Reaching Beyond the Stars: The Rocket Men Lands Powerfully at Angels Theatre Company

By Amber C. Nore

The Rocket Men, Angels Theatre Company, Thursday March 12, 2026

Some nights at the theatre are simply enjoyable. Others stay with you long after the curtain call. That was certainly the case for me after seeing The Rocket Men, the thought-provoking new play by Crystal Skillman, now being presented by Angels Theatre Company at the Johnny Carson Theater.

As someone who loves theatre both as an audience member and a performer, I always feel grateful when Lincoln gets the chance to experience new work while it’s still fresh and evolving. This production is especially exciting because it represents the final stop of the play’s rolling world premiere after earlier productions in Indianapolis and Atlanta in 2025. There’s something special about knowing our community gets to be part of a play’s early life on stage.

The Rocket Men explores a fascinating and complicated moment in history—the scientists who helped launch America’s space program after World War II, many of whom had previously worked for Nazi Germany. It’s a story about ambition, discovery, and the moral questions that sometimes sit quietly behind great achievements.

One of the most striking choices is that six women portray the scientists whose work eventually helped send Americans to the moon. It’s a bold theatrical device, and it works beautifully. Instead of feeling like a gimmick, it actually deepens the storytelling and invites the audience to engage with the history in a fresh way. 

Two performances in particular stood out to me. Lillian Bornstein gives a thoughtful and deeply human portrayal of Heinz-Hermann Koelle. Her performance captures the curiosity and brilliance of a scientist while also revealing the internal conflict that grows as the story unfolds. She grounds the play emotionally and gives the audience someone to follow as the moral stakes become clearer.

Equally compelling is Sasha Dobson as Wernher von Braun. Dobson brings intensity and charisma to the role, reminding us why von Braun was such a powerful and influential figure in the early days of the American space program. It’s a complex character, and Dobson handles that complexity with confidence and presence.

The rest of the ensemble—Harper Allen, Hannah Tewes, Megan Fangmeyer, Lauren Silverman Durban, and Noelle Dominique Rodriguez—works seamlessly together to bring this story to life. Their ability to shift between roles and moments in time keeps the production moving and gives the show a strong sense of energy.

Behind the scenes, the production team clearly put tremendous care into bringing this story to the stage. Director Jamie Bullins guides the production with a steady hand, allowing the ideas in the script to shine while still creating visually engaging moments. Scenic design by Brenda Davis, lighting design by Michelle Harvey, and costume design by Hannah Hansen all work together to create an atmosphere that feels both historical and immediate. I would also be remiss not to highlight the work of producer Timothy W Scholl, someone who is passionate about bringing thoughtful and challenging productions to our stage. Dr. Scholl is a true champion of the arts.

What affected me most, though, was the ending. Without giving anything away, the final moments of the play landed with a quiet emotional power that really stayed with me. It’s the kind of ending that makes you reflect not just on the story you’ve watched, but on the complicated history behind it.

The Rocket Men is exactly the kind of production that reminds me why live theatre matters. It sparks conversation. It makes us think. And it brings people together to experience something meaningful in real time. Productions like this are a gift to our community, and Lincoln is fortunate to have artists and producers willing to bring bold, thought-provoking work to our stage.

If you go: The Rocket Men plays March 12-22, 2026. Ticket information at https://www.liedcenter.org/event/angels-theatre-companys-rocket-men

Amber C. Nore is a singer/actress/writer who has performed locally with Angels Theatre Company, TADA, Pinewood Bowl and Lincoln Community Playhouse and nationally with Spokane Repertory Theatre and Rogue Players. She is also the founder and curator of Magnolia Art Project. Her favorite roles have been Stage Mom to her daughter, Chloe and adopting her niece, Marsiline. Amber is the Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

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