Stage Write

Every theatre is unique and the shows that they produce there reflect that diversity. I’m grateful Indy has so many great ones to choose from. There were some wonderful shows in 2017 and here’s a list of my personal favorites. Make sure you keep an eye on these theaters in 2018! 1)  J. Eyre: A New Musical Adaptation - EclecticPond Theatre Company 2) The Originalist - Indiana Repertory Theatre  3) A View from the Bridge - American Players Theatre  4) Kinky Boots - Broadway Across America  5) The Great Bike Race - Theatre on the Square  6) Richard III - First Folio Productions & Catalyst Repertory at the IndyFringe Theatre 7) Ring of Fire - Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre  8) Elemeno Pea - Indy Actors Playground   9) Drankspeare: Hamlet - EclecticPond Theatre Company

This week I attended the 50th performance of the Indy Actors' Playground. This little gem of an event is held on the third Monday of every month at Indy Reads Books. Fantastic Indianapolis actors get to pick a play and do a live reading. The only requirement is that it is a professional play that has already been produced (not a new work) and that it hasn’t been produced in Indianapolis any time recently (and isn’t in an upcoming season).   This gives actors the chance to select shows they’ve always wanted to do. The play isn't announced until the show begins. People attending don’t know what they are about to see. This means that the actors don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s an easy production to market. There are no sets, no costumes, and no elaborate lighting effects. It’s just a simple stage with folding chairs. The actors sit a few feet away from the audience members and read directly from the scripts. The amazing thing is that with excellent acto...