been instrumental 
in supporting over the years.  
Take a look at Gary Mauer's impressive Bio by clicking here.

December '07
WINTER SONGS
A Holiday Cabaret
Starring Jill Anderson, Seth Fox, and Mark Kurtz
With the able accompaniment of the talented Mark Kurtz, Jill and Seth Fox brought a new light to some old standards while peppering in some fresh new songs as well.  A little sexy, a little silly, a little profound, the list included such gems as: "Baby, It's Cold Outside," "Good King Wenceslas," "The Man With the Bag," and "Bring
 a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.”   

Click  to be linked to Seth Fox's Royal Bohemian  Productions website 
for further information.

October/November, '07

Moonfaced and Starry Eyed
Jill teamed up with "Millie" leading man Seth Fox and 
Playhouse music director Jim Boggess for a special 
cabaret show that provided great evenings
of song and fun at the PS Collective in Benson
here in Omaha.  Click here for a poster and details! 

October '07
Creepy Classics
Omaha Symphony's Family Series
Sunday, October 28, 2007  2 p.m.
The Holland Center, Omaha
Jill was a featured soloist at this Halloween themed family show.  
She sang "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid,
and "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast as a duet with 
co-star Seth Fox.

At the Omaha Community Playhouse in Omaha NE
Jill played Millie in
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Sept 14 - October 14, 2007
As a guest artist at the Omaha Community Playhouse ( www.omahaplayhouse.com )

The Omaha World Herald's reviewer wrote
 "Jill Anderson, as irrepressible 1920s flapper Millie, has the fast feet, the vocal chops 
and the larger-than-life comedic skills to lead with polish and flair as the small-town 
Kansas girl determined to snag a rich husband in New York City."
Full Review

The Omaha City Weekly raved:
"Jill Anderson, that toothy chanteuse with the adorable overbite and bobbed hair, is sure to sing and dance her way into your heart as the Omaha Community Playhouse opens a new main stage season with 'Thoroughly Modern Millie.'
...Equity actor Anderson is simply marvelous as she croons and high-steps her way to a discovery of the meaning of true love in this riotous homage to a floozy and flapper-infested Great White Way."
Full Review

The Omaha Weekly Reader said,
"As for Anderson and Fox, theater students should be required to attend this show just to take notes on what constitutes professionalism. Their flawless performances represent two reasons why Omaha remains a theater mecca, a reputation that the Omaha Community Playhouse initiated decades back."
Full Review

The Neola Gazette said:
"Jill Anderson, appearing courtesy Actors Equity, plays Millie Dillmount with spunk. She is the central character as the naïve lady from Kansas who comes to New York in the 1920s to work for a company as a secretary. She has a beautiful voice, can dance and is bubbling with excitement when on stage."
Full Review

JILL NEWS:  In early September 2007 The Omaha World Herald ran a lengthy interview 
with Jill prior to the opening of Thoroughly Modern Millie.  To read that article, click here.

June, 2007
The Blue Barn Music Festival, with Hal France & Friends
Jill was the featured artist on June 22 and participated in several 
other performances in the three-week festival as well as the finale.

  
At the Milwaukee Rep Theatre in Wisconsin.  
January 12 - March 10, 2007 
"They Came from Way Out There"
by Jahnna Beecham, Malcolm Hillgartner and Michael Hume

The candidates for president of the Paranormal Society are set to present a 
musical comedy show reenacting actual paranormal events that have 
happened to them. Personal friction, a limited budget, the fact that they are
amateur performers take this meeting to other-worldly levels of fun.  

The Milwaukee Sentinel Journal reviewer called Jill's character "a delightfully 
wonky paranormalist with just the right amount of clumsy brio."  Click for full review.

American Theatre Magazine featured this show in a photo in its March 7/2007 issue, page 78.

