Indianapolis Holiday Shows and Events List 2011

Each holiday season brings questions about which programs and events are best to attend. This year I am taking the initiative and giving a list of some of the wonderful performances and events available in the Indianapolis-metro area that I recommend. Some I have reviewed in the past, others I just have a good feeling about based on past events and programs at the venue. These are the tops in town.

Please let me know any you have enjoyed in the past and your thoughts on these after you attend this year. Also, I would enjoy hearing about any you are aware of that not mentioned in this list.

Click on the contact links to visit the website for tickets, show times, and information.
Happy holidays!

What: There's no Business like Snowbizness-Christine Pedi

Who: The Cabaret at The Columbia Club

When: Dec. 15, 16, 17

Where: 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Contact: TheCabaret.org

What: Yuletide Celebration

Who: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

When: Dec. 2 - 23

Where: The Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Contact: IndianapolisSymphony.org

What: A Christmas Carol

Who: Indiana Repertory Theatre

When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 24

Where: 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

Contact: IRTLive.com

What: A Beef and Boards Christmas

Who: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 23

Where: 9301 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis

Contact: BeefandBoards.com

What: A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked

Who: The Phoenix Theatre

When: Dec. 1 - Dec. 23

Where: 749 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis

Contact: PhoenixTheatre.org

What: The Nutcracker

Who: Indiana Ballet Conservatory

When: Dec. 16 - 18

Where: Toby Theatre, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis

Contact: IndianaBalletConservatory.org

What: 15^th annual Dickens of a Christmas

Who: Greater Lafayette Commerce

When: Dec. 3 - 4

Where: Lafayette and West Lafayette city streets and businesses

Contact: DickensofaChristmas.com

What: The Year of Frog and Toad

Who: Actors Theatre of Indiana

When: Dec. 16 - 18

Where: Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis

Contact: ActorsTheatreofIndiana.org

What: The Nutcracker

Who: Indianapolis School of Ballet

When: Dec. 16 - 18

Where: Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis

Contact: IndyBallet.org

What: Christmas at the Lilly House

Who: Indianapolis Museum of Art

When: Nov. 12 – Dec. 31

Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis

Contact: imamuseum.org

What: Jolly Days Winter Wonderland

Who: The Children’s Museum

When: Nov. 25 – Jan. 8

Where: 3000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis

Contact: ChildrensMuseum.org

What: Conservatory Crossing

Who: Garfield Park Conservatory

When: Nov. 25 - Jan. 8

Where: 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis

Contact: GarfieldGardensConservatory.org

What: Christmas at the Zoo

Who: Indianapolis Zoo

When: Nov. 19 – Dec. 31

Where: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

Contact: IndyZoo.com

What: Victorian Holiday Teas

Who: Indiana Landmarks

When: Dec. 3, 10, 17

Where: Morris-Butler House, 1204 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis

Contact: IndianaLandmarks.org

What: Boogie Woogie Holidays

Who: BobDirex

When: Dec. 2 - 17

Where: The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis

Contact: BobDirex.com

What: Celebration Crossing

Who: Indiana State Museum

When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31

Where: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

Contact: IndianaMuseum.org

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Phoenix Theatre A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked

A Very Phoenix Xmas 6:

Our Goose is Cooked
 December 1-23, 2011

Indianapolis – The Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis will produce A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked as its annual alternative holiday production from December 1-23. Conceived and directed by Bryan Fonseca, producing director, this show is a tribute to variety shows of the past and includes humorous and poignant sketches, traditional and not-so-traditional holiday music and dance numbers. 

Charles Goad

This year’s show is no exception, with several sketches from various playwrights – both local and from across the country – that include Christmas, Hanukkah and a few other holidays thrown in.  “We have six excellent voices this year, so we are taking advantage of that talent by including several musical numbers and at least one a capella piece,” stated Fonseca.  “The cast this year includes four actors that have been in at least one Xmas show and a few that are new to the production. We are certainly proud to have Chuck Goad back at the Phoenix for this holiday season.” 

With the recent success of musicals Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, dance will be a bigger part of this year’s show. Choreographer and Dance Kaleidoscope performer Marielle Greenlee is working with the cast on special dance numbers.

“Every year, the dance numbers are among favorites with the audience, so we are pulling out all the stops for dance numbers this year,” said Fonseca. This year’s sketches include ones written by previous Xmas favorites Daniel Guyton and Mark Harvey Levine, as well as some new playwrights. 

