The Cabaret at The Columbia Club: Tierney Sutton Band

Swanky, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is fashionably elegant. Swanky, as defined by Indianapolis, is The Cabaret at The Columbia Club.

The international-headlining Tierney Sutton Band starts the new year validating the club's signature style. Sutton and company have created Tierney-style scat jazz together for 15 years and eight CDs including the latest Desire.

Many groups focus completely on the lead singer while leaving the others...somewhere in the back.

Sutton, a practicing Baha'i for 25 years, believes in equality and respect for all members. Giving the other members of the band time in the light allows Christian Jacobs (piano), Kevin Axt (bass), and Ray Brinker (drummer), to enhance the performance, flourishing in the admiration of the audience as well.

Sutton shares songs from previous works including 2002's Something Cool with Route 66, Wouldn't it be Loverly, I've Grown Accustomed to His Face, and 2005's I'm With the Band with I Get a Kick and S'Wonderful. The group also draws from current release Desire with My Heart Belongs to Daddy and Skylark.
                                                                                         
Often the studio version of an artist is almost unrecognizable as the same artist you witnessed live. Not so with The Tierney Sutton Band. Listening to Desire, it is simple to imagine you are once again enjoying the intimate setting of The Cabaret at The Columbia.

Bottom Line: With a feather-light touch, Tierney and her trio begin quietly and... somewhat sensually. As the music and vocals slip across your skin like ribbons of silk, you initially resist the temptation to close your eyes, revisiting the loveliest of memories. Eventually, you forgo all pretense and simply succumb to the ethereal experience.

Photo credit: greatexposures.net 

thecabaret.org

tierneysutton.com
bahai.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.

Beef and Boards: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The stress behind a championship ball game with millions of dollars on the line people understand. But the stress behind a childhood rite of passage such as a spelling bee?

Beef and Boards' Dinner Theatre, 9301 N. Michigan Rd., opens its 2011 season with the Tony-Award-winning hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Bee does more than teach you how to spell superfluous words. It shares the stress-related issues which occur behind any competition, even those which occur before braces are removed.

Add in the angst of maturing bodies, puppy love, emotionally and physically absent parents, and, well, you get the picture. There is a tender age when parental approval is intermixed with the desire to be liked by one's peers and separate from the family identity to create your own. It occurs approximately the same time as the shedding of childhood security blankets and noticing the opposite sex.

All of this is addressed within the scope of the county spelling bee where six overachievers attempt to prove themselves as more than their school's word geek. Students include B&B veterans Jayson Elliott (SOTM), Sarah Hund (SOTM), Tiana Checchia (Peter Pan), Dominic Sheahan-Stahl (Footloose). Kiyo Takami and Seth Tucker make their debuts.

Although the title would make this seem a family friendly show, I recommend leaving the under-13 aged at home unless you want to explain the meaning of an erection.

Sarah Hund

Hund, who is incapable of turning in a less-than-flawless performance, portrays her character (Logainne) with an added ounce of zest, standing out as the caricature stereotype of the perfectionist.

Calling four audience members on stage creates an opportunity for the performers to shine, challenged by the unexpected from the non-pro participation. They are weeded out one at a time, between singing, dancing and spelling by the cast. I was one of the selected. I am not exactly sure how my name got put on the list, but have narrowed it down to two possible culprits. At first, I declined feeling my role as a critic would be compromised. Then it occurred to me this would be an opportunity afforded few critics: a chance to see the talent up close. So, I acquiesced and joined the cast on stage.

Licia Watson and Paul Hansen

This bird's eye view was helpful as I was able to judge interactively. Although I could never claim to be more than a dilettante, one other audience member could barely be separated from the pros. Dustin, a high school student, actor and former spelling bee participant, provides the most chance for Paul Hansen as Vice Principal Panch to show his ad libbing abilities when he has to pull out a dictionary and find an extra-hard word to finally get Dustin off the stage.

I found that a guilty pleasure after being reprimanded by Hansen's Panch at my table when I didn't understand immediately that I was on his clipboard's list of names. His stern look and no nonsense, "You are due on stage, young lady," reminds me of a certain principal back in school. Yep, I'm still getting "the look."

Jayson Elliott

Although all turned in f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c performances, the Gotta Go spotlight shines brightest on a particular body part. No, not that one...

The Foot.

