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 2018 and here’s a list of my personal favorites. Make sure you keep an eye on these theaters in 2019! 1) Hedwig and the Angry Inch - Zach & Zack: The year kicked off with a passionate performance in an intimate space. Hedwig set a high bar for the rest of the year. 2) And Then There Were None - Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre: A murder mystery with tight pacing and building tension, this one hit the spot.  3) A Raisin in the Sun - Indiana Repertory Theatre: Heartwrenching and beautifully acted, this classic came to life on the IRT's stage.  4) Silent Sky - Summit Performance Indianapolis: An incredible group of women told the story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer in the early 1900s. The show is the first production of the new Indy theatre company.    5) Beautiful ...

In 1956 Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins spent one evening jamming together at Sun Studios. The group was referred to as the "Million Dollar Quartet" and the recording became famous. Years later a musical was made to commemorate that famous night and the show is on stage now at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Each actor brings a unique vibe to the production. Brian Michael Henry's Lewis is petulant but buzzing with energy and ambition. Christopher Wren is an incredibly talented guitarist and plays the snarky Perkins as brimming with bitterness. Edward La Cardo embraces the extreme physicality of his role as Elvis and nails the vocals, but doesn't quite capture the inherent charm of the crooner. Last but not least, Justin Figueroa's performance as the quiet, smoldering Johnny Cash just makes the show. His baritone notes and calm demeanor make you lean in and really listen every time he approaches a microphone. Jill Kelly H...

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2018 season. Greater Tuna (Dec. 28, 2017  – Jan. 28) On stage Great Tuna is a sidesplitting comedy about the Lone Star State's third-smallest town. All 20 of its wacky residents are played by just two actors: Beef & Boards' own comic duo of Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger. This hilarious send-up of small town morals and mores is on stage through Jan. 28, 2018. Mamma Mia! (Feb. 1 – April 8) On stage for the first time at Beef & Boards and the headliner of the 2018 Season, Mamma Mia!, opens Feb. 1 for performances through April 8. Nominated for five Tony Awards and set on a Greek island paradise, ABBA’s greatest hits tell the hilarious story of a bride’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale includes the songs “Honey, Honey,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance on Me” and the incredible title tune. Singin’ In The Rain (April 12 – May 26)  It may get a bit cloudy starting...

On December 4, 1956 four singers got together and made recording history. That night is the subject of the Broadway Across America musical Million Dollar Quartet, on stage now at the Murat Theatre. Set in the Sun Records recording studio in Memphis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis blend their distinct styles to create something unique. The result is a concert of famous oldies, including everything from gospel to rock and roll. The cast is incredibly talented. Not only do the four members of the quartet nail the individual singing aspect of the performers they are portraying, they also play their instruments (guitars and piano) amazingly well. They shine on both the rowdy hits, like Party, and the quiet hymns, like Peace in the Valley. Along with rocking performances, the show provides a history lesson. I’d never heard of Carl Perkins and had no idea he wrote and performed Blue Suede Shoes, topping the pop/country/blues charts long before Elvis covered it. S...