tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31612099620504730962024-03-02T09:30:47.513-08:00Stage WriteMidwest theater reviews, everything from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare.Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-56315182156861388032024-01-29T14:09:00.000-08:002024-01-30T10:52:18.940-08:00The Minutes<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7BcMnc2BbCtGgmXK0_RnM4Y2FO3C5mrZJ8ut3RZWEUWuoEmHUcAAGwRiUtXQtp-_m9VjEF-n2HKyMxD3PXFTvubY6ULAOhl9bmB-2vTW6fITFjp56Cl8RGqIh4_-rs7XvS_jrxawCjoCo0zB5vURnWtZoUyR_6kduIh-sjv1o4IT5Fby9EYXCFfPyFs/s1600/min1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7BcMnc2BbCtGgmXK0_RnM4Y2FO3C5mrZJ8ut3RZWEUWuoEmHUcAAGwRiUtXQtp-_m9VjEF-n2HKyMxD3PXFTvubY6ULAOhl9bmB-2vTW6fITFjp56Cl8RGqIh4_-rs7XvS_jrxawCjoCo0zB5vURnWtZoUyR_6kduIh-sjv1o4IT5Fby9EYXCFfPyFs/w640-h400/min1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Welcome to Big Cherry where
the dedicated city council members are ready and waiting to plan the annual
heritage festival. The American Lives Theatre production of Tracy Letts’
one-act play “The Minutes” is on stage now at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0e101a;">The
show has a slow start as the meeting we’re watching is almost too realistic. It
hits close to home if you’ve ever attended small-town meetings with petty
conflicts and private grievances. It took me back to my years as a daily
reporter covering the board of zoning appeals, and town councils. </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSkpvQHuuKeNrl3Wr9Xyt21ENe8A0KPUgP8I0eTN-e1WJR5iolTcUFnBwHXG9HIFqll-0ijHGzcsiAjv8ju1WAmUQ-b_AIFeE3hJCnPjFV1HZ6E5EUfHbpmuVYJjWeJusqz35DEoqiYNxn-Tg8cqb3exzjt3sJ3fS34d1nAOPkUTUARSU7cUAOokx8vk/s1600/min2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSkpvQHuuKeNrl3Wr9Xyt21ENe8A0KPUgP8I0eTN-e1WJR5iolTcUFnBwHXG9HIFqll-0ijHGzcsiAjv8ju1WAmUQ-b_AIFeE3hJCnPjFV1HZ6E5EUfHbpmuVYJjWeJusqz35DEoqiYNxn-Tg8cqb3exzjt3sJ3fS34d1nAOPkUTUARSU7cUAOokx8vk/w640-h508/min2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Robert’s Rules of Order
go out the window when blood begins to boil. When Charles Goad (Mr. Carp)
appears the plot kicks into high gear. His role looms large in the story even
before he arrives. As the catalyst for the action, he’s perfect, both passionate
and sincere. Up until that point, it feels a bit like an awkward waiting game
as Mr. Peel (Josh Ramsey) sits on the sidelines desperate for answers.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ramsey
plays Peel with an earnest, bewildered aire reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart in Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington. Stephen Roger Kitts II is also excellent as the
exasperated mayor and Scot Greenwell adds a layer of simmering disenchantment
as Mr. Hanratty. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2qCfvFsMfgOtksjvCphXZ6hsBleCJkPjCFYsNZBGM1_Bj9XSYQkJbAZiNy_cwUIaHfWfhicsZC98fFQm0UcR9TIiH30e0dag6Qf9cV_zULB2Dt-SlAU0cOSwBw-FEnDMhMYql0-JgDJ3zBoQoWVsuI_RWqTQfnzx-_b7Y2Tr1Zcv6EbWepf-L3geRLY/s1600/min3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2qCfvFsMfgOtksjvCphXZ6hsBleCJkPjCFYsNZBGM1_Bj9XSYQkJbAZiNy_cwUIaHfWfhicsZC98fFQm0UcR9TIiH30e0dag6Qf9cV_zULB2Dt-SlAU0cOSwBw-FEnDMhMYql0-JgDJ3zBoQoWVsuI_RWqTQfnzx-_b7Y2Tr1Zcv6EbWepf-L3geRLY/w640-h426/min3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The stodgy
claustrophobic feel of the first half of the show is intentional and director
Chris Saunders handles it beautifully. We are meant to be just as frustrated
as Mr. Peel at the red tape and wheel spinning of the committee. We are meant
to grow more curious and desperate to understand what happened at the previous
meeting. When the truth is revealed it’s as satisfying as it is horrifying. The
dark comedy is a disturbingly accurate representation of our country right now. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don't Miss the Show</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">or more information about American Lives Theatre, visit
americanlivestheatre.org. For tickets visit: phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Performances</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">: The show runs until May 28th at the Phoenix
Theatre, 705 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Photos Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></span></span></i></span></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-17397779048732199262024-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:002024-01-24T09:31:07.869-08:00To Kill a Mockingbird<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-3V0nPKJwhmIo1x78XC0fM6-IgSUoqS3Gdi9sZcjbyHHEUhddlEeD5oWmR2rnopDbD0nPKOTKvIKLK6RV0vzII-RnHxJ_VXLTKhPd-rfx-DNrpwryjNfRsmHOZ1uH_188gPIV9XKb_3pD2_Nvi0IRx8z_XLvhWfGP2vRjpvoq-59CT2_LIsdXpOTpR4/s7997/f%20Courtroom%20Scene%20A%20new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5332" data-original-width="7997" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-3V0nPKJwhmIo1x78XC0fM6-IgSUoqS3Gdi9sZcjbyHHEUhddlEeD5oWmR2rnopDbD0nPKOTKvIKLK6RV0vzII-RnHxJ_VXLTKhPd-rfx-DNrpwryjNfRsmHOZ1uH_188gPIV9XKb_3pD2_Nvi0IRx8z_XLvhWfGP2vRjpvoq-59CT2_LIsdXpOTpR4/w640-h426/f%20Courtroom%20Scene%20A%20new.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more than 60 years, the tale of Atticus and
Scout has captivated the world. As a novel, a film, and then as a play,
audiences have loved the complex story of a father trying to do what’s right as
his raises his young children. This Broadway Across America production features
Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the book. <br />
<br />
Sorkin chooses to begin with the end in his script, which works perfectly
because so many people already know the story. There’s no worry about spoiling
the ending. It’s a verbose production, though I would expect nothing less from
him.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwG8A4QcyKgIOZl9o3jPODKRimZe0oG9ZuuOlF52nJI273Q4xUgxFQgit_0nqW_Kr2nj0oU9pv1fZtBrR6mF80N0yimhKTGNT18wq1to45gPf1IcoRf8J-hXbbz-brqZ0vTvfhm-nBlBWMKu7Jb_lq6aa_K79yAAxXuyYLFziqT_JU4y5N0QiCgJ5IBk/s6720/n%20Mrs%20Henry%20Dubose%20B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwG8A4QcyKgIOZl9o3jPODKRimZe0oG9ZuuOlF52nJI273Q4xUgxFQgit_0nqW_Kr2nj0oU9pv1fZtBrR6mF80N0yimhKTGNT18wq1to45gPf1IcoRf8J-hXbbz-brqZ0vTvfhm-nBlBWMKu7Jb_lq6aa_K79yAAxXuyYLFziqT_JU4y5N0QiCgJ5IBk/w426-h640/n%20Mrs%20Henry%20Dubose%20B.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this adaptation there’s much more emphasis on
the trial than the coming-of-age story. There are more conversations between
Atticus and the other adults, Tom, Cal, the judge, and Bob Ewell. In the novel,
it’s Scout story, and we see the plot unfold through her eyes. This iteration
of the play is much more focused on Atticus. It’s like seeing a behind the
scenes glimpse into the original Mockingbird. The story is the same but you’re
seeing it through different eyes. Richard Thomas handles the revered role
wonderfully. His Atticus is a bit more jovial, but just as sincere. <br />
<br />
Dill, Jem, and Scout act as our guides and narrators throughout the show. Each
of the kids has their moment, though it’s harder to buy into their youth when
they stand eye to eye with their father. The set quickly shifts back-and-forth
between a courtroom and a southern front porch with ease.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-LJiLsEzp9kmzlSjs1XPyS_xkXX2wfsU_luKLO4SVt9ml6SglVkW4OQ08UOM0_6UTWjf1_G1zTww9tbDqLRgWiwDWhgIxc3qXvOsaVinwtiuo5h_Er4PPQ1svXmOubqjExs9QB02usb9lWgaE8yO4k6n8s1EMcBXwfOrBLE_PxqE5O0gLpPkJwIAsFo/s5501/g%20Scout%20and%20Atticus%20on%20Porch%20smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3660" data-original-width="5501" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-LJiLsEzp9kmzlSjs1XPyS_xkXX2wfsU_luKLO4SVt9ml6SglVkW4OQ08UOM0_6UTWjf1_G1zTww9tbDqLRgWiwDWhgIxc3qXvOsaVinwtiuo5h_Er4PPQ1svXmOubqjExs9QB02usb9lWgaE8yO4k6n8s1EMcBXwfOrBLE_PxqE5O0gLpPkJwIAsFo/w640-h426/g%20Scout%20and%20Atticus%20on%20Porch%20smile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can go to the show to see Thomas play
Atticus, or Mary Badham (who played the original Scout in the film) as Mrs.
Dubose, but the real reason you should go is to see a powerful night of
theatre. It’s one of the best Broadway Across America productions I’ve seen in
recent years.<br />
<br /><b>
Don't Miss the Show<br /></b>
The show runs until Sunday, Jan. 28th at Clowes Memorial Hall so hurry to get
tickets. They can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, The Murat Theatre,
by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at <a href="http://indianapolis.broadway.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">indianapolis.broadway.com</span></a>. Shows begin at 7:30
p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30
p.m. Sunday. The show duration is: 2 hrs and 55 mins with an intermission.
One extra tip, the Butler University parking garage next to Clowes becomes incredibly
congested before the show. Get there early to avoid the rush. This show is
recommended for ages 12 and up. Trigger warning for language used in the play.<br />
<br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
Photos courtesy of Broadway Across America</span></i></span></span><p></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-18373695798578082972023-12-19T06:37:00.000-08:002023-12-19T06:37:16.178-08:00Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_QeicrXccpsvvPFzKeE5Hpoap06VEq0IDozV0FcRgVM_JcCFF8dmB8A2vXZq3I88wRsjld6Gxi8QthneshEmJD1BUuhPkOa3DZ9eVSBMPDY-jn-h7ZeOMKIetRDSiRbD657rrNnoCbuQXB8-Sixu9Sasa1NnZKbdVKRUVkm3sJ9G6EPfKkCl1idbORQ/s1600/Matilda1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_QeicrXccpsvvPFzKeE5Hpoap06VEq0IDozV0FcRgVM_JcCFF8dmB8A2vXZq3I88wRsjld6Gxi8QthneshEmJD1BUuhPkOa3DZ9eVSBMPDY-jn-h7ZeOMKIetRDSiRbD657rrNnoCbuQXB8-Sixu9Sasa1NnZKbdVKRUVkm3sJ9G6EPfKkCl1idbORQ/w640-h432/Matilda1.webp" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Roald Dahl is famous for writing beloved, if unconventional, characters. From Willy Wonka to the BFG, his creations have captivated hearts for decades. Readers connected with them so deeply because Dahl understood that life often didn’t go as planned. You might not have kind parents or enough money, but there is still magic in the world. The musical version of his novel Matilda stays true to that spirit. It’s not a children’s story with a tiny hiccup, the stakes are high. Cruel adults are controlling Matilda’s world and that tiny little bookworm is the only one who can fix it.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Constellation Stage & Screen is producing the show in Bloomington at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The century-old icon is a gorgeous place to see any show. There is an orchestra in the front portion of the stage. The live music is excellent, but it’s hard to hear some of the lyrics during larger numbers. Voices are sometimes drowned out by the score.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNE2liM27R44jCRFVXw3cwlqfEyPzQWuPl3JVuXYpqIDORuQ-JHuLlDB5KMN8l10CVp-o0ZdOxJGbNR3UKwNWl6Ah2Y84pcVjZN7cg_5PX6diMNNOFRvDccpX3F561gwpiyFysQde42azEI8mhEg5BG_Uv5F9rZl4A7QlWrkMYc1XdnyTWQQmnSYQP_A/s1600/Matilda2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNE2liM27R44jCRFVXw3cwlqfEyPzQWuPl3JVuXYpqIDORuQ-JHuLlDB5KMN8l10CVp-o0ZdOxJGbNR3UKwNWl6Ah2Y84pcVjZN7cg_5PX6diMNNOFRvDccpX3F561gwpiyFysQde42azEI8mhEg5BG_Uv5F9rZl4A7QlWrkMYc1XdnyTWQQmnSYQP_A/w640-h426/Matilda2.webp" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">The huge cast brings great energy to the production. Kate Galvin’s direction makes the big choreographed number fun but doesn’t neglect the quiet scenes where we get to know the meat of the story. Miss Trunchbull is perfectly cast. Amy Jo Jackson towers over the children with a menacing glare. She is deliciously evil as the headmistress and Emily Davis is the ying to her yang as the timid and loving Miss Honey.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">The creative set design by Britton Mauk works wonderfully. A rolling bed turns into a library desk. Beautiful bookshelves become the gates of the school. It transitions seamlessly, keeping the focus firmly on the plot. Matilda is quirky and precocious. It’s not a light story and the title character needs some gravitas and maturity. Noey Kroethe played the role during the production I saw and she wore that mantle well on her serious face.</span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt52UmuqLWufYqC8GcsjoYVQ6Jl1Z48uGAFw5s_Dl80B2rcYR8KBfEk07DWXuKAzhxKjqjiVgo85S2YZV_mxlkVVaboVmGCF7OurNratvCvnTUUGGMP5Y9AWNWCa2Lp1QXzwpOtZU5TvRttWUogistYOiVETuZwI6ByDG-q38cubBcFrcn2TLKdiBguE/s1600/Matilda3.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt52UmuqLWufYqC8GcsjoYVQ6Jl1Z48uGAFw5s_Dl80B2rcYR8KBfEk07DWXuKAzhxKjqjiVgo85S2YZV_mxlkVVaboVmGCF7OurNratvCvnTUUGGMP5Y9AWNWCa2Lp1QXzwpOtZU5TvRttWUogistYOiVETuZwI6ByDG-q38cubBcFrcn2TLKdiBguE/w640-h418/Matilda3.webp" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Matilda is an entertaining show, but the message at its heart is the transformative power of finding love and connection. And that's just about perfect for the holiday season. </span></span><br /><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show<br /></b>Performances: Constellation Stage & Screen's production of Matilda runs until Dec. 31st at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater (144 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington,. Ind.) To purchase tickets call (812-336-9300) between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. or visit: </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">seeconstellation.org/events/</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of Constellation Stage & Screen</span></i></span><br /></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-62059733524023218282023-12-06T08:12:00.000-08:002023-12-06T08:12:48.378-08:00A Christmas Carol<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuUhq-zxdoNQ46BQZwbiEwAPKgVFAzvt4aDGOTv8G7I1oi3TJlS2PrqesxWBQ6mGpk1st-pvtr-0Jag8-UFETgaS8_2kbGUU6nFT0QNsx8CS9jVQ4zdZ44aAEgYzC83LSlkXXHr5tW-sBSP_Gso0g5ZYpifD1d0F6LHQxkbeqEDmWm-rrAV-ft_obbDs/s4000/Carol2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuUhq-zxdoNQ46BQZwbiEwAPKgVFAzvt4aDGOTv8G7I1oi3TJlS2PrqesxWBQ6mGpk1st-pvtr-0Jag8-UFETgaS8_2kbGUU6nFT0QNsx8CS9jVQ4zdZ44aAEgYzC83LSlkXXHr5tW-sBSP_Gso0g5ZYpifD1d0F6LHQxkbeqEDmWm-rrAV-ft_obbDs/w640-h426/Carol2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Christmas Carol is back
at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This holiday tradition is an audience
favorite for a reason. New this year, Priscilla Lindsay directs and brings so
much humor into the show with playful moments between the cast members. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The set and plot are
familiar but there are always unique elements. It feels like a well-oiled
machine (in a good way) with a quick pace, smooth changes between the scenes,
and a cast that’s wonderfully in synch. The chorus of actors narrating the
story in Dickens’ own words works so well. I loved seeing the addition of a
shadow show that helps flesh out Scrooge’s childhood scenes and adds joy to a
sometimes bleak moment. Ryan Artzberger plays Bob Cratchit and his sweet
interactions with Tiny Tim add a tender layer to the show and make the child’s
fate all the more poignant.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fyuQWk9mxleFipPNdikvQFU54B9LHKKQZF1eKq42cZvZRRbdhZwRjbyx4jwSTHjE6VVOfMZXzJf33LXy0fmZXB5ghViiggti9iGCXlg04N2254m7AsC5r3axCVY4tvGPSLLJvJJmZ7LpMYseiTXDokTNuiIL4gMKhYiZesOXMcyTbm_F-IXNWHcwLCU/s4000/Carol1.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fyuQWk9mxleFipPNdikvQFU54B9LHKKQZF1eKq42cZvZRRbdhZwRjbyx4jwSTHjE6VVOfMZXzJf33LXy0fmZXB5ghViiggti9iGCXlg04N2254m7AsC5r3axCVY4tvGPSLLJvJJmZ7LpMYseiTXDokTNuiIL4gMKhYiZesOXMcyTbm_F-IXNWHcwLCU/w640-h426/Carol1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The costumes are
absolutely lovely and including mannequins on the stage for quick coat changes
worked well. I loved the displays on the second floor of the lobby which allow
patrons to touch materials used and see how certain set pieces were created. It
makes it such a fun immersive experience, especially for kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each section of the play,
past present, and future have a different atmosphere. Whether it’s nostalgia,
embarrassment, regret, dread, or hope, the shift in tone is handled so well.
