WICKED Ticket Sale Dates Announced

BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER RETURNS TO OMAHA’S ORPHEUM THEATER MAY 7 - MAY 25, 2014

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

After record breaking engagements in Omaha in 2009 and 2011, WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to Omaha’s Orpheum Theater for a third engagement May 7 through May 25, 2014. Tickets for the return engagement will go on sale to the public through www.ticketomaha.com* on Friday, February 7, 2014. Tickets may be purchased prior to this single ticket on sale date by adding the show to a season package or as part of a group of 15. (Robyn's note: see my post about getting a 30% discount this weekend only.)

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, WICKED is directed by two-time Tony® Award- winner Joe Mantello and features musical staging by Tony® Award-winner Wayne Cilento.

Tickets for WICKED start at $35 and will be available beginning Friday, February 7 online at TicketOmaha.com; by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha box office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets, Omaha, Neb. Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets by calling 402.661.8516 or toll-free at 866.434.8587. Ticket Omaha is the official ticket outlet for all performances of WICKED.

“Omahans have a special place in their hearts for WICKED as demonstrated by the positive audience reaction and strong ticket sales we’ve had in the past,” said Joan Squires, Omaha Performing Arts president. “I’m pleased that we have secured a return of WICKED. We welcome this high-quality show back to the Orpheum Theater.”

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

The Grammy Award®-winning cast recording is available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED, log on to www.ticketomaha.com or www.wickedthemusical.com.

*Ticket Omaha is the official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center. Tickets purchased from other ticket retailers such as secondary ticket agencies or brokers may be more expensive and may not be valid. Due to the nature of live entertainment, all programs, performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change.

Black Friday deals from Omaha Performing Arts

For those who don't know this about me, my degree is in Theatre - Acting. Additionally, my husband's degree is in Theatre - Technical. And while neither of us work in our degree field, we have a true love and appreciation of the arts. We do all we can to support the arts locally and when I was able to partner up my blog with Omaha Performing Arts, I was thrilled. 

So please take advantage of the arts in Omaha and think ahead to shows you would like to see. Buying tickets at 30% off is something that never happens in the world of theatre. I'm just thrilled to bits that I get to share not only a discount, but hopefully a love of live theatre. Enjoy!

Omaha Performing Arts is holding a once-a-year 30% off Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale!* To take advantage of the sale, go to the promo page and enter in the promo code BARGAIN13. 
The sale runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.

Here are the shows:

BROADWAYMillion Dollar Quartet, Feb. 18-23 (inspired by the true story of the night Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash recorded together)Sister Act, March 18-23War Horse, April 8-13Wicked, May 7-25

HOLIDAY SHOWSThe Sounds of Christmas starring Elisabeth von Trapp with the Carolian BrassBallet Nebraska’s The Nutcracker (discount to The Nutcracker is 15% off)Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Concert

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENTSid the Science Kid Live!Polar Obsession with Paul Nicklen, wildlife photojournalistTAO: Phoenix RisingERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo™The Dinosaur Hunter with Paul Sereno, paleontologistExploring the Red Planet with Kobie Boykins, NASA engineer

DANCEMartha Graham Dance CompanyRonald K. Brown/Evidence Dance CompanySwan Lake featuring Moscow Festival Ballet

JAZZ & BLUESCount Basie Orchestra featuring New York VoicesDr. Lonnie SmithSean Jones QuartetWayne Shorter QuartetDelfeayo Marsalis

POPULAR ENTERTAINERSThe Priests
ELVIS LIVES
Christopher O'RileySoweto Gospel ChoirZoë KeatingItzhak Perlman in Recital

* Special offer begins November 28, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. and ends December 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m.  Offer of 30% off good on tickets to select shows and price levels only. Quantities limited for select shows. Subject to availability. New orders only. All productions, performances, prices, dates and times are subject to change. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours.

May we remember our many blessings not only today,

but also every day throughout the year.

God's blessings to you on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. 

Love, Coolestmommy and Family

Save $7 off tickets for 2014 Harlem Globetrotters Tour

Looking for an awesome event 

the whole family will enjoy? 

I've got just the ticket for you! Our family got to go see the Harlem Globetrotters last year and we will be back again this year! Last year, they introduced the "Fans Rule" tour. This year, it's been updated for even more fun. Keep reading to find out how you can save $7 off of every ticket! Find out when the tour will be in your city at their ticket website. For Nebraska friends, they are here April 4 & 5, 2014. 

Bring your family to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "Fans Rule" tour. The Globetrotters had so much fun letting fans vote for what they wanted to see in the game last year that they're doing it again! Only with brand new exciting rules like the Trick Shot Challenge and Hot Hand Jersey. Take your kids to harlemglobetrotters.com/vote and vote for which rule sounds the most fun to you. 

