Indiana Repertory Theatre

IRT Closes season with The Game’s Afoot, April 23 – May 18

April 21, 2014 by Naptown Buzz

The IRT closes its 42^nd season with The Game’s Afoot – a very witty and glamorous comedy thriller, starring Priscilla Lindsay, IRT’s former associate artistic director and leading lady (she played in more than 60 productions during her long career at the IRT). The Game’s Afoot evolves like a mystery thriller. From the intriguing opening mini play within a play to the last surprising scene audiences will be taken for a wild and funny ride during the inspired whodunit.

Acclaimed Broadway actor of the 1930s, William Gillette, invites his Sherlock Holmes co-stars to his eccentric Connecticut mansion for a Christmas Eve celebration. When one of the guests is murdered, Gillette employs the persona of the master detective he’s made famous on the stage. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this entertaining murder-mystery farce.

Other Desert Cities at IRT Through April 5th

March 19, 2014 by Brian Groce

The Indiana Repertory Theatre brings to the OneAmerica Stage Other Desert Cities, from the creator of TV’s Brothers & Sisters. IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence, James Still, returns to Indianapolis to direct the play. Lawrence Pressman, best known for his roles in TV’s Doogie Howser, M.D., is among the cast.

Imagine, your daughter returns home for the holidays, announcing she is about to publish a controversial memoir of your family. Would you let the dirt be dished or be happy for her success? The drama of Other Desert Cities follows a young novelist who returns home to Palm Springs and announces she is publishing a book that will dredge up a deep family tragedy. The tell-all confessional novel threatens to put her prominent all-American family back in the tabloids. But will the truth be exposed? As the family struggles to come to terms with the past, betrayals are unmasked as well as unconditional love.

This production contains strong language.

OTHER DESERT CITIES REVIEW

First, the WARNING: Other Desert Cities contains foul language as well as drug & alcohol use. If any of these offend you, this play may not be your cup of tea.

As far as the play itself goes, it isn’t a feel-good story, nor is it a humorous one. If I had to summarize it in a few words, I’d call it a life story.

But what struck me more about this one was the casting, particularly Lawrence Pressman, whom I grew up seeing on TV, and still do on occasion. I expect to see that caliber of actor on stage in New York City, or even Chicago, but here in Indianapolis that’s not something that crosses my mind when attending the theater. This may very well be due to the co-production of this particular play, but I’d absolutely love to see more recognizable actors and actresses grace the stage here in Indy.

~ Brian Groce

IRT extends run of And Then They Came for Me

February 2, 2014 by Naptown Buzz

The IRT has announced an extend run of And Then They Came for Me; Remembering the World of Anne Frank by adding two shows on Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 and 7 p.m. The show has been selling out the Upperstage. Additionally, there has been a high demand from the public and schools affected by cancellations due to the winter storms. For tickets and information, call the IRT ticket office at (317) 635-5252.

About And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank, by James Still

James Still’s most-produced play combines video and live performance to bring history to life. And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank is a unique theatrical experience: a multimedia play that combines videotaped interviews with Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss with live actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War II. Ed was Anne Frank’s first boyfriend. Eva was the same age as Anne Frank and lived in the same apartment building in Amsterdam. Ed and Eva were caught up in the nightmare of the Holocaust but lived to tell of lives spent in hiding and the horrors of the concentration camps.

Indiana Repertory Theatre, Upperstage, 140 W. Washington St.

Tickets range from $20-55, based on time and day.

Remaining performances:

Friday, February 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 8, 3 & 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 15, 3 & 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 and 7 p.m.

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Opens at the IRT April 10

April 2, 2013 by Naptown Buzz

Spells are cast, lovers are fooled and revelry flourishes as worlds collide in Shakespeare’s imaginative comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by Lilly at the IRT, April 10-May 12. A Midsummer Night’s Dream blurs the line between magic and reality, leading to a night so fantastical you have to dream it to believe it. Love charms and magical encounters all run amok in Shakespeare’s classic comedy set in an Athenian forest inhabited by sprites, fairies and a group of amorous couples who change partners at the drop of a spell. This exuberant tale of young lovers in the woods for a night of mischief is sure to please anyone who remembers the magic of true romance.

Tickets are $25-55, prices vary based on day, time and seat selection.

Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St. in downtown Indianapolis.

IRT a Holiday Classic with the Return of A Christmas Carol

November 30, 2012 by Brian Groce

Central Indiana’s favorite holiday tradition returns with Indiana Repertory Theater (IRT)’s acclaimed production of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, playing Nov. 23-Dec. 24. The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the heartless miser who discovers the true meaning of the holiday season after a Christmas Eve haunting, features all of Dickens’ beloved characters: Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future – played by many returning beloved IRT actors. From the story of the three ghosts and Scrooge’s redemption, to the classic lines of ‘bah humbug’ and ‘God bless us everyone’, IRT’s cast and crew promises a holiday tradition that will delight the human spirit in all of us.

“We are thrilled to present this time-honored holiday tradition each year – for us and for our audiences,” said Janet Allen, IRT’s artistic director. “A Christmas Carol has truly become a favorite for our actors, our staff and for the families who experience this production – an experience we hope they will remember for years to come.”

In addition to the show, the IRT will offer festive activities and events before and after each performance. Choirs in the lobby. Reindeer just outside the theatre. Artisan marshmallow tastings. And more.

Visit www.irtlive.com for a full list of scheduled events.