Rob Johansen’s transformation as Scrooge is night and day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1c;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The production is
recommended for fourth graders and older. I took a second grader who had lots
of questions but loved it. The ghost of Christmas future is perfectly creepy,
but not nearly as scary as some years.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxHr3APbzQNgL5eO6tnZCmUL4cOeIhA1KQWa9SQPvirHvvmUL3z6DQDSsIDQVSSahQTPUsu8IkzHQsgZI9Vxt5KR5fVhnOOYuNem2IGTiLbNPP_y8VopN_9KOxxixXTFIXYjrbjxbDezoeXCjO2So1dHIeTIt-qVM-pTWf85K6mOwZGzr6lpPr1dBNxQ/s4000/Carol3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxHr3APbzQNgL5eO6tnZCmUL4cOeIhA1KQWa9SQPvirHvvmUL3z6DQDSsIDQVSSahQTPUsu8IkzHQsgZI9Vxt5KR5fVhnOOYuNem2IGTiLbNPP_y8VopN_9KOxxixXTFIXYjrbjxbDezoeXCjO2So1dHIeTIt-qVM-pTWf85K6mOwZGzr6lpPr1dBNxQ/w640-h426/Carol3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;">A
Christmas Carol is not a saccharine story. It’s a tale of the darkness we can
so easily slip into when our priorities lose their focus and we value things
over people, losing our eternal perspective. The message that we are shaped
both by our circumstances and more importantly, by the choices we make in
reaction to them, is a timeless one. Because of that, the story feels fresh
each year.</span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #1a1a1c;"><br /></span></p></span></span></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. "A Christmas Carol" runs until Sunday, Dec. 24 on IRT's Main Stage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre</i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span><p><br /></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-28125385395665878972023-11-17T13:35:00.000-08:002023-11-17T13:35:59.748-08:00Frozen <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELViy9DczRyAar6opr6AeyTHQVpCL37xLszozegyMe02VuMlDbuUh2fpT_dgmWWJu5fxVRoclPe2KFEo0gaLuCMYmCsNOZdyQLpj9ayoZrd06JIrJfbHsm8y_sFwDgFjc675Jyim0klYZcJRFv0Qp1sOVORNV_vllPnV94URDxnDgXvL4WmmJTl1x6nI/s1024/Frozen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELViy9DczRyAar6opr6AeyTHQVpCL37xLszozegyMe02VuMlDbuUh2fpT_dgmWWJu5fxVRoclPe2KFEo0gaLuCMYmCsNOZdyQLpj9ayoZrd06JIrJfbHsm8y_sFwDgFjc675Jyim0klYZcJRFv0Qp1sOVORNV_vllPnV94URDxnDgXvL4WmmJTl1x6nI/w640-h480/Frozen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">The mega-hit musical Frozen is on stage now at the Old National Centre. I can’t think of many shows that would be a better fit for a child’s first Broadway experience. These characters are so beloved and watching the show was like leaning into one of Olaf’s warm hugs.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">From the magical costume change in “Let It Go” to the ice bridges and castle sets, the musical brings the movie to life in a way that expands the story. There are added scenes with the parents and other major characters that allow for more time to explore their connection, which felt rushed in the original story.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">There are obvious changes that must be made when translating a movie like this to the stage. Two of the main characters are a reindeer and a snowman. I loved the way the ensemble was used to enhance the shipwreck and snowstorm. Their fluid moments were more beautiful than any light elements to demonstrate snow and ice.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwERyrDb5EUN2qnPcv9njCIwjk-nRxaCNzSh7cjAmnzo6XNYHTTsUFx4IpBA7oajoZRHn3hYaBC3qRkIdiKgmqFsGxmidggLC73ErIIX7y9jwHF-XfLkIcegW2PN2yFn-lXEWemxlcMfgpLrSVuI2jaUWRQjQNnyGQJ12bn1RO7oMBQPi50RKoWtw4Rc/s1024/Frozen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwERyrDb5EUN2qnPcv9njCIwjk-nRxaCNzSh7cjAmnzo6XNYHTTsUFx4IpBA7oajoZRHn3hYaBC3qRkIdiKgmqFsGxmidggLC73ErIIX7y9jwHF-XfLkIcegW2PN2yFn-lXEWemxlcMfgpLrSVuI2jaUWRQjQNnyGQJ12bn1RO7oMBQPi50RKoWtw4Rc/w640-h480/Frozen2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anna, played by Lauren Nicole Chapman, leaned more into the comedy side of the character. She hammed it up in her scenes. It was as if Kate McKinnon made a stop in Arendelle. Caroline Bowman was incredible as the lonely and powerful Elsa. She obviously had the vocal skills, but she also brought a vulnerability to the role which was particularly touching in her scenes with Chapman.</span></span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">The show is obviously geared towards families, but no expense was spared in the production. The costumes, sets, and elaborate elements are absolutely up to par with what you would expect from a Broadway show. Puppetry is used to bring Sven and Olaf to life and it works well. Jeremy Davis nails the role of the endearingly cheerful snowman.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">There are moments that feel too long like dance sequences in “Fixer Upper” and “Love Is an Open Door”. A particularly unnecessary section of “Hygge” comes to mind as well. With a few cuts, the show would clip along at a better pace, but those moments didn’t hinder things too much.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18pymxaSwBNOnxnnhI_NGue-zAxhk1LqD3GVMBqnzDlsLrStQq7AB6Vi9Hj-tWGs4lfNBOzXhP2SMmp8HvXEJWT7pwKkc6PxU59r1CXSufUynah_Tx2wrV2b5gIO7lhvZ_DuASe8Bjo3E8V3YwAQxR1pGDDoqRydv-zCgRBOFpIb70-2nlY_h5xtYOTc/s2048/Frozen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18pymxaSwBNOnxnnhI_NGue-zAxhk1LqD3GVMBqnzDlsLrStQq7AB6Vi9Hj-tWGs4lfNBOzXhP2SMmp8HvXEJWT7pwKkc6PxU59r1CXSufUynah_Tx2wrV2b5gIO7lhvZ_DuASe8Bjo3E8V3YwAQxR1pGDDoqRydv-zCgRBOFpIb70-2nlY_h5xtYOTc/w640-h360/Frozen3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The production I attended also happened to be celebrating the 2 millionth guest of the North American touring production. There were extra elements to celebrate that milestone which added to the magic. I can’t recommend this enough for families with kids, especially ones who have grown up with these princesses. It’s hard to explain just how magical an experience like this is for a young child.<br /><br /><b>Don't Miss the Show<br /></b>Unlike most Broadway Across America shows, which run for only six days, "Frozen" will be in town until Sunday, Nov. 26th. But tickets are going fast for the popular show, so don't miss your chance to see it. The show is at the Old National Centre (Murat Theatre). Tickets can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, the Old National Centre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.</span></p></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-37978458060493336292023-09-24T08:54:00.002-07:002023-09-24T08:54:05.735-07:00Mary Shelley's Frankenstein<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPl0EaejIQDFBDeDvW1NkMSIh6Knr8MrDc62Ur2sQZZup8XKwfqvaUgFOcEE-w312l_QdERFoIEE3wdSB9cWQhuiivokbEe9aZOxBIMC-EB6KhoR_34ZOKyOmdeMQFs3oNq2pk0fsDwT-pHtI7_6YOKwajyTyQ4Llpeb93zlTM4Qhzzyz1vs9Qbjg9xk/s5477/Frank1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPl0EaejIQDFBDeDvW1NkMSIh6Knr8MrDc62Ur2sQZZup8XKwfqvaUgFOcEE-w312l_QdERFoIEE3wdSB9cWQhuiivokbEe9aZOxBIMC-EB6KhoR_34ZOKyOmdeMQFs3oNq2pk0fsDwT-pHtI7_6YOKwajyTyQ4Llpeb93zlTM4Qhzzyz1vs9Qbjg9xk/w640-h426/Frank1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Do you think you know the story of Frankenstein? Do you picture a green-skinned creature with bolts in his neck? The true story is less about the monster than it is about its creator and this adaptation looks closely at the writer behind the story. It's a tale of man's hubris and catastrophic guilt and how very human those things are.</span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">In this Indiana Repertory Theatre production,</span><span class="sewn6b5uhdxnzub" style="color: #222222;"></span><span class="sewn6b5uhdxnzub" style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222;"> a cast of five makes up a group of young artists sharing their invented gothic tales on a stormy night. They then double as the characters in the story as it unfolds. They work well together, slipping easily between their respective roles. Mary Shelley, the writer who poured her own grief into the tragedy of Frankenstein is played beautifully by Rebecca Marie Hurd. Telling the story from her point of view turns it into a powerful mirror of her pain and brilliance.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-eD1hMcBdWAgK3olCboMQngDru9O7fXbn75YsJJxl12jyT2sVwH_cOyXhhLzB87__jb84KaJskoqlU5cMh3WlCD-G1dTqjGXirDk0itwGXC5ZuvqZnxfv-aRP0VWpvRWsZ9vqwcwtZsc2S-5_WHHcSWGd6lhJRO7Z_L_nGAbXFtq4_u3KgJx8EmPEq8/s5477/Frank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-eD1hMcBdWAgK3olCboMQngDru9O7fXbn75YsJJxl12jyT2sVwH_cOyXhhLzB87__jb84KaJskoqlU5cMh3WlCD-G1dTqjGXirDk0itwGXC5ZuvqZnxfv-aRP0VWpvRWsZ9vqwcwtZsc2S-5_WHHcSWGd6lhJRO7Z_L_nGAbXFtq4_u3KgJx8EmPEq8/w640-h426/Frank2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Hurd is the heart of the story even when not on stage. It's her struggle to search for "life in the living and not in the dead" that's so poignantly captured by the quest of Dr. Frankenstein (Ty Fanning). Andrea San Miguel is a rockstar, tackling her deeply varied roles with playful humor in one moment and gravitas in the next. Nate Santana's Lord Byron provides moments of levity with his lascivious teasing. Terry Bell rounds things out as the loyalest of friends.</span></span></span><p></p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The set is a revelation in light and sound thanks to Melanie Chen Cole (music and sound design) and Michael Klaers (lighting designer). The play uses projection, designed by Miko Simmons, to a beautiful effect, enhancing rather than distracting from the story. Backdrops become the Swiss Alps, a creaking ship, a laboratory, an arctic expedition, a graveyard, and a lightning storm, all adding to the atmosphere. The projection also allows for quick transitions between scenes, avoiding clunky set changes and keeping the plot moving forward at a steady pace. It doesn't hinder the heartfelt conversations between characters, and the production finds a good balance between big dramatic scenes and capturing the true depth of emotion in connections.</span></span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzqMkYOG9qguOcK4MSHE_YvK9B7j6uZqq4tHbzdyZErtSjkAKsKAqx-xIcNTiLFnfZyvssCemMQ03R8PIY9FNViYLFgclAAgkK76jLgeziD0KIBqhPE9ZLEewcks7tFeVBA3M1PqZTRlXcMPVZophN0MGKR4UM7W6-2QPf4Er-qCXnB-r8llWmC-DWg4/s5477/Frank3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzqMkYOG9qguOcK4MSHE_YvK9B7j6uZqq4tHbzdyZErtSjkAKsKAqx-xIcNTiLFnfZyvssCemMQ03R8PIY9FNViYLFgclAAgkK76jLgeziD0KIBqhPE9ZLEewcks7tFeVBA3M1PqZTRlXcMPVZophN0MGKR4UM7W6-2QPf4Er-qCXnB-r8llWmC-DWg4/w640-h426/Frank3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The show is a study of life, death, morality, and priorities. It's also deliciously eerie, just in time for the fall season. Come for the incredibly production and excellent acting, but leave with some big ideas to think about.<br /><br /><b>Don't Miss the Show<br /></b><br />The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. " Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" runs until Oct.14th on IRT's Main Stage. Run Time is appx. 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre</span></i></span></span>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-84376819521940847032023-07-06T14:05:00.004-07:002023-07-06T14:06:45.103-07:00AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE: Our Town, Once Upon a Bridge, & The Merry Wives of Windsor<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9JVHF6jDf6MlRn9qSbDjH9qduYUV30bw48ug18-CfRYGjrWaWFkyU6lVbU9kyljtyanDNMIRPoy7eFAZHhFNcqCvL1lurU4DYTlkSpsHykcnmwMet_HrH9waFnMRs-2idxQ5JhbmI1rA0ax9kxnaoGlLa9Csrm7iEojx0NZj46irSp1QtwtNaySdO4c/s4119/OurTown1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2746" data-original-width="4119" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9JVHF6jDf6MlRn9qSbDjH9qduYUV30bw48ug18-CfRYGjrWaWFkyU6lVbU9kyljtyanDNMIRPoy7eFAZHhFNcqCvL1lurU4DYTlkSpsHykcnmwMet_HrH9waFnMRs-2idxQ5JhbmI1rA0ax9kxnaoGlLa9Csrm7iEojx0NZj46irSp1QtwtNaySdO4c/w640-h426/OurTown1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The American Player Theatre is just a quick drive north to Wisconsin.
They produce a wide range of shows each summer in both their large outdoor
theatre and smaller indoor location. It is always worth the drive and now in
its 44<sup>th</sup> season, there are still months left of productions available.
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><b>Our Town</b></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(238, 238, 238); line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It’s
hard to explain the power of Our Town. It’s a quiet play about everyday life. It’s
set in the town of Grover’s Corners, NH in the early 20th century. The cast of
townspeople invites us to imagine with them as they go about their daily
routines without much fuss. Truly, it sounds boring if you look at that summary.
But what words can’t capture is the sweet moments between a husband and wife as
they contemplate their child’s impending marriage or the zing of connection
when two young teens first fall in love.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<!--[endif]--><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdak3dXFC5KJzWWv0QUUT-ta-c5-zizPaAdcdmKiKO0omuZomu4WH9cuiE8dca67LGAGjvvg01ZfSBaHt13dksYHbdRlUZc-AaIPZl4BuX_jPB9dPdodTLvZROO42nHE4DFR24k5N_IkuA9zhhIR6Lk4mfF2RINAl-JW51Sr8drUmqftYEWl6z6Zu3S-g/s6235/OurTown2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4157" data-original-width="6235" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdak3dXFC5KJzWWv0QUUT-ta-c5-zizPaAdcdmKiKO0omuZomu4WH9cuiE8dca67LGAGjvvg01ZfSBaHt13dksYHbdRlUZc-AaIPZl4BuX_jPB9dPdodTLvZROO42nHE4DFR24k5N_IkuA9zhhIR6Lk4mfF2RINAl-JW51Sr8drUmqftYEWl6z6Zu3S-g/w640-h426/OurTown2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.2667px;">Samantha Newcomb</span> plays Emily Webb a sharp and ambitious girl growing up in the town. Her story is at the heart of the play and it’s her brilliant, but simple observations that are bound to break your heart. She delivers her lines with an earnestness that conveys the depth of her feelings.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The stage manager, Sarah Day, breaks the fourth wall, and talks directly to the audience, moving us between scenes and explaining the context. The show is timeless in its simplicity. There are three acts and time passes quickly for the town. There is power in the minimalism of the set. With just two sets of tables and chairs and two ladders, the whole town unfolds before us. Playwright Thornton Wilder always intended it to be that way and it’s easy to understand why. The production should never be showy. All that’s needed are a few pieces of furniture and a cast that brings open hearts and APT doesn’t disappoint.</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT3DbFBFtTLUUOb1k0C4jd_rek0Pg0s2O_pq_Wgbz951UbMnFvS0bBwv0E3LNO-Ag8XINCdv7yWErYUrb7rS-E6OCL6DY9A-Eq3gPLEJSe3kEBUqYkpHIhQg5uMbX_e1B3L7gEBnwR9sr7pOtHryO4GMz87LA4q3OYSpL0NrkUBdU1CV8iG9raAtqPZw/s5329/Bridge1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3553" data-original-width="5329" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT3DbFBFtTLUUOb1k0C4jd_rek0Pg0s2O_pq_Wgbz951UbMnFvS0bBwv0E3LNO-Ag8XINCdv7yWErYUrb7rS-E6OCL6DY9A-Eq3gPLEJSe3kEBUqYkpHIhQg5uMbX_e1B3L7gEBnwR9sr7pOtHryO4GMz87LA4q3OYSpL0NrkUBdU1CV8iG9raAtqPZw/w640-h426/Bridge1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Once Upon a Bridge</b></span><br /></span><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Based on a viral video of a real event that happened in London in 2017, this 95-minute play is a gorgeous ballet of emotions. The video is of a man pushing a woman into oncoming traffic as he jogs on the Putney Bridge. A bus driver swerves to miss her and the rest of the story is a mystery. The playwright, Sonya Kelly, takes those basic facts and imagines a whole story with depth and heart. It’s a serious premise, but the story is so deeply human that humor and sarcasm are woven into every monologue. The tone of the story is reminiscent of Come From Away.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPLjNb6b2UE2yppaA9_aHepiNJWnw5ozkXZnoW_zkK-nk9WBYPb2CVb9hFdzc2crVwCUW85sj9zg6pkd3d0a-RMOhCXYddQV2dDnWR-AyApTnGjd_50cdtDdAEc1_hWstbcpTO7jLyc6pGqCWD4RJJOMTZjRu6120Hs2vGXkijZYRu99ny6nd3fwutPs/s5170/Bridge2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="5170" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPLjNb6b2UE2yppaA9_aHepiNJWnw5ozkXZnoW_zkK-nk9WBYPb2CVb9hFdzc2crVwCUW85sj9zg6pkd3d0a-RMOhCXYddQV2dDnWR-AyApTnGjd_50cdtDdAEc1_hWstbcpTO7jLyc6pGqCWD4RJJOMTZjRu6120Hs2vGXkijZYRu99ny6nd3fwutPs/w640-h426/Bridge2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The unnamed woman is an Irish barrister played by Elizabeth Reese. She is lovely but conveys a fierce strength that lies underneath her calm exterior. Marcus Truschinski captures the dislikable cocky and entitled character of “Man” and gives us a chance to step into his shoes for a moment. La Shawn Banks steals the show as the immigrant bus driver, who wears his emotions on his sleeve. He’s full of ambition, but also fear, love, and determination. He is a devoted family man and the beating heart in the production.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are no props or set pieces. The three actors mime and move, using their bodies in a subtle dance to portray each action. Laura Rook’s gentle direction turns a shocking moment into a tender meditation on connection. She steers each actor’s flow on and off the stage to create a waltz of sorts.<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br />The play captures one simple moment in time, but it’s also a distilled representation of the way people treat each other and the massive impact we all have on the lives of others. We often forget the importance of our tiny interactions and this gorgeous piece of theatre is a exquisite reminder. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzXhoLXdB2UTrqqDcP54c-3Rs-AXbLAgs22X3HlG0YkDcUDrU6BXuRAoHQuhuAutTo2UXEWDO2Rbo-LcgXHawxacTXyppcvZ49quuXEZ97iQpXtvtF6P5j8oGCa63sBJNfNAT5bcleqgDiQu48dfmQ2d2wfDiIygsv9a91eqi6khfhI7-pcAWMHJVxLo/s5912/MWW3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="5912" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzXhoLXdB2UTrqqDcP54c-3Rs-AXbLAgs22X3HlG0YkDcUDrU6BXuRAoHQuhuAutTo2UXEWDO2Rbo-LcgXHawxacTXyppcvZ49quuXEZ97iQpXtvtF6P5j8oGCa63sBJNfNAT5bcleqgDiQu48dfmQ2d2wfDiIygsv9a91eqi6khfhI7-pcAWMHJVxLo/w640-h426/MWW3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>The Merry Wives of Windsor </b></span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">An explosion of color and rollicking music welcomes audiences
in this outlandish version of Shakespeare’s comedy. Playfully full skirts,
cheeky top hats, and bursts of pop music make the show so delightful. </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Dee
Dee Batteast and </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Kelsey Brennan</span> are the titular wives. Their irresistible
friendship is what makes the show so much fun. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Nate Burger brings heart to the humorous show as
the insecure and untrusting husband. He’s desperate to save his reputation then
also his marriage.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Add David Daniel to the list of epic Falstaffs. He’s portly
and proud and leans into the role relishing each bawdy gesture.</span> I dare
anyone to watch this show and leave not understanding how hilarious and playful
Shakespeare truly was.</span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPar2gyquqZyf_I7ATCo0GJIbdNMAPXe_2t4PCfbpGGHWj7dcSy3up5SZuOgad3SrD3ngmF3eFaiPXp6ksWGmevXv8jBnuqojhwf5jW1FwITmRggqWTrVwFvQbKnxAGqJ878l3IDx382M644RPbTtW8uUdiH_DHbfKSfCk9Xa0TrghiVZl6j-QQ7YSA_o/s6014/MWW1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3991" data-original-width="6014" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPar2gyquqZyf_I7ATCo0GJIbdNMAPXe_2t4PCfbpGGHWj7dcSy3up5SZuOgad3SrD3ngmF3eFaiPXp6ksWGmevXv8jBnuqojhwf5jW1FwITmRggqWTrVwFvQbKnxAGqJ878l3IDx382M644RPbTtW8uUdiH_DHbfKSfCk9Xa0TrghiVZl6j-QQ7YSA_o/w640-h424/MWW1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The
American Players Theatre is open until October 8th for its regular season. It
will host additional shows in its indoor Touchstone Theatre.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The theater's outdoor seats are comfortable,
but definitely bring a jacket, rain parka, blanket, bug spray, or sunblock
depending on the weather. The show will go on even if it's chilly or drizzling.
