Musical Theater writers Johnny Rodgers and Sue (Fabisch) Errico set their
sights on the historical, inspiring story of the North Platte Canteen with a large, full-scale, professional
musical. The authors, who have successes around the world, first heard about it at Errico’s daughter’s
college visit. “We were visiting Freed-Hardman University in Tennessee when the president of the school
gave his sermon about the canteen. I had never heard of it before, so I put a reminder in my phone to
research it more when I returned home”, Errico said. And research it she did. After reading every book,
article and internet post, Errico says she was “flabbergasted” by this rich and heartwarming story. She
called her co-writer Johnny Rodgers to suggest that they work on this together.
“Everything’s already there and we’re just ‘musical paleontologists’ dusting it off for the world to see”,
says Rodgers. The duo is aiming for Broadway, but know that this is (at least) a 3-5 year process. “We just
finished year number two”, says Errico. “But we had to have the first production right here in North
Platte…where it all began.” A local cast & crew of talented performers will bring the show to life in
September and October as the 2024-2025 Season Premiere Production of the North Platte Community
Playhouse. The show is clean, wholesome, patriotic and appropriate for all ages. Exactly what the world
needs right now.
Tickets are on sale now at https://northplattecommunityplayhouse.com/ or at the Fox Theater, 301 E 5th
St, North Platte, NE 69101, (308) 532-8559.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In 1941, when 26-year-old Rae Wilson heard that her brother’s troop train would be making a stop in their
hometown of North Platte, Nebraska, she organized a group of ladies to welcome the boys with food and gifts
for their long journey off to war. But a different train without her brother arrived instead, and Rae’s decision
to welcome these young men and women transformed her generosity into a four-and-a-half year
phenomenon. A two-act musical full of love, perseverance, and even a popcorn ball.
Meet the authors (see below)
SUE FABISCH (ERRICO) is the author (book, music, lyrics) of Motherhood the Musical, which has
played across the US and around the world in Peru, Portugal, Scotland, Toronto, New Zealand, Czech
Republic, Argentina, Hungary and Australia. Next up for “Motherhood…” are shows in Spain, Mexico,
Brazil, and more!
An award-winning songwriter for other artists, Sue’s songs have reached the #1 spot on Radio Disney and
her own album hit the Top 10 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Comedy Chart. Formerly from New Jersey, Sue
has three kids and lives in Nashville, TN. www.MommyMusic.com and www.MotherhoodtheMusical.com
JOHNNY RODGERS is an internationally celebrated singer-songwriter, pianist, Broadway veteran, and
recording artist. As an Ambassador of American Music, Johnny tours for the State Department to places
such as the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Johnny has toured Russia
and performed with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.
Rodgers doubled as Music Director and piano man for Liza Minnelli performances/tours and starred in
and wrote the song “I Would Never Leave You” for Liza’s Tony Award®-winning Liza’s At The Palace,
which was filmed and released by PBS television. Johnny has earned New York’s Nightlife, Bistro and MAC
awards for his performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Oak Room at the
Algonquin Hotel, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, and other premiere clubs. His songwriting has been
recognized with Billboard and ASCAP Foundation awards
