You-review-it Monday

Share your thoughts on your weekend A&E experiences.

July 12, 2010
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It was heartening to see near-capacity crowds this weekend both at the Phoenix Theatre--where Neil LaBute's "Reasons to be Pretty" is having its regional premiere--and at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club--which was hosting singer Darius de Haas. (More on both later, either here or in the print IBJ.)

There was also a very strong turnout at the Famous Monsters Convention, where I had the pleasure of hosting a panel on producer Irwin Allen. The panel included rare screenings of two recent TV pilots that attempted to revise Allen's best-known shows. As such, we saw what  "Lost in Space" would look like, on the WB, directed by John Woo ("Mission Impossible II." And to hear from one of its producers some great inside stories on the hows and whys of TV pilot production.

While some of the promoted stars didn't make it to the con (including Thomas Jane, from "The Mist" and "The Punisher," who cancelled at the last minute), those who did show up for autographing sessions included lots of scream queens, most of the casts of "The Lost Boys" and George Romero's Living Dead movies, and the actors who played Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teevee in the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."  

It was a site to behold and, I'm told, is likely to return next year. Even though I'm not a fan of slice-and-dice movies, you can count me in.

Your thoughts? What did you see, hear or otherwise experience this weekend?

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  • This weekend...
    I took in IMAs 100-acre exhibit with the family - great time and interestng things to see with a lot more potential. Also went to see the band Cake Sunday night at the Vogue. Outstanding sound with some unconventional instruments and a great crowd!
  • Symphony on the Prairie
    Jim Curry, who performed the music of John Denver with the Indianapolis Symphony at Conner Prairie this weekend, was incredible. His voice is a near perfect match, the musicianship was excellent, and he has the same wonderful personal warmth and gentleness that was so characteristic of the late performer.

    The weather was perfect as well, which made this one of the best ways my wife and I have ever celebrated our anniversary.

    After 17 years living in the area, Symphony on the Prairie continues to be one our favorite things to do in the summer.
    • Glad you enjoyed it!
      Thanks for sharing John. Glad you and your wife enjoyed the concert and your anniversary!
    • Movie
      "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" is actually a fascinating look at the desperation involved in maintaining a career in show business. It is quite eye-opening. And very funny, if you like vulgarity.
    • Dudefest
      I wrangled up some friends for a few drinks before heading down to the ES Jungle, one of the only all-ages performance spaces left in the city, to partake in day two of the annual punk/hardcore/metal/avant guard Dudefest music festival. It was great to see kids as young as 12 and 42 venture from OTHER STATES to take part in a subculture that still has something to yell about, still has 7" records to sell for $3, still has the volume knob set to 11.
      then on sunday i though about how indy CANT be an arts destination until someone gets off of their butt at a higher level to allow some true youth culture to be fostered: give kids something to do besides cause trouble past curfew and they might just grow up to be well adjusted members of society, or at least, cool people.
    • summer nights
      We braved the very long line to see North by Northwest at the IMA. The Summer Nights film series is such a great lazy date (too bad I fell asleep part way through the movie...)

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    1. If a television station wants to improve viewership, get rid of the local blackout. I was born by the brickyard, and have attended 15 or more races. I have children now, I won't attend unless circumstances are perfect. As those with growing families know, they never are. I'm always impressed that upwards of 250,000 people attend the 500. However, as a growing, or, more apt, sprawling city, Indianapolis and its immediate suburbs count almost 2.2 million. Show the race live, let the venue get a kick-back on revenues, and open-wheel racing might have a fighting chance to be relevant again. Just in time for those tax-payer lights to make sense.

    2. John Moore, I too have had the same issue recently. A property next to my house was on the Land Bank and I was interested in purchasing. When I tried to contact Reggie, I got back emails that had nothing to do with what I asked about. Actually my latest response from him was on this past Friday. I had asked about how to buy the property and if it was still available. His response to me was to contact the mayor's office to get the schedule of his appearances. (???) Hopefully the city is able to do something to fix what this guy has done, it would be nice if they would take the properties back and sell them properly so land owners like me and you mother would have a fair chance.

    3. I too work in the industry, with over 25 years of experience and your political spin has probably nothing to do with any rebranding. "Let's dress it up" would have nothing to do with the government "telling us how and what to eat." Give it a political rest. And being a producer for a radio show doesn't mean you've been involved in advertising and branding for 30 years.

    4. Ms. Morris did not understand the ways of the business world, otherwise, like the IMS, she could have petitioned the State Legislature for a handout of State Funds for her charity work. Ms. Morris should consider becoming a state lobbyist for Lemonade Stand Operators.

    5. David Copperfield!

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