There are easily accessible restrooms and concessions at both the Up-the-Hill
Theatre and the Touchstone Theatre. There are also picnic tables for those who
bring lunch or dinner before a show.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">There are plenty of
camping/B&B/cabin/hotel options nearby, depending on your preference. You
can find additional information about where to lodge, restaurants, and other
attractions on APT's website.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">For more information about APT and Spring
Green, WI visit its website. Spring Green, Wi is only 6 hours from Indianapolis
and makes a perfect weekend getaway! There are attractions for the entire
family in addition to the APT, including the Wisconsin Dells water parks, House
on the Rock, Taliesin, and a golf resort.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos courtesy of APT</i></span></span></span></p></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-35337337989356375222023-05-24T09:35:00.010-07:002023-05-24T09:40:41.055-07:00Angels in America Cast Q&A<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijd7F6Sp_Ouz5hyXUSqX1HTGLAmJh-czwz0aCnaKdtK_Mt0bRuRSSim5hjspOhhmXqiNzkJJlN_xWZWLfNLgfCHOxgPPcKenrjfB5kGaiGsak-DU051rZ3x4MSDL8RTw7iXgtWblT6cH7OW4ildN4vzDjtNNxNlGFlZSDN493R2j7OBR2EMBpUPg2/s2048/AinA3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijd7F6Sp_Ouz5hyXUSqX1HTGLAmJh-czwz0aCnaKdtK_Mt0bRuRSSim5hjspOhhmXqiNzkJJlN_xWZWLfNLgfCHOxgPPcKenrjfB5kGaiGsak-DU051rZ3x4MSDL8RTw7iXgtWblT6cH7OW4ildN4vzDjtNNxNlGFlZSDN493R2j7OBR2EMBpUPg2/w640-h480/AinA3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;"><i>Bard Fest, Indy's only annual Shakespeare Festival, is producing the epic two-play cycle of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer-prize-winning Angels in America. They will present Part One - Millennium Approaches and Part Two - Perestroika in rotation throughout the month. In anticipation of its landmark June premier, some of the cast of Angels in America (AIA) answered some questions about the show.</i></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: What themes does Shakespeare’s work share with Angels in America?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Matt Anderson (Louis):</b> Many of Shakespeare’s works are so sweeping and encompassing, stretching out for hours and taking time to delve into love, politics, relationships, self-worth, life and death, prejudices and pain, blood and ghosts, hilarity and horror, the mundanely real and the confoundingly supernatural… and Angels in America explores deeply all of those themes and more.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>Oh, truly, there are so many. Shakespeare would grapple with politics, gender dynamics, and family within one play (whether through tragedy or comedy, often a mix of both), and it's no different with AIA.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director): </b>Tony Kushner has written a history of a huge story told through the eyes of ordinary people. By taking this approach, the vast tale is humanized and more poignant for the audience. Shakespeare, in his great history plays, employs largely the same technique. The language is rich, full, and often emotionally charged.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Q: The play is celebrating its 30th anniversary, how has the cultural landscape changed since it was first performed?</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>This feels heavy to reflect on. In so many ways, things have changed since 1985. Our societal understanding of queerness, science's understanding and handling of a disease such as AIDS, and gender roles in families--to name a few. But at the same time, there are moments where Kushner's words are prophetic to a disturbing degree. I play a man named Martin Heller in Part One; my opening monologue lays out the very real plans of the conservative right--a speech, I'm sure, was written to scare some sense into audience members into really thinking about what the GOP goals have always been. I think the landscape has ebbed and flowed toward progress, with many people kicking and screaming along the way. Probably another way in which Mr. Kushner was writing the future.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director): </b>In the 1980s the LGBTQ community was largely pushed to the fringes and ignored. So, when this devastating epidemic occurred, the community had to fight to be heard. Today, with the current political climate, the play is more relevant than ever. The story shouts from the rooftops that “The world only spins forward”. There is no going back. We feel the play is needed “Now, More than Ever”</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: How do you think the themes in Angels in America are relevant to a new generation?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Joe Wagner (Joe Pitt):</b> A huge theme in the show is how humans can’t stop moving forward, and how the world only moves forward. The LGBTQIA+ community has constantly been under vicious attack for moving forward. For progressing. For refusing to do things the way they have always been done.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Matt Anderson (Louis):</b> I think this question also relates to Shakespeare’s works, seeing as his plays were written over 400 years ago but – incredibly – are still produced, and still relevant, today. The world has changed profoundly since then, and yet there are still so many things that connect to today’s audiences and sensibilities. Similarly with Angels in America: it may not have been written 400 years ago, but it seems as though just as much has changed since the play was written in 1993, but for people to watch it today and realize that so much of the same pain and discrimination and horror STILL exist now— well, that’s almost more impactful than seeing a play in the year it was written. The Great Work has begun, but it’s not over yet. People need to see this show to understand that there are still things we need to keep fighting for.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>There are so many. This is a show that explores universal struggles like pain, love, desire, shame, and power, just to name a few. You don't have to be gay to understand a lover leaving you in your time of need, you don't have to be gay to understand feeling rejection or desire or desperation. Not to mention we all just navigated a different kind of terrifying plague for three years. Despite being over 30 years old, I don't think there is a time when the audience will relate more than when it was initially produced.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Chris Saunders (Roy Cohn): </b>Identity is a huge part of AIA. What it means to be American, Jewish, Mormon, Republican, Black. And identity has had a huge renaissance in the last several years with trans and non-binary people challenging the very definitions we thought we all knew. The result of a mass of people without egos is chaotic but also cleansing. I don’t mean to make light of a plague, but it feels like a plague now. And I don’t mean COVID. I mean ideology. The world Tony Kushner wrote about was a world on fire. So is ours.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director): </b>Yes more than ever. Draconian laws against the LGBTQ community are being passed all over America. We need to “Stand in the Gap”, push back, and say strongly “We are not going away”. The play speaks this message with moving clarity as it unfolds in the lives of these characters.</span></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qFkj21nTZbaVUGKhq2jFRc3yut0gmVSWdFYOydpoBUU5egFuP5evYMkWXVgiDNi0FETOpk4oUJNsc2t_RQeN0ynR2mU0SsnayWLw-1u_bQwuZAhCnPlkfa74NQ1wxCsHTHjGznX-0t9kyuphxVN7YBnbVQVJh_Nc373GaxZUj1xMOaZsurJ15V6i/s1052/AinA1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1052" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qFkj21nTZbaVUGKhq2jFRc3yut0gmVSWdFYOydpoBUU5egFuP5evYMkWXVgiDNi0FETOpk4oUJNsc2t_RQeN0ynR2mU0SsnayWLw-1u_bQwuZAhCnPlkfa74NQ1wxCsHTHjGznX-0t9kyuphxVN7YBnbVQVJh_Nc373GaxZUj1xMOaZsurJ15V6i/w640-h640/AinA1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: What aspects of your character/characters resonate with you?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A:</b> <b>Glenn Dobbs (Director):</b> The triumph of the human spirit in the face of great suffering and persecution.</span></span><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>Joe Wagner (Joe Pitt): </b>I was raised Catholic and Catholicism is also a very strict religion, and being a young homosexual in a strict religion is a very difficult tightrope to walk. Joe Pitt is trying to understand how he can be something he’s always been taught is evil and wrong when he’s done everything by the book. He’s questioning everything he was taught and believed.<br /><br /><b>Matt Anderson (Louis): </b>On the surface, it’s easy to read Louis as obnoxious, self-centered, long-winded, and rambling… and all of those qualities shamefully strike home with things that I fear about myself. In stumbling through the process of this production, I’ve had to figure out why Louis is the way he is, why he treats others the way he does, why he treats himself the way he does, and in what ways love, care, and compassion do reside within him. Doing so has helped me think about and confront the same questions and insecurities within my own heart.<br /><br /><b>Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>In many ways, I have been Harper in previous lives. Anyone who has desperately loved someone to the point that it breaks them will find parts of their story with Harper. But more than anything, it is Harper's strength and ability to fight her way out of the loneliness and heartache to begin again that I understand. This isn't some crazy woman imagining fantastical things; this is a woman who loves, desires, and sees the world as it is in tandem with what it could be.<br /><br /><b>Chris Saunders (Roy Cohn): </b>This may raise a few eyebrows, but I actually find a lot to like about Roy. And I’d go even further and say that’s probably because Kushner did as well. There’s a resilience and humor to him that’s embedded in the writing. Most bullies don’t see themselves as such, and Roy is no exception. In my mind (as Roy), I’m just out here surviving. Roy says that “this isn’t a good world” with no awareness that it’s partially due to him. So, from that end, it’s easier to play someone who’s clearly the villain because I see myself as someone who is defending myself, not bullying. I think we all can relate to that.<br /><br /><b>Q: The 1980s AIDS crisis is central to the plot, but what other important issues do characters deal with?<br />A: Joe Wagner (Joe Pitt):</b> My character’s main issue is being a married, Mormon, closeted homosexual and wrestling with the religious implications of what that means for his soul and life.<br /><br /><b>Chris Saunders (Roy Cohn): </b>Mortality. Everyone in the play is reckoning with death and the mystery of what lies after. We try our best to use religion, science, and distractions to deal with the fear of death; but in AIA, it’s all around us, connecting us to centuries of humans who lived very differently, but with the exact same existential anxiety.<br /><br /><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director): </b>Prejudice, a lack of support from an indifferent government.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b>Q: How would you describe this show to someone who isn’t familiar with it?<br />A: Matt Anderson (Louis):</b> Angels in America explores the broken and breaking relationships of many people: spouses, lovers, friends, parents, and children. Through disease and heartbreak, the various characters search for reconciliation with others and within themselves, in both this world and beyond.<br /><br /><b>Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>When trying to explain it to people unfamiliar with the show, I usually say this: "It's actually two shows that focus on a group of people navigating their lives during the AIDS epidemic from 1985-early 1990s. The tag is "A Gay Fantasia on National Themes" and that's exactly what it is. There is something for everyone.<br /><br /><b>Chris Saunders (Roy Cohn):</b> It breaks every rule of theater, and it totally works. There’s realism followed by absurdism. There are several characters we only meet once. It’s poetic, irreverent, and wild. Kushner had so much faith in the audience. He knew audiences were smarter than they’re usually given credit for. And it paid off. There’s still nothing like it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fF6S97tMJHhe73o9WBDoAUrzPJzBQ5dCBSVzuTc63I227sKFm746GKgRH4GHtwaRUstdcvIZXSNgXzVdJITss95lwvdZPrmDFMRQYv7Gezdfofr8FDv8E-IPj3IObh0JnVLHDUmOG3WRb1bV4sq5KhVlhuIX9dg0pwa0voMQRXkBdQX-BEV2wIXG/s1224/AinA2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fF6S97tMJHhe73o9WBDoAUrzPJzBQ5dCBSVzuTc63I227sKFm746GKgRH4GHtwaRUstdcvIZXSNgXzVdJITss95lwvdZPrmDFMRQYv7Gezdfofr8FDv8E-IPj3IObh0JnVLHDUmOG3WRb1bV4sq5KhVlhuIX9dg0pwa0voMQRXkBdQX-BEV2wIXG/w414-h640/AinA2.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: Why do you think it’s so important to produce this show in Indianapolis today?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>Considering Indiana has proposed and is en route to passing 18 anti-LGBTQ bills in the current legislative session, I feel it's insanely important to be producing this show right now.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Chris Saunders (Roy Cohn):</b> I’m sure you’re going to get a lot of answers about the political climate and legislation. All of which is true! But as a theater producer myself, I love that AIA is being done because it is such a theatrical event. And I don’t mean because of the awards and cache of the play, but because it is pure theatre. Yes, they made a gorgeous movie of it, but the play is something that can only happen in a theatre space. And the audacity of vision that Kushner wrote is something we rarely see staged today. Plays are shorter, casts are smaller. Operating budgets and attention spans have changed. Theaters do NOT want to produce a 10+ character epic play as part of a season. So, this is a real treat. And it’s overdue. Like Kushner, I not only think audiences can handle it, I think they want it.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director):</b> Like many states in America, Indiana lawmakers are trying very hard to oppress and cancel an entire people group. This should never be tolerated in a country with this creed:</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the governed…”</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: How has the space, Butler’s Schrott Center for the Performing Arts, influenced the production decisions for the show?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Glenn Dobbs (Director):</b> It allowed my Tech Director to declare, “Glenn, go big or go home”! The theatre is beautiful and offers the chance for us to produce something truly spectacular.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Q: What makes this show a unique experience from other work you’ve done in the past?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Joe Wagner (Joe Pitt):</b> There are two unique differences. The first is the workload. Learning two full-length 3+ hour shows at the same time while working a 9-5 and maintaining a healthy marriage and friendships is insane. Also, you can’t help but let the show occupy your mind during the day so it’s always with you on a low simmer. Secondly, this is a show that has been a dream of mine for 14 years. And while it was a dream show it just never really felt likely that the opportunity would come my way. So, I hold this experience very close and cherish it very much.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Matt Anderson (Louis): </b>I’ve referenced comparisons to Shakespeare a few times in the above questions, but if I may now contrast this to Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s plays are often so huge and epic, whereas AIA – as extensive as it is – is at the same time incredibly intimate. I don’t think I’ve ever before been in a production that’s simultaneously gigantic and close. Simultaneously world-shattering and private. At one point Louis says, “It’s so heavy… and small.” That’s this show.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt): </b>Well, I've never memorized two entire shows to perform in rep. So, that's absolutely the most unique aspect of this experience.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director): </b>It is such a big, sweeping epic, with a script so powerful that at times it is just overwhelming. You feel a deep sense of responsibility not to screw this up. It is important.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><span style="color: #222222;">Q: What message do you hope audience members take away from their experience?</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>A: Mira Nehrig (Harper Pitt):</b> Most of all, I want the audience to take away hope from their experience of these shows. Yes, this material is heavy. Yes, we are giving big emotions in our performances. But this is not a tragedy. This show is a show of love and hope. This is a show of strength in the face of what seems to be insurmountable defeat. We, and the audience, deserve to feel that in our bones.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Glenn Dobbs (Director):</b> America is a big country and often very generous. We have room at the table for all our fellow citizens to join us. Let's welcome them.