Like Mother, Like Daughter: The Unbreakable Bonds of Family

July 18th, 2025

Like Mother, Like Daughter: The Unbreakable Bonds of Family

Family is more than just a word. They keep us healthy, they support us in times of turmoil, and they push us to reach higher in moments of triumph. Nowhere is this idea more clearly illustrated than in the supportive relationship between local theatre performer TammyRa’ and her daughter, Nadia Ra’Shaun. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Nadia has become a performer in her own right, appearing in regional theatres across the country and starring in two national Broadway tours.

“I think it was my mom’s love for theatre that made me interested in it. Just seeing her on stage she shines so bright and so I always had something to aspire to,” Nadia shares.

TammyRa’, an established performer in the Omaha area, has starred in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s The Color Purple and has directed their recent production of Dot. Beyond her own career, she remains one of Nadia’s staunchest supporters.

“One thing about my mother is that she will travel for her children no matter where we are,” says Nadia.

TammyRa’s involvement and passion for theatre helped foster Nadia’s own love for the craft from a young age. In November 2021, Nadia set out for New York to perform on the East Coast, eventually starring in the national tours of Hairspray and The Book of Mormon.

“If you have any of your children that follow in your footsteps it’s something that is hard because you want what’s best for them and you know that road could be a little tricky… the best thing you can do is be supportive,” says TammyRa’. “As a mother, you always want your child to be better than you are.”

Like Mother, Like Daughter is not only the culmination of this shared family history but a celebration of it. The event is a one-night-only cabaret show featuring both TammyRa’ and Nadia Ra’Shaun — marking the first time the pair has ever performed together.

“…Shelterbelt approached me about doing a cabaret last fall… and when I reached back out to them, I said I want to do this show, but I don’t want to do it without my mom,” says Nadia.

This performance is both a testament to their mutual support and a shining example of the unbreakable bonds of family.

Like Mother, Like Daughter will take place at the Shelterbelt Theatre on Saturday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m. More information can be found at shelterbelt.org or at Shelterbelt on Instagram and Facebook.