DVD Review: The Incredibles

Disney Pixar has released the child-friendly movie The Incredibles in a DVD Blu-Ray combo pack. Included are the digital copy, perfect of while traveling in the car, and the bonus material disc. The superheroes have been outlawed by the public after a rash of law suits are lodged by various people.

The underlying story is created when a small boy, Buddy Pine (Jason Lee), idolizes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and is shunned by him. Buddy grows to adulthood with a giant chip on his shoulder and invents, rockets, deadly robots and explosives. To avenge his years-old anger, he begins terminating all the superheroes, one by one, until he feels ready to oppose fallen hero.

Meanwhile, the Incredible family expands to include marriage to Elasticigirl (Holly Hunter) and three little Incredibles: Violet, who is able to become invisible and throw out invisible force fields; Dash, who is able to run at lightning speed and across water; and Jack-Jack who, at first, appears to have no super powers.
This is a hilarious look at blending super heroes into a "normal" lifestyle, living without their super powers and the inability to integrate into life post lawsuits.

Bottom Line: Taking on a villain brings the almost broken home of the Incredibles together and allows the family to embrace the super power life once again. The delightful movie is worth watching over and over and captures Good vs. Evil in a new way.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

DVD Review: Disney Tron Legacy and Tron Classic

Disney has released both Tron Classic and (previously reviewed by me) Tron Legacy on DVD and Blu Ray. The 2-disc combo packs include the Blu-Ray and DVD versions together with bonus features.

The bonus features on these two movies are more than the average DVD includes. The Making of is included on both, as well as the cultural influence the original carried, sneak peaks at the next chapter in The Next Day: Flynn Lives, a music video, the animated 3D series Tron: Uprising, cast interviews, interactive features, extensive documentaries, photos and deleted scenes.

These two DVDs/Blu-Ray combo packs are meant not just for the fans of the original, but for the next generation of Tron fans as Disney prepares to continue the saga. Without giving any details away, the sneak peaks alone justify the purchase.

Watching the original movie after so many years brought home the differences between technology then and now. It is less cumbersome and smoother now, as well as more intense. However, the original set the future in motion and beyond other technology in its day. It is needed in your memory bank to clarify and give depth of understanding to the second in the series.

Bottom Line: Disney's Tron Classic and Tron Legacy are must-haves for the avid movie collector and for fans of sci-fi, adventure and action flicks of all ages.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Inaugural Indiana Artisan Marketplace April 16 - 17

Inaugural Indiana Artisan Marketplace

Fine art photography

WHAT:  Indiana Artisan Marketplace

WHEN:  Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

              Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Indiana State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Indianapolis

COST:  $8 admission (free for children 15 and under) and $3 parking

INFO:  www.indianaartisan.org

Participating artisans announced

 INDIANAPOLIS (March 7, 2011) – With everything from sea salt pecan chews and chile-spiced fudge sauce to wearable fiber art and water color paintings, the April 16 and 17 Indiana Artisan Marketplace will treat visitors to a multi-sensory and wide-ranging celebration of Hoosier talent and creativity.

The first-time event will feature the creations of approximately 90 artists and food artisans whose work has been juried into the prestigious Indiana Artisan program. In addition to the featured artisans from 41 Indiana counties, more than 70 artisans from Kentucky will participate, since the Hoosier event is modeled after an event in the Bluegrass state, Kentucky Crafted Market that has a 30-year track record.

Visitors also will be treated to music by such Hoosier musicians as Wendy Reed (jazz), Blackberry Jam (bluegrass), Steve Jeffers (acoustic guitar), Deb Mullins (blues/jazz), Island Breeze (Caribbean), Rough around the Edges (Ragtime blues) and Hogeye Navvy (Celtic).