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><b><span style="color: #222222;">Any additional thoughts you’d like to add:</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Nan Macy (Hannah): </b>This show is spectacular, creepy, touching, joyous and funny. It's enjoyable, entertaining, and hopeful. It makes you want to grab your neighbor, hug them and say, "We're all in this together!".</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">This show could not have happened without the generous donation of Chris Douglas and the team at CH Douglas and Grey - Wealth Management. <a href="http://indybardfest.com/angels-in-america">Tickets can be obtained here. </a></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Performances run June 2-25, 2023</span><br /></span><div><br /></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-72307877580154393472023-05-22T08:44:00.006-07:002023-05-22T08:54:28.821-07:00Beauty and Beast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ_F9LIasPc2fXSOORknw3Am9DvKadYsMP8pxI67oS8Ob6w8vQbrl1kqiF4k00JEX3ahUziF6KiwOM0gpli7Vau3dDQhMGA72EXImIxNBtwD2bo8Bghex6jtVeD8Rt4BZt7L6v3pRJeJlWg6c_idqYMxJBQZ6GoLO0kZnA05tRh3L_XItihHY9iFa/s1000/Something%20There.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1000" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ_F9LIasPc2fXSOORknw3Am9DvKadYsMP8pxI67oS8Ob6w8vQbrl1kqiF4k00JEX3ahUziF6KiwOM0gpli7Vau3dDQhMGA72EXImIxNBtwD2bo8Bghex6jtVeD8Rt4BZt7L6v3pRJeJlWg6c_idqYMxJBQZ6GoLO0kZnA05tRh3L_XItihHY9iFa/w640-h472/Something%20There.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> <span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: verdana;">If you want to be reminded of the magic of theater, take a young child to see their first show. It’s nothing short of exhilarating to see their face light up when a story comes alive in front of them. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s current production of Beauty and the Beast pulls out all the stops. This show is the perfect example of the theater doing what it does best and it’s one of the finest shows I’ve seen there in years.<br /></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: verdana;"><br />The stage may be on the smaller side, but the cast uses the entire theatre, wandering the aisles to the delight of the children in the audience. The production uses scenes of taverns and castle interiors projected on the walls to give Michael Layton's set design added depth. Just wait for "Be Our Guest" to be blown away by the Main Street Music Theatre's lavish costumes.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK_36d86y-Dz-CMWIAEgb33ughmF7kmqAAjZ5Tus9GkNmp5y3mWGPV28lUwxOTtl5yKA1w_to5J5NWaHTC7tWtiWh5QYq1ucdr5Mm1BNXayGjGEFQb1qRAMWbznoZSZuIp2EalMasxL0ODHfZkdPhKjyB6LC2KX9ZZN-9dXtlqnohGkoRRPTxuQ4D/s1200/Be%20Our%20Guest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="1200" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK_36d86y-Dz-CMWIAEgb33ughmF7kmqAAjZ5Tus9GkNmp5y3mWGPV28lUwxOTtl5yKA1w_to5J5NWaHTC7tWtiWh5QYq1ucdr5Mm1BNXayGjGEFQb1qRAMWbznoZSZuIp2EalMasxL0ODHfZkdPhKjyB6LC2KX9ZZN-9dXtlqnohGkoRRPTxuQ4D/w640-h294/Be%20Our%20Guest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Jameelah Leaundra is the perfect Belle. Her voice is lovely, especially in the number "Home". Her vocals are excellent, but it's the warmth and intelligence she brings to the role that captures why young girls have loved the character for decades. The casting of John Vessels as the cranky Cogsworth and Jonathan Studdard as the lusty Lumière is pitch perfect! The cast includes Rachel Shelby, an aerialist who brings her skills to the stage in a delightful way. Rounding out the excellent cast is Jon McHatton as Gaston, the conceited lug you love to hate.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Elizabeth Stark Payne directs and despite the elaborate </span><span class="sew8u7yc9wnyaoa" style="color: #222222;"></span><span class="sew8u7yc9wnyaoa" style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222;">switching of scenes and huge cast, it flows beautifully. She makes the production feel grandiose and even adults in the audience were wowed. </span></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOwn2t0Hwzrjct0fjroX4NlkwrT4sxATkgerN5zgv_HBPbzPEvpPsL94XgMm_fAgB2Yq19aD78rawKzqXk9MenhA_HYt1WQzyqWwV4n-5RAWfDG0yvlwrovy-lzdt5jNMLgh-uquuTnzhJ3D_UGp3nnIIpRjE6EY3u7l5Nl0MWcDWyFppnn4DQqFM/s1000/Gaston%20gives%20Belle%20a%20photo%20of%20himself.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1000" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOwn2t0Hwzrjct0fjroX4NlkwrT4sxATkgerN5zgv_HBPbzPEvpPsL94XgMm_fAgB2Yq19aD78rawKzqXk9MenhA_HYt1WQzyqWwV4n-5RAWfDG0yvlwrovy-lzdt5jNMLgh-uquuTnzhJ3D_UGp3nnIIpRjE6EY3u7l5Nl0MWcDWyFppnn4DQqFM/w640-h510/Gaston%20gives%20Belle%20a%20photo%20of%20himself.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Don't Miss the Show</span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Performances</b>: Beauty and the Beast runs until July 9th.<br /></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Tickets</b>: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $52 to $79 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea, and the buffet.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><br />Up next at Beef & Boards is Sophisticated Ladies, based on the music of Duke Ellington, opening July 13th.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of Beef & Boards</span></i></span></span></p></div></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-66207294164382159102023-05-17T13:33:00.001-07:002023-05-17T13:33:07.697-07:00Predictor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADViLN1TnkVJAGCEdvD1f0ZshOmofOC8wg6cSBtyAu9DiRVHI8GQfTnDAPxZr3NrhkRBKeFWHNcsuM9EVs4PLuzCnLxEtkV-PwTUwUGGS1R28B_SdDnBNHsehbWhns6Zep8HjldFt__j1egZx3HjyY_4qormoXCO8DPTS1nz2Tubm3dh-UPtW_1h0/s3600/Predictor1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADViLN1TnkVJAGCEdvD1f0ZshOmofOC8wg6cSBtyAu9DiRVHI8GQfTnDAPxZr3NrhkRBKeFWHNcsuM9EVs4PLuzCnLxEtkV-PwTUwUGGS1R28B_SdDnBNHsehbWhns6Zep8HjldFt__j1egZx3HjyY_4qormoXCO8DPTS1nz2Tubm3dh-UPtW_1h0/w640-h426/Predictor1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">American Lives Theatre (ALT) closes its strong season with Predictor at the Phoenix Theatre. On the surface, it’s the story of one woman’s fight, but underneath that, the heart of the play lies in the friendship, determination, generational legacy, and so much more that help drive Meg Crane. In the 1960s she invented the home pregnancy test. This is her story and it should’ve been told decades ago. I’m so grateful to playwright Jennifer Blackmer and ALT for sharing it with us now.</span> </span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5owmpNjJ0tspIsnJH493VbkkXCoYw3vE_BRmHaZaaSGUk_7cngWOrAkbWxnjLU4ywbeDcd-VlgqAmq9fY1rXFF1IExTdwjWLe5cAfaudALpFpAuAHzFYaMZtrbZWn4mTMtsEHl4iMr3w1ypfu2_ljlsOYwmvzHyPrcq4irjovoWO2Qosse9XYHZ2d/s3600/Predictor2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5owmpNjJ0tspIsnJH493VbkkXCoYw3vE_BRmHaZaaSGUk_7cngWOrAkbWxnjLU4ywbeDcd-VlgqAmq9fY1rXFF1IExTdwjWLe5cAfaudALpFpAuAHzFYaMZtrbZWn4mTMtsEHl4iMr3w1ypfu2_ljlsOYwmvzHyPrcq4irjovoWO2Qosse9XYHZ2d/w640-h426/Predictor2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background: rgb(238, 238, 238); margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The show moves fast with quick scene changes and wheels on every desk and chair that makes up the set. There is an incredible crew of individuals, from the set designer to director Bridget Haight that make this whirlwind piece possible. The supporting six cast members flip between their many roles in a matter of seconds. A lab worker, roommate, mother, coworker, the list goes on and this hard-working cast keeps pace! Brittany Magee takes on the role of Crane. She is passionate and infuses the performance with relatable humanity.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is so much humor in the show. A musical number, Clay Mabbitt's playful dancing, voiceover for a "Becoming a woman" video, and scenes from a game show all work together beautifully to tell Crane’s story. Despite the frustrating circumstances, the show feels lighthearted right up until the powerful ending. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIcw9A9i5A_AzHuET3qv_EaYxKL6e-GMouQ7i7aq1ztQKzm7YYb4KS-eOCH_LP8dVN1yo-b_54hQ7KskfLx0Kjtbct6v0Kqpagkd9kgjG4U-dwuk0yD1_Hc7uF5DD_eGfpvcIBhd1mI5CN_jWDSuVEgnLd9y3-FrYaeSBjNZqwcKUts-TuJdth2t8/s3600/Predictor3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIcw9A9i5A_AzHuET3qv_EaYxKL6e-GMouQ7i7aq1ztQKzm7YYb4KS-eOCH_LP8dVN1yo-b_54hQ7KskfLx0Kjtbct6v0Kqpagkd9kgjG4U-dwuk0yD1_Hc7uF5DD_eGfpvcIBhd1mI5CN_jWDSuVEgnLd9y3-FrYaeSBjNZqwcKUts-TuJdth2t8/w640-h426/Predictor3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a; font-weight: 400;">*One notable thing offered during this production was a Q&A with Blackmer and the real Meg Crane. It was such a gift to hear the real inventor speak about her experience. </span></div><div style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Don't Miss the Show</span></span><br style="color: #222222;" /></b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;">For more information about American Lives Theatre, visit americanlivestheatre.org. For tickets visit: tinyurl.com/4btv48wf</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><b>Performances</b>: The show runs until May 28th at the Phoenix Theatre, 705 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.</span></span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos Courtesy of Hillary Gordon Photography</i></span></span></span>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-34669411358570189292023-04-27T08:28:00.007-07:002023-04-27T08:34:21.106-07:00Hamilton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4AZb3OI6fOtn4nMWhUpMkgHZz-2s_kwz8gEY2wNfFJ_OP9tC2yn0Jm_BtQFdhS7G6LGMcVueT_xqdfexepwE_xf-0R3qzjde8_-tMNJIpcsCj6u4bpO5LH8kUuHfwTG8cfBi56xGOr0rR8T7mQfARJfaPbMUurkmlNE88kDv6QBb9AdBlnCr-8Zx/s5232/Pierre%20Jean%20Gonzalez%20-%20HAMILTON%20National%20Tour%20-%20(c)%20Joan%20Marcus%202021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5232" data-original-width="3489" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4AZb3OI6fOtn4nMWhUpMkgHZz-2s_kwz8gEY2wNfFJ_OP9tC2yn0Jm_BtQFdhS7G6LGMcVueT_xqdfexepwE_xf-0R3qzjde8_-tMNJIpcsCj6u4bpO5LH8kUuHfwTG8cfBi56xGOr0rR8T7mQfARJfaPbMUurkmlNE88kDv6QBb9AdBlnCr-8Zx/w426-h640/Pierre%20Jean%20Gonzalez%20-%20HAMILTON%20National%20Tour%20-%20(c)%20Joan%20Marcus%202021.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Hamilton is back in town! The Broadway Across America production is currently at the Old National Center. At this point most people who have been dying to see Hamilton have made it happen in Chicago, New York, or with one of the touring productions. The real question is: is this production as excellent as the others and is it worth seeing multiple times? The obvious answer is yes. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show or your fifth, it’s no less intoxicating. The musical is so layered and filled to the brim with moving parts that there will always be something new to discover.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Many are familiar with the addictive soundtrack and 2020 film version with the original cast, but there’s a contagious energy that can’t be captured without a live performance. With a cast of more than 20 people, the choreography is astonishing. Every motion is smooth and perfectly timed, and the supporting cast moves as one unit. In one scene a dancer uses a single book as a prop in a gorgeous dance, in another, the simple act of delivering a letter is turned into art.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldjBxf_mbwJn1gE9vkdegVn-S9Y6BMxXUhrD3JgzfwySPtJu9HifheYijsoPKZbekpJEbo1vxnbTWJYwCGR22WsqHO3ATuCUfQ97FTqVgcCxPNSMff2ZkcQFfA5rXIeBAlLhJ46nlhrNdQSmQy0gC8DM_yLQbGcQrJcCD8wcW-0eksh_4fQTsYyf/s5716/Ham4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3811" data-original-width="5716" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldjBxf_mbwJn1gE9vkdegVn-S9Y6BMxXUhrD3JgzfwySPtJu9HifheYijsoPKZbekpJEbo1vxnbTWJYwCGR22WsqHO3ATuCUfQ97FTqVgcCxPNSMff2ZkcQFfA5rXIeBAlLhJ46nlhrNdQSmQy0gC8DM_yLQbGcQrJcCD8wcW-0eksh_4fQTsYyf/w640-h426/Ham4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Hamilton is played by Pierre Jean Gonzalez with pitch-perfect casting. It’s no surprise that he’s also taken on the role of Usnavi in “In the Heights”, another Lin-Manuel Miranda creation. Lencia Kebede is stunning as Angelica. Her version of Satisfied was flawless and that’s not an easy song to tackle. Blaine Alden Krauss’s Burr has shades of Salieri woven into his potent portrayal. He seethes with indignation at the unfairness of his lot. Washington is played by Marcus Choi, the same actor who handled the role during the 2019 stop in Indy. His performance has grown even more layered with time. He infuses his Washington with a gentle humor, while never yielding his gravitas.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">There's a reason Hamilton has piled up the awards, winning a Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. It is a show that has become a cultural phenomenon and if you’ve only ever seen the movie version, don’t miss out on your chance to see the real thing.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOotvjRBCUI1KcPYtmIipnG9PQ-2wtUkrSbEXGshAhx5BVU4B6TRIvSr8TyQhxpsm4iqI6A98seGwgU_iaiG2AB8X1vacYDZxhJ0fVVSetGpzZnnH2YjmjF9d5V5WDmh1jbB1lYn69Ipv7Cx9ex8L07CFiA1o4m2bYYlhlWIjO1Cm_L26HFe7ZIh8L/s2048/Ham3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOotvjRBCUI1KcPYtmIipnG9PQ-2wtUkrSbEXGshAhx5BVU4B6TRIvSr8TyQhxpsm4iqI6A98seGwgU_iaiG2AB8X1vacYDZxhJ0fVVSetGpzZnnH2YjmjF9d5V5WDmh1jbB1lYn69Ipv7Cx9ex8L07CFiA1o4m2bYYlhlWIjO1Cm_L26HFe7ZIh8L/w640-h426/Ham3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">Don't Miss the Show<br />Unlike most Broadway Across America shows, which run for only six days, "Hamilton" will be in town until Sunday, May 7th. But tickets are going fast for the popular show, so don't miss your chance to see it. The show is at the Old National Center (Murat Theatre). Tickets can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, the Old National Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.<br /><br />Duration: 2hrs, 45mins with 1 intermission.<br /><br />Recommended for ages 10 and up as there is some strong language.<br /><br />
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">LOTTERY DETAILS</span><br /></b>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">There's also a daily lottery of 40 $10 tickets
for every performance! Complete details <a href="https://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery/">can be found here</a>.</span><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos Courtesy of Broadway Across America</i></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-11017278011464156662023-04-05T12:58:00.006-07:002023-05-22T06:33:01.182-07:00An American in Paris<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggdk0ckf6d-RthBjOUdk3C89C3MDc_NhPYNJVUAScApOv6_SANy0XnCDunjeA_3pNfP6W_IYelZ8zJ_48CW7c-t3J0QX2lim_F6lZXBayRRTq7BLpB-XuLgYT5e-GUXTpM90UKv0gVkc-axRSarG9dKN_Zo08JYRI6zq19j_OhkcqnsG8Epf3kekj/s2400/American1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggdk0ckf6d-RthBjOUdk3C89C3MDc_NhPYNJVUAScApOv6_SANy0XnCDunjeA_3pNfP6W_IYelZ8zJ_48CW7c-t3J0QX2lim_F6lZXBayRRTq7BLpB-XuLgYT5e-GUXTpM90UKv0gVkc-axRSarG9dKN_Zo08JYRI6zq19j_OhkcqnsG8Epf3kekj/w640-h480/American1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">If you love dancing, have I got a show for you! An American
in Paris is on stage for the first time at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
Many will recognize the story from the Oscar-winning 1951 film of the same
name. The familiar Gershwin score and songs are lovely and “They Can’t Take
That Away From Me” is a particularly beautiful moment in the show.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f9GcEB5aFKWUIau5cECvabsY9Aci5TdgBkXakSPxGUx4v-WG-ru5Vguh2krW5nQu57tRGeSQJz_5ngPMScMWWO1TPrC_pHzuMfUaRG7tYAym8lYexsKkhUBsdZq1XwlWTAs1SL_KaCg4BSHK1r9Qg6uwSlZ1Z8iqNfAz68YoPjzeIoMhvZJUTOeK/s1800/American2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1800" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f9GcEB5aFKWUIau5cECvabsY9Aci5TdgBkXakSPxGUx4v-WG-ru5Vguh2krW5nQu57tRGeSQJz_5ngPMScMWWO1TPrC_pHzuMfUaRG7tYAym8lYexsKkhUBsdZq1XwlWTAs1SL_KaCg4BSHK1r9Qg6uwSlZ1Z8iqNfAz68YoPjzeIoMhvZJUTOeK/w640-h420/American2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The love story hasn't aged as well as the music. Three
different men claim to be in love with the lead, Lise, but not even one of them
seems to make any effort to get to know her. Each one sees her as an exquisite
creature but never seems to care about what she wants. That’s a plot flaw, but
not a problem with this specific production.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ron Morgan pulls double duty as both the director and the
choreographer and his focus is clear. Each scene is filled to the brim with
dance numbers that cover every inch of the stage. Both the plot and musical
numbers take a backseat. Jill Kelly Howe and Kathy Henry’s costume design is
excellent. The many evening gowns brought a gorgeous layer to the production.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">So much of the story is about restraint and grief clouding
each character’s ability to follow their passions. Because of that much of the
show feels like it’s missing something. It’s not until the final scenes that we
see the Parisians let those barriers down and embrace the things that make
