Indianapolis Theater Reviews (2024)

16/02/2024

Epilogue Players: “Foolish Fish Girls and the Pearl” Barb Weavern (left) and Susan Hill in Epilogue Players' production of “Foolish Fishgirls and The Pearl.” Photo by D. Mercier. Former deep-sea divas Coral and Oceana didn't exactly have the "happily ever after" storybook lives that the two erstwhile mermaids dreamed of when they rescued their handsome young sailors and swam ashore30 years ago....

Epilogue Players: “Foolish Fish Girls and the Pearl” Barb Weavern (left) and Susan Hill in Epilogue Players’ production of “Foolish Fishgirls and The Pearl.” Photo by D. Mercier. Former…

14/02/2024

Steve Kruze as Friar Laurence, Rebecca Piñero as Juliet Capulet and Kendrell Stiff as Romeo Montague in Civic Theatre’s “Romeo & Juliet.” This is a perfectly fine production of Shakespeare's “Romeo & Juliet.” Director Emily Rogge Tzucker adapted the play into a 90-minute version, which streamlines the story and makes it more accessible for audiences. Read the entire article here: …...

Steve Kruze as Friar Laurence, Rebecca Piñero as Juliet Capulet and Kendrell Stiff as Romeo Montague in Civic Theatre’s “Romeo & Juliet.” This is a perfectly fine production of Shakespeare& #82…

14/02/2024

Ryan Artzberger, Chynna Fry and Isha Narayanan in “Queen.” Photo by Raincliffs Photography. “Queen” by Madhuri Shekar is a fascinating look at how we perceive the world. I would love to break down characters and motivations, but I can’t breathe. So trust me before I pass out: Queen, directed by Kelsey Leigh Miller, is excellent. Read the entire article here: …...

Ryan Artzberger, Chynna Fry and Isha Narayanan in “Queen.” Photo by Raincliffs Photography. “Queen” by Madhuri Shekar is a fascinating look at how we perceive the world. I would love to break down…

07/02/2024

Summit Performance Indianapolis: Queen by Madhuri Shekar PhD candidates and close friends Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations. Just as they are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon a flaw in their data and is faced with an impossible choice. A play about personal integrity, relationships and, yes, bees....

Summit Performance Indianapolis: Queen by Madhuri Shekar PhD candidates and close friends Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee …

05/02/2024

Tony Brazelton in “Moon Over the Brewery” at Buck Creek Players The compelling story, idiosyncratic characters and heart of the actors make the show charming ... even provocative when you start breaking down character motivation. Nicely done, Buck Creek. Buck Creek Players Through Feb. 11 $18; $16 for children, students and senior citizens (62 and up) www.buckcreekplayers.com Read the entire article here:

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2024/02/05/buck-creek-players-moon-over-the-brewery/

Tony Brazelton in “Moon Over the Brewery” at Buck Creek Players The compelling story, idiosyncratic characters and heart of the actors make the show charming … even provocative when you star…

02/02/2024

Josie & Grace Tymisha Harris and Rachel Comeau in “Josie & Grace” From the creators of the hit off-Broadway show Josephine, this new musical explores the extraordinary, mostly untold story of the friendship between two of the most remarkable women of the 20th century: legendary singer/dancer/activist/spy Josephine Baker and Academy Award winner and European princess Grace Kelly/Princess Grace of Monaco....

Josie & Grace Tymisha Harris and Rachel Comeau in “Josie & Grace” From the creators of the hit off-Broadway show Josephine, this new musical e…

29/01/2024

While it sometimes gets tedious, the play certainly builds up the intrigue of what the heck HAPPENED at the last meeting to warrant all this weirdness? What is initially a comedic rip on small-town politics abruptly turns into a racial commentary involving perpetuated stereotypes and warped histories that too many Americans refuse to acknowledge ... the intentionally missing minutes of our communities’ origins....

