Stage Write

This year has held some incredible performances and productions throughout the Midwest. Here are my top ten choices for 2012. Keep your eyes on these theatres in the future for more great shows. 1) Les Misérables at Clowes Hall performed by Broadway Across America 2) The House That Jack Built at the Indiana Repertory Theatre 3) August: Osage County at the Phoenix Theatre 4) The Woman in Black at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre 5) The Book Thief at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago 6) Othello at the White River State Park performed by the Heartland Actors Repertory Theatre 7) Twelfth Night at the American Players Theatre in Wisconsin 8) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at the Indiana Repertory Theatre 9) Freud's Last Session at the Phoenix Theatre 10) The Wizard of Oz at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Photos courtesy of the Phoenix, Beef & Boards, Broadway Across America and the IRT

   Take one deserted mansion in an English marsh, add in rumors of possible hauntings, children’s laughter and a nervous solicitor and what do you get: the perfect Halloween treat! The Woman in Black is on stage now at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre . The beautifully dark show has long been a favorite in England. It’s the second longest-running play in London and was turned into a film starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) earlier this year. Now the ICT is presenting the creepy production just in time for Halloween. As Hitchcock taught audiences for years, the less you see the scarier it is. That idea holds true for this show as well. The show features a play within a play and though it starts out slow, the momentum builds in a wonderfully satisfying way. This two-man show features excellent performances by both of its leads. Dan Scharbrough is the earnest Arthur Kipps, a troubled man who wants only to unburden himself of his terrible story.  John Mi...