Stage Write

One of my favorite annual Indy traditions is back this weekend! The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company (formerly Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre) is presenting As You Like It at White River State Park tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday. The show start at 8 pm, but the pre-show festivities begin at 6 pm.  Every year the productions are incredible and so much fun. Professional actors take the stage for only three days during this FREE event. There will be food trucks and Sun King Brewery will be serving a special "As You Like It" beer. Don't miss it! Visit their website here for more info. Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Shakespeare Company 

There's something unique happening in Fountain Square right now. In Grove Haus, an old church being used as a performance space, EclecticPond is presenting an original piece, written, composed, and directed by Indiana's own Paige Scott. Viewers of this new interpretation of the classic novel Jane Eyre will fall into two categories. The first will be avid fans of the novel who can't wait to see it come to life on the stage. The second will be people who don't know the story at all or vaguely remember the details from a high school literature class. The great news is that the production is accessible to both groups. Personally, I fall into the first group, a huge fan of the book who was both nervous and excited to see Scott's creation. I left the show feeling completely enchanted.  The beautiful production of Brontë's work brings emotional nuance to pivotal scenes. The cast of seven never leaves the stage, an except for the main two leads, each person plays a...

The infamous "Man in Black" certainly has the legions of fans that merit a musical about his life, but you don't have to be a big Johnny Cash fan to love Ring of Fire. The show, onstage now at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, walks audiences through his life song by song; starting with his childhood in Arkansas all the way through the Grand Ole Opry days and then his struggle with substance abuse. The success of the show lies completely in the talent of the cast. While other productions can depend on flashy sets or costumes (though there are no lack of costume changes in this one), Ring of Fire is purely about the music. Each cast member must be able to carry their weight when it comes to singing and playing a wide range of instruments. This cast does not disappoint, with eight strong, though very different, versions of Johnny Cash taking the stage. Each one brings a unique tone and style to the performance. Featuring Allison Kelly, Tim Drake, Melody Allegra Berger,...

  From the moment Matt Anderson takes the stage, his seething and scheming Richard III demands your full attention. It's a role that would be easy to over act, but instead Anderson's portrayal is raw and visceral. He has frequently popped up in supporting roles over the years, but this play gives him a chance to stretch his wings and show what he can do. He is mesmerizing as the simpering villain. Under Glenn Dobbs’ direction, some of the simplest moments are the most powerful. There's a scene where the two ill-fated nephews grasp hands, and that simple gesture conveys so much emotion.   The set is simple, consisting of only a few chairs or benches. The audience surrounds the stage on three sides and the cast makes the most of the intimate space.   Christina Howard’s plays both Lady Anne and Lord Grey, but it’s her performance as the grieving widow that is particularly powerful. She and Allison Clark Reddick (playing Queen Elizabeth) are both beautiful studies o...