While it sometimes gets tedious, the play certainly builds up the intrigue of what the heck HAPPENED at the last meeting to warrant all this weirdness? What is initially a comedic rip on small-town…

25/01/2024

American Lives Theatre: The Minutes by Tracy Letts American Lives Theatre will present the Indiana premiere of "The Minutes." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. This hysterical comedy of manners takes audiences into a small-town city council meeting filled with stolen bikes, an inaccessible fountain and a "Lincoln Smackdown." But beneath the banter lies something sinister and uniquely American. Don't miss the Indiana premiere of this Broadway hit. ...

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/24/openings-starting-1-25/

American Lives Theatre: The Minutes by Tracy Letts American Lives Theatre will present the Indiana premiere of “The Minutes.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. This hysterical comedy of man…

22/01/2024

You could say Scout Backus was made ... well, named to play the part of Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Backus, whose credits include Gas Off-Broadway and the TV series Pretty Little Liars, gets to portray her namesake in the touring production that also includes Richard Thomas, who is probably most well-known as John-Boy from the 1970s TV hit ...

You could say Scout Backus was made … well, named to play the part of Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Backus, whose credits include Gas Off-Broadway and the TV series Pretty Little Liar…

17/01/2024

Sheila Raghavendran as Lucy in Footlite Musicals' "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" The existence of the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a testament to the staying power of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters. It premiered off-Broadway in 1967, with a Broadway revival in 1999 that featured many big names: Anthony Rapp as Charlie Brown, B.D. Wong as Linus, Ilana Levine as Lucy and Stanley Wayne Mathis as Schroeder....

Sheila Raghavendran as Lucy in Footlite Musicals’ “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” The existence of the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a testament to the stay…

16/01/2024

Maiesha McQueen in the IRT's "Fannie"; photo by Zach Rosing “You see, this is what got all this like this, there's so much hypocrisy in this society and if we want America to be a free society, we have to stop telling lies, that's all.” --Fannie Lou Hamer, Dec. 20, 1964 Highly recommended for Maiesha McQueen's performance and the quality of the play itself. Read the entire review here:

Maiesha McQueen in the IRT’s “Fannie”; photo by Zach Rosing “You see, this is what got all this like this, there’s so much hypocrisy in this society and if we want America t…

11/01/2024

Footlite Musicals: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Footlite Musicals will present "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical. Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair. Jan. 12-21, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ...

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/11/openings-for-the-weekend-of-1-12-2/

Footlite Musicals: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Footlite Musicals will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Charles Schulz’s beloved comi…

11/01/2024

Afton Shepard and Ian Marshall-Fisher in "Cut Short." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Cut Short: A Series of 10-Minute Plays is a collection of eight stories by local author, playwright and cardiologist Dr. Louis Janeira, pen name Dr. L. Jan Eira, aka theMDwriter. It’s like a self-contained mini Fringe Festival! Janeira’s one-shots range from funny to sad to thoughtful, and each is pinned on one central idea....

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/10/cut-short-a-series-of-10-minute-plays-at-the-cat-in-carmel/

Afton Shepard and Ian Marshall-Fisher in “Cut Short.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Cut Short: A Series of 10-Minute Plays is a collection of eight stories by local author, playwright an…

10/01/2024

Carrie Ann Schlatter and Ronn Johnstone in American Lives Theatre's "Natural Affection." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Natural Affection has you leaving the theater feeling as if you just got sucker punched in the face. You think you are just witnessing a particularly dysfunctional family in the 1960s, and then BAM – the last 15 minutes wallops you upside the head with the force of Avocado Green Formica. Read the entire review here:

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/09/american-lives-theatre-natural-affection/

Carrie Ann Schlatter and Ronn Johnstone in American Lives Theatre’s “Natural Affection.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Natural Affection has you leaving the theater feeling as if y…

05/01/2024

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Thursday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., 2005 Conseco Fieldhouse Tickets: $34.50-$42.50; 239-5151 Think Mannheim Steamroller meets Dream Theater and you can begin to understand the sound of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. As one of the top live concerts in the United States, the group's 2004 holiday tour was No. 7 in overall top grossing concerts and No. 2 in attendance, according to…...