Participating Indiana Artisans

Allen County

Gourmet marshmallows

Jennifer Cameron, Fort Wayne, jewelry

Wayne Shive, Fort Wayne, chile and espresso fudge sauces

Bartholomew County

Alexa Lemley, Columbus, marshmallows

Boone County

Jennifer Berger, Zionsville, hand-designed and constructed felted creatures, using hand-dyed yarns

Joyce Jensen, Zionsville, watercolors

Brown County

Rosemary Bolte, Nashville, painted gourds

Amy Greely, Nashville, jewelry

Chris Gustin, Columbus, rugs and fiber arts

Anabel Hopkins, Nashville, notecards and original art

Michele Pollock, Columbus, mixed media paper art

Judy Prichard, Nashville, pottery

Tom Prichard, Nashville, pottery

Daren Redman, Nashville, fiber art

Carroll County

Plate

Rena Brouwer, Delphi, watercolors

Cass County

Toney Robertson, Galveston, wooden bowls, hand-turned wooden pendants, roses made of wood and metals

Clark County

Huber’s Winery and Orchard, Borden, wine and brandy

DeKalb County

Kalista Johnston, Garrett, cheese crisps

Delaware County

Brian Gordy, Muncie, watercolors

Ann Johnson, Muncie, wearable garments

Cheese crisps

Dubois County

Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, cookies

Floyd County

Carl deGraaf, Elizabeth, pottery

Franklin County

Charlene George, Brookville, oil paintings

Carrie Miller, Batesville, sauces and jams

Hamilton County

Carol Bell, Noblesville, stoneware

Charles Ferguson, Noblesville, Crazy Charlie’s Gourmet salsas

Pam Newell, Fishers, pastels and oils

Pottery

Brian Paffen, Fishers, soaps and bath products

Lori Shreve, Westfield, fudge

Hancock County

Jon Vance, McCordsville, layered paper art

Hendricks County

Lisa Pelo, Clayton, glasswork

Chateau Thomas Winery, Plainfield, wine

Jackson County

Burton’s Maplewood Farm, Medora, maple syrup

Jay County

Zach Medler, Portland, ceramics and relief printing

Maple syrup

Jefferson County

Clint Bear, Madison, guitars

Johnson County

Mild to Wild Sauces, Franklin, hot sauces

Kosciusko County

Terry Armstrong, Warsaw, watercolors

Laurel Isle, Winona Lake, soaps and bath products

LaPorte County

Steven Skinner, New Carlisle, pottery

Lawrence County

Charlotte Waltz, Norman, persimmons

Carousel Winery, Mitchell, wine

Madison County

Greg Adams, Lapel, rustic willow furniture

Marion County

Teri Barnett, Indianapolis, acrylics

James Dupler, Indianapolis, woodworking

Allison Ford, Indianapolis, wooden jewelry

Gourd art

Elizabeth Garber, Indianapolis, truffles

Rick Greiner, Indianapolis, pottery pears

Jayne Hoadley, Indianapolis, sea salt pecan chews

Erin Jones-Edds, Indianapolis, dressings and drink mixes

Nancy Lee, Indianapolis, jewelry

Nancy Miller, Indianapolis, gourd art

Peg Neal, Indianapolis, pottery

Carrie Wild, Indianapolis, watercolors

Miami County

Rose Brown, Peru, goat’s milk soap

Susan Kline, Peru, paper collage

Monroe County

Jan Arbogast, Bloomington, pottery

John Bower, Bloomington, photography

Kris Busch, Heltonville, pottery

Butler Winery, Bloomington, wine

Maria Dawson, Ellettsville, fiber art

Suzanne Halvorson, Bloomington, fiber art/scarves

Carolyn and Don Madvig, Bloomington, paper/found material notecards

Marcy Neiditz, Bloomington, pottery

Cappi Phillips, Bloomington, mixed media mosaic sculpture

Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese, Bloomington, handmade papers

Ohio County

Kendal Miller, Dillsboro, fine art photography

Orange County

French Lick Winery, French Lick, wine

Perry County

Winzerwald Winery, Bristow, wine

Nita Claise, Tell City, raku pottery

Jason Emmons, Saint Croix, chainsaw carvings

Brad Smith, Tell City, hand twisted Tell City Pretzel

Porter County

Lynn Retson, Porter, graphite drawings

Randolph County

Judy Coe, Lynn, homemade noodles

Wayne Gaydos, Farmland, stringed instruments

Ripley County

Robin Dyer, Friendship, leather moccasins and textiles

Chocolates

Chaz Kaiser, Batesville, metalwork

Shelby County

Julie Bolejack, Shelbyville, chocolates

St. Joseph County

Laurie Balla, Mishawaka, watercolors

Switzerland County

Donna Weaver, Vevay, wax portraiture

Tippecanoe County

Mary Firestone, Lafayette, stoneware

Lisa Hopkins, West Lafayette, sterling silver jewelry

Aldis Knight, Lafayette, photography

Sara Vanderkleed, Lafayette, fine art, including acrylic and watercolor combined with recycled envelopes

