Broadway Across America: Wicked

Defying Gravity

Wicked, Broadway Across America's mega show, is Defying Gravity through Jan.1 at Old National Centre, 402 New Jersey. The story, explaining the three witches of the Land of Oz and based on Gregory Maguire's bestseller, which is based on Frank L. Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is attractive to the non-theater crowd as well as the live-theater faithful.

When Elphaba (Vicki Noon), who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, arrives in the world with the skin tone of pea soup, her family, already dysfunctional, becomes outright broken. Younger sister Nessarose, (Michelle London), who turns into the Wicked Witch of the East, becomes Daddy's favorite after Mom dies during her birth.

The girls arrive at school (Elphaba is only allowed to attend to care for her wheelchair-bound sibling). A miscommunication results in the unpopular Green Girl being placed in the same dorm room with the head of the Beautiful People. Galinda (portrayed by understudy Rachel Potter), who grows into Glinda the Good Witch, makes her dislike of her roommate known.

The male version of Galinda is Fiyero (Chris Peluso) who comes to terms with the fact that he is more like Elphaba than Galinda. Eventually he has to choose between his heart and following the easy path of compliance.

Fiyero and Elphaba

The audience is taken on an emotional ride with Elphaba's dramatic Defying Gravity and Galinda's hysterically funny solo, Popular. The duo's What is this Feeling? lends voice to the girls' loathing for each other in a way that only the young can...with brutal honesty.

Transportation takes on an important role in this musical with one wicked witch on a scraggly, ugly broom, the other in a dowdy wheelchair, symbolizing each of their hard rides in life. The good witch floats delicately along, inside a beautifully adorned bubble, much as she does throughout her charmed life.

The phony Wizard of Oz traipses to and fro via a hot air balloon, perhaps insinuating he is full of hot air? The once-shallow Fiyero begins with an ornate carriage and ends with him simply walking, relying upon himself for transportation, just as he matures and comes to rely on himself in life rather than going along with the popular crowd.

Bottom Line: With flying witches, talking goats and an emerald-colored city, Wicked gives the aura of a movie set, allowing viewers to be drawn in, imagining themselves in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Review Photos by BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
 
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

WICKED continues at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre through January 1. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com/wicked and broadwayacrossamerica.com, at the Murat Box Office, Clowes Hall Box Office and Broadway Across America office, 342 Massachusetts Ave.,  and by phone at 800-982-2787.

ISO: Yuletide Celebration

Yuletide 2010

Sandi Patty may have an Oscar-worthy wardrobe. Changing an enviable amount of times during Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration, Patty proves to be as marvelous at hosting as she is as a quick-change artist. She joins Indianapolis’ darling and Pops conductor, Jack Everly, onstage for the 25^th celebration of holiday cheer.

From spiritual to secular songs, along with good-natured teasing, the award-winning singer and company brought the audience to cheers. The patriotic tribute was especially given its due applause as so many have family and friends serving in the military.

Throughout the show host smoothly floats from one skit or song to the next including the sparkly magicians. A father-daughter team, Les Arnold and Dazzle, ham it up to keep the formality at bay while wowing the audience with spectacular slight-of-hand and disappearing acts. From the glittery outfits to the Lucille Ball antics, Dazzle and Dad pulled the favorite act award out of the hat.

The traditional tap-dancing Santas were as popular as ever. This year they were joined on the favorite list by the salute to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a strong theme throughout Indy this season. Sisters, I Love a Piano, Snow and White Christmas were given their due.

The Shopper’s Lament skit brought the audience to tears laughing at the locally inspired jokes and lyrics, set to Tchaikovsky music. Patty set the mood with her Colts-colored hair and official Colts jersey adorned with sequins.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Photo Credit: Izzy Evans
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Morty's Comedy Joint

Steve Hofstetter 

Most of us make New Year's resolutions. This year, Chris Bowers and Tony Deardorff resolved to re-open Morty's Comedy Joint, 3625 E. 96th St., just two months after previous owners threw in the towel. Once that goal had been met, the owners set their sights on being better than just another laugh factory. So they did what anyone would do; bring in a comedian or two as partners.

But not just any comedians.

International-touring headliner Steve Hofstetter is also CEO of Next Round Entertainment and known throughout the biz as a marketing magician. With him came funny man Marshall Chiles, owner of the Skull Club, a successful Atlanta comedy club.

Hofstetter invited me to drop in and put them to the test. So I did.

The friendly staff and cozy ambiance is apparent as soon as you enter the place, with the bar, complete with smiling bartender Chris Petsel, located in the lobby...very handy.

Chris Petsel, bartender

Emcee Todd McComas, was discovered through the popular Wednesday Open Mic night and handled his duties like a pro. Headlining was Hofstetter, who brought the crowd to laugh-out-loud level with his interaction with the audience enhancing an already appreciated routine. With all but six of the 250 seats filled, it is easy to see that the changes made to the venue are working, and quickly.

