The North Platte Canteen: A Musical Miracle Opens Next Month
(North Platte, Nebraska) - Musical Theater writers Johnny Rodgers and Sue (Fabisch) Errico set their sights on the historical, inspiring story of the North Platte Canteen with a large, full-scale, professional musical. The authors, who have successes around the world, first heard about it at Errico’s daughter’s college visit. “We were visiting Freed-Hardman University in Tennessee when the president of the school gave his sermon about the canteen. I had never heard of it before, so I put a reminder in my phone to research it more when I returned home”, Errico said. And research it she did. After reading every book, article and internet post, Errico says she was “flabbergasted” by this rich and heartwarming story. She called her co-writer Johnny Rodgers to suggest that they work on this together.
“Everything’s already there and we’re just ‘musical paleontologists’ dusting it off for the world to see”, says Rodgers. The duo is aiming for Broadway, but know that this is (at least) a 3-5 year process. “We just finished year number two”, says Errico. “But we had to have the first production right here in North Platte…where it all began.” A local cast & crew of talented performers will bring the show to life in September and October as the 2024-2025 Season Premiere Production of the North Platte Community Playhouse. The show is clean, wholesome, patriotic and appropriate for all ages. Exactly what the world needs right now.
Tickets are on sale now.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In 1941, when 26-year-old Rae Wilson heard that her brother’s troop train would be making a stop in their hometown of North Platte, Nebraska, she organized a group of ladies to welcome the boys with food and gifts for their long journey off to war. But a different train without her brother arrived instead, and Rae’s decision to welcome these young men and women transformed her generosity into a four-and-a-half year phenomenon. A two-act musical full of love, perseverance, and even a popcorn ball. Meet the authors (see below)
SUE FABISCH (ERRICO) is the author (book, music, lyrics) of Motherhood the Musical, which has played across the US and around the world in Peru, Portugal, Scotland, Toronto, New Zealand, Czech Republic, Argentina, Hungary and Australia. Next up for “Motherhood…” are shows in Spain, Mexico,
Brazil, and more!
An award-winning songwriter for other artists, Sue’s songs have reached the #1 spot on Radio Disney and her own album hit the Top 10 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Comedy Chart. Formerly from New Jersey, Sue has three kids and lives in Nashville, TN.
JOHNNY RODGERS is an internationally celebrated singer-songwriter, pianist, Broadway veteran, and recording artist. As an Ambassador of American Music, Johnny tours for the State Department to places such as the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Johnny has toured Russia and performed with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.
Rodgers doubled as Music Director and piano man for Liza Minnelli performances/tours and starred in and wrote the song “I Would Never Leave You” for Liza’s Tony Award®-winning Liza’s At The Palace, which was filmed and released by PBS television. Johnny has earned New York’s Nightlife, Bistro and MAC awards for his performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, and other premiere clubs. His songwriting has been recognized with Billboard and ASCAP Foundation awards.