Stage Write

Mark your calendars! The dates and locations of this year's Bard Fest have been announced. The annual festival brings together multiple theatre companies and this year, multiple locations, to present Shakespeare's work. This year's selection includes three popular plays produced by the founding companies, plus a new treat, a youth production. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet                     The Merchant of Venice Directed by Zach Stonerock                                Directed by Doug Powers Catalyst Repertory                                                First Folio Productions Much Ado About Nothing                                ...

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

Bard Fest wrapped up its second annual events this past weekend. This year’s festival included three different Shakespeare productions, by three companies, in rotation: Twelfth Night from Garfield Shakespeare Co., King Lear from First Folio, and Coriolanus from Catalyst Repertory. One highlights of the festival is that audiences are able to see plays that are rarely produced in Indiana .  I was only able to make it to King Lear, something I hope to remedy next year. The productions obviously have a small budget, but they make the most of what they have. Costumes are simple and the stage is sparse, highlighting the performances over the atmosphere. Carey Shea’s direction wisely focuses on relationships over action sequences. David Mosedale is the titular king. He’s flustered and frustrated by his situation. His brokenness is clear in the second act. Ann Marie Elliott plays both the rejected daughter Cordelia and the Fool. Her performance as the former is emotional and ...

Indy's Shakespeare festival is back for a second year! The annual event runs from October 13 through October 30. The three main shows this year are Coriolanus, King Lear, and Twelfth Night. Founded by & managed in partnership with The Carmel Theatre Company, First Folio Productions, Catalyst Repertory (formerly CRP) & The Garfield Shakespeare Company. Bard Fest Indy was founded by 3 Indiana-based theatre companies to bring a professional quality, yet intimate, Shakespeare festival experience to central Indiana. Through their partnership with The Carmel Theatre Company, Bard Fest is able to not only provide paying work for local area actors, but also provide 3 unique visions under one intimate roof. Opening Weekend Celebration: Opening weekend will include buy-one-get-one tickets to the Shakespeare anchor shows, and will also feature two special guest shows by the critically acclaimed Fringe performer and classical literature scholar, Timothy Mooney. They ar...