Since the talent varies weekly, I went with the intent to check out everything else, also. The extensive menu, not so normal for comedy clubs, made it easy to see these guys mean business with their declaration to take things up several notches.

Strawberry Shortcake
and Strawberry Daiquiri

Flirty cocktails such as the blue Wicked Waterfall and their signature Strawberry Shortcake provide fun in a liquid form.

The prime rib sandwich gets my vote as one of the best sandwiches I have had in awhile. My only suggestion would be to change out the bread for a heartier one which complements the quality of the steak better, perhaps a crusty Italian. The soft bread used could not hold up to the meat and actually was a weak link.

 Musgrave in the Green Room with
Bowers, Deardorff and Hofstetter.

It's no secret how important I believe customer service to be. The owners, wait staff, hostess, bartenders and even the performers themselves, seemed to have a vested interest in the comfort of the patrons.
Watching how the wait staff tended to each person was a nice change of pace from the lackluster service which has become so common lately. It is obvious throughout the venue that each one feels as a member of the team. 

Bottom Line: Given the speed with which the foursome have worked

thus far, and the quality being infused into their business, I predict Morty's Comedy Joint will become one of the country's destination comedy clubs for performers and fans alike.

Photo credit: TStorm; Izzy Evans
Info: 317-848-5500
mortyscomedy.com
stevehofstetter.com
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Spotlight PLayers: It's a Wonderful Life! A Live Radio Play

It's a Wonderful Life! A Radio Play

 As I've mentioned before, the offerings in Indy this holiday season seem to have more oomph and pizzazz. Each has impressed me with the extra spirit and effort to take it up a notch. This weekend I found a traditional Christmas story offered without flying creatures, choirs or sequins and, instead, shines in its simplicity.

Spotlight Players, a community theater 11 years strong, is located in Beech Grove, on the south side of Indy, appropriately enough on Main Street. It's a Wonderful Life, has been seen by us on stage and screen too many times to count. But have you heard it?

Dennis Forkel as Clarence the Angel

Audience members are sitting inside a 1940s radio station during a "live" radio broadcast of the Frank Capra story about George Bailey, portrayed by Jim Carrey look alike Josh Ramsey, a man who has lost sight of why he is important in the world and an angel named Clarence (Dennis Forkel) who helps Bailey in order to earn his wings.

Directed by Jim La Monte, the show moves along at a rapid pace as the radio station actors leap from their chairs to perform various characters from the storyline, many taking on (as would be necessary for a radio show) numerous roles.

Schlatter and Ramsey

While waiting, the radio actors knit, whisper to each other, sip coffee and read over their lines.Watching the radio performers as they come and go about their normal lives, standing at the mic or props table gives one a sense of nostalgia for the Golden Age of Radio.

Dozens of items line the table with an equal amount on the floor surrounding it. Tubs of water for the jumping-in-the-lake scene, oven grates for noisy entrances and water glasses for Martini's bar scene are just a few of the innovative ways to create the necessary sounds for the radio listeners.

Woody Rau

Although the cast is filled with numerous splendid actors, young and old, I must, as always narrow it down a little.

Stepping into the Gotta Go spotlight this week are Woody Rau, Sarah Latimer and Patrick Becker with the advice to take special notice of young Grace Long portraying ZuZu with the ability of a veteran stage performer.

Rau shines brightest while portraying both characters during the rapid-paced conversation between incompetent Uncle Billy and mean, money-grubbing banker Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore in the 1946 film version. He switches personalities and mannerisms as quickly as Sally Fields in Sybil(1976).

Patrick Becker and Tim Latimer

Latimer portrays coquettish Violet who "likes all the boys," Mama Bailey and others, switching from young girl to senior citizen without effort.

Becker not only is one of two people handling sound effects, props and slamming doors as needed, he also portrays three characters and chimes in for crowd scenes. His portrayal of alternate-reality Nick is a delight to watch and hear.

I say 'hear' because I recommend closing your eyes during the show at least once to better understand what a family in the 1940s heard while gathered around the golden glow of the radio dial, enraptured with the story unfolding over the airwaves.
Bottom Line: It's a Wonderful Life! A Live Radio Play by Spotlight Players is a delightful version of a traditional Christmas show deserving to be your newest tradition beginning this year.

Photo credits: Spotlight Players; Photo credits: Izzy Evans Website: Spotlight-Players.org

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

The Cabaret: The Leisure Kings

The Leisure Kings at The Cabaret Club

Never let it be said that Michael Wiltrout and Sean Baker are not honest. They promise to try to offend everyone and put forth their best effort to that end. The Leisure Kings, lounge singing misfits in retro tuxes, came to The Cabaret at The Columbia Club bearing gifts...gag gifts, that is. The duo, who brought along a 13-piece orchestra for impression, delves into the weird during their Holiday Extravaganza and takes you along for the sleigh ride.

