As an independent author, I really appreciate having the freedom and choice in my creative pursuits. I’ve done that in no small part because of the awesome artistic talent in Omaha. It’s been truly humbling to collaborate on projects that have seen my visions stretch far beyond the limits of what I had originally thought was possible. So, it was an easy sell to get me to go to the Funny Bone in Omaha to help celebrate the launch of the new, Omaha-based, adult cartoon series, Bunny and Bear.

The amount of sheer creativity, spontaneity, and love that was present at the Bunny and Bear launch party was palpable and inspiring. From the very start of co-creators Jeff Koterba and Christine Burright being introduced, the humor, connection, and chemistry between the cast were genuine, deep, and wide.

As Jeff and Christine tell it, the unlikely circumstances that led to Bunny and Bear cohabitating were, in fact, inspired by their own story. Jeff was trying to get his friend, turned landlord, to address his concerns about black mold in the basement of the house he was renting from her, but she had become uncharacteristically unresponsive. As it turns out, she had been rather preoccupied with the fact that her sister had murdered her boyfriend in cold blood! In response, Jeff moved in with Christine and the rest is history.

Next invited to the stage was the electric Matt Geiler, who, in concert with Jeff and Christine’s writing and vision, appears to be the creative heart of the operation. When I first saw Matt step up onto the Funny Bone stage, all I could think of was Howard Stern with a heavy wash of SoCal. He has the same height, build, face, and hair, but blonde. He had every ounce of the presence and chemistry of the Shock Jock himself and wore a bright red ‘Venice’ T-shirt.

As the rest of the cast was slowly introduced, the stage filled with the delightfully eclectic troop – each one adding their own sassy or sarcastic layer to the growing chaotic energy. This is an honest-to-goodness ensemble - a cast and crew of all Omaha-based talent. But why?

When Jeff originally had the idea to pitch a more heartfelt adult cartoon – one where everything wasn’t sarcasm and snark – it wasn’t met with the same enthusiasm that I saw at the Funny Bone. The executives at FX said, “But everything else is biting and cynical – yours should be too.” But that wasn’t the heart of Bunny and Bear. That wasn’t the point. It’s supposed to be relatable, thoughtful, and even tender.

So that’s why this group exists. That’s why an Omaha-based operation needs to stand on their own, make their own decisions, and do it on their terms.

The bulk of the Bunny and Bear launch party was a delightful showcase of the cast’s talent - one hilarious improv act after the next. Annalise Anderson – who voices Bunny – was especially talented. Her energy and cooperation through her scenes were crafted and well executed, yet fun, fresh, and light. Ariel Adams, on the other hand, brought pure chaos that was both contagious and commanding.

Then Matt Geiler got back up to do three quick improvised songs. With naught but a title from the audience, he quickly freestyled three completely different genres. His creative abilities are many – and his mastery of his multi-faceted talent makes him a shoo-in for the multiple roles he serves in the show’s creation.

The event concluded with screenings of two episodes of Bunny and Bear, and I feel like it really lived up to the spirit and intent that was pitched at the beginning. Here was an adult-oriented cartoon that is addressing and acknowledging adult challenges – real, raw, relatable problems like having to reconcile the battle for attention and priority between a newer significant other and a longtime friend, or battling the uncertainty of healthy space when it threatens to turn into drifting apart.

Jeff, Christine, Matt, and company have something special. Beyond this show that has drawn them all together (pun intended), their chemistry and dynamic as a team are strong, intuitive, and undeniable. 

To see more about Bunny and Bear, and support the show, visit:

https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/christineburrightmcguigan/bunnybearseasonone

Matt Hebert is an engineer and self-published author. His dopamine-fueled creative pursuits have spanned from chicken keeping, sand sculpture, acting, and public speaking, but writing is nearest and dearest to his heart. He lives in Bellevue with his wife and two daughters. You can find him on Instagram at @jerkofalltradeshebert or email him at matt.hebert.books@gmail.com

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.