Stage Write

Lovers of theatre can usually remember their first introductions to the stage. Whether it's a school performance or a professional one, those earliest shows leave an impression. The Indiana Repertory Theatre's current offering, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, is a delightful way to make theatre accessible for kids as young as 3. The show begins with listening rules for kids, who are on the floor in storytime seating. The relaxed style takes away the intimidation that some people can associate with professional theatre.  Devan Mathias and Carlos Medina Maldonado star as Piggie and Gerald respectively. Their enthusiasm and playful performances has the kids laughing aloud. The musical, written by children's author Mo Willems, is a sweet story of friendship and trying new things. It even includes some fun Shakespeare and Star Wars references for older audience members.  Each season the IRT offers one children's show for kids ages 3 to 8 and their fam...

In May the Phoenix theater will hold its grand opening at its new location. That exciting fact makes this Xmas show particularly special. This year is the very last time audiences can see the holiday hit in the old church the Phoenix has called home for decades. There are years of new memories to be made on the new stage, but for those of us who have made A Very Phoenix Xmas part of our annual holiday tradition, there was something special about seeing this final show. The Phoenix decided to bring back some crowd favorites from the previous 11 iterations of the show. They let people vote and the winners included "Tacobel Canon" and "Don't Eat the Baby". My personal favorite, "Les Miserabelves", was just as fantastic the second time around. The mash up of the Rudolph Christmas special and Les Miserables is beyond hilarious. Paul Hansen’s rendition of "Hallelujah" backed by a chorus of hymn singing cast members was incredibly movin...

The Golem of Havana is set in the 1950s as the people of Cuba waver on the brink of the revolution. A young Jewish girl named Rebecca is growing up in her father's tailor shop, oblivious to the turmoil around her. She writes stories of a superhero, the golem; the fabled protector she’s grown up hearing stories of from her European mother. When their maid’s son, a rebel fighter, turns up the family must make a decision that will determine their future in this volatile world.   The premise echoes one that’s repeated too often throughout history. It’s a story of oppression and rebellion, strength in resistance and the tough moral choices that go hand-in-hand. It reminds me of Anne Frank's story and Les Miserables and dozens of others. Persecution is the same no matter what political face it wears.   Maria, the family’s maid, is played by Teneh B. C. Karimu. She gives a powerful performance as a mother in search her child. Eric Olson, who has already proved his singing ...