Tipton County

Joe Rice, Elwood, glasswork

Fiber art

Vanderburgh County

Karen Hampton, Evansville, fiber art

Vermillion County

Brooke Schmidt, Dana, toffees

Vigo County

Gretchen Kraut, Terre Haute, jewelry from polymer clay, hand-dyed wool roving, handmade felted beads and sterling silver

Marilyn Oehler, Terre Haute, woven wool seat covers and wall art

Wayne County

Daniel Sims, Richmond, stained glass

About Indiana Artisan

Indiana Artisan was established in 2008 to identify and support the business development of Hoosier entrepreneurs who create high-quality arts, crafts and value-added foods (think salsa, not tomatoes … wine, not grapes).  It was launched as a joint venture of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.  The program is now a private, not-for-profit organization. The work of more than 175 artisans has been juried into the organization and may leverage the Indiana Artisan brand.  For more information, visit www.indianaartisan.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Peyton Manning Becomes Daddy to Twins

Peyton Manning kept his upcoming bundles of joy a secret from pretty much everyone. NFL superstar Manning, and wife Ashley, welcomed twins, one girl and one boy, to the world. The babies are named Marshall Williams and Mosley Thompson. They were born March 31 in Indianapolis.


Brother Eli Manning and wife Abby became parents in March, also, with daughter Ava Frances Manning. Some have considered the initial leak a practical joke brought on by April Fools Day jokesters. As of today the couple are neither confirming nor denying the rumors. More media outlets are jumping on the "what if it's true" bandwagon by the moment.

The news originally was scooped by Rachel Evans at The Neshoba Democrat. The newspaper comes from Philadelphia, MS, hometown of Team Manning's mother, Olivia. Should the story prove true or false may determine which direction Evans' career will head.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Film Review: Source Code

Director Duncan Jones' scores high marks for his second film attempt with Source Code, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as U.S. Army Capt. Colter Stevens.

Jones' first film, Moon, (2009) was also a sci-fi drama which pleased many critics with his quality and crisp style. Duncan's creative ability and out-of-the-box style is not surprising considering his father is none other than British rock star and creative genius David Bowie. Yes, Ziggy Stardust had a son and that son is equally talented. Which means there is so much to look forward to with this new generation of Hollywood artists.

Source Code takes us into the mind of the heroic soldier caught up in a science experiment to slip into someone else's body during the last eight minutes of life. The twists and turns of this movie keep you intent on the storyline without straying too far from the credible pool. Christina Warren, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, acts as Stevens' love interest. With looks reminiscent of Liv Tyler in Armaggedon (1998) Warren also serves as the catalyst for Stevens to return one more time and as his focal point each time he 'wakes' on the train.

Without giving everything away, this movie is best enjoyed with as little knowledge as possible, just know that it is different than anything else out right now. The slight drawbacks include too little of the father/son relationship, although it ran throughout the show, it could have been more deeply drawn upon.
Bottom Line: Source Code races you through eight minutes of marvelous twists and turns at top speed...over and over again.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

IRT Announces 2011-12 Season Includes DRACULA!

IRT Announces 2011-12 Season

SEPT 7-OCT 1
OneAmerica Stage

Wicked and seductive, the original bloodsucker is back in a fresh, faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker‘s horrific tale. The Count has taken residence in London, and only Professor Van Helsing understands the extent of the terror that is about to be unleashed. Transported back to a time where legend and science contend for supremacy, Steven Deitz's script keeps your heart beating 

and blood pumping… we hope.

SEPT 22-OCT 23

Upperstage

IRT’s Going Solo festival of three intimate one-actor plays returns for its third year of audience acclaim. A highlight this season will be an original work by IRT playwright-in-residence James Still. An added advantage for IRT subscribers: you can enjoy your assigned performance and then choose a weeknight performance of either of the other two plays in the series.

