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performing arts

Theater Review: The Woman in Black at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

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The Woman in Black, based on a novel by Susan Hill and adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, was a rather underwhelming experience at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel.  I’m still trying to trace the root of my issues with the play and in my opinion, its lack of thrills.  Maybe I’m desensitized from watching haunting movies from Japan and torture epics from the good ol’ U. S. of A.

The Woman in Black certainly deals with violent death and the agony of mortality in a much subtler way.  Don’t get me wrong; subtlety is very important.  However, there just wasn’t enough action to keep me and some parts of the audience entertained.  I heard more than one snore, especially throughout the first act, which features little more than dramatic recitations and drawn-out exposition.

On the other hand, I marveled at the skillful lighting and unique sets.  There was a marked minimalism in the show, which chooses light and shadow over props.  That proved sustenance enough to get me to the next act.  Throughout The Woman in Black, a persistent thread of tension pulled me along; I wanted to know the story behind that damn woman.

The second act features the majority of the action and felt significantly creepier.  I should note that both (the play features a cast of two) actors performed very well.  Each played more than one character and gave their all to every role.  Overall, the second act engaged me much more than the first.

While I didn’t experience as many chills as I expected, in retrospect I can appreciate the muted format of The Woman in Black.  Was I particularly titillated during my appreciation?  No.  But I enjoyed myself and would recommend the play to those who like a minimalistic ghost story.

The Woman in Black concludes with three performances this week:

  • Thursday, November 8 at 7pm
  • Friday, November 9 at 7pm
  • Saturday, November 10 at 5pm

Photo Credit: Zach Rosing

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Now Playing at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

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As someone who usually tries to steer clear of “classical” musicals, I was excited to have the opportunity to check out the national tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF that is taking the stage at the Old National Centre.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, written by Broadway legends Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (Fiorello!, The Apple Tree, She Loves Me), tells the story of Tevye and his family in a Tsarist Russia in the early part of the 1900’s. Audience members experience a gamut of emotions through Tevye’s experience in his small (mostly) Jewish village.

Even though the musical was written in 1964 and is considered “dated” by many, one can still find many relevant moments throughout the piece. Though set in a very specific time and place in history, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is an absolute must-see for anyone who calls themselves a lover of the theatre.

This touring production left me with many positive things to say, so I’ll be brief. As FIDDLER ON THE ROOF tells the story of Tevye AND a community, a large cast is necessary. This cast of more than thirty performers left me awestruck with their huge ensemble numbers. The vocal quality I was hearing was so rich, full, and beautiful. As a performer myself, obviously the vocal direction for this show gets two thumbs up from me. I was also very impressed by the sound of the three sisters. Normally, when I hear someone singing music from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, they sing it as classically as possible. Not these three ladies. The three sisters (played by Brooke Hills, Sarah Sesler, and Chelsey LeBel), brought a more modern color and “ping” to their famous trio, “Matchmaker.” My favorite musical number in the whole show, “The Dream,” definitely does not disappoint. I will not give it all away, but when dead relatives (Fruma Sarah and Grandma Tzeitel) come back in a musical number, you know it is worth watching. And last but not least, I was definitely impressed with the fluidity of this set. The set seamlessly went from home to tailor shop, etc. and back again.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF plays at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre through March 11, 2012. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit indianapolis.broadway.com.

 

BOBDIREX presents “SILVER BELLS / SILVER SCREEN”

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SILVER BELLS / SILVER SCREEN
Athenaeum Theatre
December 3 – 17, 2010

Indianapolis, IN – A few years back, Bob Harbin and John Austin Butsch produced original musical holiday productions that became landmarks for the Athenaeum Theatre. After a year hiatus, they are bringing back the holidays to the historic theatre in the form of “Silver Bells / Silver Screen,” a grand mixture of favorite holiday songs combined with familiar songs from the movies—including many Academy Award nominations and Oscar winners.

“By Thanksgiving, many of us feel a bit inundated with Christmas music from the radio, malls, and elevators—-and need a little break,” says Bob Harbin, director and executive producer of BOBDIREX, the show’s production company. “So we keep some December favorites and mix them with another form of vocal entertainment.” In years past the men have “mixed in” the Big Band sound, Country Western and this year it’s movie music. John Austin Butsch, Music Director, chimes in with “we love doing these special shows and the Athenaeum with its tables and chairs makes it a comfortable place to see them.”

There will be lots of singing, some dancing, some comedy and some of Indianapolis’s best vocal talents. That’s a wonderful feature of the production—-the mixture of talent. There will be Athenaeum favorites, Tim Spradlin, Karlton D. Turner, Diane Tsao Boehm and Da’Keisha Bryant, mixed with soon-to-become favorites, Erin Cohenour, Claire Cassidy, Kelsee Hankin, Tobin Strader, Bryan Padgett and Andrew Elliott. And perennial Phoenix Theatre star, Phebe Taylor, will be coming in from New York City to round out the cast.

