Some may remember forward-thinking VP of Human Capital and Inclusion Gennean Scott Gray from her previous tenure at Omaha Performing Arts. She has returned to take on a new role: Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. Gennean has served as the national Chief Inclusion Officer at Meow Wolf in New York and the first Chief Diversity Officer for The Broadway League in New York. Learn more about her and her hopes for the future of Omaha Performing Arts in this Q&A!
1. What are your top 3 favorite Broadway shows of all time?
Oh wow, just three? That’s hard! Honestly, I love so many Broadway shows for totally different reasons. Some make me stop and really think, while others have me laughing out loud the entire time. I know that sounds like I’m avoiding the question, but it’s the truth. I wouldn’t even know where to start narrowing it down.
What I can say is that I’ve seen every show in our current season on Broadway, and they’re all incredible. The Outsiders has some of the most powerful choreography I’ve seen, & Juliet is so smart and creative, Shucked’s Independently Owned, SHOWSTOPPER, and the revival of The Wiz, I mean it’s THE WIZ! A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical “Sweet Caroline, bomp bomp … So Good, So Good,” and don’t even get me started on The Notebook — bring tissues! I could go on: Wicked, SIX, Mamma Mia!, Mrs. Doubtfire, This season is truly one of the best we’ve ever had.
2. Who is your dream artist/performer to play the Holland, Orpheum, or Steelhouse Omaha?
My dream artist would have to be Prince, RIP. There’s just no one like him. I also would have loved to see the late Gregory Hines take the stage; his talent and presence were unmatched. Leslie Uggams is definitely on that list too. I actually had the incredible honor of meeting and recognizing her during Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth, which made that dream moment even more special. (I have a photo 😊)
3. What did you miss most about Omaha while working in New York?
What I missed most about Omaha was the personal touch; you really feel the impact you can have on the local level. Omaha has such a philanthropic, hands-on community that genuinely supports O-pa and the arts. It’s a place where people show up for each other, and there’s this strong “get er done” mentality. Folks don’t just ask what needs to be done; they ask, “How can I help?” That kind of energy is really special and rare.
4. What are you most excited to accomplish in your new role?
I am excited to be the bridge between vision and execution, ensuring that departments are rowing in the same direction, culture and strategy align, and O-pa moves forward with clarity, equity, and impact.
5. What would you tell the community to look forward to this year and beyond from Omaha Performing Arts?
I’d tell the community to look forward to the bold, innovative ways O-pa plans to engage, starting with the opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which will expand new possibilities for learning, connection, and creativity. Beyond the building itself, we’re expanding how we partner with community and patrons. It is important that O-pa shows up, more present, more immersive, and more reflective. It’s not just about what happens on our stages, but how we create space and connection through the arts.