After the game, come down to the court for pictures and autographs with the Globetrotter stars! The only thing better than finding an event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it and I've got a special discount code for you. You can get your tickets here  and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket! 

*Discount available on select seating levels

Disclosure: I will be given tickets to the 2014 Harlem Globetrotters Tour in exchange for my blog post and promotion of the discount offer to fans. No other compensation will be given and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Lancome #DreamTone Review

I was given the opportunity to try a new product called Dream Tone. In order to do so, I had to agree to share my #BareSelfie with all of you. In this case, 'bare' means without makeup. 

This product is formulated to help reduce color spots and imperfections in skin and skin tone to give you a more even-looking skin tone. I thought it helped fade some of the acne scars I have so that my skin was more even in the coloring. I also thought it did a nice job of making my skin look healthier overall. The only downfall that I had with the product is the price tag. The Dream Tone serum is $98 per bottle which is much spendier than I usually will be. But, the results were good and so I will think about continuing to use when I run out of my sample. 

Would you like to take part in Lancôme's #DreamTone #bareselfie challenge? 
You can find out more through these social media outlets:
Program Hashtags: #DreamTone, #bareselfie
Lancôme on Twitter: @LancomeUSA 
Lancôme on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancomeUS
DreamTone website: http://www.Lancôme-usa.com/dreamtone 
Click HERE for more info on Project #bareselfie.

From the manufacturer:About Lancôme DreamTone: DreamTone is the next generation in dark spot correction. This customized skin tone correcting serum is so powerful, 72% of women dare to bare their skin.* The new DreamTone is 3 barely-tinted serums formulated to visibly correct dark spots, color imperfections and give you a more even-looking skin tone. It comes in 3 serums customized for your skin tone: 1- Fair, 2 – Medium, 3 – Dark.The results: IMMEDIATELY: • 74% saw glowing skin*7 DAYS: • 70% noticed a more even skin tone*4 WEEKS: • 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*8 WEEKS: • 78% saw color imperfections reduced**All results based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study. 72% reflects 8 weeks of use.How to Use: For best results, apply the product twice per day, in the morning and evening under your moisturizer. Purchase Information: Lancôme DreamTone retails for $98 for a 1.3 fl oz. bottle and is available for purchase at Lancôme.com and department stores nationwide.

Disclosure: I was provided a free sample from SheSpeaks and Lancôme in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide #Giveaway with 11 Winners

Welcome to the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is pleased to join in this awesome giveaway hosted by Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More and sponsored by the following wonderful companies. Each is listed with their respective prize.

Brylane Home- Double Toaster Oven
Key Ingredient - Key Ingredient Recipe Reader
LUGZ- Zen Lo Boots
FagorAmerica- Platino Slow Juicer
GameDay Scoreboard- A GameDay Basketball Scoreboard
AutoRight- 4" Buffer and Auto wash sticks
Rejuvenator- Micro Bubble Shower Head
Aroma- Digital Rice Cooker/ Food Steamer
GIANT microbes- Box of ornaments
Easy Sheets- Set of Easy Sheets
Barbar- 2300 Ionic Flat Iron 1.5"

You can read Tammie's review on each of these products by going HERE. Please give our sponsors some love by visiting their sites. We appreciate their help in finding the perfect gift to give to your special someone.

This is one of the biggest giveaways I've ever had the privilege of participating in. There are well over $1000 in prizes for this giveaway. Make sure you visit some of these sponsors to see what you could win. I'm drooling over the Double Toaster Oven and the Easy Sheet Set. If you are still looking for that perfect gift for someone (even if you are your own special someone), be sure to take a look at these amazing products.


Eleven readers will win one of the prizes mentioned above. First winner will have their choice of all prizes, second winner will have choice of what is left and so forth until all prizes are exhausted.

• This giveaway will be live from 11/24 to 12/15, starting and ending at 7 p.m EST.
• This is open to residents of the U.S. only.
• Winner must be 18 years of age or older.
• The winner will be chosen by Random.org. All entries will be verified.
• Winner will be notified by email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. Complete terms and conditions are on the Widget.

Please enter using the easy Giveaway Tools widget below and Good Luck.

Entry-Form

Disclosure-Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is not associated nor does it have anything to do with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest or any other social media sites mentioned. For any issues or to see your product promoted here, please contact Tammie at pankuch1605@hotmail.com. Each sponsor is responsible for their own prize fulfillment.

Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales Review

My kids have learned to appreciate the fact that their mom dogs every step they take with a camera in hand. It's where this blog came from and now they get to enjoy some perks for all the time I've put into growing this blog. I was able to go see Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales with my family today. (I only got 4 tickets so the teenage boy graciously allowed his little brother and sister to go instead.) We were also tapped as the blogger family who was invited to attend the meet and greet. 

Before the meet and greet, they had us wait at tables in the room. We didn't know who we would get to meet. 