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Thursday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., 2005 Conseco Fieldhouse Tickets: $34.50-$42.50; 239-5151 Think Mannheim Steamroller meets Dream Theater and you can begin to understand the so…

05/01/2024

What if you could be anyone? Now, what if you could be something supernatural? Many people will indulge this fantasy only once a year at Halloween. But there are others who have made an on-going hobby out of it. (Counter clockwise from right) Dave Ongley, Tony Farrar and Chris Dunn run Indianapolis Interactive Theatre Presents©. In an apartment complex rec room on the Southside, between 40 and 50 people gather every other Friday night to shrug off their daily personas and adopt ones that they have taken time, work and loving care to create....

What if you could be anyone? Now, what if you could be something supernatural? Many people will indulge this fantasy only once a year at Halloween. But there are others who have made an on-going ho…

04/01/2024

American Lives Theatre: William Inge’s Natural Affection First produced in 1963, Natural Affection is a distinct difference from William Inge’s hit plays Picnic and Come Back Little Sheba. Natural Affection marks a period of new growth for Pulitzer Prize-winning author Inge as he paints a remarkable portrait of urban life in the American Midwest during a decade of sexual and political revolution....

American Lives Theatre: William Inge’s Natural Affection First produced in 1963, Natural Affection is a distinct difference from William Inge’s hit plays Picnic and&n…

18/12/2023

David Payne In just two hours, Payne makes Lewis’ life abundantly rich with emotions, relationships and experiences. Read the entire article here:

15/12/2023

Candlelight Theatre: ‘Tis the Season Gather your family close and join in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre production! ‘Tis the Season, written by James Trofatter, offers a heartwarming theater experience for all ages. Sip hot cider, enjoy carolers and meet holiday figures from tradition and folklore, as well as jolly new friends. Guests will travel from room to room enjoying performances throughout the National Historic Landmark home of President Benjamin Harrison, including up and down narrow stairs (elevator assistance is available)....

Candlelight Theatre: ‘Tis the Season Gather your family close and join in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre production! ‘Tis the Season, written by James Trofatter, o…

14/12/2023

The first time I went to the former LAMP Gallery, I drove past it without realizing where I was. Its location on East Street put it on a cusp between the gentrified housing of Chatham Arch and downtown. Since I don't often go to art galleries, LAMP was an unfamiliar venue for me. But that night, my role of theater reviewer was taking me there....

The first time I went to the former LAMP Gallery, I drove past it without realizing where I was. Its location on East Street put it on a cusp between the gentrified housing of Chatham Arch and down…

14/12/2023

Matt Anderson as Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol Comedy." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Overall, I feel just meh about the whole show. But a hell of a lot of people worked hella hard to put it on, and I respect that effort and commitment. And if you don’t like my review, Rita Kohn’s is the exact opposite. To read my entire review, go to

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/a-christmas-carol-comedy/

Matt Anderson as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol Comedy.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Overall, I feel just meh about the whole show. But a hell of a lot of people worked hella hard to pu…

07/12/2023

Banner photo: The ensemble cast of Civic Theatre's production of "Elf: The Musical" featuring Parrish Williams as Santa. Photo by Zach Rosing. Elf is vibrant and engaging and lively. Visually, it is sumptuous. The large cast is spot-on, complemented by the live orchestra. Remembering that the performers are made up of volunteers makes all that magic even more awe-inspiring. What an amazing show! Brett Edwards in Civic Theatre's production of "Elf: The Musical." Photo by Zach Rosing. Read the entire review here:

Banner photo: The ensemble cast of Civic Theatre’s production of “Elf: The Musical” featuring Parrish Williams as Santa. Photo by Zach Rosing. Elf is vibrant and engaging and live…

05/12/2023

Rob Johansen and Sean Blake in the IRT's 2023 production of "A Christmas Carol." Photo by Zach Rosing. This is still one of the pillars of Indianapolis’ holiday traditions, and I can’t wait to see it again next year. Read the review here:

Rob Johansen and Sean Blake in the IRT’s 2023 production of “A Christmas Carol.” Photo by Zach Rosing. This is still one of the pillars of Indianapolis’ holiday traditions, and I …

01/12/2023

Civic Theatre: Elf: The Musical Brett Edwards as Buddy in "Elf: The Musical" Based on the cherished 2003 movie, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone…...