Elliott's character, William Barfee, is the uptight, shirt-untucked, obnoxious know-it-all, who needs the win to prove to himself that he is as brilliant as he proclaims. As with many competitors, Barfee has a 'trick' to help him win. Some write on their arm, or wear a superhero costume, William spells out the word on the floor using his lucky foot. Never missing a beat, Elliott corrects any, and all, who mispronounce his name, even while walking away or seemingly busy with something else. Stroke after stroke, with that lucky foot, Barfee eliminates his opponents, one by one. Until Olive Ostrovsky.

Tiana Checchia

Olive is portrayed by Checchia with a vulnerability, sweetness and virginal innocence that everything can be made right with words, that all the world would be a rosy place if only everyone would befriend their dictionary.

The pairing of Checchia and Elliott may well be the best match I have seen at B&B. Her sweetness gently slips under Barfee's obnoxious skin opening his vulnerable side, allowing that something, or someone, is more or at least as important as winning. His hesitant look toward her before stepping up to spell his last word demonstrates the talent which makes Elliott a favorite of the Indianapolis audience and this critic.

Bottom Line: Beef and Boards' Bee gives Jayson Elliott a chance to share yet one more aspect of his multifaceted talent with Indianapolis audiences.

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.

Resolutions 2011 a.k.a. The Gotta Go List 2011

Resolutions, goals, bucket lists…whatever term you use, every year we set up our obligatory to-do list annually. Perhaps we do this in hopes of ridding ourselves of bad habits, trying a fresh start in our lives or attempting to reach the next level in our careers.

As is my custom, I take stock of which items I can check off the previous year's Gotta Go list and revise it for the upcoming year. I updated, some with pictures, the ones I crossed off for 2010. I got to many -- including a new sport (skiing), a new state (Georgia) and a new form of transportation (80-foot boat) and a museum (Richmond’s Levi Coffin House).

Since 2011 feels like it is going to be productive, let’s get busy with this year’s Gotta Go list. Remember, don’t worry about the ugly stuff, giving up chocolate, etc; just concentrate on celebrating life by adding in positive experiences and re-enacting favorites. It’s okay to get outlandish; it’s your life, and if you don’t do it now then when? There is no perfect time to do anything so…GO FOR IT!

1. Visit a new state-I am up to 34 of the 50. I plan on adding three or four new ones this year.

2. Throw a party. It can be small, big, outside or in. The point is to gather some friends, encourage them to bring someone new to meet and have fun. I am personally planning on throwing a fondue party and a cheese and wine pairing party. Others may come up impromptu since I do love parties.

3. Apologize to someone-I know this may sound like an non-fun idea, but hear me out. What if, one day you simply said, face-to-face, via a letter, voice mail or text to someone who you know, deep down, that you wronged and simply said, “I am sorry.” That’s it. Nothing else has to come out of it, but the weight lifted from your heart helps you enjoy your own life so much more.

4. Go fly a kite. Literally. Buy, make or borrow one and let it fly.

5. Passport-okay, I have told you this will be on here until I get it done…this year looks promising.

6. Take up, or restart, an art form. Pottery, singing, painting, writing, origami, photography or whatever creative outlet you have always wanted to try or revisit. Take a class at a local studio, library or school, or simply get an instructive DVD or book. Letting the creative juices flow brightens your world. Maybe you prefer to study an art form at a local museum or art gallery; it counts.

7. Build a sand castle or sculpture; or attend a competition and volunteer to help. The point is to dig into the sand and let your inner child back out.

8. Write, a letter, thank you note, something, anything to someone else. The speed of today’s technology is quickly eliminating written messages. Letting someone know you appreciate a gift or telling them the latest news gives them something besides junk mail in their mailbox which creates smiles.

9. Cook a new food dish. Have fun looking through cookbooks, ask family and friends for recipes and just try out one brand new one. Getting out of our comfort zone keeps us out of the dreaded rut.

10. Attend a festival. Blueberry, maple syrup, kite, hot air balloon, popcorn...there is practically a festival dedicated to almost anything you can imagine, even Spam. So get out, go to one and take pictures.

There we have it; our new Gotta Go list. Remember that combining items is allowed and extra marks are given for efficiency and creativity. I am looking forward to hearing how many you check off and I will update my list online as I get mine crossed off.

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.

My Favorite Things 2010

As the yule log burns to a smoldering ember, I ponder all I have tasted, seen and experienced this past year. Here is a list of my favorite things from 2010. They are listed in no particular order and are linked to the original review. A little walk down memory lane...

