Broadway Across America Indianapolis announces 2012-13 Season

BROADWAY IN INDIANAPOLIS

2012-'13 SEASON

To apply for the Tuesday, November 13 ticket give away, post your name and email address in comments section below. I will draw randomly from names at 9 p.m. Monday, November 12.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

November 13-18, 2012

Old National Centre

Billy Elliot: The Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. A big musical with an even bigger heart, Billy Elliot will enchant the dreamer in all of us. 

JERSEY BOYS

January 9-20, 2013

Old National Centre

JERSEY BOYS, is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.
For a review of Jersey Boys Indianapolis performance, 2010, click here.
This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

SISTER ACT

February 26-March 3, 2013

Old National Centre

Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look: A convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT

April 2-7, 2013

Clowes Hall

Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating theatrical journey of the season.

Featuring the hits "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "21 Guns," "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "Holiday" and the blockbuster title track, AMERICAN IDIOT.

WEST SIDE STORY

June 4-9, 2013

Clowes Hall

More than 50 years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE STORY won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. Bernstein and Sondheim's score features such classics as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

Season tickets

There are 3 ways to purchase season tickets:

1. Broadway in Indianapolis Box Office in the Marott Center at 342 Massachusetts Avenue, Monday - Friday, 9 am-5 pm
2. Online 7 days a week/24 hours a day at BroadwayInIndianapolis.com
3.Ticket Hotline at 800-793-7469 Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm

Five-show season ticket package range between $120 and $471 depending on seat location.

Group Sales and Single Tickets
Group sales-Chris Schneider, at 317-632-7469 x103
For more information, visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time and typically go on sale to the general public 4-6 weeks prior to the opening of the show.

Photo credits: Broadway in Indianapolis

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, LinkedIn and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com, AroundIndy.com. in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Restaurant Review: Seasons 52 Spring Menu 2012

Simple can be so much more when done well. And, when you do something well, it doesn't require flash or smoke and mirrors. Particularly with food, it seems as if so many feel a need to keep adding. Seasons 52, Indianapolis, invited me to preview the unveiling of its spring menu. So I did.

Known for its simplistic approach to food done well, S52 is a Darden restaurant that opened in Indy last year. (Read review here) This go-round, the menu is inspired by items available in early spring, such as artichokes, asparagus and snow peas. Utilizing fresh ingredients (local as available) keeps the menu changing seasonally.

The service staff is well-educated in the extensive wine list, with many achieving sommelier status. When you have eaten at a restaurant and been unfortunate to have a server who knows even less than you about wine, it's more than a little annoying and definitely affects the restaurants bottom line. It is truly one more thing (another is the pianist in the bar area) that sets S52 above other chains. It might just be time to re-evaluate your opinion on chains...

The spring menu was created by Chef Clifford Pleau. His career's history, including personal chef to opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, is heavy with awards earned, such as "Menu Masters Chef Innovator of the Year” – Nations Restaurant News (2007).

In-house executive chef and partner is Chef Bill Erath who was lured away from Weber Grill in downtown Indy. His wealth of knowledge and willingness to share with a sense of humor made the evening even more enjoyable.

My favorites

Cocktail: Zardetto Prosecco (Treviso NV) and strawberry Kir Royal cocktail-This is a great way to enjoy the now-trending Champagne cocktails. The strawberry garnish enhanced the blended flavors which were refreshing, crisp and light.

Wine: With a different wine for each food item, it would be difficult to zero in on one wine as better than the rest as each paired perfectly with its course. I generally go with what resonates with me several days or weeks later. Standing out most, however, after this amount of time are the Botani Moscatel (Sierras de Malaga '10) with the trout and the Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling (Auslese, Mosel '06/'10) with desserts. Wine director: Master Sommelier Georges Miliotes (#152).

Appetizer: Artichoke and goat cheese flatbread-This appetizer is becoming quite common now, but the restaurant takes it up a notch or two with the combination of artichokes, goat cheese, roasted peppers and leaf spinach.

Side dish: Spicy snow peas and Shitake mushrooms-The roasted almonds gave the neutrality needed for the spicy

Entree: Out of all items tasted, I would say that if you care for lamb (as I do) then the tender T-bone lamb chops are an absolute must.

Desserts: I will repeat myself by saying that the idea of miniature desserts is marvelous and was long overdue. Bigger isn't always better and who doesn't love choices? Seasons 52's mini indulgences are the perfect ending to a meal, or instead of a meal...

Our menu

Amuse Bouche
Ripe plum tomato flatbread with fresh basil
Artichoke & goat cheese flatbread with balsamic onion and roasted peppers
Artichoke-Stuffed Artichoke Leaves – with organic arugula, Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze

Second Course
Tomato & Haas Avocado Salad with organic arugula, balsamic glaze and grilled bruschetta

Third Course

Columbia River Steelhead Trout with spring vegetables, basmati rice and lemongrass sauce

Fourth Course

Spicy Snow Peas & Shiitake Mushrooms with roasted almonds

Fifth Course

Lamb T-bone Chops with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes and red wine glaze

Desserts

The decadent miniature versions of well-loved favorites (see photo at top)-Pecan Pie with Vanilla Mousse, Raspberry-Mango Cheesecake, Market Fresh Fruit, Key Lime Pie, Mocha Macchiato, Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake, Mejer Lemon, Rocky Road with Belgian Chocolate and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mousse

Bottom Line: Seasons 52, the "Chef-driven" restaurant which has created a new level for other chains to strive for, has continued its high standards of epicurean delight with its spring menu.

