Stage Write

  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.    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.    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 ...

If you’re already a fan of Monty Python, then seeing the current production of Spamalot at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre should be a no-brainer. For the rest of the theatre-going crowd don’t go to this musical expecting life-altering drama or lyrics filled with lines of wisdom. This is pure entertainment and it’s done so well. With numbers like, “The Song That Goes Like This” and “The Fisch Schlapping Song” it’s clear the show is focused on fun.    Robert Koharchik does an incredible job with the set. He recreates the Monty Python scenes from the French castle to the Camelot casino perfectly. The high tower windows on either side of the stage worked particularly well. A few awards for the show:   Best Dance Moves: Sir Robin Best Insults: The French Best Hair: Sir Dennis Galahad Best Use of Coconuts: Patsy  Best Jazz Hands: Sir Lancelot  Best Dramatic Performance: Tim the Enchanter  Just sit back and revel in the absurdity of the ...

Father of the Bride won audiences’ hearts as a 1991 film remake starring Steve Martin. Now that same story is on stage at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. The simplified version play takes place entirely in the family’s living room, reminding us once again that a wedding really is a family affair. A father’s life is thrown into chaos when his daughter decides to have a “small” wedding. Jeff Stockberger stars as the title character. He plays grumpy, but is ultimately wrapped around his daughter’s finger. As the bills come in and the guest list grows he becomes more flustered. Fathers everywhere can relate to the strain he’s under. Lisa Ermel returns to B&B as the sweet bride. She’s naïve about the simplicity of planning a wedding, but sincere in her feelings for her fiancé. Those who frequent other Indianapolis theatres will be excited to see a familiar face. Ben Tebbe, a regular at the Phoenix Theatre, HART and the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, makes his Beef & Boa...

Broadway Across America has opened its season with Mary Poppins at the Murat. The classic show brings the children's story to life in a musical extravaganza. Bert, a cheerful jack-of-all-trades, acts as the show's all-seeing narrator. He is at times a painter and at others a chimney sweep, but he's always around. Nicolas Dromard plays the role with a wonderful warmth and a cocky accent is as thick as the London fog. He also wows the crowd with his gravity-defying antics and particularly shines in the show's best number, "Step In Time," an elaborate tap routine with elements of STOMP. The show manages to capture many of the elements that made the original movie so magical, including Mary's bottomless carpet bag and rooms that help clean themselves. These tricks are difficult to pull off on a stage in front of an audience, but the production manages it smoothly. The audience will recognize many of songs from the Disney musical, but there are are few new ones...