Priority list includes ambitious originals, return of ‘Book of Mormon’

It's a busy arts week in and around Indy. Here are some promising places to start as you plot your adventures.

“Peacemakers”

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence James Aikman created this multidisciplinary tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and others who fought for peace. Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Krasovec and saxophonist Rob Dixon sit in.

April 15 Schrott Center  Details

“Leyenda”

Based on interviews with members of the Indianapolis Latino community and fueled by folk tales, Phoenix Playwright-in-Residence Tom Horan and Producing Director Bryan Fonseca create an original work exploring nature, life and mythology.   

April 14-May 1 Phoenix Theatre  Details

“The Book of Mormon”

It’s back. And while returning audiences might not be surprised by some of the outrageous plot turns, they will still be rewarded by a terrific score and a still-Equity production. A pair of Mormon missionaries is assigned to a volatile African country and, well, as one earnest character sings: “A warlord who shoots people in the face/what’s so scary about that?”

April 12-17 Murat Theatre  Details

Denzal Sinclaire

When Sinclaire appeared at the Songbook Gala in 2014, his tribute to Nat King Cole led me to write that he “managed to put truth into every syllable with a sound that sent me running to YouTube as soon as I got home. I can’t recall a time when I so quickly became a fan of a performer. Here’s hoping he finds his way here for a full concert soon.” Well, he has. And I’m excited.

April 16 Palladium  Details

Also this week

John Mellencamp brings his Plain Spoken tour to Ball State’s Pruis Hall April 12.

Andre Watts joins the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for a concert weekend April 14-17 including Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Children’s book author Jacqueline Woodson speaks at the Indianapolis Public Library’s McFadden Memorial Lecture April 15 at Northview Middle School.

IndianapolisChamber Orchestra April 15 Schrott Center

The Whipstitch Sallies perform a free concert in the Eskenazi Health concourse April 15.

Butler University visiting artist Darla Villani conceives and directs “Portal 1812,” an original ensemble performance created by Jordan College of the Arts students as part of Butler ArtsFest 2016 April 13-17 at Lilly Hall