For hours of operation, reservations, directions and the full spring menu, visit Seasons52.com.

Photo credits: Seasons 52 and Izzy Evans

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 on BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Holy Rosary Parish Cancels Italian Street Festival 2012

The Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival, held annually, will not be serving up gelato and cannoli this year. According to sources at Holy Rosary Parish, on Indianapolis' Southside, and per a press release sent out by the church, the action comes as a result of staff needs.

The 2012 Italian Street Festival is being reluctantly canceled for one year only. Its chief organizer, David Page, feels it necessary to step down from the huge undertaking. In the meantime, the church's volunteer committee is planning a smaller, Italian-themed event for this August or perhaps in October to coincide with Columbus Day celebrations.

“We want to assure the public that this much-loved civic event has not seen its final days,” Fr. Michael Mageria, parish administrator, said. “It will return in all its glory to its rightful place on the calendar in June 2013.”

The mid-June event has been held on the corner of East and Stevens streets since 1983. From its inception it was apparent the event would be popular and has grown to welcome tens of thousands of visitors yearly. The festival combines authentic Italian food, such as gelato, cannoli and pasta. with a midway, games and entertainment. Wine and beer are also served at the parish's fundraiser.

“The festival had grown so large, it had become, in its way, a small business enterprise that consumed much of David’s time throughout the year,” Fr. Magiera explained. “No one individual — or even a group of individuals — was immediately ready to take over such a large undertaking."

The church will announce the exact dates for the temporary festival slated for later this year. It is tentatively called "Taste of Italy," and will serve as a transitional festival until the return of the Italian Street Festival in June, 2013.

Holy Rosary Catholic Church was founded in 1909 to serve Italian immigrants in Indianapolis. Located at 520 Stevens Street. It is the only parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to offer both the Ordinary and Extraordinary forms of Mass under one roof.

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 on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: IRT: Noel Coward's Fallen Angels

Julia and Jane                                                                              Image/Curry

Noel Coward's Fallen Angels opened on the upper stage at Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis, to a nearly full house this weekend. The British farce, although originally set in the 1920's, was updated to the '50s by the playwright for this modern version.
The two main characters, Julia Sterroll (Cristina Panfilio) and Jane Banbury (Kelsey Brennan), are the closest of friends, and housewives to the dull, settled men who keep them in an upper-middle class lifestyle. Until, of course, they are contacted by a former flame who scorched both ladies with his Frenchman's manières romantiques. Then the fur flies (in this case a pink wrap) drinks are spilled, and insults and secrets are flung as each is positive the other is conniving and manipulating in an effort to get back in the bed of Maurice Duclos (Martin Yurek).

Julia and Jane                                    Image/Curry

No longer young and vamping around Europe, the girlfriends desperately wish to keep scandalous experiences in the past and their lavish lifestyle intact. Comedy sets in as the women attempt to keep themselves, and each other, from meeting up with the Ladies Man and keep the secrets of their past lives from their boring spouses and nosy housekeeper.

The dullards, portrayed with absolute dryness, are Fred Sterroll (Steve Haggard) and Willy Banbury (Eric Parks). Unaware of, well, pretty much everything, the husbands take their wives for granted and go off on a golf outing.

Julia and Saunders                           Image/Curry

While the spouses are away, the wives are at play ... with martinis, Champagne, and various smart cocktails in an attempt to numb their deepest romantic desires for heartthrob Maurice. Panfilio and Brennan play off each other with all the timing, self-deprecating antics and finesse as Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance in television's I Love Lucy. 

Saunders, the housekeeper, is portrayed brilliantly by Susan Felder as the always-one-more-surprise up her sleeve mystery under-appreciated maid. An expert at many things, including French, guitar playing and etiquette, among other topics, Felder elicits many of the countless rounds of laughter from the audience as she attempts to keep the drunken females from committing permanent damage to the crystal stemware, their reputations and their livers.


Bottom Line: IRT's Fallen Angels is easily the funniest theater offering yet this season and an absolute must-see for everyone.

A Coward Cabaret
Stay after the play (check IRT schedule for specific dates) for a cabaret performance by Steven Stolen and special guest Shannon Forsell, which demonstrates what most in Indianapolis already knows. And, if you don't know, maybe you should.

Stollen                                     Image/Lee

Cabaret is coming around again in a big way. Fans of the Great American Songbook will appreciate this performance as two of Indy's favorites (for good reason) pair up for approximately 90 minutes of standards.
Keeping the theme of the evening, the after-hours show continues the fun by featuring songs of Sir Noel Coward, along with Cole Porter (always a hit in Indiana), Burton Lane and Harold Arlen.