Breaking from their snooze job at a downtown hotel lounge, the two began to amuse themselves in a way which will keep them on Santa's naughty list for the remainder of their lives. Delicious and twisted are the arrangements which combine lyrics about Kwanzaa or Hanukkah set to the tune of oh, say, a heavy metal tune or the Love Boat theme song. The lovable, cheesy lounge performers, and their accomplished big band ensemble, entertain and insult pretty much everyone and every religion, including atheists with lyrics set to The Brady Bunch theme song.

Naughty boys Wiltrout and Baker

While listening to the brilliant (albeit offensive) lyrics and oddly paired tunes, you can't help but wonder, "Who thinks like this?" and "What could they possibly do next?"

About that time you notice Wiltrout sucking from a helium tank for help with high notes and slip into an "Oh My God" mindset. When they couple the jolly old elf with Michael McDonald, you finally give in to their dark side and leave reality behind.

The program was overshadowed, however, by the increasingly poor service at The Columbia Club. Judging from comments overheard being made by other patrons, this is not an isolated situation. As one of my favorite places in town, it makes me cringe to report this, but I have always been candid with you and it has come to the point of something needing to be fixed immediately to save the integrity of The Cabaret and The Columbia Club itself.

When eating in a fast food or greasy spoon restaurant, it’s not surprising to encounter under-qualified, rude or missing-in-action wait staff. When sitting in the Crystal Terrace, which overlooks the Circle, in one of the city’s most prestigious members-only clubs, it is absolutely disappointing and unacceptable.

And bad business, actually. If servers don’t check back, we can’t order more food and drinks, thereby increasing our check amount, thus affecting the bottom line. In the economic downturn, one would think customer service to be the least expensive way to retain old, and attract new, business.

Handled by the club itself, The Cabaret is suffering the consequences of a service management which is, perhaps, unaware of the all-too-obvious issues. Unfortunately, potential club members are being turned off to the otherwise charming establishment.

I’m sad to say it has gone from a mere annoyance to an outright irritant and is closing in quickly on a being a deal breaker when deciding which places I recommend to my readers and listeners.

Am I at the point to say you shouldn't go? Let's just say I'd rather you check with me first and I will let you know if things have improved. Hopefully, it will be resolved quickly, as this is an otherwise marvelous venue.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Ultimate Gift Guide 2010

It's time for the 3rd annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide. I take referrals, personal experiences and ideas I have come across during the year and wrap it up with a big bow of convenience for you. No traipsing through malls, fighting crowds and driving through snow.

This year's trend appears to be nonfood gifts. The choices include quirky, extravagant, educational and comforting.

What: Sock monkey slippers 
Who: Infants to great grandmothers with cold toes
Where: uncommongoods.com


What: Paul McCartney Really is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison DVD
Who: Fans of The Beatles, McCartney, Dylan and conspiracy theorists


Shannon Forsell's the nearness of you

Where: seeofsound.com

What: the nearness of you

Who: Any fan of Hoagy Carmichael, Shannon Forsell or good music

Where: shannonforsell.com

What: Think like a Genius: Wine Master
Who: Wine drinkers of all levels
Where: everydaygeniusinstitute.com

What: True Brew A Guide to Craft Beer by Rita T. Kohn
Who: Lovers of beer, breweries and Indiana history
Where: iupress.indiana.edu

True Brew by Rita T. Kohn

What: Twilight: Eclipse DVD
Who: Females 12-40 years old
Where: twilightthemovie.com

What: Trek Stars Go West
Who: Trekkies
Where: seeofsound.com

What: A Christmas Carol
Who: Fans of Jim Carrey and holiday movies
Where: Disney.com

What: Cafe Indiana by Joanne Raetz Stuttgen
Who: Off-the-beaten track foodies  

Warm Glow Candles

Where: wisc.edu/wisconsinpress

What: Cinnamon bun candle
Who: Anyone who enjoys Grandma’s baking
Where: warmglow.com

Mira by Jiena

What: Car wash gift basket
Who: Chrome buffs
Where: gourmetgiftbaskets.com

What: Mira by Jienat
Who: Adventurous music lovers 

Where: jienat.com

California Roadster golf car

 

What: Luxury custom golf cart

Who: Golfers with style

Where: badassgolfcarts.com

You are now armed with sure-to-be-remembered gifts for this holiday season. Remember that a gift related to the recipient’s interests and hobbies will be enjoyed and appreciated all year long. Now go forth and shop without fear.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Beef and Boards: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2010

Santa, Anna and Sydney Miller

Change, not always welcome, can be a good thing. Case in point: Beef and Boards' A Beef and Boards Christmas. As if waking from a slumber, the north side dinner theater revamped, re-choreographed and re-energized its show, serving this holiday dish as a variety show-style production (think Dean Martin, Bob Hope, et al.) complete with a guffaw-a-minute emcee (Eddie Curry) and a flying reindeer. Not to worry, there's only one airborne creature.