JAN 10-JAN 29

        OneAmerica Stage

August Wilson’s final work, completed only months before his death, Radio Golf is the culmination of his play cycle examining the Black experience in each decade of the twentieth century. The voice of modern African American ambition speaks of political growth and urban renewal, but cannot be entirely free of the past. Wilson uses the complexity of his former work to bring us back to the struggle of all Americans as we try to grow beyond our shared history, while still remembering its lessons.

FEB 28-MAR 24
OneAmerica Stage

A playground incident between two boys devolves into a comedy of bad manners as the parents meet to work things out. It’s hard to tell the children from the adults in this edgy satire from Yasmina Reza that catapults the IRT audience into the middle of a war-of-words zone where things are never what they seem. Winner for Best Play at the 2009 Tony Awards.

MAR 13-APR 22
Upperstage

Witty dialogue, glamour and madcap humor bubble out of control in Nöel Coward’s 1925 farce. We follow the story of Julia and Jane, two upper-class friends waiting for a shared secret to arrive at the front door. Can the virtues of married life stand firm against the lure of lost romance? This comedy of manners consists of three acts and a never-ending supply of champagne.

APRIL 17- MAY 20 OneAmerica Stage

In what Time Magazine called “…unforgettable theater,” The Miracle Worker recreates the life and education of Helen Keller. Tragically deaf, blind and ultimately mute due to a childhood illness, the wild child meets her match when Annie Sullivan, a teacher with passion, resilience and cunning wit, arrives to teach Helen her greatest lesson: the gift of communication. Extraordinarily woven by the playwright, this century old story of

fortitude and friendship still stirs audiences today.

OCT 18-NOV 5OneAmerica Stage

One of Shakespeare’s most well known tragedies, Julius Caesar grapples with the universal themes of honor, patriotism and the ultimate betrayal of ruler and friend. Tension reaches a boiling point after Caesar’s brutal assassination, while political scheming spurs power hungry Romans into civil war. A classic piece of theater that echoes current political issues, making this a relevant, not-to-be-missed experience.

NOV 25-DEC 24
OneAmerica Stage

Winter can be a cold, hard place, especially when one man’s heart resists every effort to warm it. Can the spirits of the season prevail in time to save Scrooge from an eternity of miserly misery? Find out when Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday favorite returns. Unwrap the perfect family outing and experience the joy of the IRT’s timeless Christmas classic.

Pirates of the Caribbean Starring Johnny Depp Opens May 20

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

     (In Disney Digital 3)

Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean Twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Cast

Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Claflin and Geoffrey Rush

Director:                                              Rob Marshall

Producer:                                            Jerry Bruckheimer

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™.

Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.

The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Disney Pixar's Cars 2 Opens June 24

CARS 2

(In Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D)

DISNEY•PIXAR

facebook.com/pixarcars     twitter.com/disneypixar

U.S. Release Date:                                June 24, 2011

Voice Talent: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann

Director:                                                           John Lasseter

Co-Director:                                                      Brad Lewis

Producer:                                                          Denise Ream

Composer:                                                        Michael Giacchino

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.  But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer).  Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.

The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Johnny Depp Stars in The Rum Diary Opening October 28, 2011

*PRESS RELEASE*

NEW YORK, March, 29, 2011 – It was announced today at CinemaCon, by Bob Berney, President, Theatrical Distribution that FilmDistrict will release “The Rum Diary,” based on the early Hunter S. Thompson novel that was ultimately published in 1998. It stars Johnny Depp and will be released on October 28, 2011.  The film is directed by Bruce Robinson (“Withnail and I”) from his own screenplay and also stars Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins and Giovanni Ribisi.  “The Rum Diary” is produced by Infinitum Nihil, the production company headed by Depp and Christi Dembrowski, along with Graham King and Tim Headington.  Anthony Rhulen and Robert Kravis also produce.

“The Rum Diary” tells the increasingly unhinged story of itinerant journalist Paul Kemp (Depp). Tired of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local San Juan newspaper run by the downtrodden editor Lotterman (Jenkins). Adopting the rum-soaked lifestyle of the late ‘50s version of Hemingway’s “The Lost Generation,” Paul soon becomes entangled with a very attractive American woman, Chenault (Heard) and her fiancée Sanderson (Eckhart), a businessman involved in shady property development deals.  It is within this world that Kemp ultimately discovers his true voice as a writer and integrity as a man.