The cast includes four veterans of past Phoenix Xmas productions: Scot Greenwell, Jason Gloye, Claire Wilcher and Gayle Steigerwald.  Rounding out the cast are Carly Kincannon and Abby Gillan (both recent cast members of Spring Awakening at the Phoenix) and Charles Goad, who is coming back to theatre after taking a break for over two years.  

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

December 1            Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 2            Friday(Producer’s Party) 8:00 pm
December 3            Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 4            Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 8            Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 9            Friday                          8:00 pm
December 10          Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 11          Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 15          Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 16          Friday                          8:00 pm
December 17          Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 18          Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 20          Tuesday                       7:00 pm

December 21          Wednesday                  7:00 pm  
December 22          Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 23          Friday                          8:00 pm  

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: $15 CheapSeats

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: $25 for adults; $15 for ages 20 and under

Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more.

During the run of the Xmas show, the annual Phoenix Holiday Silent Auction will be held in the theatre lobby. Auction items are displayed in our lobby for patrons to bid on before, during intermission and after the show.

Tickets: call 317-635-7529 or at phoenixtheatre.org.  All seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. The Phoenix Pub, located inside the theatre, offers beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and bottled water, as well as treats, and all refreshments may be taken into either theatre and consumed during the performance.

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

The Nutcracker performed by Indianapolis School of Ballet Dec. 16-18

INDIANAPOLIS SCHOOL OF BALLET Presents

The NUTCRACKER

Press Release-Indianapolis School of Ballet will perform its fifth annual production of The Nutcracker Dec. 16-18 at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater, 650 N. Meridian St., in downtown Indianapolis. The Friday, Dec. 16 performance is at 7:30 pm. There will be two performances on Saturday, Dec. 17; a matinee at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. The Sunday, Dec. 18 performance is at 3 pm. 

Tickets are on sale now for all performance and can be purchased indyballet.org, or by calling 317-955-7525, 10 am - 7 pm, Monday through Friday, or 9 am -2 pm on Saturday.

E.T.A. Hoffman's charming holiday tale, The Nutcracker, is brought to life in a classical ballet presentation by Victoria Lyras, ISB founding artistic director. This interpretation is set in Victorian Indianapolis recreated by master scenic artist and designer C. David Higgins through his 25-foot by 50-foot backdrops, replicas of the Morris-Butler House, an Indiana Landmarks museum house. Exquisite hand-made costumes are by Loukia Finale, former seamstress in Oscar de la Renta’s Manhattan atelier and costumer for the Piraeus Theater in Greece. Barrymore Award-winning designer James Leitner crafts the production’s lighting and design.

Lyras is again combining forces with ballet mistress and master teacher Fiona Fuerstner to set choreography performed by more than 80 dancers including ISB pre-professional students and faculty, with professional guest artists. Ballroom dancers from Indianapolis-based Riolo Dance will portray the adult partygoers in the first scene depicting a holiday gathering as part of an ongoing professional collaboration between Lyras and Marie Riolo Roach. Professional choreography in the ballet includes pieces by Robert Rodham, Fuerstner, Lyras and George Balanchine. 

The Indianapolis School of Ballet has again received permission from the George Balanchine Trust to use Balanchine’s famous Act Two Grand Pas de Deux in this production.  The Trust requires the engagement of approved repetiteurs to stage Mr. Balanchine’s choreography. Ms. Lyras has been honored with staging this work for ISB’s production.

Featured guest artists include Paul Vitali and Chris Lingner. Vitali, formerly of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Feld Ballets/NY, returns as Herr Drosselmeyer, the benevolent maker of magic who gives young Clara her beloved nutcracker. Lingner, a native of Indianapolis who danced in national tours of Movin’ Out and Hairspray, will perform the role of Cavalier and Snow King.

For more information, tickets and schedule of performances, visit indyballet.org or call 317-955-7525.

Photo Credit: Freddie Kelvin
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Pawn Stars Road Show at Hoosier Park Saturday

Pawn Stars Appraise Local Treasures at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

Anderson, Ind.; – Nov. 7, 2011 – The cast of History Channel’s “Pawn Stars” reality television series will bring their pawn shop inspired Gold & Silver Road Show to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino Saturday, Nov., 12. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to have their treasures appraised and purchased during three separate shows in the Terrace Showroom.

