Omaha, NE (August 1, 2022) –Celebrated stage and screen actor and Tony Award® nominee Norm Lewis will headline Omaha Performing Arts’ (O-pa) Broadway Ball Friday, September 9, 2022.

The multi-faceted performer was nominated for his leading role as Porgy in Porgy And Bess, and in 2014 made history as the first Black “Phantom” in The Phantom Of The Opera. He has also received nominations from the Screen Actors’ Guild, the Television Academy (Emmys), and the Recording Academy (Grammys) for his work in television and music. Most recently, he starred in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed, “Da 5 Bloods,” and on Broadway in “Chicken and Biscuits.”

Lewis currently stars in ABC’s newest series “Women of the Movement,” and offscreen, his voice can be heard in the latest season of Apple TV’s animated series, “Central Park.” He was also “Caiaphas” in the award-winning NBC television special, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. Lewis is a founding member of Black Theatre United.

Funds raised for Broadway Ball support O-pa’s Education and Engagement programs including the Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHSTA). This year marks the tenth anniversary of NHSTA which has provided a connection to Broadway for tens of thousands of students across Nebraska.

The 2022 Broadway Ball theme is based on Disney’s Frozen, opening at the Orpheum Theater on April 19 and running through April 30, 2023. Broadway Ball cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and a performance by Lewis. Honorary Chairs are Amy Haddad and Steve Martin, while Sharlon and Chris Rodgers serve as Event Chairs.

The deadline to reserve seats for the Broadway Ball is August 31, 2022. Tickets are $250 per person. For more information, contact Sabrina Weiss at 402-661-8410 or sweiss@o-pa.org.

Major sponsors are Amy Haddad and Steve Martin, CQuence, First National Bank of Omaha, Heider Family Foundation, Jack and Stephanie Koraleski, Martha and David Slosburg,

Valmont, Bridges Trust, Cindy and Mogens Bay, Holland Foundation, Kiewit, and Union Pacific.

Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) is the steward of two landmark venues – the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center, plus a third live music venue “Steelhouse Omaha” opening May 2023. O-pa presents a wide spectrum of the performing arts, including Broadway, jazz, dance, comedy, family, popular entertainment, and live music. With a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, O-pa serves a growing audience in Omaha and the region through a broad range of education and engagement opportunities. As Nebraska’s largest arts institution, O-pa is recognized as a leader both locally and nationally.