Orpheum Theater — Attraction in Omaha

Review of Penn & Teller – Omaha, August 14th

I attended the Penn & Teller show at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha on August 14th, and I left feeling extremely disappointed—not just for myself, but for the five friends I brought along.

The show was underwhelming from the start. Rather than presenting the world-class magic they are known for in Las Vegas, most of the material consisted of tricks you could purchase in a magic shop. The same mentalism effect was repeated four different times with only slight variations, giving the impression of filler rather than creativity.

Teller, once known for his sharp presence and artistry, now seemed tired and out of shape. Penn, on the other hand, spent much of the 90-minute show talking his way through weak routines, offering more chatter than magic. His constant use of the phrase “Jesus Christ,” along with several pointed, mocking biblical references, felt mean-spirited and disrespectful toward Christians in the audience. Instead of clever satire, it came across as vindictive.

Even the so-called “grand finale” was a letdown—a video replay of the very show we had just watched, only run in reverse, while Penn played the drums. For performers with a combined net worth of over $400 million, this level of production felt cheap, uninspired, and insulting. At best, the show looked like it cost a few thousand dollars to throw together, and at worst, it came off as nothing more than a blatant money grab.

Doing simple card tricks in front of a sold-out theater audience was another clear signal that Penn & Teller were not bringing their A-game to Omaha. None of the material was from their Las Vegas repertoire, making it obvious they weren’t “practicing in their own backyard” but instead testing weak filler content on Midwestern audiences, as though we wouldn’t notice or care.

To be fair, I do respect Teller’s generosity in donating the Abbott House to the Omaha Magic Society, which shows his love for magic and the community. Unfortunately, that goodwill doesn’t carry over into the current stage act with Penn Jillette.

In short, the performance was a slap in the face to long-time fans and new audiences alike. Penn & Teller appear to be coasting on past fame rather than delivering the quality that once made them leaders in magic and entertainment. I regret spending the money on tickets—not just for myself, but for the friends I invited. This show was nothing more than a bad joke on the...

Management needs to do a better job of enforcing proper theater etiquette. I saw Les Miserables and the experience was completely ruined by those around us. People were being allowed to walk in and out at inappropriate times...showing up late with cocktails from the bar. The girl 2 seats from me was scrolling on her phone mid-show, full brightness and no usher stepped in which I have always seen them do at other Orpheums. I couldn't believe how unbelievably rude guests were around us. Talking through the entire show! What happened to theater etiquette? Do we now live in a world where there is absolutely no respect for those around you?

Staff, enforce absolutely no cell phones during performance. There should be a zero tolerance for this.

I'd suggest a cutoff time of serving alcohol at the bars so people get to their seats in time and don't ruin entire songs for those around them. Seriously people, if you plan to drink, know the lines are always long. Arrive early!

Enforce the entry/exit times in line with proper theater etiquette. Punctuality matters. As someone else said in a review, it's not just a quick sit-down. They speak to everyone around them. They block views. They have to get settled which usually means taking off their coat, opening a drink, turning their phone off, etc. It's beyond distracting and literally obstructs the view of the stage and ability to focus on performance. Everytime an usher would bring someone in, we'd all get their flashlights flashed directly in our eyes!

Les Miserables is of course, a genius musical. I plan to see it again someday and hopefully have a better experience. Not sure I'll return to this Orpheum if this is how...

I love going here to watch a performance or show. We try to sit up in the box seats. The floor & most other seats are too close together. Especially with the side seats above in the loge, I believe, it's like they crammed as many as possible per row. Not even enough room for a person to get up without the whole row getting out to let the person out. Frustrating. The actual box seats were wonderful. Only 4-5 seats per row. They were larger, more comfortable seats & were spaced further apart. Now the view in those precious seats is partially obstructed by props at the stage sides. If they'd move those precious seats back, even a section or two, it would be great. Sadly, the main floor seats are too close to one another & the rows are long. The theater is beautiful & brings so many concerts & Broadway shows each season. It has been a part of Omaha for as long as I can remember. It is always a special nite when we go to the Orpheum. The orchestra is wonderful. Masks are "suggested" unless required by the artist or troupe at the time. When you get your tickets online, through Ticket Omaha, they give you instructions regarding bag checks, masks, parking etc. It is so much easier to get your tickets at Ticket Omaha. The box office is only open like 30-60 minutes before a performance & no one is there unless there is a performance. You get your tickets & instructions sent to your phone 48 hours before your performance is scheduled....