November/December '06 

At the Blue Barn Theatre in Omaha 
MAD ABOUT THE BOY
A WORLD PREMIERE LIP-SYNCED BEEFCAKE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
by Max Sparber (author of Minstrel Show and Cruelties)
November 24 - December 17, 2006  --  See Photos
Jill choreographs, costumes, and performs in this exciting production.
It's 1964.  America is conservative, staid, repressed, and busting a nut.  In a small Pacific Coast
town, G. Dansforth Pettibottom, a milquetoast camera salesman is in love, a love that darest not
speak its name.  In the most sensational and hilarious new musical to come along in years, MAD
ABOUT THE BOY! is based on a series of gay-themed novelty albums put out by "Camp Records"
in the 1960s and sold through ads in the back of beefcake magazines of the time.  Watch as the
hapless Pettibottom dances and lip-syncs at the YMCA, with Biker Boys and Swingers and at
the secret Tranny Bar in his quest for true love.  With songs like "Stanley, the Manly Transvestite,"
"Old Fashioned Balls," "I'd Rather Fight than Swish," and "Mixed Nuts," MAD ABOUT THE BOY
is a "Holiday Treat" for the whole (adult) family!

What the reviewers said:
"There's plenty to love about Mad About the Boy.  For one thing, Anderson, who left Omaha
for bigger and better theatrical opportunities, is back, and as always, is riveting.  As Darla,
she's an insecure, bespectacled lonely hearts, with a little girl voice to match.  Contrast Darla
with Anderson's brazen Swinger Wife, the long cigarette holder chomping sexual explorer who
has a hankering for her Latino houseboy, and you can see why this actress is one of our greats.
The minute she steps onto the stage, your eyes are drawn to her and when she's absent from
the boards, you can feel it.  (Luckily she has several cameos including a French soap enthusiast
and an Army t-shirt wearing grease monkey....The costumes and choreography, both by 
Anderson, keep the show fresh and fun."  --Julien Fielding, Omaha City Weekly

"There's campy, and then there's campy trampy.  And then there's the Blue Barn's Mad About
the Boy, in which grown men romp in their BVDs singing double entendre lyrics that can't
be printed in a family newspaper- a hilarious and biting send-up of the time before the gay
rights movement. ... And there's Jill Anderson, making people double over with laughter at the
banal dialogue of a bored suburban-swinger housewife.  The line may not be intentionally funny,
but her take on it sure is. Two scenes later she's Darla, a demure office worker at the camera
store.  Darla temporarily lost her mind after her gay husband committed suicide rather than
face being outed after that unfortunate arrest.  But she has a new friend in door-to-door camera
salesman, Pettibottom."  -- Bob Fischbach, Omaha World Herald.

"Anderson adds immeasurably to the fun, with both Darla, who went bonkers and was
institutionalized after her gay husband's suicide, and a Swinger wife with a Honduran houseboy.
As the loony Darla, she excites the boss, Mr. Pantankerous, who advises Pettibottom that
a man hasn't lived until he's had 'crazy poon'."  --Warren Francke, Omaha Reader.

September '06  
Private retirement party, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha                                                          

  Jill is pictured with some of the talented 
  musicians  who accompanied her as 
  featured entertainer at the retirement 
  party for prominent Omaha insurance 
  industry leader, Robert Bates.
  She included a ukulele set along with
  "Orange Colored Sky" and "Murder, He
  Said."  Chuck Penington was musical
  director and accompanist for the program.  

August/September '06
Almost Heaven - A Tribute to the Music of John Denver
Barter Theater, Abingdon, VA
Jill was part of a 6-member ensemble for this musical evening featuring the songs 
of John Denver.  More details can be found on the website of the Barter Theatre.

June '06
Hal France & Friends Finale
Omaha's Holland Center for Performing Arts, Recital Hall
Jill was part of the Blue Barn Music Festival's grand finale held at
the Scott Recital Hall at the beautiful Holland Center in downtown
Omaha.

June '06
Hal France & Friends
featuring Jill Anderson
Blue Barn Theatre, in Omaha's Old Market

 The Blue Barn welcomed summer with a music festival featuring Hal France and
guest musicians, visual artists, and food from select local restaurants.  
On Friday and Saturday June 9 and 10, Jill will be one of two guest vocalists.  
She's performed three styles of music including an Irish set featuring "Fields of Athenry,";
 a medley of ukelele tunes; and a wonderful set of big band favorites popularized by Betty Hutton, among others.  She was be accompanied by a host of talented musicians.  In the second half of the program, they blew 
the roof off with their exciting renditions of swing era favorites "OrangeColored Sky," "It's a Man,"
and "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four."