their hearts sing. That’s when the real spark happens. The exception is the
overly confident American, Jerry Mulligan, played by Jon Rose. You’re never in
doubt that he’s following his bliss. Tiffany Gilliam gives a standout
performance as Madam Baurel. She conveys the character’s strict reserved nature
while giving her layers of warmth underneath.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBVAZA8zQWqJzXDpfbMYqM7dUQEVOZlIIxRLKs57_ni_12F63CPJHhQP6YK5koLo0um6U1cpoej1CsPsTshKuDOujZRFlOFD4-X7tVo2fhZkzxnmo_774THQjbOAmIJUsqqpUP2hTgcQW6JqKW-9x-a3TF2w1kDCLGG_Ir90DcobhE59f5DzK-b2e/s1500/American3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1500" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBVAZA8zQWqJzXDpfbMYqM7dUQEVOZlIIxRLKs57_ni_12F63CPJHhQP6YK5koLo0um6U1cpoej1CsPsTshKuDOujZRFlOFD4-X7tVo2fhZkzxnmo_774THQjbOAmIJUsqqpUP2hTgcQW6JqKW-9x-a3TF2w1kDCLGG_Ir90DcobhE59f5DzK-b2e/w640-h358/American3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There’s a line towards the end of the show about art being a
celebration of life. An American in Paris certainly embraces that. Though some
of the plot feels dated, it is full of joy and beauty and so much dancing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Performances</b>: An American in Paris runs until May 14th.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tickets</b>: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10
a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $52 to $79 and include the show, tax, coffee,
tea, and the buffet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Up next at Beef & Boards is Beauty and the Beast,
opening May 18th.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of Beef & Boards</span></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-22877864739003210022023-03-31T08:31:00.000-07:002023-03-31T08:31:46.671-07:00Shakespeare's Will<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI4kT0vkQxXqJR3J81TnDcGiVlfy0kX_yoSqs56HzuSFFemTYm6DmJ_YDfNGPjuS0DVPP89GZpOjwPmG9y1B8pJ-dcx6k3OtRbPa1BCHlZdodbmwYTRdQ422UtkhsYckW-vQ7nMMBANU2BTUHKUdKpXmPe0bxBzOEosNMhz90ge6kJAHBrMjMSk7l/s5477/230314_175119_ZR7_7828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSI4kT0vkQxXqJR3J81TnDcGiVlfy0kX_yoSqs56HzuSFFemTYm6DmJ_YDfNGPjuS0DVPP89GZpOjwPmG9y1B8pJ-dcx6k3OtRbPa1BCHlZdodbmwYTRdQ422UtkhsYckW-vQ7nMMBANU2BTUHKUdKpXmPe0bxBzOEosNMhz90ge6kJAHBrMjMSk7l/w640-h426/230314_175119_ZR7_7828.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Shakespeare's Will is a one-woman show about the Bard's wife. At a brisk 90 minutes, the show covers a lot of ground. The famous playwright leaves grief in his wake, but Anne Hathaway was a woman with her own story.<br /><br />Tracy Michelle Arnold brings an almost impossible balance of playfulness and grief to the role of Anne. She is not a one-dimensional spouse from a Shakespeare biography. She is complex, imperfect, angry, sensual, fearful, lonely, and so much more. As impressive as her range is in the characters she plays (Shakespeare, her father, her bitter sister-in-law, etc.), it’s Anne that is the heart of the story. How many women have stood behind their famous husbands throughout history, making the men’s success possible through their sacrifices? In the role of Anne, Arnold’s graceful, captivating performance, gives voice to those women.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J_5J1I1_ugURN6OpW0XYpw0lXHA7NWdY29PWk3duCT8MfUZxWfd9RLI5MiuE56kIkEl1MLXWRqUkIqT1_DZAl4y-eNgE_zpg3jBGSXosdTyMACxSI9SNlrKC5BSHu-w-R_XASRJ0CMHg-LrUDSwKgEGWTjYPXe3qJd5v74SUNnkNE7YQraa9CIdz/s5477/230314_174616_ZR2_4144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J_5J1I1_ugURN6OpW0XYpw0lXHA7NWdY29PWk3duCT8MfUZxWfd9RLI5MiuE56kIkEl1MLXWRqUkIqT1_DZAl4y-eNgE_zpg3jBGSXosdTyMACxSI9SNlrKC5BSHu-w-R_XASRJ0CMHg-LrUDSwKgEGWTjYPXe3qJd5v74SUNnkNE7YQraa9CIdz/w640-h426/230314_174616_ZR2_4144.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Brenda DeVita’s direction captures the perfect timing needed for the story. Moments of sweet remembrance intersperse with Anne’s painful present day as she buries her husband. flitting between the two gives viewers a chance to see the depth of her personality, not just a mourning widow, but a complex woman, full of life.</span></p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Without a single drop appearing, water is an integral part of the play. It’s beautifully conveyed through Sartje Pickett's sound design. The set, designed by Scott Penner, is as simple as possible. There’s a large bed that becomes a barn, horse, carriage, and more throughout the play. With that piece of furniture and a few other small elements, the focus remains firmly and perfectly on Arnold.</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7ne7-f1GJSO6bLBMNJty-jShMi6NyclhcUNwdC7MuN-vOYuNdqZq_VDn3AWLIfjmRSDt_5KAtfjvxZ-rjQ7K3IvRVYguCFWrscTm4h8yoqBZMv6d-PsQosh1OecXc2cJ1Ti1IxewDWclH14EHr2oUXoQY3ZAiianz6WwZIDYyZX9lhlS-Wsc4QgL/s5477/230314_172645_ZR7_7631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="5477" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7ne7-f1GJSO6bLBMNJty-jShMi6NyclhcUNwdC7MuN-vOYuNdqZq_VDn3AWLIfjmRSDt_5KAtfjvxZ-rjQ7K3IvRVYguCFWrscTm4h8yoqBZMv6d-PsQosh1OecXc2cJ1Ti1IxewDWclH14EHr2oUXoQY3ZAiianz6WwZIDYyZX9lhlS-Wsc4QgL/w640-h426/230314_172645_ZR7_7631.jpg" width="640" /></a><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The entire production is lovely. It opens the dialogue about women's roles throughout history and the ways they have often contributed to monumental moments with no acknowledgment. I wish we knew more about Anne Hathaway, but I'm grateful for a glimpse of the woman she might have been.<br /><br /><b>Don't Miss the Show<br /></b><br />The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. " Shakespeare's Will" runs until April 16th on IRT's Upperstage. Run Time is appx. 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre</span></i></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-78143724462647531072023-03-15T14:48:00.005-07:002023-03-15T14:53:46.110-07:00Les Misérables<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5vQI2O6ejcOESKCDaMwMvpM2rNWJlrhiSBESy273N-HcsMbSQF_IGC44PpLaZn1G9aCvMII2KMdc2CuT8Zsmf56bqnrhjt7mjf4W7QiDsKQyAJFJ5KVRoCW_Tz0dJgSYzKB5uKL9U32DO9mu2ZylZ8KbvgRSpb9tzaeDz1PgsEeqgJ5GZcqF8Lf_/s5993/LES_MIS1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3997" data-original-width="5993" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5vQI2O6ejcOESKCDaMwMvpM2rNWJlrhiSBESy273N-HcsMbSQF_IGC44PpLaZn1G9aCvMII2KMdc2CuT8Zsmf56bqnrhjt7mjf4W7QiDsKQyAJFJ5KVRoCW_Tz0dJgSYzKB5uKL9U32DO9mu2ZylZ8KbvgRSpb9tzaeDz1PgsEeqgJ5GZcqF8Lf_/w640-h426/LES_MIS1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The
greatest musicals, the ones with a lasting impact, combine two important
things. The first is a powerful story and the second is a great score. Few
musicals do that as brilliantly as Les Misérables. It’s a story of mercy,
grief, redemption, and the ripple effect that love has on everyone it touches.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Every
time I see the show, something new stands out to me. In this Broadway Across
America’s production, I was struck by Javert’s story. This is the first time
I’ve seen the show since the wild polarization of our nation built to its
current fervor. Javert’s worldview is painfully legalistic, leaving no room for
mercy or the acceptance of growth in others. That story hit differently this
time as I recognized how common it has become to refuse to see your “enemy” as
a real person. Empathy is in short supply and the cautionary tale of Javert’s
obsession with justice is more harrowing than ever. Preston Truman Boyd did a
beautiful job with the character and is a towering presence on stage as the
tenacious arm of the law.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> </span><o:p style="background-color: white;"></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lN6PoizibjlTct9xQD1CyZHS7TnyxHEaMd8dR44oSsbOhDjAvzwz9L9ExhvpC35lzbToC0E6TNtdlKgd1pu6NOwIjWS4i_trOc6nZI4JV6kVkbWtSdIOI8W5NyE2uQ3UQ_8Jccb8G54Qo1RsiP2eDaegVTYa8iWDgH8qShgCKMPO3dWhsk4ZA4dH/s8192/LES_MIS2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5464" data-original-width="8192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lN6PoizibjlTct9xQD1CyZHS7TnyxHEaMd8dR44oSsbOhDjAvzwz9L9ExhvpC35lzbToC0E6TNtdlKgd1pu6NOwIjWS4i_trOc6nZI4JV6kVkbWtSdIOI8W5NyE2uQ3UQ_8Jccb8G54Qo1RsiP2eDaegVTYa8iWDgH8qShgCKMPO3dWhsk4ZA4dH/w640-h426/LES_MIS2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Gregory
Lee Rodriguez plays Marius and his role can sometimes feel a bit frivolous
until he performs “Empty Chair at Empty Tables”. He falls in love in a
heartbeat without a single conversation! But Rodriguez gives a more nuanced
performance as his Marius demonstrates the conflict he feels between his
new-found romance and his loyalty to his brothers in arms, including Devin
Archer’s passionate Enjolras. In the performance I attended Jean Valjean was
played by understudy Randy Jeter. The obvious test of range happens in “Bring
Him Home” and Jeter never faltered. Éponine has always been one of my favorite
characters and Christine Heesun Hwang didn’t disappoint. The emotion she packs
into “On My Own” is heartbreaking in its sincerity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The set
is a character in and of itself. From the towering Parisian slums to the murky
sewers, from the brothel and factory to the cobbled-together barricade, it’s
immersive and all the more impressive because you know it will be moved to a
new city next week. This production feels particularly dark and smoky, but the
lighting is powerfully used in the barricade scene as bullets fly. My one
complaint has nothing to do with this production, but I still believe that the
Thénardier songs are the Jar Jar Binks of the musical. They provide comic
relief, but they are exhausting and often distracting from the main story.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> </span><o:p style="background-color: white;"></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3xpeZktvONX2BphtlksCVx4CvwwgI8PjaiGMX64_u9Hd81wQx3jElGN6zsLg7Oc_TR4an682am1VWY4TerKHp6VZ7Cz4Og_me_M_HYctctv-gwJP7i_EFLiCwvGtpG_J8t-k3uk86sgVzdu0em-UnSZEvLthsSLEmGvJ47a3mRepMh3HaTlfMtZy/s4960/LES_MIS3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="4960" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3xpeZktvONX2BphtlksCVx4CvwwgI8PjaiGMX64_u9Hd81wQx3jElGN6zsLg7Oc_TR4an682am1VWY4TerKHp6VZ7Cz4Og_me_M_HYctctv-gwJP7i_EFLiCwvGtpG_J8t-k3uk86sgVzdu0em-UnSZEvLthsSLEmGvJ47a3mRepMh3HaTlfMtZy/w640-h410/LES_MIS3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Are
there moments when there’s too much story packed into a scene? Of course! It’s
based on a book that’s almost 1,500 pages long! But it’s precisely because
there’s so much character depth and struggle that the musical has withstood the
test of time. It’s an incredible story and one that I’ve yet to tire of. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Don't
Miss the Show<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The show runs until Sunday, March 19 at Clowes
Memorial Hall so hurry to get tickets. They can be purchased at Clowes Memorial
Hall, The Murat Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m.
Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">One
extra tip, the Butler University parking garage next to Clowes becomes
incredibly congested before the show. Get there early to avoid the rush. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Photos courtesy of Broadway Across America</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p><br /></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-47078885810790434692023-02-06T07:58:00.007-08:002023-02-06T08:00:15.532-08:00Wild Horses <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmPsoqKpMdgwA5qe_WT8Ng7BSwkECvKT9cL2zM86Lug_3tJ8J6wPyxOFwFPYEW1ZdAu6GIgbajeVedfHI1VU4yzpkvgpv5ZJhtATNeWitwqimVq90IHEOGEGXbXW3Cpm1GvBAPu2y7ZQTsZyzRItOO4kuRM6ZA1qTDPLLzJxQ5AOC9zTK8GycaoAl/s1600/Wild1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmPsoqKpMdgwA5qe_WT8Ng7BSwkECvKT9cL2zM86Lug_3tJ8J6wPyxOFwFPYEW1ZdAu6GIgbajeVedfHI1VU4yzpkvgpv5ZJhtATNeWitwqimVq90IHEOGEGXbXW3Cpm1GvBAPu2y7ZQTsZyzRItOO4kuRM6ZA1qTDPLLzJxQ5AOC9zTK8GycaoAl/w640-h578/Wild1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">A one-woman show starring two
of Indy’s finest leading ladies, Wild Horses is a fascinating concept with a
big payoff. Constance Macy and </span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jen Johansen rotate nights for their performances in
the coming-of-age story. T</span></span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">he
one-act play flies by because it feels like chatting with an old friend who’s
regaling you with stories from her past. From first crushes to alcohol
concoctions only the underaged would dare to drink, the show captures the
electric, reckless feel of youth.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryVwZu_N7zT6O_26RZm2mD6R3o61nSHVZnIIcdwcd4PfK4YMSzynzP1Bx9DrVCr-041vVJ2XUQRHYvrCz4eE7t8a5t-74mC9TEC4zsovz9JCpdARgQBpuByf09koNy6S3shmL_nSP-9dIb-601qBBxOoXlnoO7Dhh3cdMHGDxnDfxqxVzMGG8fOFB/s1600/Wild2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryVwZu_N7zT6O_26RZm2mD6R3o61nSHVZnIIcdwcd4PfK4YMSzynzP1Bx9DrVCr-041vVJ2XUQRHYvrCz4eE7t8a5t-74mC9TEC4zsovz9JCpdARgQBpuByf09koNy6S3shmL_nSP-9dIb-601qBBxOoXlnoO7Dhh3cdMHGDxnDfxqxVzMGG8fOFB/w640-h426/Wild2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal;">The
night I attended, Johansen was in the driver's seat and she </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">kept up the break-neck
pace for the entire 80-minute show. Solo shows rest entirely on the shoulders
of the actor and </span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Johansen was perfect for the role. She imbued each
scene with humor and heartbreak. She was full of energy and captured the
emotional peaks and valleys of adolescence.</span></span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> <br /><br />She skips easily between half a dozen
impressions and voices as she tells the story of the summer when she was 13 and
the world was both full of excitement and crumbling around her. The show feels
reminiscent of all the best coming-of-age moments, with pieces of Stand by Me,
Stranger Things, and Now and Then mixed in together.</span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YgSY_UcyIF3iXhioSor6RkQIhtLht8HXgmQwRjzd83DrzLLnRJi8Jw7w_Ya6xyfz3y978t7gqcFce6ejGQPbgnecVPzjuLpyZGsMAG4rxkB9p8IvgpiLzKZ2wdgxb0xM5HrLQEG1FkTkZ32fLdYPg3R3vPH1ArrFx0ZnRXOZnJr5PVxoiskZXyfx/s1600/Wild3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YgSY_UcyIF3iXhioSor6RkQIhtLht8HXgmQwRjzd83DrzLLnRJi8Jw7w_Ya6xyfz3y978t7gqcFce6ejGQPbgnecVPzjuLpyZGsMAG4rxkB9p8IvgpiLzKZ2wdgxb0xM5HrLQEG1FkTkZ32fLdYPg3R3vPH1ArrFx0ZnRXOZnJr5PVxoiskZXyfx/w640-h426/Wild3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Music is a huge element in
the production and each scene features 1970s rock songs and love ballads. Kudos
to the lighting designer, Laura E. Glover. She manages to convey everything
from a wildfire to a herd of horses in clever ways. The set, designed by Zac
Hunter, looks like a lovely art installation. It’s functional, allowing space
to weave around, but also beautiful. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Wild Horses reminds us of the
importance of those moments that shape us in that malleable season of life. We
may part ways with our childhood friends, but those shared experiences stay
with us forever. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show</b></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">To
buy tickets or for more information about the Phoenix Theatre and its upcoming
season, visit phoenixtheatre.org. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>Performances</b>:
The show runs until March 5th at the Phoenix Cultural Center, 705 N Illinois
St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. There is adult language and themes throughout the
show. You can choose the play based on the actress performing or, if possible,
go see both! </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #292929; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Photos Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></i><o:p></o:p></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-74641739861363129192023-01-16T11:22:00.005-08:002023-01-16T11:27:35.685-08:00Heroes of the Fourth Turning<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFDmlLsdZ9Y76O1QNP-4omH-4YtcJhC7eQX8S70-yyc9of7oXOXHKzfGLZAUHpU_cA-b11LVRerKnuNlkfvhVy4RLvWzchT-6KrLhWxPkgfIYrKrLwZNa-E7KcD7hsGuSPaEDV32U43hItOcDmzGwQqdI7S8tO8tlpzY4Dqrs2vWfbLCl2vmYFLy7/s1080/Heroes1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1080" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFDmlLsdZ9Y76O1QNP-4omH-4YtcJhC7eQX8S70-yyc9of7oXOXHKzfGLZAUHpU_cA-b11LVRerKnuNlkfvhVy4RLvWzchT-6KrLhWxPkgfIYrKrLwZNa-E7KcD7hsGuSPaEDV32U43hItOcDmzGwQqdI7S8tO8tlpzY4Dqrs2vWfbLCl2vmYFLy7/w640-h488/Heroes1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Empathy is often in short supply when it comes to how we
feel about people on the opposite side of the political divide. Heroes of the
Fourth Turning, a Pulitzer-prize finalist, explores that tricky topic in an
intense and memorable way. The show is perfectly in line with American Lives
Theatre’s mission to provide provocative and entertaining plays to Indy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">With a cast of five people, director Andrew Kramer tackles a
difficult premise. Former students and friends from a Catholic college in
Wyoming reunite to celebrate an old professor. Late at night the talk turns to
