This week, for me, included Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre's "India Ever After" and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's tribute
to Irving Berlin. More on both in the upcoming IBJ print edition.
I also enjoyed strolling through White River State Park for the annual Liver Walk on Saturday morning and stopping in at Pride Fest (which, because of the crowd and the number of vendors, could really use another block of city park next year).
What about you? Did you get to the Phoenix Theatre for "Octopus"? Try out the new balloon adventure at Conner Prairie? Hit the Jazz Kitchen or your favorite comedy club?
Let's hear it. Share your weekend A&E experiences here.
Your thoughts
I also enjoyed strolling through White River State Park for the annual Liver Walk on Saturday morning and stopping in at Pride Fest (which, because of the crowd and the number of vendors, could really use another block of city park next year).
What about you? Did you get to the Phoenix Theatre for "Octopus"? Try out the new balloon adventure at Conner Prairie? Hit the Jazz Kitchen or your favorite comedy club?
Let's hear it. Share your weekend A&E experiences here.
Your thoughts
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What a delightful evening - and entire Pops season for that matter! Can't wait for next season with Maureen McGovern, Florence Henderson, and return performances by Marvin Hamlisch, Tony DeSare, and Michael Cavanaugh. I count Jack and the innovative ISO Pops series as one of the distinct cultural joys of living in Indianapolis!!!
I wrote about it in detail on my own blog and only scratched the surface of my responses to the show, which are continuing to unfold, so I'll just say here that Octopus is so very much more than a gay issues play. And there are satisfying surprises in both the story and the staging of it.
I loved the unique theatrical special effects, but I promised not to give away any details about them. (A promise I am finding very hard to keep!)
I also loved that while the play explores many themes in a thought-provoking way - including themes related to faithfulness and courage - what it is really about, at least for me, is the importance of paying attention to the messages we receive from The Universe or God or whatever through our relationships and other vehicles.
There ARE gorgeous naked men kissing each other in this show, but if that bothers you, don't let it keep you from going, especially if you are also interested in seing the very cool theatrical special effects. There is only one nude scene.
By the way, I got to interview the playwright, Steve Yockey, before the show. That conversation is on my blog, too.
Hope Baugh
Indy Theatre Habit
Still 4 weekends left for Octopus at the Phoenix Theatre. I will say that I've never been more proud of a show. There's something for everyone, and it will leave you thinking.
Glinda: You're still riding that old thing?
Elphaba: Yea, well, not everyone can travel by bubble!
Glinda talking about the Wizard leaving Oz
Well... a regime change caused by a bizarre and unexpected twister of fate.
So thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. I laughed out loud at those particular lines, too! Thanks for reminding me/us of them.
Hope Baugh
Indy Theatre Habit
Glad you enjoyed Wicked. My thoughts on the show can be found here:
http://www.ibj.com/html/detail_page_Full.asp?content=39565
--Lou
thank you for including Circle City Pride festival in your rundown of weekend events. Unfortunately, the city of Indianapolis and the mainstream media are reluctant to acknowledge the contributions that the local glbt community have made and continue to make to Indy's cultural and economic well being. This year's festival was by far the biggest to date and has become (IMHO) one of the best, if not the best festival and parade this city offers.
I would love to see an economic impact study done on Pride, as I talked to several people who came down from all over the state and even the midwest, just for this event and were spending the weekend.
Anyway, it was a fun, fun day. I'm glad I went. Everyone is simply joyous and supportive!
Sunday afternoon I went to Landmark cinema (Keystone at the Crossing). Has anyone else seen Every Little Step, the documentary about the casting process for the 2007 revival of A Chorus Line. It was facinating, and since it included audio from the orignal Michael Bennett recording session, a fascinating look at how some of the songs and characters came to be. Having many of the living collaborators adding their comments along with several of the original cast members kept the interest high. For instance, I had no idea that Donna McKechnie and Michael Bennett had been dancing partners before either became well known including a clip them from an old TV show. The audition of the person who was cast as Paul was a very touching moment. They're not going to carry it over to next week, so tonight will be the last chance to see it - that is before it comes out on DVD.