“Pawn Stars” is the History Channel’s highest-rated series, averaging eight million viewers an episode. The reality series gives viewers a glimpse into the colorful world of the pawn business through the day-to-day operations of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Patriarch Richard is joined by his son Rick, grandson Corey, and family friend Austin ‘Chumlee,’ in running the pawn business that was successfully adapted into one of television’s most watched programs in 2009.

Three separate Gold & Silver Road Show sessions will take place every two hours beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. in Hoosier Park’s Terrace Showroom. Starting at 6 p.m., the cast of “Pawn Stars” will host a private reception for those ticket holders who purchased reception passes.

Tickets: $15 and up

Ticket holders will be allowed to present their items for appraisal and potential purchase. Passes into a private reception with the cast of “Pawn Stars” are being sold for $40. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-745-3000 or by visiting Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased directly from the box office located in Shelby’s Gifts at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Club Centaur members will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets purchased at the Hoosier Park Box Office.

For events, directions and details visit Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, at www.hoosierpark.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Movie review: Anonymous

"Anonymous," now open in theaters, is receiving mixed reviews from critics and moviegoers alike.
The Shakespeare "authorship"conspiracy, which has been tossed about for centuries, charges that the world's most read, taught and performed works of English literature are, in fact, not penned by William Shakespeare, portrayed by Rafe Spall.

Various theories and alternative authors have been mentioned, including the idea there was a group of individuals writing collectively under one pseudonym. Resurfacing over time, the conspiracy theorists each put forth their own surmised view, including the Oxfordian, which is this film's basis.

Shakespeare, known throughout history, is a twice-removed character from the proposed true playwright. In this fable it is Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, portrayed by Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill). From frolicking in bed with his (unbeknownst to him) mother, to unwillingly marrying a shrew, the earl is played with absolute cowardice, frustration and despair by Ifans. A nod at Oscar time for his performance would not surprise this critic.

Due to inner turmoil, religious constraints and political back stabbing, any involvement in plays is considered seedy making Edward, as a nobleman, unable to be awarded his due credit. The earl orders up-and-coming playwright, Ben Johnson (Sebastian Armesto) to "front" his work. Johnson is ousted by a quick-witted Shakespeare, an actor able to read but not write, who happens upon the scheme. Being paid well, both continue on with the fabrication until death.

The film attempts to explain the reason for almost every one of the Bard's plays as if the earl had written an unauthorized biography of the royal family, including his own incestuous affair with Queen Elizabeth I. Vanessa Redgrave portrays superbly the aging monarch injecting both compassion and sadness into the character; traits not normally found within that role. Another actor in this movie who may receive Oscar attention.

Whether or not the true identity of the playwright is Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon, a frightened royal family member, or a play-writing group of many, remains unclear due to lack of cohesive evidence.

Bottom Line: Take "Anonymous" with a grain of salt as you would with any conspiracy-theory film and it turns into, not an unveiling and accurate documentary, an enjoyable and entertaining flick.
Photos: Sony Pictures
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Emilio Esteves Hosts Live Chat Tonight on "The Way"

Pour yourself a glass of something, get a plate of nibbles and tune in to Emilio Estevez as he discusses LIVE on Twitter about his movie The Way.
The director/actor/writer is also a winemaker and owner of Casa Dumetz in California.

Starring Martin Sheen, my review can be found by clicking GottaGo/TheWay. It includes a trailer of the feel good movie to familiarize yourself before the big chat. What a great use of social media to reach fans and the curious immediately. Kudos to Mr E. for his modern technique of connecting with the public!

Twitter fan chat with Emilio for The Way at 8pm EST/5pm PST.

Emilio responds to Twitter fan questions via his account: http://www.twitter.com/emiliotheway To ask questions, Twitter users simply reply to @emiliotheway & include the hashtag #thewaychat in their note. 

For those on Twitter

Please re-tweet the following message from Emilio: http://twitter.com/#!/EMILIOTHEWAY/status/131414843172454400

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant 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 M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Concert Review: The Cabaret: Stephanie J.Block

Stephanie J. Block             Image/Mark A Lee of Great Exposures

Stephanie J. Block lit up the poshest venue in Indianapolis Friday evening with her wit, energy and talent. The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, aka the third floor's Crystal Terrace, twinkled with stardust as Block brought her own brand of vivaciousness to attendees of the upscale club's annual fundraiser.