politics and even though it’s a very conservative group, emotions run hot as
the lines that divide them become evident. I loved how each new pairing offered
a unique point of view. Individuals popped in and out of the house allowing for
conversations to shift and new tensions to appear as they challenged each
other’s beliefs.</span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The set, designed by Daniel McCullough, is incredible. The
IndyFringe’s normal layout is tossed to the wind and instead, we find ourselves
at a backyard bonfire. It’s deceptively simple, a back porch, lawn chairs, and
a creepy shed. The result is an intimate setting with audience seats in rows
along the sides. From the first second, you feel like you are in it with these
characters.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OemCK-VWcwfRR3joPwbLH1c21aOaHx4aWKYMp11zZSWfVRTVTLjf6tIpqmyWtElf-ZkUtWxOPbLMF04ZmMNXNSbT9AmC227mTlim5ERNd-1YGfUa23T3GqmbIcSa87y7E4rUpfXouD-irXdTpcMs1sOf0dQaBAWX99r3CVQeRm1U_EF297KI3u67/s2312/Heroes2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1734" data-original-width="2312" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OemCK-VWcwfRR3joPwbLH1c21aOaHx4aWKYMp11zZSWfVRTVTLjf6tIpqmyWtElf-ZkUtWxOPbLMF04ZmMNXNSbT9AmC227mTlim5ERNd-1YGfUa23T3GqmbIcSa87y7E4rUpfXouD-irXdTpcMs1sOf0dQaBAWX99r3CVQeRm1U_EF297KI3u67/w640-h480/Heroes2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The cast is outstanding. Their performances are layered and
powerful. This look at a very conservative world is a rare one in the theatre
community and is even more fascinating because of it. The actors treat the
characters with respect and give the audience a chance to see a wildly
different perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Morgan Morton is a force of nature in the role of Teresa. Since her
time at the college, she’s become a New Yorker with a penchant for interrupting
and aggressively telling you why you are wrong. She would feel at home in a Fox
News anchor chair. Morton is so convincing and yet the audience can still feel
her heartbroken bafflement when her former idol doesn’t respond to her in the
way she expects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I’ll avoid all spoilers, but will say that the ending felt a
bit rushed and forced. It’s incredibly difficult to end a play that is dialogue
driven. Where do you end the conversation? But regardless of the final moments,
the show is like an enthralling train wreck. I dare you to see this show and
not be dying to talk about it for days.</span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL3mBIhtUzmRjHZkbXwZwIcbAVvYg2BPlLXGq4IzgY6VFuFR9wv0CNsqEefCm_zc5UaETRxPw_3CG_0gneweWBB83RXLnPFY4VCmUEPmrcwPUN16A4QKsAWBDcnnU2vzP59uwhchB4ylPLIh8EZyqMXCC1pdX2ke9ndyiw2mjpthrwSIuesKYbscx/s1080/Heroes3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1080" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL3mBIhtUzmRjHZkbXwZwIcbAVvYg2BPlLXGq4IzgY6VFuFR9wv0CNsqEefCm_zc5UaETRxPw_3CG_0gneweWBB83RXLnPFY4VCmUEPmrcwPUN16A4QKsAWBDcnnU2vzP59uwhchB4ylPLIh8EZyqMXCC1pdX2ke9ndyiw2mjpthrwSIuesKYbscx/w640-h526/Heroes3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;">Don't Miss the Show</b><br style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;" /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;">For more information about American Lives Theatre, visit americanlivestheatre.org.</span><br style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;" /><b style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;">Performances</b><span style="color: #292929; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">: The show runs until Jan. 28th at the IndyFringe Theatre, 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis.<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">*Please be advised there are occasional loud noises, including gunshots; there is an herbal cigarette; and there is transgressive language with regard to identity. The play runs a little over two hours with no intermission. </span></p><p><i style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana; font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></i></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-12760341841218205112023-01-02T07:04:00.011-08:002023-01-02T07:05:20.389-08:00Clue<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5SedU8Y4GHA0ZB9Mmwy6ijp7FKKN490noPUZwHyYhfG-I7cOE-TBFtuiw3MsZSfp0WCjdl_EG6ajfzFtmn9ntrOyvAlpiJJ40BZPyJUu5i8KBQ8_K1DAamp8LDOPwH2qKDmiEQIK4VQk_VDYGCUb4iTiZJVygZxEYv1RBfRg0HvRAWrk7rILefMn/s1716/Suspects%20given%20weapons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1716" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5SedU8Y4GHA0ZB9Mmwy6ijp7FKKN490noPUZwHyYhfG-I7cOE-TBFtuiw3MsZSfp0WCjdl_EG6ajfzFtmn9ntrOyvAlpiJJ40BZPyJUu5i8KBQ8_K1DAamp8LDOPwH2qKDmiEQIK4VQk_VDYGCUb4iTiZJVygZxEYv1RBfRg0HvRAWrk7rILefMn/w560-h640/Suspects%20given%20weapons.jpg" width="560" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Clue, the classic whodunit farce, kicks off Beef and Boards Dinner <span class="scayt-misspell-word" data-scayt-word="Theatre's" data-wsc-id="lcexjwqaw806e86uw" data-wsc-lang="en_US">Theatre's</span> 50th anniversary season. The mystery show takes the famous board game and film and turns it into a play. Each character is given a weapon and a motive and the murders begin. Eddie Curry directs the fast-paced production and keeps the actors as close to their movie counterparts as possible. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cast reads like a who’s who of Beef and Boards' favorites including Suzanne Stark, John Vessels, Deb Wims, David Schmittou, Jeff Stockberger, and Sally Scharbrough. Audiences might also recognize a subdued Ben Asaykwee in a very different role than many of his other productions. Scot Greenwell particularly shines as the timid Mr. Green. For each cast member, the role plays to their individual strengths. Schmittou's impressive monologue explaining each of the crimes at the end is an absolute highlight. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14geL3TA8BfKsk5-FeQlzdk1pPkMFDyTLE8CN8Srzwn_A5yMAJxRG9VHCxFQJPZS3B7nrDbH_09PFzUL2iUFefajYRiGkzGu-J3sb2b8fawf7gaPU2PIYRRxST8vs7z1zmgssrecBoQD8uButv2z_lPc4OPqgEcgAcPgXK-yp1eLBjyPwK78bBgYW/s1800/Mr%20Boddy%20is%20dead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1800" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14geL3TA8BfKsk5-FeQlzdk1pPkMFDyTLE8CN8Srzwn_A5yMAJxRG9VHCxFQJPZS3B7nrDbH_09PFzUL2iUFefajYRiGkzGu-J3sb2b8fawf7gaPU2PIYRRxST8vs7z1zmgssrecBoQD8uButv2z_lPc4OPqgEcgAcPgXK-yp1eLBjyPwK78bBgYW/w640-h314/Mr%20Boddy%20is%20dead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The set is incredibly simple, a turntable with half a dozen doors perfect for slamming and a few screens to add digital effects. There’s a lot of running in place and blackouts with echoing screams. If you love the 1985 film, you’ll recognize many of the characters' lines. There’s a kinetic energy that the movie captures that’s missing when you translate this show to the stage. Everything‘s laid out in front of you and it's difficult to pretend secret passageways exist and bodies are hidden in different rooms when you can see everything. But the show is absolutely fun; light and silly and full of entertaining moments. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC_aP4P1tyUCGzC9FI0O_D3DtjawBHR-JvxqAcqg2wp74UXGW0MDqZ4uT4qLZDVJK07oJUgH7RBdFhq0BtRUXIe--Oqi8W1rvBh5uuYmrAIcpy8GapUrSWg1rh1jonGxmFKr0JfDXjjhN7NdD7O4CbHVcgwVBgkkwwxLLD1itDoI13WD_LCHARAQU/s2400/Suspects%20with%20weapons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="2400" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC_aP4P1tyUCGzC9FI0O_D3DtjawBHR-JvxqAcqg2wp74UXGW0MDqZ4uT4qLZDVJK07oJUgH7RBdFhq0BtRUXIe--Oqi8W1rvBh5uuYmrAIcpy8GapUrSWg1rh1jonGxmFKr0JfDXjjhN7NdD7O4CbHVcgwVBgkkwwxLLD1itDoI13WD_LCHARAQU/w640-h398/Suspects%20with%20weapons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: verdana;">The rest of the season includes Beauty and the Beast, An American in Paris, Footloose, White Christmas, and other hits. Douglas E. Stark has been running the theatre with unfettered enthusiasm since purchasing it with a partner in 1980. This milestone anniversary season will be a celebration of all of the decades spent serving the Indianapolis community.</span></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></b></span></span><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show</b><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Up next at Beef & Boards is Footloose, opening Feb. 9th. </span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Performances: </b>Clue runs until Feb. 5th.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Tickets:</b> To purchase tickets call </span><span style="color: #222222;">(317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $52 to $79 and </span><span style="color: #222222;">include the show, tax, coffee, tea, and the buffet.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of Beef & Boards</span></i></span></span></span><p></p></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-42139617402421503142022-11-28T05:14:00.006-08:002022-11-28T05:18:00.694-08:00 Beef & Boards Announces 50th Anniversary Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRkBbab1c8-V5-hDlA2ds_czFP2QoNr9RkU9dfA7O99T640RnImbWqHeBtHyxjpKOR56ObyMjFM6NniQlNyfk9tvS1uthtlTnHJwVWW5MEIZgf3ePmduPsTK2Hwc5MvmIisJQLUu7Uq-zAqBBO134y5LeQWQ2v2u46ESzK4_mkBhMXLG7em0hR6IS/s1800/Footloose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRkBbab1c8-V5-hDlA2ds_czFP2QoNr9RkU9dfA7O99T640RnImbWqHeBtHyxjpKOR56ObyMjFM6NniQlNyfk9tvS1uthtlTnHJwVWW5MEIZgf3ePmduPsTK2Hwc5MvmIisJQLUu7Uq-zAqBBO134y5LeQWQ2v2u46ESzK4_mkBhMXLG7em0hR6IS/w640-h320/Footloose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2023 marks a golden milestone for Beef & Boards – 50 years of keeping audiences well-fed and exceptionally entertained, and keeping them coming back for more. It’s a celebration that includes three new shows to the Beef & Boards stage, fan and family favorites, and a return of the most successful show ever presented at the theatre.<br /><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It all begins on Dec. 28, 2022 with the play based on the beloved Hasbro board game of the same name. <b>Clue </b>is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery in which six mysterious guests arrive at a remote mansion for an unusual dinner party, where murder and blackmail are on the menu. Led by Wadsworth, the butler, all of the usual suspects are on hand, including Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard. This comedy whodunit is rated PG and is on stage through Feb. 5, 2023.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then it’s time to cut loose for the first musical of the 2023 Season: <b>Footloose</b>. The explosive movie musical bursts onto the stage featuring the powerhouse hits of the Oscar-nominated score, including “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Somebody’s Eyes,” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” When Ren moves to a small town that has outlawed dancing, he takes the steps necessary for a better future. Footloose celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness. Rated PG-13 for adult content and teen angst, Footloose is on stage through March 26.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Originally scheduled for the 2020 Season, <b>An American in Paris </b>will finally make its Beef & Boards debut March 30. This musical by George and Ira Gershwin tells the story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and a romantic French city – each yearning for a new beginning in the wake of World War II. Nominated for a staggering 11 Tony Awards, An American in Paris won four, including Best Orchestrations. Great Gershwin tunes include “I Got Rhythm,” Shall We Dance,” and “’S Wonderful.” An American in Paris continues through May 14.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />For its 2023 Season Family Show, Beef & Boards brings to the stage the epic Disney favorite, <b>Beauty and the Beast</b> starting May 18. This enchanting story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a prince trapped under a magic spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. Unforgettable songs include “Be Our Guest,” Belle,” “Gaston,” and the famous title tune. Rated G and featuring Beef & Boards’ $10 Family Show discount for all kids ages 3-15, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is on stage through July 9.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then the musical legacy of Duke Ellington is celebrated in <b>Sophisticated Ladies</b>, a retrospective that takes audiences from The Duke’s early days at The Cotton Club through his widening acceptance around the world. Opening July 13, this high-stepping salute is inspired by the glamorous nightlife and sensuous highlife of a man who lived to love. Rated G, Sophisticated Ladies is on stage through Aug. 20.</span></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvU8t5PAyMLn_qVMJmkkCwh9ueZJ8oisZBwXco7N6sz2TWO-d6lLXauwXXdoB1P1vzRARo3McMx6SnZjNwuTo3U84yaQ8r7bamGqPujs10bR0BtAUaSPTDvCSzFm4EjlnvdJgv2L-cFs5vj7ZRd4OBSDgshLkUzD_sLFqdUwh77lUl6dKwxDdrVK9/s1657/Beauty%20and%20the%20Beast2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvU8t5PAyMLn_qVMJmkkCwh9ueZJ8oisZBwXco7N6sz2TWO-d6lLXauwXXdoB1P1vzRARo3McMx6SnZjNwuTo3U84yaQ8r7bamGqPujs10bR0BtAUaSPTDvCSzFm4EjlnvdJgv2L-cFs5vj7ZRd4OBSDgshLkUzD_sLFqdUwh77lUl6dKwxDdrVK9/w580-h640/Beauty%20and%20the%20Beast2.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The comedic duo of Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger bring the iconic characters of Max and John to the stage in the movie-turned-musical, <b>Grumpy Old Men</b>, opening Aug. 24. Feuding for most of their lives, these neighbors find themselves facing off in a new battle – as romantic rivals seeking the affection of an enticing new woman in the neighborhood. Based on the 1993 film, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor and great songs. Rated PG-13 for adult content, Grumpy Old Men The Musical is on stage through Oct. 1.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Opening Oct. 5 is the show that’s brought more people into Beef & Boards than any other: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s <b>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</b>. Also featuring the largest cast to appear in a Beef & Boards production, Joseph... follows the Biblical story of Jacob’s favorite son. After being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams – a skill that ultimately frees him and elevates him to power, and ultimately reunites him with his family. Rated G, Joseph is on stage through Nov. 19.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Beef & Boards’ 50th Anniversary Season culminates in a classic celebration of the holidays with Irving Berlin’s <b>White Christmas</b> starting Nov. 24. In this stage version of the famous film, Broadway partners vacation at the Vermont ski resort of their former Army general. Snow isn’t falling and the guests aren’t coming, so the duo come up with a creative plan to help fill the inn – and a sudden snowfall is the icing on the slopes. This theatrical treat is on stage through Dec. 31.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Also returning in Beef & Boards’ 2023 Season is its popular one-hour production of the Charles Dickens favorite, <b>A Christmas Carol</b>. On stage for select dates Dec. 1-22, 2023.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Both individual </span><span style="color: #222222;">tickets and VIP Memberships are available now and may be purchased by visiting beefandboards.com, or </span><span style="color: #222222;">calling the box office at 317.872.9664 (closed Mondays). Tickets for main stage shows </span><span style="color: #222222;">range from $52.50 to $79.50, and include dinner buffet, full fruit & salad bar, coffee, tea </span><span style="color: #222222;">and lemonade. Note: Discounts are available for groups and kids ages 3-15. Children </span><span style="color: #222222;">under 3 not admitted to mainstage shows.</span></span></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-9746860682671714042022-11-17T10:41:00.001-08:002022-11-17T10:41:18.884-08:00Aladdin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhq9MsY0rUFV8UlI6QlRmlQfiWNazCGDYIWDErT39NUmK31siEWEReGwzRHyyc1fM81Ghn9CkVUWR-VCOuFniII4amwaRMJG7bIFfQq4e63BcEwKjmMZXkDn8Fe_ZJm_jK6QD9LcucW2R202yFzJ9oBdawwvNcUQX37AOJwGM8Mxb6dXr4x5OyXez/s1538/Aladdin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1538" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhq9MsY0rUFV8UlI6QlRmlQfiWNazCGDYIWDErT39NUmK31siEWEReGwzRHyyc1fM81Ghn9CkVUWR-VCOuFniII4amwaRMJG7bIFfQq4e63BcEwKjmMZXkDn8Fe_ZJm_jK6QD9LcucW2R202yFzJ9oBdawwvNcUQX37AOJwGM8Mxb6dXr4x5OyXez/w640-h426/Aladdin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Broadway
Across America does big musicals well. Obviously, the trend of movie-to-musical
has touched every genre, but Disney musicals tend to translate well in that
medium. Aladdin is no exception. Everything is big, bright, sparkling, and
bursting with color. The special effects don’t disappoint. There are
lightning-fast costume changes and spectacular sets. The Cave of Wonders is
particularly impressive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The show
feels different through the eyes of a child. Critics might feel overwhelmed by
the hugeness of the cast, set, and costumes, but for kids it's magical. A
favorite movie comes to life in front of them and the production nails that.
