Today I am PBS’ biggest fan.
That’s because tonight, the long-running series “Great Performances” is premiering “Company,” a taped-from-the-stage production of the George Firth/Stephen Sondheim musical.
In case you are unfamiliar, “Company” is a landmark musical from 1970 that bypassed traditional story…
“It is important for those in the industry to show some thought about who they are marketing some of these programs to…. I’m concerned about sex, but I’m also concerned [about] some of the violent slasher-horror films that come out…….
We’re getting closer to the point where Indianapolis-area theater companies and presenters announce their 2008-2009 seasons.
Already, Footlite Musicals has staked out territory that includes “Crazy for You,” “Miss Saigon” and—the one I’m most looking forward to—the local community theater premiere…
Lots going on this week, from a new play opening at the Alley Theatre to African Footprint at the Madame Walker.
Me, I had my first Storytelling Arts experience at the Indiana Historical Society, visited the Indianapolis Art Center and caught…
So we all survived the Hollywood writers strike.
Bully for us.
As a writer — and as someone with an optioned script in limbo at a major studio — I’m…
My sons Zach and Austin came of voting age in 2006. That November, there weren’t many contested or competitive races where they lived (near Fort Wayne). Zach registered and voted, anyway. Austin didn’t bother. Zach and I gave Austin a hard time about that. Last September, Zach headed off to college in California, while Austin and his girlfriend, Karolina, began their freshman year at New York University. A few weeks after arriving in Manhattan, there was a campaign rally in…
A last-minute switch in the lineup at Theatre on the Square was mysteriously announced yesterday. In the just-around-the-corner late February slot, out went the relatively unknown survivalist comedy “Bang.” In comes the Pulitzer-Prize winning “Proof.” Why? According to the news…
Elsewhere at ibj.com, Jennifer Whitson reports on the Arts Council of Indianapolis’ selection of two projects as winners in this year’s “Great Ideas” contest.
Read More
What was the first production that woke you up to the potential pleasures of the stage? Were you tuned in as a kid? As a teen? Did interest in theater, dance, opera or live music wait until you were grown?
Or…
The U.S. presidential campaign ran headlong into Martin Luther King Day last week. On the Democratic side, where the leading candidates are a white woman, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and a black man, Sen. Barack Obama, the juxtaposition triggered pointed conversation-between the candidates and among their advocates and the electorate-about race and gender. Lost in the point/counterpoint on the candidates’ DNA were some less-noted but equally unfriendly jabs on the subject of age. Speaking at an MLK Day ceremony in…
I’m a bit shamed to admit it, but when I picked up Steve Almond’s recent collection of essays “(Not that You Asked)” I cringed a little when I saw that the first substantial one focused on the author’s literary hero,…
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Tobias Theater will be renovated and reopened thanks to a $1 million gift from the Randall and Marianne Tobias.
Announcements of specific programs for “The Toby” are still forthcoming, but IMA reps say it will be…
Some unrelated thoughts on a catch-up Tuesday:
The Academy Award nominations are out and it’s interesting to note that “Transformers” (3) received more nominations than “Norbit” (1).
Seriously, though, for those of us who watch the Oscars the way others…
I had a busy A&E weekend, with the “Three Girls and Their Buddy” concert at Clowes Hall on Friday night (more on that later), the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s hot ticket “Rite of Spring” performance on Saturday (see previous blog entry…
This evening’s performance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra featured something extraordinary … and I’m not talking about the performances of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” (although those were outstanding).
I’m talking about ticket scalping….
IBJ reporter Jennifer Whitson takes over the blog today with news on new downtown artwork. Take it away, Jennifer:
First came the Tom Otterness public art exhibit in 2005. The roly-poly brass sculptures captured some hearts, including those beating in some…
“I just pass on the enthusiasm and make it about them.”
That’s what Roger Rees, one of the world’s most acclaimed Shakespearian actors (and perhaps familiar to you for his stints on “Cheers” and “The West Wing”) modestly told me when…
Yes, it’s the big day. The unauthorized Tom Cruise biography is out.
Guess who won’t be reading it?
For one, a few clicks will get you all the couch-jumping, the Scientology, the wild rumors, and the rest that you could possibly want….
One of the most pleasant hours of my weekend was spent chatting with staff and customers at Big Hat Books, the Broad Ripple independent that gave the city a low-key cultural infusion when it opened a few years ago….
What did you see, read or experience this weekend?
Did you join the crowd at “End Days” at the Phoenix? Hear Marvin Hamlisch with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra? Contemplate the totems at the Eiteljorg? Catch the opening of “Say You Love…
