On Broadway Thespians

05/11/2026

Looking for weekend plans? Check out the latest production from our friends over at The Dolphin Playhouse! They are bringing four unique one-act plays to the stage, featuring some familiar faces in brand-new roles.

It’s a great chance to see the range of our local talent:

Richard Nebens: Last seen at OBT as the sinister Judge in Sweeney Todd, Richard is trading his robes for a badge to play the Sheriff in Trifles.

Jane Suppes: After her powerhouse performance as Maureen in Rent, Jane takes on the role of the widow Popova in the classic comedy The Boor.

With four different stories and a cast full of local favorites (and a few new faces), there’s something for everyone! 🎟️

Showtime Info:
📍 Where: The Dolphin Playhouse
🗓️ When: This weekend ONLY! May 15-17
🔗 Tickets: online, in-person or call (541) 808-2611 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dolphinplayersinc/2170959

The The Dolphin Playhouse presents a showcase of four compelling one-act plays, offering a complete theatrical journey in one evening. Don't miss One Weekend, Four Worlds: "Moments on the Edge" at The Dolphin Playhouse.

Trifles: A chilling mystery where two women (Maia Tao Retelska, Karlee Cotrell) uncover a murder motive ignored by men.

Dumpster Dan: A poignant drama following a father (Adam Barber) and son (Rhys Pembroke) navigating the aftermath of sudden loss.

The Boor: Chekhov’s fast-paced farce features a landowner (John Beane) and widow (Jane Suppes) in a hilarious battle of wills.

Mariposa/Butterfly: Neighbors (Jasmine Azure, Ailya Rose) discover common ground over a garden fence through a moment of shared wonder.

For tickets and more information, visit the website:
https://www.thedolphinplayhouse.com/schedule/

05/09/2026

End of an era! 🥂 Today we’re celebrating the recent retirement of a local legend, Leatha Gonzalez (Lewison), from the OBT Board of Directors.

Leatha’s resume is essentially the history of Coos Bay theater:
✅ Past President of OBT & LTOB
✅ Longtime OBT Board Member & Producer
✅ Performer, Director, Prop Master, and Mentor
✅ Fierce advocate for Coos theater & local arts

From the "nomadic years" to our current seasons, Leatha has been the backbone of community theater. While she has been involved in far too many productions to list, her journey began in the early '80s as a member of the Dolphin Players' Eight Misbehavin’ musical comedy group at the original OBT space. She also spent years as a hilarious fixture of the Little Ole Opry comedy team, bringing legendary "down-home" laughs to the Liberty stage.

Thank you, Leatha, for the decades of grit, grace, and standing ovations. Coos Bay theater wouldn't be what it is today without you! 🎭❤️

Drop a heart or your favorite memory of Leatha in the comments! 👇

05/08/2026

For this week’s , we are dedicating our post to our beloved visionary founder of On Broadway Thespians, Tosca C. Means. 🎭✨

Before she became the heart and soul of OBT, Tosca graced the national stage as Miss Nevada 1950 (Tosca Masini). After marrying Larry Means and moving to Coos Bay, she traded her pageant crown for a director’s baton, though she never lost that "star power" when she stepped onto the stage as a performer.

Tosca’s passion for theater was unmatched, with a special place in her heart for musicals and children’s productions. For several decades, she poured her energy into building a community where the arts could thrive. Whether she was directing a complex musical or mentoring a young actor finding their voice, her influence was felt in every corner of the playhouse.

We wouldn't be here without her drive, her talent, and her incredible vision for theater on the Oregon Coast.

Tell us: What is your favorite memory of Tosca or a production she led? 👇

05/03/2026

LMAO… wait for it! 🔪🤣🤣🤣 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NMGBfcLUX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/01/2026

: A Trip to Brighton Beach! 🎭
Take a walk down memory lane to 2003! We’re looking back at the On Broadway Thespians' production of Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs.

This show was extra special because it took place at our original home—the On Broadway Theatre at 226 South Broadway, right across from the Egyptian. Whether you joined us for a Friday night show or a Sunday matinee, the energy in that space was always incredible.

Check out these great photos from the production:

The Poster: A classic look at the cast and show dates, directed by Byrell Justice.

The Jerome Family: A full cast photo capturing the heart of this coming-of-age story.

Eugene at the Typewriter: A close-up of our lead, dreams of baseball and writing in hand.

Were you in the audience for this one? Or maybe you were part of the cast or crew? Share your favorite memories from our "On Broadway" days in the comments!

04/30/2026

Join the Conversation! 🎭
What do you want to see OBT present next?

Whether you're a patron, actor, or director, we want your input. Comment below or send us a message with your best "feel-good" show suggestions! ✨

After the grit of Sweeney Todd and the heart of RENT, we’re feeling ready for a change of pace. While we’ve loved diving into these serious themes, we are leaning towards a lighter, family-friendly musical for our next big production.

04/28/2026

Need something to do this weekend? Our friends over at The Liberty Theatre - Home of Little Theatre on the Bay have just one final weekend for you to see Magnolias

“Here! Hit this! Go ahead M'Lynn, slap her!” says Clairee (played by Cindy Terry).

Come laugh your socks off – and maybe shed a tear or two – as you follow the lives of the witty, strong, Southern women in LTOB’s “Steel Magnolias.” This coming weekend is your last chance to see the show local audiences are raving about!

Remaining performances are May 1 & 2 at 7pm and May 3 at 2pm. Tickets are available at the box office one hour before the show - or beat the line and grab your tickets today at www.TheLibertyTheatre.org!

03/28/2026

Happy World Theatre Day!! (yes it's a real thing 😆)

World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27 to celebrate the beauty and importance of the theatre arts, the role theatre plays in the entertainment industry, and the significance it plays in our lives.

(photo from the back of the Hales Center For The Performing Arts auditorium following a performance of OBT's production of Disney's Beauty & the Beast)

03/27/2026

: Mamma Mia! 💃✨
Looking back at this powerhouse cast and crew! It’s hard to believe it’s been 6 years since we brought ABBA’s hits to life.

This production holds a special place in OBT history—it was the 1st time we performed at the Hales Center For The Performing Arts, & the final time we were featured in The World’s "The Beat" insert before their distribution changed in 2020. So much has shifted since this "pre-Covid" era, but the energy of this show is still unmatched.

Who remembers being in the audience for this one? 🎤👇