The magic carpet ride alone is worth the price of admission for the look of
sheer joy on your kiddo’s face.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-c8z8EHfrl2HHN1W_zBY1cXjrnl16y9TcIOp_cpKp2sX0F25GnpyIC1xiQXCcHPYdVVGPQmVihM0hesRgNF7rGhnOSGgv2-wgRvudTXIZHKt8FqF9oilHGsf4PmFrGgUfCYu81VbrkNWti5g9MfX9NsXE8omdwNjQNl15Zub6dWxdwUiCZ57Ba1h/s1538/Aladdin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1538" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-c8z8EHfrl2HHN1W_zBY1cXjrnl16y9TcIOp_cpKp2sX0F25GnpyIC1xiQXCcHPYdVVGPQmVihM0hesRgNF7rGhnOSGgv2-wgRvudTXIZHKt8FqF9oilHGsf4PmFrGgUfCYu81VbrkNWti5g9MfX9NsXE8omdwNjQNl15Zub6dWxdwUiCZ57Ba1h/w640-h426/Aladdin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The musical
has learned from some of its Disney predecessors. In The Little Mermaid, the
annoying sidekicks didn’t translate well to the stage and in Aladdin, those
characters are wisely eschewed. Instead of a querulous monkey, there are three
friends that provide comic relief.<br /><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The
scene-stealer is Marcus M. Martin as the Genie. He has big shoes to fill with
the Robin Williams-originated role, but he brings an undeniable energy to the
part. He’s a jazzed-up genie with a great sense of humor and heart.<br /><br /></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Familiar
numbers like “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” are obviously included,
but there are some new songs that add some depth to the story. “A Million Miles
Away” gives Aladdin and Jasmine a chance to get to know each other a little
better, which helps make their whirlwind romance more convincing.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiDTw2IQ4MuO7gH2P_RHmQU4pCUxR24GngckrmTsoglDie4tDxHulbITqBI80_UQAoJxNt4cBWThSQSf512NLG0899G9fQaevfIpN86-AiD0XrUf68YlsgviI1EswgPs-JWl6xePcHnlVbiPNjon2tnwDuqb-Y83DPtfASmuGeurbTjfN9xe7wNvt/s1538/Aladdin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1538" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiDTw2IQ4MuO7gH2P_RHmQU4pCUxR24GngckrmTsoglDie4tDxHulbITqBI80_UQAoJxNt4cBWThSQSf512NLG0899G9fQaevfIpN86-AiD0XrUf68YlsgviI1EswgPs-JWl6xePcHnlVbiPNjon2tnwDuqb-Y83DPtfASmuGeurbTjfN9xe7wNvt/w640-h426/Aladdin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At its
heart, the show is playfully campy with a few cheap laughs (think puns on
Mediterranean food) and lots of glitz and glam. It dramatically cut out some of
the scary stuff that originated in the 1992 cartoon, making it much more
appropriate for a younger audience. There’s even a bit of Bollywood pixie dust
sprinkled on top of the show.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show<br /></b><br />The show runs until Sunday, November 20 at Clowes Memorial Hall so hurry to get tickets. They can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, The Murat Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos courtesy of Broadway Across America</i></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-74219100330010563872022-10-17T13:27:00.011-07:002022-10-19T03:29:19.552-07:00Tick, Tick…BOOM!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICg2CccvmIrPO1EtlbMfB9BfwhQ9H3iCjHOKcRV0OUpstQwXH3p5-62K71Yo3JYaMYuyJZdKfZJh9bGf9NqcHZO2ohjzjsTQrmoJY9zBpAQJohBO0Hu7-BxtkTwpKG6jCpIdSuOUjZX59Yuj9rfQHty8e_mVDxCQ3Sfkc5XL9AnZ1BDGWxSs7rhUG/s1000/Tick1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICg2CccvmIrPO1EtlbMfB9BfwhQ9H3iCjHOKcRV0OUpstQwXH3p5-62K71Yo3JYaMYuyJZdKfZJh9bGf9NqcHZO2ohjzjsTQrmoJY9zBpAQJohBO0Hu7-BxtkTwpKG6jCpIdSuOUjZX59Yuj9rfQHty8e_mVDxCQ3Sfkc5XL9AnZ1BDGWxSs7rhUG/w640-h426/Tick1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222;">Tick, Tick...BOOM! is the incredibly personal musical from Jonathan Larson, the creator of RENT. This 90-minute musical tells the story of Jon (Patrick Dinnsen) as he approaches his 30th birthday. He’s wondering if a career in the arts is a lost cause. The show is all the more profound because of his real-life untimely death just before his 36th birthday.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">There are just three actors plus a live band on the stage's second level. The musicians' excellent performances sometimes overwhelm the vocals, but it gives it a great rock ‘n’ roll feel. Some of the quiet songs hit deeper because of the clarity of each carefully crafted lyric, brimming with angst and ambition.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXUD_F3LV-xLCe9e3bZegiuYXt4Tx_FBPY9pJAe6OjW_OgY5GxmOtr_5WJPcVL3WUaxBmjSo3owKozQge1Dr-fVL59KekxGs7681aNdSkWfMz5aFNcBnFYGfQgsIcZsiwCkN7v-qR3xE7NncWii5zhJ45DPsK8m1U63ZnhgJXbzr80Agr-EOIcmpY/s1000/Tick2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1000" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXUD_F3LV-xLCe9e3bZegiuYXt4Tx_FBPY9pJAe6OjW_OgY5GxmOtr_5WJPcVL3WUaxBmjSo3owKozQge1Dr-fVL59KekxGs7681aNdSkWfMz5aFNcBnFYGfQgsIcZsiwCkN7v-qR3xE7NncWii5zhJ45DPsK8m1U63ZnhgJXbzr80Agr-EOIcmpY/w640-h536/Tick2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Emily Ristine Holloway‘s direction keeps things moving with a revolving door of characters played by the talented three actors. She lovingly choreographs the show so there is rollicking fun that slides easily into poignant numbers. The set, designed by Zac Hunter, is gritty and perfectly NYC in the '90s. There’s a versatile Murphy bed and a rolling staircase to help transition between scenes.<br /><br />Gabriela Gomez plays Susan and her vocal talent takes things to a different level. Each of the actors has stellar vocals, but hers particularly stand out. She's able to swing from frustration to sexiness, playful to hopeless as her relationship with Jon shifts.<br /><br />There are few songs in any musical that are more entertaining to watch than “Therapy”. The tongue-twister lyrics would be easy to stumble over, but Gomez and Dinnsen nail it. Michael, played by Eddie Dean, has a chance to spread his wings in "Real Life" and he knocks it out of the park. The audience can feel his fear and heartbreak.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36PK9f66jbtU9ez7HQneZNcJzgqs7eqtSHiwwDq5nFplSTi7a05kh3OnRr-ngbH-YA157ZxxPngSGAtMYIAQYzU3T6EWRA3nv3wmmZISbibXEL41gHXgz_nC7pfnItWaGl7yCsNNES97L3r9RtMjjtJ974eCHyUMxOh3XtVxZH-XXQ_i5K7uqVBsK/s1000/Tick3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36PK9f66jbtU9ez7HQneZNcJzgqs7eqtSHiwwDq5nFplSTi7a05kh3OnRr-ngbH-YA157ZxxPngSGAtMYIAQYzU3T6EWRA3nv3wmmZISbibXEL41gHXgz_nC7pfnItWaGl7yCsNNES97L3r9RtMjjtJ974eCHyUMxOh3XtVxZH-XXQ_i5K7uqVBsK/w640-h426/Tick3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b style="color: #292929;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The story resonates with any artist who has questioned their future. By the end, you feel like you're part of the tight-knit trio as they navigate the difficult passage from their 20s into the next inevitable stage.</span></span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><b style="color: #292929;">Don't Miss the Show<br /></b><span style="color: #292929;"></span><br style="color: #292929;" /><span style="color: #292929;">For more information about the Phoenix Theatre and its upcoming season, visit phoenixtheatre.org.</span><br style="color: #292929;" /><b style="color: #292929;">Performances</b><span style="color: #292929;">: The show runs until Oct. 30th at the Phoenix Cultural Center, 705 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.</span></span><br style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana; font-size: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana; font-size: 20px;" /><i style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #292929; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></i></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-29182195727553651852022-10-10T12:11:00.004-07:002022-10-10T12:11:52.727-07:00King John<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ELua4DUTuEc7uyo5ZFtBPxYlf4LRu1ZFigqxz--4f1OiC2EYC6xKoYqrRYLaGK4TFkJ47JatPHxOHg5MLspflIJrVCkGnRZpKs90mSVermZltWJnM-nXjGJlSw8T0Kdj56hXSkWpj7SvkQFnW5h5v6ZOl0p3bG9QyosP2hZMlRoVhPpEWRvGl4wM/s960/1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="927" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ELua4DUTuEc7uyo5ZFtBPxYlf4LRu1ZFigqxz--4f1OiC2EYC6xKoYqrRYLaGK4TFkJ47JatPHxOHg5MLspflIJrVCkGnRZpKs90mSVermZltWJnM-nXjGJlSw8T0Kdj56hXSkWpj7SvkQFnW5h5v6ZOl0p3bG9QyosP2hZMlRoVhPpEWRvGl4wM/w618-h640/1.JPG" width="618" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">One of the highlights of this
year‘s Bard Fest is the rarely-produced King John. There are whispers of other
Shakespeare plays echoing in the heartbreaking history All the classics are
there but presented in a show that’s often overlooked. There are warring
families, devious brothers, and vindictive paranoid monarchs, all grasping at
power with greedy fingers. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The
show is produced in a new space for the festival. The Shelton Auditorium is
breathtaking in its layout. Doug Powers’ direction takes advantage of the
incredible facility to stretch the action up the stairs to create the fiction
of a fortified city. The battles often happen off stage which keeps the snarky
banter front and center. It is a verbally dense play rich with prose.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s5KgO5ASy8LnT4admtjK66pjcxafXXl1gSQY7S2QTMijNpnNDj9mcwqSEyEhjNoQT2vvoSphZU7eAUmU3_z7n-97gGGLO2f_hi2G0b0hDVooNwtJ4ym2DhKbBRfMFYJqTNScw9C-w0NUTGLkcPwDuPSXGoGDsW7gly4xK2B7Q1fZ-s8oswXeyQHm/s1000/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s5KgO5ASy8LnT4admtjK66pjcxafXXl1gSQY7S2QTMijNpnNDj9mcwqSEyEhjNoQT2vvoSphZU7eAUmU3_z7n-97gGGLO2f_hi2G0b0hDVooNwtJ4ym2DhKbBRfMFYJqTNScw9C-w0NUTGLkcPwDuPSXGoGDsW7gly4xK2B7Q1fZ-s8oswXeyQHm/w418-h640/2.JPG" width="418" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Georgeanna Smith Wade is a
revelation as Duchess Constance. Like so many of the other actors, she plays
multiple characters, but it’s her turn as a grieving mother that is worth the
price of admission. Unfortunately, her character disappears in the second act,
but that doesn’t take away from her rapturous portrayal. She has passion and
frustration, stunted ambition and sorrow. This role is rich with monologues and
ripe for performance. Wade does it justice and makes me wish that she, not King
John, was the title character.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Taylor
Cox puns and taunts as the infamous Bastard. He provides a conscience for the
show and despite his sniveling sarcastic barbs, he is one of the only
characters to show true loyalty to the king. Cox hits his stride in the second
act when some of his unrestrained ambition mellows in defense of the crown.
Tony Armstrong is another standout as Hubert. His role is smaller, but he makes
the most of it as one of King John’s men commissioned with a horrible task. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4AemwcBoZC7cTAyMdFYv7SodlT50paV8GjCoNBqcPpWM21-QqGSf9tDREBokHoStQ-5xm0JGHXh1GeqCjvREdsV07qSm1SOssbVV1k3NoSOYixA1tvGkwW3-kVD-iAGVBWwgwbPnmDWteXLN0X2GWw5TTx1U3LlInFmIsbxXJz7YO2NEqCIlAtFO/s960/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="960" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4AemwcBoZC7cTAyMdFYv7SodlT50paV8GjCoNBqcPpWM21-QqGSf9tDREBokHoStQ-5xm0JGHXh1GeqCjvREdsV07qSm1SOssbVV1k3NoSOYixA1tvGkwW3-kVD-iAGVBWwgwbPnmDWteXLN0X2GWw5TTx1U3LlInFmIsbxXJz7YO2NEqCIlAtFO/w640-h518/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a; font-family: verdana;">The
play is not often produced because it is a historical drama that lacks a
central character the audience can root for. King John is weak and easily
swayed. He wants to rule but isn’t as vicious as Richard III nor as compelling
as Henry V. There is a French king and a simpering nephew, but neither steals
the show. The undeniable value in seeing a show like this is for the sparkling
gems like Hubert and Duchess Constance. There are so many moments of brilliance
sprinkled in even the lesser work of the Bard, that I will never fail to see
his work portrayed on the stage. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e101a;">Don't
Miss the Show</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">King
John will run until October 16th. Every performance is held at The Shelton
Auditorium on the Butler campus 1000 W 42nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Tickets
can be purchased at </span><a href="https://butlerartscenter.org/perform.../bard-fest-king-john/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4a6ee0;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">https://butlerartscenter.org/perform.../bard-fest-king-john/</span></span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Bard
Fest is an annual event that produces multiple shows around town. This year’s
festivities include Richard II, Lysistrata, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and
Into the Breeches! For details and locations of each show, please visit:
indybardfest.com</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Photos
Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></span></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-16166837862008608972022-09-14T14:11:00.008-07:002022-09-14T14:11:52.258-07:00AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE: Sense & Sensibility and The Moors<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBSthMuTxzSYI0yneNZtyo1pgp6gtj26i5F2ap3V-GNgH_Ly5wusQSOkEUS3quMnluvXPSrfg1M57V9iu2ZVKsLAf_EywiXUEPbHEa4eEMKtscrjg7uvEDa3MB8Q-En7MLimpXNWpmqz9W3X9ELZLAOJ9ecHn7zfwxf3YgiGnhdH3-qx98oCVnK0F/s5076/S&S2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3384" data-original-width="5076" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBSthMuTxzSYI0yneNZtyo1pgp6gtj26i5F2ap3V-GNgH_Ly5wusQSOkEUS3quMnluvXPSrfg1M57V9iu2ZVKsLAf_EywiXUEPbHEa4eEMKtscrjg7uvEDa3MB8Q-En7MLimpXNWpmqz9W3X9ELZLAOJ9ecHn7zfwxf3YgiGnhdH3-qx98oCVnK0F/w640-h426/S&S2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At its heart, Sense and Sensibility is not about romantic
love, though it does include swoon-worthy moments, it’s about the love between
sisters. As vastly different as they may be, that connection was deeply
understood by Jane Austen and was lovingly captured in this story. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Laura Rook is perfect as Elinor; the picture of quiet grace
and strength even in the most trying circumstances. Marianne (Samantha Newcomb)
is the fire to Rook’s ice and sparkles with passion. Jamal James’ Edward steals
all the scenes he’s in.</span> He and Rook have a sweet chemistry that embodies
the reserved affection of their characters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">This beautiful adaptation by Jessica Swale fleshes out the scenes
between Edward and Elinor. It played up lovely moments of humor and used
Margaret as a tool for added interaction between the characters.</span> Director
Marti Lyons makes use of every moments. The audience was so swept up that some
people were gasping and calling characters names.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVObkTD9IizFNBaOQJE1GcYZQ4s0pZjOnZJvmaHR8b3yFgjKrba7u9s9ig1nJlbHwB4bJy9yQDqkSxcDZtaDTQ1CXzdd4pzd8MoclQgdMJGwxD9JUCjem9zC7jH8qqJlZ4MGXKqEEaPTKrmfSNl5Jt15lgRAcIXG3i_LITIzIPUOvvXLH9FI_zEyR/s5439/S&S3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3626" data-original-width="5439" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVObkTD9IizFNBaOQJE1GcYZQ4s0pZjOnZJvmaHR8b3yFgjKrba7u9s9ig1nJlbHwB4bJy9yQDqkSxcDZtaDTQ1CXzdd4pzd8MoclQgdMJGwxD9JUCjem9zC7jH8qqJlZ4MGXKqEEaPTKrmfSNl5Jt15lgRAcIXG3i_LITIzIPUOvvXLH9FI_zEyR/w640-h426/S&S3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The supporting cast is so fun! They’re deliciously
snarky, frivolous, and catty and the roles of Fanny Dashwood, Lucy Steele give
the actors plenty of chances to make their mark.</span> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Willoughby’s transformation from charming lover to desperate
cad is powerful.</span> </span>S<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">arah Day and
Brian Mani eat up their roles as the exuberant, nosy Jennings, benefactors of
the Dashwood women.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Bottom Line: I’ve always loved Austen’s tale of
these diametrically opposed sisters and the way they can teach us about
patience and understanding those who see the world differently than we do.</span> This
production adds even more humor and joy to the core story. It’s one that should
not be missed at APT!</span> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc20E1J8Yjk1igSx4Q7ko8HPyjiRYnoq1eJG-JLd8BZMNs8_BaV27OWVZDKa5Yzqb9rfRkRMoUR6xJy8jah6YpA1LLFXIjqYFkO8rqlxyeJJHM45SI6UGk5vNeysUCGqjmdA0BhB7OPNRYWxquJb_5DK8l6o1bWh_HTMYvUQSiKoau7yVFbjMFxKMB/s4683/Moors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3122" data-original-width="4683" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc20E1J8Yjk1igSx4Q7ko8HPyjiRYnoq1eJG-JLd8BZMNs8_BaV27OWVZDKa5Yzqb9rfRkRMoUR6xJy8jah6YpA1LLFXIjqYFkO8rqlxyeJJHM45SI6UGk5vNeysUCGqjmdA0BhB7OPNRYWxquJb_5DK8l6o1bWh_HTMYvUQSiKoau7yVFbjMFxKMB/w640-h426/Moors2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The Moors by Jen Silverman </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Just like Sense and Sensibility, this unconventional play
features the story of sisters, but it couldn’t be more different in tone or
content. The dark comedy leans heavily on the atmosphere created in the
Brontës’ novels. It takes all the basic Gothic tropes and both embraces them
and flips them upside down.</span> Tracy Michelle Arnold’s chilling Agatha and Kelsey
Brennan’s dotty Huldey are both irresistible. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">The set transports you to the misty moors with a few simple
shadows and well-placed tufts of grass. The costumes, designed by Mieka van der
Ploeg, are an essential piece of the production. The actors don lovely dresses in
shades of gray until the new governess (Emilie played by Kayla Carter), pops in
with her bright burst of energy and sincere enthusiasm. If pink could be a
person, Emilie would be it!</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Jim DeVita and Colleen Madden play a dog and a
hen. With simple head tilts and bird-like coos or a low, growling rumble the
pair are completely convincing. Madden‘s costume is particularly brilliant. Who
knew it could be so powerful to hear a dog try to describe feelings of love and
loneliness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bottom Line: </b>It’s a strange play. Funny, eerie, jarring, and
unexpectedly profound. Come for the dog’s love story, stay for the power ballad.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">*My scheduled performance of Love’s Labour’s Lost was canceled
because of a thunderstorm.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEg73LX82NtkI0XXGdTGYAvz91hH_c5AxksRK4jc-uQolXKaUcHRNmR7sj_HM_P-b3aVJq8HYyn_sJ2VORhaSaziY75xLHUDWHa7d-z6UXnHFHqROZVLB2oAaTFzJEiURzJJFpQ9lMRsAn1qqCNrkTyQRWnM7Yw5PnNJujxtLkfV7iCpnm17Yotg3/s4917/Moors3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="4917" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEg73LX82NtkI0XXGdTGYAvz91hH_c5AxksRK4jc-uQolXKaUcHRNmR7sj_HM_P-b3aVJq8HYyn_sJ2VORhaSaziY75xLHUDWHa7d-z6UXnHFHqROZVLB2oAaTFzJEiURzJJFpQ9lMRsAn1qqCNrkTyQRWnM7Yw5PnNJujxtLkfV7iCpnm17Yotg3/w640-h426/Moors3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><i style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Photos Courtesy of American Players Theatre</i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The American Players Theatre is open until October 9th for
its regular season. It will host additional shows in its indoor Touchstone
Theatre. </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The theater's outdoor seats are comfortable, but
definitely bring a jacket, rain parka, blanket, bug spray, or sunblock
depending on the weather. The show will go on even if it's chilly or drizzling.