Tickets range from $30-55 .

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Show Times

November 23 – December 24

Friday, Nov. 23, 5 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. (Opening Night)
Sunday, Nov. 25, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 3 & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2 & 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 3 & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15, 3 & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 & 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22, 3 & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2 & 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 24, 1 & 4 p.m.

The Cast and Crew

THE CAST

RYAN ARTZBERGER | Ebenezer Scrooge
DAVID ALAN ANDERSON | Portly Gentleman, Fezziwig, Christmas Present
JASON BRADLEY | Bob Cratchit, Postboy, Broker
MATTHEW BRUMLOW | Fred, Young Scrooge, Broker
MARK GOETZINGER | Schoolmaster. Lamplighter, Undertaker
JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Mrs. Crathit, Roses Sister
MEGAN McKINNEY | Sister of Mercy, Mrs. Fezziwig, Plump Sister, Laundress
ROBERT NEAL | Marley’s Ghost, Topper, Old Joe, Poulterer’s Man
ASHLEY SCALLON | Fan, Belle, Martha
BEN TEBBE | Waiter, Young Marley, Nutley, Christmas Future
CORA VANDER BROEK | Felicity, Christmas Past, Charwoman

THE CREW

Director | RICHARD J ROBERTS
Scenic Designer | RUSSELL METHENY
Costume Designer | MURELL HORTON
Lighting Designer | MICHAEL LINCOLN
Composer & Sound Designer | ANDREW HOPSON
Musical Director | TERRY WOODS
Choreographer | DAVID HOCHOY
Stage Managers | NATHAN GARRISON

Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St. in downtown Indianapolis.

IRT’s 2012-2013 Season in Full Swing

September 22, 2012 by April Abernathy

The Indiana Repertory Theatre kicked off its 41st season with a new take on the old classic Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. The upcoming season will feature Grammy-winning vocalist Sylvia McNair in an unforgettable production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music;”updated classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream; a world premiere by James Still; a remarkable debut from playwright Matthew Lopez and the return of Millicent Wright as the voice of Charlayne Woodard. The IRT promises to inspire, entertain and move its audiences with another great year of the highest quality of professional theatre artistry.

Founded in 1972, the IRT is the largest and leading fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The IRT continues to be one of the top-flight cultural institutions in the city and state, providing experiences that engage, surprise, challenge and entertain.

IRT’s 2012-2013 One America Season Presents:

(1) Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

September 5-30

A smart, sexy and suspenseful new take on Stevenson’s look at the evil that lurks in the hearts of men.

Going Solo Festival

September 18 – October 13

This festival will feature two intimate one-actor plays, one yet to be announced.

(2) The Night Watcher, by Charlayne Woodard

September 20-October 15

Family ties reach beyond blood in this moving, one-woman piece by acclaimed playwright Charlayne Woodard. Investigating the social and cultural challenges that come with raising kids, Woodard’s tales of her “children” are transfixing and tragic.

(3) TBA – the second play in the Going Solo Festival has not yet been released.

(4) The House That Jack Built, by James Still

October 30-November 25

The world premiere from IRT Playwright-in-Resident James Still takes us to a rambling Thanksgiving get together in Vermont where friendship and family are intertwined and memories of the past have a place at the table.

(5) A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, presented by St.Vincent Health

November 25- December 24

Join Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a host of spirited ghosts in this timeless story of regret and redemption.

(6) Jackie and Me, by Steven Dietz, adapted from the book by Dan Gutman

January 11-February 16

A young boy’s school report on Jackie Robinson finds him travelling back in time to meet one of the most influential baseball players in history. But a strange twist gives him a unique understanding of the struggles faced by the first black man to play in the major leagues. T

(7) A Little Night Music, by Steven Sondheim

January 23-February 17

This captivating tale of romance and loss exquisitely reminds us: the best dance is done with a partner you love. Inspired by one of Ingmar Bergman’s most enchanting films,Send In The Clowns. Starring international vocalist Sylvia McNair.

(8) The Whipping Man, by Matthew Lopez

March 5-24

As the Civil War comes to a bloody close, a Passover Seder in a shattered antebellum mansion reveals hidden truths about the nature of freedom and the frailty of family. Everyone carries scars in this emotionally stirring period drama that binds three men whose world has changed forever.

(9) A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare

April 10-May 12

Mistaken identities, love charms and magical encounters all run amok in Shakespeare’s classic comedy set in an Athenian forest inhabited by sprites, fairies and a group of amorous couples who change partners at the drop of a spell.

For more information, visit http://www.irtlive.com/.

Mardi Gras 2011 Tweetup

March 6, 2011 by Brian Groce

Come enjoy Mardi Gras while hanging out with the
Naptown Buzz / Utter Oddcast crew
at Left Bank Cafe
on Tuesday, March 8, 2011
from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

All attendees must register to attend
AND
must bring a party treat of some sort to share.

Costumes are encouraged & there will be a costume contest!

Follow @naptownbuzz on Twitter for more information or to ask questions.

AND THERE ARE PRIZES FROM

PLUS EATS & TREATS FROM

ORGANIZED BY

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

Organizing tweetups requires a lot of time and effort. If you like what we do and want to help grow the tweetups, we appreciate any and all help that we can get. If you are interested in assisting, we are in need of:

Word of mouth promotion – tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell everyone you see!
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Giveaways – something that all attendees will receive such as coupons, t-shirts, etc.
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