Stage Write

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is on stage now at Indianapolis Civic Theatre. The show, a creation of Broadway icons Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, is a mutt of various productions. It combines everything from country-western to calypso musical stylings. The show is a recreation of the Biblical tale of Joseph and his 11 brothers. Joseph is the apple of his father's eye and his brothers are jealous. Their anger sends him on a one-way trip to Egypt, where he is sold into slavery. The show may have its basis in a Biblical story, but God has no part in the production. Instead, the musical turns the tale into an upbeat, jovial romp. With an Elvis-impersonating Pharaoh of Egypt and a singing camel, it relies heavily on its jokes and gags. Joseph Robert Doyel makes a great Joseph. In an over-the-top musical, he underplays most scenes, bringing a quiet humor to the show with his expressions. His vocals had a soothing quality and provided a glimpse at his obviou...

The bestselling book "Tuesdays with Morrie" has been adapted for the stage and the Indiana Repertory Theatre is currently presenting it on its upperstage. The story revolves around Mitch Albom, a successful journalist who has become caught up in all of life's trappings. Success, money and fame have become priorities and he has lost touch with the simple things he used to love. One day he hears his old college professor Morrie Schwartz is dying. His whirlwind life freezes and he realizes he should visit his ailing friend. The show is based on Mitch Albom's real life experience. His conversations with Morrie force him to focus on what is truly important in life; community, love, family, joy, beauty and even death. He is searching for the meaning of life, or rather how to find meaning in life. With death creeping nearer Morrie's thoughts and emotions are raw. His beliefs become clearer and his drive to make sure Mitch finds happiness becomes urgent. Even in the depth...

Broadway Across America's newest production "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is based on the 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine. The show is onstage at Clowes Memorial Hall and unlike the film, it's a musical. The basic plot remains the same, but big Broadway numbers have been woven into each scene. Two con men meet, one an elegant gentleman who woos women and eventually takes their money. The other is a crass, vulgar cretin with seemingly no morals or restraint. Circumstances throw the two together they find they make the perfect team. With their very individual skill sets they can dupe wealthy women into forfeiting their riches. At first the classy gent, Lawrence, tries to train the other, Freddy, to be at least presentable. It's like a topsy turvy, and much more depraved, version of "My Fair Lady." Shortly after the partnership begins they fall out and turn against each other. They decide that instead of working together, they will make a bet...

The show begins with a warning, "If you're looking for 'A Christmas Carol,' this isn't it." They aren't kidding. "A Very Phoenix Xmas" is on stage now at the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. The comedy show is presented annually, but with new sketches every year, written by Phoenix playwrights and submitted by audience members. Taking snatches from Christmas tales and holiday movies the writers have melding these elements together to make a completely original creation. Featuring skits about the island of recalled toys and the tragedy of a broken Christmas cookie the show is both entertaining and a little strange. Any Christmas show that includes a song called "Don't Eat the Baby" definitely falls into the "out of the ordinary" category. Everything from local fast food eateries to 'The Wizard of Oz' is fair game at the Phoenix. The six person cast does a great job bringing each story to life. Michael Shelton and Sa...