“Silver Bells / Silver Screen” is a true family event appropriate for all ages. This show follows the first two BOBDIREX productions, “Classic Soul” and “A Funny Thing Happpened on the Way to the Forum,” both reviewed with great critical success.

The production will run for three consecutive weekends, December 3-4, December 9-12 and December 16-17. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. with December 12 being the exception—-a Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. All seats are reserved and a wallet friendly $20. Discounts are available for seniors and groups over 20.

Tickets are on sale now through the BOBDIREX website: http://www.bobdirex.com or by calling the ticket line (317) 280-0825 (no fee) or at the door an hour before performance. Tickets cannot be ordered through the Athenaeum.

Once again the Athenaeum Docent Society will help sponsor the program. The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Cocktails are available before and during the performance at the theatre bar. Dinner and cocktails are available before and after performances at the famous Rathskeller restaurant located in the building’s basement. Parking near the Athenaeum is free at parking meters on the street after 6pm and on weekends. There are several other parking options within one or two blocks.

What’s next for BOBDIREX? Coming next summer will be Disney’s “CAMP ROCK.” The two popular Disney television movies have been combined into one big live theatrical experience featuring the best of INDY’s local young people. Auditions will be announced soon on http://www.bobdirex.com. Tell all of the young people you know to start getting prepared for “CAMP ROCK”!

For more information, contact Bob Harbin by phone: (317) 280 – 0825, email: bobdirex@aol.com, and follow BOBDIREX on Twitter @bobdirex!

Photo courtesy of Zach Rosing

Pictured from left, front row: Kelsee B. Hankins, Da’Keisha Bryant, Diane Tsao Boehm, Erin Cohenour, Karlton D. Turner. From left, back row: Andrew Elliott, Tobin Strader, Bryan Padgett, Tim Spradlin

The Buck Creek Players present I LOVE YOU BECAUSE

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Buck Creek Players opened their 2010-2011 season, “From Page to Stage”, this weekend with Salzman & Cunningham’s I Love You Because.  This modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, marks the Indiana premiere of this contemporary musical.

The musical tells the story of conservative greeting card writer, Austin (played by David Michael Cress) who discovers that his longtime girlfriend is cheating on him and then feels edgy about re-entering the dating scene.  Austin’s dunce of a brother, Jeff (Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson), persuades Austin to go on a double date where the brothers meet free-spirited Marcy (Angela Manlove) and the structured Diana (Jennifer Poynter).  The couples; Austin and Marcy and Jeff and Diana fall into unexpected relationships where they deal with complications, exes, and being “just friends…with benefits!”  The score and dialogue are offbeat, quirky, and the show is great fun to watch.  The musical enlightens the audience to love others BECAUSE of their differences, rather than in spite of them.

Checkmarks to Angela Manlove for an excellent performance of “Just Not Now”, bringing a very clear and touching end to the first act. Also, checkmarks to Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson and David Michael Cress for top-notch comedic moments throughout the show – Superman underwear, anyone?  Standout musical numbers included the opening “Another Saturday Night in New York” and “What Do We Do It For?”.  Finally, the fabulous (and versatile) set design: a park, office, two different apartments, a bar, and a coffee shop – conceived by Aaron B. Bailey, is definitely worth noting.

I Love You Because continues during weekends at Buck Creek Playhouse, 11150 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis – through October 17th.  More information can be found online at: http://www.buckcreekplayers.com


(PHOTO: From left – Stacey ‘Jack’ Johnson, Jennifer Poynter, Angela Manlove, and David Michael Cress. Courtesy of Buck Creek Players.)

Mind Tripping: Psychological Illusions for the Mind

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National Touring performers Christian & Katalina are back with a sophisticated, interactive, and intimate theatrical show called Mind Tripping: Psychological Illusions for the Mind. They take audiences on a series of mind-bending adventures. It is a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It is perfect for ages 8 to 108. Shows are weekends through August 14th. Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm & 8:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. It is an intimate cabaret performance with only 40 seats per show, so don’t delay. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.mindtrippingshow.com.

Discount: Naptown Buzz readers will receive $5 off each ticket with promo code: BUZZ. Type the promo code in the box during the ticket buying process on the website. In addition, with your Mind Tripping Show tickets, when you purchase an entrée at 120 West Market Fresh Grill, located in the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites, you get a second entrée (of equal or lesser value) FREE! Also, valet parking is only $5.00 and self-park in the Hilton parking garage is FREE.

Mind Tripping Show at The Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites 120 W. Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
317-691-6399
www.mindtrippingshow.com