Hal France, artistic director of the Orlando Symphony and former artistic director
of Opera Omaha, was the creator/director of this festival series, and distinguished 
master of ceremonies. Jill co-headlined this program with nationally known Kirsten
Chavez, whose claim to fame is her passionate Carmen.  

Honky Tonk Laundry
February- April '06

Jill (right) as Lana Mae with co-star Ginger Simons (Katie)  in Honky Tonk Laundry.
 "The two women have wonderful voices with astonishing range.
Their harmony could stop traffic."  (Roberta Kent, Ashland Tidings)

Jill directed, choreographed and starred in this smorgasbord of country music at Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, Oregon.  Here's the synopsis:

Lana Mae Hopkins and Katie Lane have a world of trouble -- man trouble. Fortunately, they 
also have each other. And a whole world of country songs to sing as they work side by side 
at the Wishy Washy Washeteria, wringing their hearts out and hanging them on the line. Songs
 include classic tunes like I Fall To Pieces, D-I-V-O-R-C-E, Nine To Five, These Boots Were
 Made For Walkin' and I Will Always Love You as well as the newer breed of country songs 
like Independence Day (Martina McBride), Long Time Gone, Sin Wagon and Good-bye, Earl
 (Dixie Chicks). These two country angels turn their good ol' laundromat into a boot-scooting 
honky tonk.  Click here for the Oregon Cabaret Theatre website.

.Click here for REVIEWS

September/November 05
Five Course Love
A musical at Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, OR
By Gregg Coffin
Directed & Choreographed by Jim Giancarlo
Musical Direction by Darcy Danielson

www.oregoncabaret.com

Photo from one course in "5-Course Love"!  Jill is pictured with co-stars Paul
Edward Hope and Chip DuFord  in the vignette called "Barbeque Blind Date."

Wicked City Blues
A comedy at the Utah Musical Theatre in Ogden, UT
Book, Lyrics, Music: Norman Thalheimer
Story by: Cornell Christianson
Opens: July 22   Runs: July 23, 28-30 & August 4-6, 2005
"Wicked City Blues " is a National Premiere

KUDOS...."Wicked City Blues was named .... one of the Ten Best Plays of 2005
 in Utah by that state's largest circulation newspaper, the Deseret News. The 1940s 
film noir musical-comedy played this summer at the 350-seat Allred Theatre outside
Salt Lake City."  Jill played the female lead in this hit play in August 2005.  

private detective Mickey Morrison's just been in the fight of his life and he's got 
trouble up to his eyeballs: a dame who's too hot to handle, a dead body, a couple 
of ruthless mobsters and a police lieutenant looking for answers. It all points to 
Charlotte, an apparent femme fatale.  The year is 1947, and The Neptune Radio Theater 
presents a live mystery show featuring the adventures of Mickey, a hard-boiled private
eye.Come on this nostalgic journey into the fabulous 40's with this new musical. Mix 
in the madcap hilarity of a live radio show with the somber shadows of a classic Film Noir 
detective story and you just bought yourself a ticket to the Wicked City Blues.  For details,
check the website:  http://community.weber.edu/umt/  [Jill is Charlotte Blane, the "apparent
femme fatale."] 

Click here for a preview article and photo including Jill from the Deseret News!

Click here  for a review appearing in Utah's on-line Standard Examiner, where Jill's performance
 is described as "flawless" and her voice modulation compared to Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz!