Bair, Mild, Vessels and Dickerson

Principal singers include destination actor John Vessels (Smoke on the Mountain), Christine Mild (Always...Patsy Cline), Christopher Dickerson (BBC '09) and newcomer Traci Bair. Popular dance duo Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims return to waltz and tap their way across the stage.

Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard

Most noticeable this year is the lightheartedness of the performers. Curry (Church Basement Ladies) keeps the show racing along with the corniest of jokes told in the most endearing way.

Shepard and Wims absolutely flourish this year, singing and dancing as if they have not a care in the world and drank a gallon of energizing Noni juice for breakfast. A joy to watch, this is truly the best exhibition by the couple witnessed by this critic.

Christine Mild

The exchange of Santa is a great asset as Mark Fishback provides the innocence necessary for the jolly old elf. He further endears himself by interacting with the audience moving from table to table announcing who made the naughty or nice list.

Vivacious Mild once more proves her ability particularly during Santa Tonight with Fishback and her solo Christmas Is. 

Keeping with the variety show style, Terry Woods and the B&B Orchestra enhance the show by performing live on stage throughout the evening.

Although this is clearly the best overall Christmas show I have seen at B&B, there remain some missed opportunities.

Two to be exact: Vessels and Dickerson.

Christopher Dickerson

This critic is uncertain as to the reason behind the decision to bring, once more, from New York City, the man with the smooth-as-cognac voice and then use him only for quartets, a duo and a semi-solo with a chorus. As the bass-voiced opera singer who stopped last year’s show with his rendition of Oh Holy Night, surely it would only enhance the show to have an extra solo from Dickerson. Certainly the fact that he was granted the most applause, thunderous both last and this year, would indicate the audience’s desire for more.

John Vessels

Vessels’ powerful vocals and ability to draw laughter from the audience with every entrance should be enough to grant him more solo stage time, also. Perhaps the decision-makers could sit in my seat and view the audience's reaction when either of these two performs. Whether or not it is understood is not relevant, it just is. We get it and that is all that matters.

I realize it is a variety show and do not mean to imply others are unworthy of their stage time at all, merely to point out an increase of certain performers can enhance the production that much more.

Bottom Line: A Beef and Boards Christmas is a must-see for fans of old-fashioned variety shows, holiday tunes and dancing characters.

Website: beefandboards.com

Photos: juliecurryphotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. 

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Midwest Memories: Christmas

Memories of Christmases from long ago gently nudge me around the holidays; as unforgettable as the frosted windows of my childhood home. Wrapped up to imitate that kid from the old Bob Gregory commercial, my siblings and I would celebrate the school break by building snow forts, sipping hot chocolate (made with milk) and decorating the tree.

One year there were fewer decorations than other years.

Right around the age of 8 was when I decided to eat the popcorn balls my mother had carefully hung on the tree wrapped in jewel-toned reds, golds, blues, greens and purples…..32 of them, to be exact…at one setting.

Besides the lack of humor my mother found in my escapade, my stomach hurt for days afterward. It was worth every twinge. I would have eaten the other 24, but she had, in my young opinion, ruined those by putting gumdrops in them. A traditionalist, even as a child.

Pint-sized trouble

One tradition has been passed down to our own children. The Tootsie Roll bank full of the midget-size candies placed faithfully in the hung stockings.

I was about 10 years old the year I decided to eat all of those little guys...still in their wrappers. My mother, what a trooper. She stayed up all night with me.

A majority of the pre-holiday activity occurred in the kitchen. Fudge had to be cut, cookies were decorated and Rice Krispy treats had to be made and hidden from me because I would, well, you know…eat them all and get another bellyache.

She hid them well, my mother; I only found them once (beneath her bed) and she caught me while I was still devouring the first tin’s worth. I can still feel her hands around my ankles pulling me out from under there. I swear that woman had eyes in the back of her head and could sneak up on me without a sound.

While Mom was trying to keep me out of the goodies, Dad was busy making his clamored-for puffs of candy, divinity, coloring the fluffy sweets pink and green. Friends and family waited anxiously for their annual batch.

Other edibles included stringed popcorn, sometimes with cranberries if the price was low that year, and ribbon candy, my mother’s favorite. All year long I would save my pennies to buy it, knowing she enjoyed the beautiful cascading colors of the rippled candy as much as the flavors.

My parents have both passed on, my father with the secret to his divinity and my mother still, I am certain, keeping an eye on my mischief-making ways. Nowadays, I keep my mischievousness to a minimum. Unless nobody else is looking, that is.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.