It was Cinderella. Here she is asking Rebekah about her gown. Cinderella wondered if Rebekah's Fairy Godmother made it for her?

Rebekah and Cinderella

Nathan meets Cinderella.

Big smiles. This kid learned at an early age that hanging with a beautiful princess isn't a bad thing if you're a guy. They like to hug and kiss the boys as 'future prince' material. 

We were backstage for the meet and greet. I know it's hard to see but on the right is rack after rack of costumes used in the show. The tent top you see is (I believe) a changing room or green room for the cast during the show.

The stage from our seats...in row 13. Oh yeah!

Rebekah and Nathan in front of the stage.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy open the show and move us from story to story.

First is Snow White.

Dwarfs

Poison Apple

With the Prince

Cinderella with the mice.

Mean Step-Mother, Drisella and Annastasia

My favorite princess gets her happy ever after...

Belle

Belle and Cogsworth

  

The Rose

Beast transformed with Belle

Curtain Call with Minnie and Mickey

We had a fabulous time. I've seen many Disney stage shows over the years. Let's face it, I started going to Disney Live before I had kids. I'm that big of a fan. This was one of the best productions I've ever seen. High quality costumes, sound was terrific and the show moves fast enough to keep even the littlest ones involved. There were children of all ages singing along and cheering the stories to a happy ending. If you ever want to see a high quality production that isn't exorbitant in pricing, be sure to look for Feld Entertainment's Disney Live. Well worth it for Disney fans of all ages. 

Disclaimer: I was given free tickets in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

#OCALICON2013 and Le Chocoholique

I was blessed to be able to attend OCAILICON2013 this week in Columbus, Ohio. It's a national autism convention/conference and is considered one of the premier conferences in the nation. I took in many sessions and gleaned a lot of wonderful information to help not only my son, but people with autism living in my state. I was also able to make some personal connections with leaders from other states. It was an action packed, lots of learning, meeting new folks kind of a week.

One evening I was invited to dinner with the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) Team from our state. We went to a lovely Italian restaurant where I got to talk in depth with a person from the ARC about transition services and ways to improve them. After dinner, a couple of the gals mentioned a chocolate shop and I decided to check it out. 

I entered Le Chocoholique expecting some fudges and some turtles and some chocolate. I did not expect to see art in food. Below are some photos of the chocolates available that night. I tried the dark chocolate covered bacon (I've always wanted to try chocolate bacon...and it is GOOD!) I bought gifts for my family. Chocolate covered bacon for Sean & Andrew. A peanut-butter penguin for Nathan. A pink chocolate birthday cake for Rebekah...and because I was worried she wouldn't like it (and she didn't), I got her chocolate covered peanut butter graham crackers. She loved those. 

Chocolate covered bacon.

Sean gave a mixed review on the bacon. He's not a salty/sweet fan. I am. So I cheerfully ate his portion. Andrew had too much dinner and didn't want to eat last night. He plans to have chocolate bacon for breakfast. 

I had so much fun in their shop. It was absolutely amazing. If you ever find yourself in Columbus, check out Le Chocoholique.

Disclaimer: I was not asked to post nor was I compensated in any way. I just had fun at their store and wanted to share. 

Pumpkins and orange ladybugs.

Bit o Bailey's--can you see the chocolate shell is a teacup?

Christmas chocolates.

Christmas - The middle one looks like peppermint on top.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide Pinterest Follow Page

Please let the page fully load, follow everyone below, comment on this post saying you did what was asked and Good Luck to you.

   

Tammie Pankuch:

Liz Terek:

Stephanie Bourne:

Meagan Paullin:

Abi Raines:

Danelle Johns:

Central Bargins:

Aimee Cutler:

Karen Puleski:

Julie St. Thomas:

Please make sure to comment stating that you have gotten them all.

Wordless Wednesday - ELF The Musical

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Since I was out of town on the night of my ELF tickets, I was able to send Sean & Nathan for a little 'Daddy Date' at the show. Here is my handsome son outside the Orpheum Theatre. 

Inside, Nathan got to take a picture with Buddy. In case you would like to see the show, there are tickets still available at Omaha Performing Arts for performances that run through November 24. 

Here is the stage (before the show). And check out the amazing seats!

Right before the show, someone handed my husband a gift bag and told him it was for his wife. I had no idea I was going to get a little gift. I got an ELF Plush Toy (which I have given to Nathan). 

Although I didn't get to go--sniff, sniff--I'm so glad my husband and one of my kids was able to attend. He loved the show and even though it was a late night, he bounded out of bed the next morning. I think we're raising three more people in the world who really love live theatre (yes!!)

Disclosure: I was provided two free tickets in exchange for my promotional blog post. This follow up post is just my way of saying thank you to Omaha Performing Arts for the opportunity to support theatre in Omaha. All opinions are my own.