The Home Team by Kim Carney - A Staged Reading
Saturday, April 30 at 8pm at Queens Theatre in the Park, part of the 
Plays A Mother Would Love Series.
The Home Team is a zany family comedy with some hard-hitting moments of
true poignancy and drama.  The Gurley family of of Lansing, Michigan
has been in developmental stasis since the death of the patriarch and
now the arrival of one of the sons "date" shakes everything loose to
uproarious and shocking effect.  This hilarious and touching play is
featured in a new works series at Queens Theatre in the Park.  Jill's
character is Marion, a straight-talking, lovable factory worker who
does not hesitate to make her immature older brother eat grass and
whose method of making a point is smashing the TV with a sledgehammer. 
But we mustn't divulge TOO much.  If you are anywhere near New York, it
would be sinful to miss the first ever reading of this delectable and
raucous new comedy.

In These Shoes  - Wendy Lane Bailey
Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St., NY, NY
Wednesdays:   April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11
Jill provides harmonies for this Cabaret show featuring the talented Wendy Lane Bailey.  Musical direction:  Rick Jensen.  Directed by Sally Mayes.   Jill says, "Her musical selections are superb and varied, with an emphasis on up-tempo and comedy songs.  Wendy is an absolute delight.  Don't miss it."

Coup de Graae
Dec. 6 - 18, 2004  The Hideaway Room at Helen's, in Manhattan
Jill enjoyed being a guest performer on the cabaret show of Jason Graae, Broadway, film and television actor and singer.   Alex Rybeck was musical director.   The evening of music and comedy,  which earned raves at The Plush Room in San Francisco and at The Cinegrill in LA, had an equally warm reception in New York with outstanding reviews. 

Richard Rodgers Spectacular!
On November 6, 2004 Jill performed as a featured artist with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Hal France.    

The Three Penny Opera 
by Kurt Weill
Presented by OPERA OMAHA in October, 2004
Jill played Jenny Diver in Opera Omaha's opening production to rave reviews.  She was especially touched by a tribute on the editorial page of the Omaha World Herald on October 14:

• What a Midlands treasure is Jill Anderson. She is adept in musical comedy, Elizabethan and Irish vocal numbers and satiric drama. She has had movie roles, including a bit part in "About Schmidt." Last summer, at Elmwood Park, she was dynamite on the Shakespearean stage, playing Mistress Ford in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and, on alternate nights, Lady Anne in "Richard III." This week, the versatile Anderson turned in a polished and powerful vocal and acting performance as Jenny Diver in "The Threepenny Opera." Her work has contributed much to the local cultural scene.

The Omaha City Weekly wrote of her performance:
"Jill Anderson, in her portrayal of Macheath's prostitute girlfriend Jenny Diver, is endlessly captivating on stage.  Well-known locally as a brazen talent, Anderson resembles a youonger, updated version of Pat Benatar.  Not only is Anderson gorgeous, but she has a very compelling stage presence.  With black hair cropped in a flapper girl haircut, Anderson possesses a classic Brechtian look.  Possessing the essence of "Cabaret's" Sally Bowles, Anderson walks inside her character.  Oh, did I mention she can sing?  Her rendition of "Pirate Jenny" brought to the surface heartbreaking angst only a woman scorned and a professional singer could produce.  As a highly gifted and well-studied mezzo soprano, Anderson makes singing look natural--as if anybody could do it.  Not quite.

Click for full Omaha W-H REVIEW

Spokesong at the Storm Theatre in New York 
Feb. 6  through Feb. 28, 2004.
Jill performed in this Irish play at a theatre near Times Square.  She had a great time in her first opportunity in NYC,  putting her dialect and musical skills to work.    Click on the theatre's name above to learn more about this show and venue.   Critics praised the play and Jill's work in it.
 
"As Kitty Carberry and Daisy Bell, the Belfast girls who love, respectively, Frank and Francis, Colleen Crawford and Jill Anderson are standouts."   (Joseph Hurley, The Irish Echo newspaper)

 "Robin Haynes and Jill Anderson are delightful as Frank's grandparents, seen in the flashbacks..."  (Martin Denton in an nytheatre.com review) 

"Robin Haynes and Jill Anderson as the Grandparent Stocks age gracefully and realistically.  The sweetness of their relationship is a contrast to the intensity......"  (Macey Levin, reviewing for internet theatre magazine, Curtain Up)             

Highlights of 2003:
NEBRASKA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL  2003
Twelfth Night  &  Measure for Measure in repertory,  June 19 - July 6, 2003 
Jill was Viola in Twelfth Night  (photo below)  Click for  Review

She donned the breeches as one of Shakespeare's most delightful comic heroines in Omaha's favorite outdoor theatrical event of the year.  

