Stage Write

The Indiana Repertory Theatre's new Christmas show is a one man rendition of "It's a Wonderful Life." The initial concept sounds odd, but in the hands of actor Jerry Richardson it's delightful. It enhances the original classic film, while at the same time standing on its own as a great performance. Richardson provides the narration and plays all of the characters. He adds humor with his energetic portrayal of everyone from the evil Mr. Potter to the coquettish Violet. He is able to channel Jimmy Stewart in a way that's almost spooky. The well-known story is interspersed with commentary and is at times hilarious and at others, heartbreaking. Unlike most Christmas stories, there is no Santa Claus and no ghosts of Christmas present of past. The plot focuses on one man's simple life and his struggles. George Bailey is just a good man who has come to the end of his rope and feels lost. It's a feeling that most people can identify with. Because of this, the ...

The dinner theater's popular Christmas show returns with new musical numbers, dance routines and Mrs. Claus as its gracious host. It provides all of the tinsel and tap dancing needed to fill the holiday season. This year's production includes a brand new country Christmas section. Songs like "Tennessee Christmas" and "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" shower the audience with plenty of twang and calls of Yee-Haw. Jayson Elliot, who plays the recurring role of Uncle Stanley in "Smoke on the Mountains," joins the Christmas show's cast this year. The production's quiet song, especially Gerald Atkins' "O Holy Night" remain its greatest strengths. The theater's inclusion of dinner in the ticket price makes it a great choice for a night on the town this year and the family-friendly content means that kids are sure to love it. Don't Miss the Show Performances : The show runs until Dec. 31. Doors open for evening performance...

As elephants and zebras make their way through the aisles of the Murat Theatre audience members quickly realize "The Lion King" isn't an average show. With a huge cast, extraordinary costumes and impressive sets the Disney musical is a treat for people of all ages. This is a show that could not be done with a local theater's budget. Broadway Across America has literally brought Broadway to Indianapolis' collective doorstep. The show sticks closely to the 1994 animated movie of the same name. The familiar characters make it a wonderful show for families. There are a few additional songs, including one from the adult Simba and another from the adult Nala, both of which are lovely additions and great opportunities to showcase the talented cast members' vocal abilities. The cast does a superb job bringing their animal characters to life with each movement, despite the size of their costumes. Timothy Carter is particularly delightful as Scar and pours out his conde...

At Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre the stage is alive with "The Sound of Music" until Nov. 23. The family friendly show is a mainstay at the theater and features songs made famous by the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein film. Although the theater's production doesn't feature any Austrian mountains, it still captures the heartwarming true story of the singing von Trapp family. The show hits its stride with the "Sound of Music reprise" in the instant that Captain Georg von Trapp realizes, with a little prodding from Maria, that he doesn't know his children. Christine Negherbon stars as Maria, the nun turned governess turned mother. She's enthusiastic and sincere as a woman trying to understand her own heart. Sarah Hund plays Elsa Schraeder, the baroness vying for the Captain's heart. Though the role is small it's a notable change from Hund's recurring role as June Sanders in the "Smoke on the Mountain" shows. In this show she is rese...

"Macbeth" is currently on the Indiana Repertory Theatre's Upperstage. Macbeth is the latest in the IRT's long line of Shakespeare shows that work to make the Bard more accessible to younger audiences. The 90 minute show is brief enough to appeal to Shakespeare novices, without losing the meat of the play. The original language hasn't been altered, just trimmed. In addition to shorten the original play, the production embraces modern dress for the cast, complete with military attire for the men. The set is an original design by Gordon R. Strain. This is Strain's first solo run as a scenic designer and the stage captures the stark, yet restricted feel of the plot. IRT regular Jennifer Johansen plays the manipulative and ambitious Lady Macbeth. Johansen gives a mesmerizing performance as the voice of evil in her husband's ear. Her intense portrayal alone makes the show a must see as her character feeds Macbeth's desperate thoughts. Andrew Ahrens embraces ...

The lights go up on a shady version of Sesame Street, but this show and these puppets are not for kids. "Avenue Q" is on stage now at Clowes Memorial Hall courtesy of Broadway Across America. The show follows a mix of people, puppets and monsters that live on a street in a dodgy New York neighborhood. The newest resident, Princeton, is a recent college graduate hoping to find his "purpose" in life. The premise sounds innocent enough, but the show is an exercise in adult humor and hilarity. The musical numbers have titles like, "Everyone is a Little Bit Racist" and "It Sucks To Be Me." There is also puppet sex, which odd as it sounds, is pretty graphic. The talented cast, including Indiana native Carey Anderson, does a wonderful job. Despite being in full view of the audience, their animated antics add to their puppets' personality instead of becoming a distraction. Anderson has a gorgeous voice, showcased in "There's a Fine, Fine Lin...

The Indianapolis Repertory Theatre decided to open its 2008/09 season with a new adaptation of a classic tale, "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure." The play follows Holmes through his final case. The iconic detective meets his match both in Dr. Moriarty as his nemesis and Irene Adler as the beautiful, witty woman who steals his heart. The show is a celebration of IRT's talent and is filled with many of the theater's regular performers; Mark Goetzinger, Ryan Artzberger, Robert K Johansen and Robert Neal. It also welcomes a few newcomers to the local stage, all of which meld nicely with the familiar faces. The show is one of the most technically difficult IRT has done. The elaborate sets, including a train car, a bridge over a waterfall, Holmes' study and a warehouse, sweep the audience away into Holmes' Victorian England. Jonathan Gillard Daly embodies the clever Holmes with every dry observation he udders. Goetzinger works well with Daly as Holmes' loya...