Block and Jackman Photo/Joan Marcus

The star of Broadway hits such as "The Boy from Oz" and "Wicked," channels Liza Minnelli, Block's best friend. "Just don't tell Liza," she jokes and immediately outshines even the room's lovely crystal chandeliers with "Ring Them Bells" and "Maybe This Time."

As sweet as a cupcake -- infused with a shot of bourbon -- Block packs an unforeseen punch with the innocent "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" only to give that spirited kick with "Defying Gravity." Proving executive director Shannon Forsell still has the golden touch in bringing quality talent to the Circle City; Block brought the audience to its feet for three separate ovations throughout the performance.

Image/Bill Westmoreland

Block's CD, "this place i know" includes fun, female-friendly "15 Pounds (away from my love)," the heartbreaking "The Hardest Part of Love," and "I Will Always Love You," as a duet with Dolly Parton.

Bottom Line: Stephanie J. Block lights up The Cabaret at The Columbia Club with her thousand-watt charm and talent. "this place i know" showcases Block's range with songs from fun and sassy to reflective and somber.

For tickets, complete schedule, upcoming performances and directions, visit The Cabaret at The Columbia Club.

Thanks to Mark A. Lee of GreatExposures.net

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Review: ThrillCall

Often, nowadays, I am asked to review more than live performances, food, wine, hotels, spas, and my other standard items. (The list grows more and more.) It has extended to items I have not reviewed, or tried, before. I am always partial to broadening my horizons, so I said yes when asked to check out and give an opinion on a concert website, ThrillCall.com. 

The gist of this site is to make your life easier in regard to locating, remembering and buying tickets for, musical artists. It seems to be a similar idea to Travelocity, in that they find the lowest price for tickets and allow you to decide, only it's for music. Only there is much more on this site than just ticket purchasing. An interesting concept; it makes me wonder if theater is next to receive the comparison site treatment. Having not delved into this new style of site more than the everyday concert attendee, I was rather pleased.

The site is user-friendly with  quick page loading, easy to locate sections, such as calendar, reviews, etc., and the sign up form is short and simple. Always a plus, in my book.

Also, the customizing to my musical preferences is a huge plus. If you do not want to be notified of every concert within the confines of the United States, no problem. Just click a few places and narrow it down greatly to just locals, for instance, or certain genres, artists, or venues. Also handy is the ability to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

I look forward to delving into this site more and read the reviews, bios on artists, and the calendar. But, please check it out and give me some feedback. I am always open to your knowledge and experiences and would like to hear if this site is as good as it seems.

Website: ThrillCall.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s 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, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Movie Review: The Way Heartland Film Festival 2011

"The Way" is written and directed by Emilio Estevez, ("Bobby" 2006) and stars Martin Sheen (Apocolypse Now 1979, The American President 1995) as the play-it-safe father, Tom Avery. Son Daniel, portrayed by Estevez, has a different outlook on life. In fact, they are polar opposites. As Daniel explains to his life-numb dad, "You don't choose a life, you live one."

Ironically, Tom is an opthalmologist who helps his patients see things much more clearly than he sees things himself.

Wrapped up in his country-club lifestyle, Tom receives the call every parent fears.

Flying to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to retrieve his son's body, Tom learns Daniel died while taking the Christian pilgrimage known as Camino de Santiago, The Way of Saint James, or "The Way" for short. It involves trekking across 800 kilometers of Spain's countryside with the end destination of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Galicia.

Receiving the ultimate seal of approval, a golden, heart-shaped wreath, during Indianapolis' Heartland Film Festival this year, is a sure sign the film is going to touch you emotionally. Truly Moving Pictures awards the wreath to movies believed will touch viewers and make a difference in the world.
The personal triumphs, setbacks and internal healing throughout the journey will have you near tears more than once. To avoid creating a film too depressing to watch, Estevez wisely allows Sheen's charm and one-line quips to lighten the mood.

Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez in "The Way"

Helping in that respect are fellow travelers, a Dutch marijuana enthusiast (Yorick van Geningen) who 
has a penchant for eating, an angry young Canadian woman (Deborah Kara Unger) and a creative writer form Ireland (James Nesbitt) who comes along the trip to find a new storyline.

The mood of the film boomerangs, logically, as the various characters deal with their inner demons. To have it any other way would have been a false path to choose, and as fans of Estevez knows, he stays true to a story line.
Bottom Line: See. It. Now. "The Way" celebrates life and death, bringing forth emotions you had forgotten.


*Opening October 21 in theaters across the United States.
Photos: Submitted by production
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.