Quick-notes Friday

–Let the movie awards season begin. “Slumdog Millionaire”–which IBJ A&E readers got a chance to see earlier this week (see your comments here)–was just named 2008’s Best Film by the National Board of Review. See story here.

–Another potential cinematic award-winner is “Doubt.” If you are interested in the original play–and missed it at the IRT last season–you can catch Cardinal Stage’s upcoming production in Bloomington. Information here. I haven’t seen any of Cardinal’s work yet, but it’s great to see efforts to bring professional regional theater to the area. 2009 also brings Cardinal’s  production of “Having Our Say” (which, coincidentally, has also been seen at the IRT).

–It’s been said that, in New York, critics can’t stop a hit. They can, however, discover and help make one. But the number of critics there are dropping quickly. See story here. Will the lack of voices mean fewer discovers? And will that give even more power to the critic at the New York Times?

–For those looking forward to the 2009 Indianapolis International Film Festival, you’ll have to look a little further forward. The fest will be held in the summer instead of spring. Which could mean films outdoor as well as indoor.

–Potentially fun news in the program of the American Cabaret Theatre: In May, ACT launches a late-night series with a Burlesque production.

–If you happen to stop by the Indiana Author Fair at the Indiana Historical Society this Saturday, please make it a point to say hello. I’ll be there with about 90 other Indiana authors, including James Alexander Thom, Todd Tucker, Sam Stall and Phil Gulley.

Oh, and check out this week’s Fox 59/IBJ A&E segment here.