'Catherland' to premiere

Following the success of their musical “Puddin’ and the Grumble,” Nebraska playwright Becky Boesen and composer David von Kampen will premiere their latest work, “Catherland,” at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Hardin Hall Auditorium, 33rd and Holdrege streets. Free tickets can be reserved here.

“Catherland” tells the story of Susan, an emerging writer living the life of her dreams, complete with an adoring husband and an almost-finished first novel. When tragedy strikes and the trajectory of her life changes, she must decide how to move forward. Searching for answers, she flees to Red Cloud, the childhood home of novelist Willa Cather. Guided by her curiosity and the presence of a mysterious guest, Susan discovers that life is more about beginnings than endings. A lesson in embracing the unexpected, “Catherland” reminds audience members that “where there is great love, there are always miracles.”

After the Lincoln performance, “Catherland” will travel to Ord on April 16 and Beatrice on April 24 as part of the Lied Center’s Arts Across Nebraska tour, which connects Lied artists to rural Nebraska communities. The program provides up to three tours each year, which are offered to presenting partners and communities in the state at an affordable rate.

“Catherland” in concert is an impactful work in progress that takes a minimalist approach to staging, emphasizing the power of storytelling through song.