There are easily accessible restrooms and concessions at both the Up-the-Hill
Theatre and the Touchstone Theatre. There are also picnic tables for those who
bring lunch or dinner before a show.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">There are plenty of camping/B&B/cabin/hotel
options nearby, depending on your preference. You can find additional
information about where to lodge, restaurants, and other attractions on APT's
website.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">For more information about APT and Spring Green,
WI visit its website. Spring Green, Wi is only 6.5 hours from Indianapolis and
makes a perfect weekend getaway! There are attractions for the entire family in
addition to the APT, including the Wisconsin Dells water parks, House on the
Rock, Taliesin, and a golf resort.</span><br /></span></span></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-84621595329655375442022-09-05T07:51:00.003-07:002022-09-05T07:51:18.637-07:00The Lifespan of a Fact<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbjUxpEGEjvdvimmE4n_zKsOYbhovCVRJGuL-XlePeJoOgdhUIUtvlHXrS0OUAWftaIRKd-S3QJGiLLPWeED8MwnWQD-GN1i7-PtKS45BsQrXGR58q3IkhoOzeI5JMDPeuR6XhI_APSqRgrZ5YjInFlZHpu_7rAWnIUMNqAkkAjdtRzrlqh2M2CiZ/s1200/Fact1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbjUxpEGEjvdvimmE4n_zKsOYbhovCVRJGuL-XlePeJoOgdhUIUtvlHXrS0OUAWftaIRKd-S3QJGiLLPWeED8MwnWQD-GN1i7-PtKS45BsQrXGR58q3IkhoOzeI5JMDPeuR6XhI_APSqRgrZ5YjInFlZHpu_7rAWnIUMNqAkkAjdtRzrlqh2M2CiZ/w640-h426/Fact1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What matters most, the creative process or just the facts? That’s the question debated in The Lifespan of a Fact, on stage now at the Phoenix Theatre. In this latest production from American Lives Theatre, audiences can dive deep into journalistic integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This Indiana premiere is a firecracker of a show. It clocks in at less than 90 minutes with no intermission and not a moment is wasted. Director Chris Saunders keeps the momentum going between each scene with tight dialogue or occasionally just a pointed look. The tension is taut and the minutes fly by.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AuLgV8kfl6-Qf4q9Q-cUpwkgww11rWGEh3Y73lvRE0aIpZ3FYz4xPcSlRF_c1g_u7m9rnaIficIhniiff8psZzAvAiqNot9rY-CnI7hFCkQlnmBmnlj6ZTPpOJPwHqM-RBsEqm-1HVc00JbKt4TyuLYYo0I7pVqEFD-vHlnaSyJfuwU_2AeFMRoY/s1200/Fact2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1200" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AuLgV8kfl6-Qf4q9Q-cUpwkgww11rWGEh3Y73lvRE0aIpZ3FYz4xPcSlRF_c1g_u7m9rnaIficIhniiff8psZzAvAiqNot9rY-CnI7hFCkQlnmBmnlj6ZTPpOJPwHqM-RBsEqm-1HVc00JbKt4TyuLYYo0I7pVqEFD-vHlnaSyJfuwU_2AeFMRoY/w640-h450/Fact2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite
the serious subject matter, the show is infused with humor. As a magazine staff
works towards a tight deadline and a fact checker begins to see some cracks in
a well-written article on suicide, the fuse is lit for a confrontation.<br />
<br />
Eva Patton is the authoritative, no-nonsense editor trying to wrangle a
writer’s ego and an intern’s black-and-white worldview. Joe Wagner is all
earnestness and naïveté as Jim the intern. His nervous energy radiates with the
mix of awkwardness and complete confidence in his correctness that only the
young can have.<br />
<br />
Jim’s foil comes in the form of John D’Agata (Lukas Schooler), a lauded
essayist with a gift for storytelling. Schooler’s seething, barely-contained
frustration is laced with sarcasm. The dichotomy between the two characters is
where the fascinating discussion begins. Do the details matter more than the
big picture? What if a fact gets in the way of a powerful narrative? Where is
the balance between the two? As a journalist, this debate hit home for me. It’s
at the heart of every article published. The show is a beautiful reminder of
what we all love about theater. When the show ends, the discussion begins.</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFj4ru06UkJbD0ccQmN--ftA9H0MdVT37ISOO0O-dSbelrW7K5LLgRuHqDoArsp4Z3_z651ocNqfqzAM3Z7A9XucVozYXCMbeeF-ujbqMfGnhwvH1Ba1FHav6dtl1omXBJCmQxJCJLgEdQeRNRb2o9R-Dp2ql_raggwbN99d45KYr9sLd1UI4oDyf/s1200/Fact3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFj4ru06UkJbD0ccQmN--ftA9H0MdVT37ISOO0O-dSbelrW7K5LLgRuHqDoArsp4Z3_z651ocNqfqzAM3Z7A9XucVozYXCMbeeF-ujbqMfGnhwvH1Ba1FHav6dtl1omXBJCmQxJCJLgEdQeRNRb2o9R-Dp2ql_raggwbN99d45KYr9sLd1UI4oDyf/w640-h426/Fact3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not enough can be said about the work American Live Theatre
is doing in our town. This play is just the latest example of the high-caliber
performances they’ve been producing. If you can’t make it to this one, I hope
you’ll keep them on your radar for future shows. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>
Don't Miss the Show <br /></b>
<br />
For more information about American Lives Theatre, visit
americanlivestheatre.org.<br /><b>
Performances</b>: The show runs until Sept. 25th at the Phoenix Cultural Center,
705 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. <br />
<br />
** On Friday September 23rd, playwright Jeremy Kareken will join the cast for a
post-show discussion following the performance.<br />
<br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Photos Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light</span></i></span></span></p></div>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-75339075342474172282022-05-24T10:31:00.005-07:002022-05-24T10:31:45.059-07:00Mary Poppins<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U_4Br6srxTpSsEWSxxftYv_IUBJ3OqdppOITMkzOc-TfuLNrzrI6CVQLvQ28F-KtW_OC3yD7U1VCK_LVg6PFbubXtK7xanZQbSpyHiuchbksQJ29jvyedztFHOlMgY3W_q2V7rBBrascd2sHLXE2VAY4bGMb3qNO0iRJ8s76LKZ85mNUR4Kmy2ue/s1928/Mary%20Bert%20Jane%20and%20Michael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U_4Br6srxTpSsEWSxxftYv_IUBJ3OqdppOITMkzOc-TfuLNrzrI6CVQLvQ28F-KtW_OC3yD7U1VCK_LVg6PFbubXtK7xanZQbSpyHiuchbksQJ29jvyedztFHOlMgY3W_q2V7rBBrascd2sHLXE2VAY4bGMb3qNO0iRJ8s76LKZ85mNUR4Kmy2ue/w598-h640/Mary%20Bert%20Jane%20and%20Michael.jpg" width="598" /></a></p><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Mary
Poppins, the classic story of a practically-perfect nanny who comes to care for
the neglected Banks children is on stage now at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre.
It’s a perfect show for families with young kids to enjoy. Statues come to life
and kites are flown as the characters learn the timeless lesson of remembering
what’s truly important in life.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The title role is played by Cara Statham Serber
with just the right balance of steely reserve and cheekiness. She’s a calming
foil to the blustering Mr. Banks. The musical production differs from the
original film version in many ways, but the heart of the story is the same. </span></span></span><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcKWEi9-9bgXnXyTUPP43MJrLewIfVQVyC411horylOmnq9XMaDy-gHxFMmzk7Ju82rmbO9K5UXEz5s8XRSLIjHDolLmpW1RHYzMtfb77avSYR4TgusOSGwDl89YjHm4cJTpD3p75u1Gk3K9DbC41D5BAUDdvoakUsCPmw7c59AfWEfTT1ltUA2Wm/s1800/Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1800" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcKWEi9-9bgXnXyTUPP43MJrLewIfVQVyC411horylOmnq9XMaDy-gHxFMmzk7Ju82rmbO9K5UXEz5s8XRSLIjHDolLmpW1RHYzMtfb77avSYR4TgusOSGwDl89YjHm4cJTpD3p75u1Gk3K9DbC41D5BAUDdvoakUsCPmw7c59AfWEfTT1ltUA2Wm/w640-h568/Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">After
seeing the touring Broadway show it’s hard to ignore that the big dance numbers
are missing something on a small stage. The ensemble cast does a great job, but
there’s only so much they can do with a song like “Step in Time”, which is
traditionally a huge tap performance with two dozen dancers. The same is true
for some magical elements in the show. There are some clever moments, but it’s
not quite as impressive. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="color: #0e101a; line-height: 115%;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That
being said there’s a give-and-take with a smaller stage. There’s an intimacy at
Beef and Boards that provides a different connection for the audience. A number
like “Feed the Birds” falls flat on a Broadway stage, but in this production,
it adds a sweet depth that makes it memorable. </span></span><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49OtnLDzs44atmDElmNv6Z6SvHEMpBcKtMGCXU9NUdBqWynpD14zHdKX1Hsv4JRDUQhpzVEBnr3J9M2RYDtBxNBrVuumS4MJNFfsASXD_3p8V33dXAlFgL96AZO9YXkx2qvtV8M8ww5yGZz7FMe_kE-UF9aWtQoNnzXvXn9qcNH-9yZsJ2eNT0iKu/s1570/Mary%20Poppins%20and%20Bert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49OtnLDzs44atmDElmNv6Z6SvHEMpBcKtMGCXU9NUdBqWynpD14zHdKX1Hsv4JRDUQhpzVEBnr3J9M2RYDtBxNBrVuumS4MJNFfsASXD_3p8V33dXAlFgL96AZO9YXkx2qvtV8M8ww5yGZz7FMe_kE-UF9aWtQoNnzXvXn9qcNH-9yZsJ2eNT0iKu/w490-h640/Mary%20Poppins%20and%20Bert.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: verdana;">All-in-all
it’s a fun show for families and kids will certainly be delighted as they watch
these beloved characters come to life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Don't Miss the Show</span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Up</span> </span></span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: verdana;">next at Beef & Boards is The Honky Tonk Angels,
opening July 14th. </span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Performances</span></span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">: Mary Poppins runs
until July 10th. </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Tickets</span></span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">: To purchase tickets call</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">(317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range
from $51 to $76 and</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">include the show, tax, coffee, tea, and the buffet.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Photos courtesy of Beef & Boards</span></span></span><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><br />Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3161209962050473096.post-29147274281380569402022-04-27T09:13:00.001-07:002022-04-27T09:13:06.565-07:00Dear Evan Hansen <p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW_baUJroJ6VnHAdP1zASqcS2_TzdSy9s7J6irITXlnp4BU4AtqD_kwhn06yuaizl5zmT9Sybb5I9u6Lk1Fuim-J8wkDhzae0rW2xvfAHZ0T0M6RyjOKcWsLneNdy7vtGpESxAjHVX30f-cYqzMQOgcedjuAC5h8sNMZxt6WURdxEwDtbiN3hXTpx/s3000/3-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20the%20North%20American%20touring%20company%20of%20DEAR%20EVAN%20HANSEN.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%202019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW_baUJroJ6VnHAdP1zASqcS2_TzdSy9s7J6irITXlnp4BU4AtqD_kwhn06yuaizl5zmT9Sybb5I9u6Lk1Fuim-J8wkDhzae0rW2xvfAHZ0T0M6RyjOKcWsLneNdy7vtGpESxAjHVX30f-cYqzMQOgcedjuAC5h8sNMZxt6WURdxEwDtbiN3hXTpx/w640-h426/3-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20the%20North%20American%20touring%20company%20of%20DEAR%20EVAN%20HANSEN.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%202019.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: verdana;">High school is a different world from what many of us
experienced growing up. Now, social media is an integral part of life and that
fact is evident from the scrolling feeds presented on the hanging panels of the
Dear Evan Hansen set. The story of a community coping with the suicide of a
teenage boy took Broadway by storm when it premiered in 2016. It helped people
feel seen and connected in a time when suicide and hopelessness run rampant in
our society.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />The show is greater than its summary. The description
doesn’t capture the grief and depth of loneliness the characters are facing.
While the plot is relatable for so many, the show would fall flat without its
incredible score. It was written by Grammy®, Tony®, and Academy Award® winners
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman). A live orchestra
performs each number of the captivating composition on a riser above the stage.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB0CLMMnk0K41C_1kY2t8MwN-0wnCBD3jS8Kvon0nUqvP_s328lEfDtBdxjp0bE8w8yP9WHRZrU3xbporbEo3sTKFsI6NzdJqAvLe0GVBQJOWN97lnrwFEzHt-uKgiZyFoUsW9VI-26ZsACUZX8upguz_6gNgBSGVhJ5pHHimD2W4dPkAPfdN_KOt/s3000/5-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20Jessica%20E.%20Sherman%20as%20'Heidi%20Hansen.'%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy.%202019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB0CLMMnk0K41C_1kY2t8MwN-0wnCBD3jS8Kvon0nUqvP_s328lEfDtBdxjp0bE8w8yP9WHRZrU3xbporbEo3sTKFsI6NzdJqAvLe0GVBQJOWN97lnrwFEzHt-uKgiZyFoUsW9VI-26ZsACUZX8upguz_6gNgBSGVhJ5pHHimD2W4dPkAPfdN_KOt/w640-h426/5-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20Jessica%20E.%20Sherman%20as%20'Heidi%20Hansen.'%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy.%202019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Tuesday night production was entirely understudies
except for the roles of Zoe and Connor, but that made no difference to the
level of excellence. Despite the serious subject matter, there's plenty of
humor in the musical. “Sincerely, Me” is a fun and playful number, and Jared,
played by Matthew Edward Kemp, was full of sarcastic quips. The “Only Us” duet
between Zoe and Evan was beautiful. Sam Primack played the title character and
he captures the angst of high school life and the awkwardness that seems
ingrained in every interaction. I also loved that the moms are shown as real,
complicated people and not just caricatures. Trying to connect with your
teenagers is a challenge fraught with land mines.</span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg106Urd196gfaXbrzXH62OJAdQDBZ6tsRphT-zdDgXZTzJ2kR-w4UeTH9zf0yYeKAVdJieg8EgxoOo8wI3t1NvUyIf4EIIXXPVLi5U3ADxBkOZxNdbhk_XdMBT7LMGrcz5seDcl_tGMNo8-GTT7pqXAfJ_OIEjj2GurBZhqPzA0Z5tqwoIcsu8P3/s3000/1-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20the%20North%20American%20touring%20company%20of%20DEAR%20EVAN%20HANSEN.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%202019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg106Urd196gfaXbrzXH62OJAdQDBZ6tsRphT-zdDgXZTzJ2kR-w4UeTH9zf0yYeKAVdJieg8EgxoOo8wI3t1NvUyIf4EIIXXPVLi5U3ADxBkOZxNdbhk_XdMBT7LMGrcz5seDcl_tGMNo8-GTT7pqXAfJ_OIEjj2GurBZhqPzA0Z5tqwoIcsu8P3/w640-h426/1-%20Stephen%20Christopher%20Anthony%20as%20'Evan%20Hansen'%20and%20the%20North%20American%20touring%20company%20of%20DEAR%20EVAN%20HANSEN.%20Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy,%202019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoPlainText">The musical is a powerful one. It's a reminder of the hurt that so many real kids carry with them every day. You are not alone.</p></span><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Don't Miss the Show</b></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The show runs until Sunday, May 1 at the Old National
Centre (Murat Theatre) so hurry to get tickets. Tickets can be purchased at
Clowes Memorial Hall, The Murat Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online
here. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Melissa Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13354252878290826001noreply@blogger.com0