“Hunter S. Thompson became close with Johnny Depp during the filming of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and showed Depp the unpublished manuscript for The Rum Diary,” says producer and FilmDistrict co-founder Graham King. “I am extremely proud to bring this novel to film and to honor Hunter’s legacy.”

About FilmDistrict

FilmDistrict is a multi-faceted acquisitions, distribution, production and financing company focusing on wide release, commercial pictures.  Founded in September by Graham King and Tim Headington’s GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, the company’s films include INSIDIOUS, April 1; SOUL SURFER, April 8; DRIVE, Sept. 16; and LOCKOUT,February 24, 2012.  For more information, visit filmdistrict.com or call (646) 380-4470.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre Raises the Curtain on 97th Season

*Press Release*

INDIANAPOLIS (March 16, 2011) – Dubbed “Brand New Stage, Brilliant New Season,” Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s inaugural season at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel promises to feature big stagings, colorful characters and fabulous show tunes.

This September, at the state-of-the-art Tarkington Theater, Civic will make its debut as the facility’s principal resident with its highly anticipated 97th season. The theater’s 2011-12 season is scheduled to include:

The Drowsy Chaperone (Sept. 9-24), book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. 

The Drowsy Chaperone, an homage to the American Jazz Age musical and its restorative effects, begins when the narrator, a die-hard musical fan, seeks to cure his melancholy by listening to a recording of his favorite 1920s musical, which bursts to life in his living room. This whimsical and captivating romp won five Tony® Awards, including Best Book and Score. 

Amadeus (Oct. 28-Nov. 12), by Peter Shaffer.

Peter Shaffer’s award-winning Amadeus combines fiction and history to explore the dramatic rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, the late eighteenth century court composer for the Emperor of Austria, who escorts the audience through his recollection of the events leading to Mozart’s death. A Tony® Award winner for Best Play, the story is a dramatic and sometimes humorous look at the struggle between mediocrity and genius.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (Dec. 16-Jan. 7), music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald.

Willy Wonka and his band of singing Oompa Loompas lead Charlie Bucket and his quirky cohorts on a tantalizing tour of the mysterious candy-maker's fantastical factory. This holiday treat features many memorable songs including "The Candy Man," "I Want It Now!" and "Pure Imagination.”

Lend Me A Tenor (Feb. 10-25), by Ken Ludwig.

In Ken Ludwig’s zany comedy, the Cleveland Grand Opera Company has secured the world-famous tenor “Il Stupendo” Tito Morelli, in his greatest role, Otello, for their 1934 gala season-opener. Unfortunately, due to well-intended but misguided meddling, “Il Stupendo” is given an overdose of tranquilizers, rendering him unable to perform. This zany farce is full of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and fast-paced hilarity.

Guys and Dolls (Apr. 27-May 12), book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.

In a desperate attempt to garner support for his floating craps game, Nathan Detroit challenges Sky Masterson to lure a local Salvation Army girl, Sarah Brown, to Cuba for an award of one thousand dollars. Sky ends up falling in love with Sarah and tries to reform his risky ways, but must make one last wager to prove his love. Full of hilarious characters, thrilling dance numbers and timeless tunes including “Luck Be a Lady.”

Subscriptions for Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s 2011-12 season at the Center for the Performing Arts are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Civic’s Box Office at 317.923.4597 or visiting www.CivicTheatre.org.

  

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre is the largest of more than 70 community theaters in Indiana. It isalso one of the 10 largest active community theaters in the United States and is considered to be one of the nation's longest continuously operating community theaters. The theatre has been a vital part of the city's cultural landscape, serving audiences and cast and crew members from Indianapolis, Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Greenfield, Greenwood, Noblesville, Westfield,Zionsville and communities throughout Central Indiana for 95 years. In the fall of 2011, Civic will move its theater and operations to the Center for the Performing Arts, located in Carmel, where it will be the principal residenttheatre company of the Tarkington Theater, a new 500-seat state-of-the-art proscenium theater.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.