In Measure for Measure, she played Marianna, the jilted lover of the wicked and hypocritical villain, Angelo.  This role featured her musical talents as well when the lovelorn Marianna sang an Elizabethan song.   Click for  Review

Crowds of up to 5000 strong  gathered under the stars in beautiful Elmwood park to enjoy the genius of the bard.  This is one of the USA's largest free outdoor Shakespeare festivals.  More information is available at the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival website.  Click here for the NSF link.

Back to Top
September/October 2003:  
Jill had a major role in Chelsea, part of the Omaha Blue Barn Theatre's season opener.  Chelsea, a short play inspired by Andy Warhol, was paired with Cruelties, inspired by Truman Capote, making for an intense and unusual evening of theatre.  Both plays were written by Max Sparber for the Blue Barn.  The world premiere was guest directed by Rob Urbinoti.  

And music, music, music..... 

Sunday Serenade
Jill and Camille Metoyer Moten with special guest Lauren Pascale  brought back their Moonlight Melodies concert magic on three Sunday afternoons, Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 at the Blue Barn Theatre in Omaha.   The final performance played to an enthusiastic standing room only audience.  See below for a report of the earlier concert.

Moonlight Melodies
Jill's concert with Camille Metoyer Moten was held at the Strauss Performing Arts center at the University of Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday, May 31.  One audience member e-mailed:  "Saturday night's show, Moonlight Melodies, was absolutely fabulous!  I enjoyed every minute.  We Omahans are very fortunate to have world-class entertainers in our midst.  Thanks for producing and performing a truly great show."

To view the press release and poster for Moonlight Melodies, click here.

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2002 Performance Highlights:

Little Nellie's Naughty Noel :  A Steamy Sod House Spectacular 
November-December, 2002 
This original play was Omaha's Blue Barn Theatre's first show of the 2002-2003 season.   Jill  worked with playwright  Tim Siragusa to bring the Bad Rep touch to an irreverent look back at a pioneer Nebraska yuletide.  She played two characters, Chastity (pictured above...click for larger view) and a Poppy Palace chorine. Jill wrote songs and choreographed several numbers.  A comedy for adults,  Little Nellie opened in late November and played to sold-out houses weekends through December 22.   A photo gallery is under construction!

Opera Omaha - Richard Rodgers' America
Friday, October 25, 2002   Orpheum Theatre
Jill worked as a principle vocalist with a great cast , including Sylvia McNair, Tim Noble, Joyce Compana, and Merwin Foard for Opera Omaha's season-opener featuring the music of Richard Rodgers.   Her solos included "I Cain't say NO" (Oklahoma), "Johnny One-note," (Babes in arms) and "Wash that Man out of My Hair" (South Pacific).  She also sang with Sylvia and Joyce in an opening number, "Sing for Your Supper."  The World Herald reviewer praised the show and gave special mention to Jill's spirited rendition of the song from Oklahoma.

BOMBSHELL BABES - October 5, 2002
Jill and two of her all-time favorite singers, Camille Metoyer-Moten and Lauren Pascale, developed an Andrews Sisters style program, dressed up in authentic 1940s gowns, and wowed the members of a World War II veterans reunion in Abilene, Kansas.   Bernie Lowis, handled the piano accompaniment as well as sound and video duties.  Calling themselves the Bombshell Babes, they sang a rousing 45 minute set that started and ended with "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" for the vets and their families.    Jill was delighted to be able to arrange this program for her uncle, Norman Smith of Albion, who was one of the hosts of the event.

Summer  2002 

FILM & TV
 - Jill learned from Alexander Payne himself that her role in About Schmidt survived the cutting room.  The movie, which stars Jack Nicholson, opened late in 2002   Alexander Payne was  the featured guest at a Blue Barn fundraiser on October 5, and clips of the movie were shown during his presentation.   

