News & Notes

Theater fosters talk on civil liberties

A classic movie about the first high-profile trial for the American Civil Liberties Union will be the subject of a special screening and panel discussion Tuesday at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, 14th and Webster Streets.

“Inherit the Wind,” starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March and Gene Kelly, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. The panel discussion afterward will be led by Samuel Walker, criminal justice professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha; Rosemary Strasser, associate professor of psychology at UNO; Dave Moshman, professor of educational psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Lyle Middendorf, research and development chief at LI-COR Biotechnology. Walker is a former member of the ACLU national board of directors. Moshman is a member of the ACLU Nebraska board of directors.

The screening is part of Film Streams’ community development program, which presents film-related events that speak to the missions and programming of nonprofits and community groups.

“Inherit the Wind” is about the 1925 Scopes trial in which a schoolteacher was prosecuted for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in defiance of state law. March plays prosecutor William Jennings Bryan, who espouses creationism. Tracy is Clarence Darrow, a defense attorney for the ACLU.

For more information, call 933-0259. Tickets are on sale at the Film Streams box office or online at www.filmstreams.org.

Zahn will lead TV newsmagazine

Omaha-born Paula Zahn is in charge of a new TV newsmagazine.

“On the Case With Paula Zahn” premieres on the new Investigation Discovery network on Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. The Emmy Award-winning journalist will executive produce and host the show, which features exclusive interviews. In the debut episode, Zahn interviews Ashley Reeves, a teenager who was attacked and left for dead by a St. Louis-area teacher.

Investigation Discovery is a network owned by the Discovery Channel’s parent company and, as its name would indicate, features investigative programming. It is Channel 104 on Cox’s lineup and is also available through major satellite providers.

Lift your voices for ‘Messiah’

Voices of Omaha is gearing up for its 41st annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Rehearsals begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and continue at the same time on Sundays for the next five weeks. Ed Hurd is the group’s new director.

Membership in Voices of Omaha is open to the public. All singers are welcome. Rehearsals take place at West Hills Church, 3015 S. 82nd Ave. The performance is 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

For more information, call Julie Burgess at 391-8788 or go to http://voicesofomaha.blogspot.com.

A big feat: Artwork at Smithsonian

Two Nebraska Wesleyan University art professors have been selected for a prestigious exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

David Gracie, assistant professor of art, and adjunct instructor Justin Shaw have each been selected as finalists for the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. The exhibition includes 49 works that were selected from more than 3,300 entries. Their works will be on display at the Smithsonian from Oct. 23 through Aug. 22.

Shutterbugs will be in the spotlight

The seventh annual Bluffs Arts Council Amateur Photo Contest winners will be honored at Photo Finish, a reception to be held Oct. 18 at the Center, 714 S. Main St.

More than $500 worth of cash prizes and ribbons, sponsored by the Bluffs Arts Foundation, will be given for first through third place in each age division and category, plus overall Best of Show prize in each age division.

There also will be a People’s Choice Award.

All entries will be displayed at the center. For more information, contact the Bluffs Arts Council office at 328-4992.

Auditions

“Pride Players,” Teens ’n’ Theater at the Rose, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21 at the theater, 2001 Farnam St. Show runs Jan. 28 to 31. Information: director Brian Guehring, e-mail at briang@rosetheater.org or call 502-4636.

“So in Love with Broadway,” Opera Omaha, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Show runs April 16 and 18. Contact Blythe Watkins, blythew@operaomaha.org, to arrange an audition.

Orchestra Omaha is looking for musicians — espe cially bassoon, oboe and double bass — for its Nov. 22 concert. Rehearsals begin Oct. 22. To schedule an audition, call 502-7641 or go to www.orchestraomaha.org/audition.htm.

— Compiled by Bob Fischbach, Dane Stickney and John Pitcher