1. Broadway Across America-Jersey Boys: This high-energy tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons sweeps over you and you leave singing, ready to see it again.
2. Beef and Boards-A Beef and Boards Christmas: The re-invented, jazzed-up variety show hits all the right notes making it high on my list.
3. Papa Roux: Everyone needs a down-to-earth, good grub joint and this is it for me. Papa's proves that Po Boys can be served at reasonable prices without losing quality.
4. Morty's Comedy Joint: Bringing headliners, good food and a warm atmosphere to Indy's comedy scene, Morty's seems intent on providing a high-quality show, service and menu.
5. Hoosier Park & Racing Casino: I have been to a few casinos and horse tracks now and I stand by my opinion that this one is just plain FUN!
6. IRT-Becky's New Car: Stephen Dietz's play, starring Constance Macy and Nicholas Hormann is well executed and hilarious. I enjoyed it so much I went back again on my personal time.
7. The Cabaret-Amanda McBroom: Set in the elegant venue overlooking Indy's Circle known as The Cabaret, McBroom's depth of emotion and lifetime of experiences, softened with her effervescence, make her performance one for the scrapbook.
8. WIBC-Joe Ulery and Oscar Champagne Brunch: Joe invited me to be the entertainment adviser on his Saturday Morning News Show and we have so much fun with it. Popping the cork on-air with Amber and chatting about movies for the pre-Oscar brunch was also a highlight.
9. Owensboro: How do I put a whole town on the list? Easily. Bluegrass, botanical gardens, go-karts, performing and fine arts, burgoo, frozen hot chocolate, fudge and great shopping.
10. Richmond-Lantz House Inn and J&J Winery:  The positive outlook of Marica Hoyt, owner of the beautiful, historic B&B is contagious and her lemon-ricotta pancakes are addicting. Up the road, J&J manages to be cozy, festive and romantic all at the same time. The winery overlooks a scenic body of water, while the charming owners serve the best damn cheese and fruit plate.
11. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra-Yuletide Celebration: Sandi Patty made this colorful variety-style show a must for anyone needing a holiday boost.
12. Devour Downtown: Local eateries reducing prices to showcase their food is a great idea which I enjoyed reviewing and tasting. I look forward to this year's menus.

The list ended with 12 by coincidence or fate, however you like to believe. It was difficult to narrow it down from my approximately 150 experiences this year. I hope some of your favorites are on here also. I look forward to 2011 and all the adventures coming our way. Happy New Year!

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.

Tron: Legacy

Tron Legacy is a whirlwind ride of special effects and a flash back to the eighties via music within an arcade which hides a secret lab take the viewer by storm. A nonstop action flick which whips by you, seemingly in moments.

Some may think it a shallow, topical movie and I say, “So what?” Not every movie needs to be a depressing drama riddled with needed social changes.

Sometimes…we just wanna have fun.

And fun is exactly what this movie promises and delivers. Jeff Bridges stars once again as Kevin Flynn the scientist sucked into cyberspace inside a video game called Tron. Leaving his son behind to wonder what happened, Flynn is unable to leave via the portal through which he came; it only works for a set amount of time and then you are out of luck. 

During his absence, Flynn's company is taken over by money-hungry folks who don't care about quality, truth or the other morals thought of highly by a few individuals like Flynn, his son Sam, played by Garrett Hedlund, and Alan Bradley.

Bradley, reprised by Bruce Boxleitner (Babylon 5) still believes Flynn is “out there somewhere.” He gets a message on his pager (yeah, he still uses one), tells Sam about it and gives him the keys to the closed-down arcade.

Sam plays a practical joke on the money grubbers, putting the program out for free which they were ready to make a killing with, on the open market. At 27, Sam is the majority shareholder and still dealing with Dad’s disappearance.

He is by nature an adrenalin junkie -- fast motorcycles, jumping off 25 story buildings -- you get the picture. What you don’t know is Hedlund is the new generation’s answer to the arrogant, handsome daredevil we adore on the big screen. Reminiscent of Harrison Ford in Star Wars and Tom Cruise  in Top Gun, Hedlund always has the cheeky answer and the good looks to back up the attitude.

Olivia Wilde, as friend to Flynn Quorra, plays the female love interest for Sam convincingly. I will leave all further details for your viewing.

With motorcycle chases, frontier-breaking technology and music from the '80s, Tron will please most of the movie-going crowd. As far as the critics disliking it, well, this is one critic who recommends you going and having fun with it.

Bottom Line: Tron: Legacy satisfies 100 percent as a fast-paced, 3-D way to introduce the next generation to The Grid. Welcome back to the '80s.

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: Disney.com

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.

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.