-  She portrayed  Emma Goldman in live action vignettes for a PBS documentary about the early 20th century anarchist.  It was filmed in July  in various Nebraska locations for broadcast in The American Experience series.  The segment title is "An Exceedingly Dangerous Woman," directed by Mel Bucklin of Nebraska ETV.   The program premiered in the Spring of 2004.  

-  She played a chemotherapy patient in a July commercial shoot  for a Nebraska hospital.

Spring 2002
Fuddy Meers
by David Lindsay-Abaire
April 4th - 28th, 2002
Blue Barn Theatre in Omaha
Jill played a lead role, Claire, in Fuddy Meers, the Blue Barn's Spring production.  (See photo of Jill and Aaron Zavitz.)  She received a "best actress" nomination for her work in this production from the Theatre Arts Guild in Omaha.. 

The World Herald reviewer began by saying-
 
"Led by brilliant performances from Aaron Zavitz and Jill Anderson, the Blue Barn Theatre is offering the rip-roaring farcical comedy 'Fuddy Meers' by David Lindsay-Abaire."

For full text of the Omaha World-Herald's review click here.    For an interview with Jill from the Council Bluffs Nonpareil, click here.

Backstage at the Blue Barn:  
Jill was also busy backstage at The Blue Barn during the 2001- 2002 season, costuming Night of the Iguana and The Ice Fishing Play.  She recorded voice-overs for the Barn's 2001 holiday knockout, David Sedaris's Santaland Diaries, a one-man show delivered to hysterical sellout audiences by her good friend and creative partner Tim Siragusa.  (Remember Ghetto Claus and Psychobilly Jamboree?) The Blue Barn under Kevin Lawler's steady leadership and direction had a string of hits this season beginning with last summer's Vampire Lesbians of Sodom which featured Jill and Tim as the lead vampire lesbians  (click here for link to Vampire page and photos on this site) and concluding with the consistently sold-out Five Women Wearing the Same Dress in the summer of 2002.  See Links page to connect with The Blue Barn's web site for current theatre news.

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2001 Performances and Links.....

"Holiday Fanfare:  Christmas in New York" 
Orpheum Theatre, Omaha  December 14, 15, 16, 2001
       Jill was part of the Omaha Symphony's annual Christmas extravaganza with resident conductor Ernest Richardson, Dave Webber and other guests.    Preparation for this performance took her to NY for a weekend to learn tap dance steps to teach to the rest of the local dancers/singers for the song "Be a Santa."    The World-Herald reviewer called it one of the highlights of the show!

All American! 
Oct. 26, 2001  Opera Omaha, Orpheum Theater
Jill performed in the 2001 season opener October 26th at Omaha's  Orpheum Theater,  featuring  American folk, musical theatre and patriotic song productions with orchestra and dance.   220 performers participated in the sold-out show.   Jill was one of nine principle artists and was featured soloist on two numbers from South Pacific: "Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair" and 'Honeybun."   She also sang Stephen Sondheim's "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music.   Jill was teamed with Sylvia McNair and Camille Metoyer-Moten for a rousing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" a la Andrews Sisters.  Hal France conducted the Omaha Symphony and Greg Ganakas was guest director and choreographer.  

Arts on the Green - Joslyn Art Museum
20th & Dodge, Omaha   
Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001
At this annual arts extravaganza, Jill sang on the stately front steps of the Joslyn Art Museum, performing in one solo and as part of a trio with  internationally known vocalist Sylvia McNair and accomplished soprano, Anne DeVries, known for her work with Opera Omaha.   The weather was gorgeous and 7000 people came out to celebrate the beginning of the 2001-2001 season for the Arts.  The  Omaha World-Herald reviewer wrote:  "Anderson, DeVries and McNair stole the stage with their tight, sassy, three-part harmony in tunes including "Sing for Your Supper" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."  In addition, Easy & Slow,  a song from Jill's CD, was featured at the concert! Hal France conducted the Omaha symphony and guest musician Steve Horner to accompany Jill on a special arrangement of the song that leads off her "7 Songs" CD.