1st Cast + Executive Director

There’s a special kind of magic that fills the Omaha Community Playhouse each holiday season, a warmth that glows brighter than the stage lights and lingers long after the curtain falls on A Christmas Carol. That magic lives in the people who bring the story to life, and one of those people is Executive Director Rebecca “Becky” Noble.

Becky’s connection to A Christmas Carol reaches all the way back to its very beginning. In 1976, while rehearsing for the Playhouse’s fall production of Shenandoah, Charles Jones approached her with an idea. He was adapting a “little play” for Christmas and thought she’d be perfect for the role of Mrs. Fezziwig. Becky said yes immediately, unaware that this “little play” would become one of Omaha’s most cherished traditions.

In the first production, she played Mrs. Fezziwig and Millie, delighting audiences with her warmth and charm. In 1989, Becky joined the A Christmas Carol tour, following in the footsteps of her mother, Phyllis, who had played Mrs. Fezziwig on tour in 1988 and later on the mainstage from 1989 to 1991. One particularly memorable story from that time captures the dedication and heart both women brought to the Playhouse. On a blustery afternoon during the run, Becky and Phyllis went shopping together. After a stop at Albertson’s, Phyllis slipped on ice in the parking lot and hit her head, but was immensely proud that her bottle of Piesporter wine had survived intact. When she was told she couldn’t perform that evening, Becky received a call from Joanne Cady asking her to step in for her mother. With the help of castmates quietly whispering directions mid-song—“You’re now going to move stage left, over by the counting house”—Becky carried on the Fezziwig legacy, embodying the sense of community and generosity that defines A Christmas Carol.

For Becky, that experience was more than just an early acting opportunity, it was the beginning of a lifelong bond with the Playhouse and its mission. Today, as Executive Director, she leads OCP with that same heart and sense of purpose, guided by compassion, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in community. She understands that what happens behind the scenes and how people are treated is just as important as what happens under the spotlight.

“Theater is a window to our society,” Becky shared in a recent interview with KVNO. “It educates and enlightens. It reminds us of who we are, and who we have the potential to be.”

That philosophy mirrors the timeless message of A Christmas Carol. Like Scrooge’s transformation, Becky’s leadership inspires reflection, generosity, and renewal. These values have kept the Playhouse thriving for a century. Under her guidance, OCP continues to honor its roots while looking boldly toward the future: strengthening community engagement, supporting artists through new initiatives, and expanding accessibility for all audiences.

As A Christmas Carol celebrates its 50th year, Becky’s story comes full circle. The same stage that once welcomed her as Mrs. Fezziwig and Millie now stands as a symbol of her enduring love for the arts and her deep commitment to Omaha’s creative community. Through her leadership, Becky ensures that the heart of the Playhouse, like the spirit of Dickens’ classic, will continue to shine bright for generations to come.