Civic Theatre: Elf: The Musical Brett Edwards as Buddy in “Elf: The Musical” Based on the cherished 2003 movie, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguel…

01/12/2023

Banner photo: Carlos Medina Maldonado, Claire Wilcher, Shawnté P. Gaston and Ben Asaykwee in "A Very Phoenix Returns." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Written by Claire Wilcher (and friends) (and she also directs) (and with songs by Wilcher and the tongue-twistedly-named Ben Asaykwee), the sketch comedy delivers like Rudolph on Adderall. This thing is crazy funny. Get a cocktail and enjoy. And check out the wreath auction in the lobby and online....

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/30/a-very-phoenix-xmas-returns-the-return-of-a-very-phoenix-xmas/

Banner photo: Carlos Medina Maldonado, Claire Wilcher, Shawnté P. Gaston and Ben Asaykwee in “A Very Phoenix Returns.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Written by Claire Wilcher (and friend…

22/11/2023

A Very Phoenix Xmas Returns: The Return of the Very Phoenix Xmas "A Very Phoenix Xmas Returns" to the Phoenix Theatre. Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Back by popular demand and created afresh by Indy's own Claire Wilcher and friends. This festive and irreverent production promises to take us back to the old Phoenix basement for good-hearted mockery of Indy's favorite holiday traditions....

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/openings-for-nov-24/

A Very Phoenix Xmas Returns: The Return of the Very Phoenix Xmas “A Very Phoenix Xmas Returns” to the Phoenix Theatre. Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Back by popular demand and created a…

21/11/2023

A Footlite Family Holiday will surely get you in the holiday mood! Molly Campbell in "A Footlite Family Christmas." Photo by Rick Galloway. Through Dec. 3, Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. $15-$25; use code HOLLY from now until Nov. 24 for $5 off Footlite Musicals at the Hedback Theatre Win two free tickets to A Footlite Family Holiday…...

A Footlite Family Holiday will surely get you in the holiday mood! Molly Campbell in “A Footlite Family Christmas.” Photo by Rick Galloway. Through Dec. 3, Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.…

21/11/2023

Caroline Bowman as Elsa in the North American tour of "Frozen." Photo by Deen Vanmeer. Is it good? OF COURSE IT IS. Read the review here: Frozen at the Old National Centre continues through Saturday. For tickets, go to www.BroadwayInIndianapolis.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at 1 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 and 8 p.m.

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/21/broadway-in-indianapolis-frozen/

Caroline Bowman as Elsa in the North American tour of “Frozen.” Photo by Deen Vanmeer. Is it good? OF COURSE IT IS. Read the review here: Frozen at the Old National Centre continues thr…

16/11/2023

It has begun. Holiday shows are taking over the opening lineup. Take cover. Snowballs are imminent. Footlite Family Holiday "Footlite" Family Holiday. Photo by Rick Galloway. A brand-new holiday production for the entire family to enjoy! Memorable holiday favorites will be presented through song and dance. The show will present Footlite family members who have contributed so much to this theater over the years....

It has begun. Holiday shows are taking over the opening lineup. Take cover. Snowballs are imminent. Footlite Family Holiday “Footlite” Family Holiday. Photo by Rick Gallowa…

15/11/2023

Jean Arnold and Thomas Sebald in Southbank Theatre Company's "Lion in Winter." Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Both brutal and funny, this family takes dysfunction to a whole new level. (Eleanor: “What should we hang -- the holly or each other?”) (Richard, speaking about John: The midwife “threw out the baby and kept the afterbirth.”) (Henry: “If I’d been sterile, I’d be happier today.”) Read the whole review here:

https://indianapolistheaterreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/15/review-for-southbank-theatre-co-s-the-lion-in-winter/

Jean Arnold and Thomas Sebald in Southbank Theatre Company’s “Lion in Winter.” Photo by IndyGhostLight.com. Both brutal and funny, this family takes dysfunction to a whole new lev…

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