It's rare to find a singer so completely comfortable with himself, his vocal range and his surroundings as Stolen. As if entertaining at home, the host of Stolen Moments on WFYI-FM 90.1 draws the audience into his world, opening up as if sharing his deepest intimate thoughts via a strong tenor channel.
Whether listening to Stolen share his beloved songs or speaking to him afterward, you feel as if he is focusing completely on you ~ right here, right now, in this moment ~ as if nothing else exists. A pleasant feeling indeed. Perhaps what is truly remarkable about the managing director of IRT's talent, beyond his obviously soothing bedtime vocals, is the seemingly innate ability to choose songs which best showcases his passion, voice and style.

Bringing on stage Indy's darling, Forsell, Stolen once again chooses wisely as the couple is a perfect match for duets, such as Coward's Mad About the Boy. Forsell, the managing director of The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, treats the audience to her slightly smoky, slightly naughty style of singing. Her old-Hollywood glamour looks while retaining the girl-next-door under-image is further enhanced by her tickling-of-the-ivories-meets-brandy-snifter vocals.

Bottom Line: Steven Stolen and Shannon Forsell are the perfect choice for anyone wishing to get lost for a few moments meandering along the lovely path known as Memory Lane.

Photo credits: Mark A. Lee GreatExposures.net; JulieCurry.com
The two hour and fifteen minute performance includes two intermissions and runs through April 15 on the Upperstage at IRT. For tickets and details, visit IRTLive.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 on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Kendal R. Miller of Photography by Kendal wins 2012 Hoosier Women Artists Award

Kendal R. Miller receives Hoosier Women Artist Award

Dillsboro, IN -- Kendal R. Miller of Photography by Kendal in Dillsboro, IN had a piece of artwork chosen as a winner of Lt. Governor Becky Skillman’s 2012 Hoosier Women Artists competition.

Miller’s work, “Garden Door” — along with the other winning works — will be on display in the lobby of the Lt. Governor’s office and on the office’s website until the end of 2012.

During Women's History Month, Lt. Governor Skillman acknowledges the contributions Hoosier women artists have made to our state. Female artists from across Indiana were invited to submit original artwork for consideration.

Miller’s photograph, along with 10 other winners, was selected from 110 submissions. Winners will be recognized at a reception Wed., March 28, in the Statehouse.

An Indiana Artisan, Miller will remain in Indianapolis March 29-April 1 while participating in the second annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace to be held at the state fairgrounds.

Miller is a member of the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana and was recently selected to the Woman's Press Club of Indiana Education Fund Board of Directors. She is also a curator partner of the Community Art Center in Vevay.

Miller can be contacted at 812-667-4835, kendal@photographybykendal.com or visit photographybykendal.com. She is also on Facebook at Photography by Kendal-Kendal R. Miller and Twitter (@PhotosbyKendal).

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 on www.BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Concert Review: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and John Denver Tribute Singer Jim Curry

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra teams up with Jim Curry, a tribute singer for one of the country's most beloved singers and songwriters: John Denver.
Performances are on stage at The Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, and The Palladium, Carmel, March 9-11. Curry and wife Anne perform the top hits of the folk singer with passion and genuine deep-rooted appreciation. Accompanying guest conductor Richard Kaufman worked with Denver for more than 24 years giving an added layer to the production.

Surely one of the greatest aspects of the music of John Denver (nee Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.) is the symphonic sound injected into his songs throughout his career. Whether heard live in concerts, taped on albums or televised with The Muppets, Denver was able to reach down into the deepest part of your heart and verbalize those hidden feelings of love, wonder and happiness, as well as sadness, friendship and respect for nature.

Denver's songs made it okay to love, jump for joy and ... care.

The song list was extensive, bringing tears, laughter and a sense of wonderment and appreciation from the multi-generational audience. The performance opened with "Rocky Mountain High," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "Wild Montana Skies," and, naturally, Denver's signature tune, "Annie's Song."

Bottom Line: The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Jim Curry fill up your senses with cherished memories of John Denver.

For tickets, click here.
For more information on John Denver (Dec. 31, 1943 - Oct. 12, 1997) visit JohnDenver.com.
Photo furnished by ISO
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.

Theater Review: Broadway Across America Fiddler on the Roof

It’s good to revisit a classic every once in awhile. A meandering stroll along the path of nostalgia…

It’s good for the soul. It gives a little perspective. Broadway Across America’s “Fiddler on the Roof” provides that opportunity.

On stage in the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, March 6 – 11, the tale takes us to a village being thrust into a future of unknowns. Starring John Preece as main character Tevye, the show wraps around a family with five daughters, all of whom are at, or near, marrying age.

Comedic touches, along with a tremendous voice, keep this story of being uprooted by war and hatred from becoming too dark. It does bring into focus how the unwillingness to accept differences results in destruction of families, villages and countries.

Preece’s soothing vocals were strong throughout his performance as the patriarch of the family. His confidence on stage may come from the 1,780 performances of portraying the Jewish dairy farmer and currently in his 10th tour in the program. The shots at gruffness were belied by vulnerable undercurrents and love for his daughters.
Attempts to point to just one song showcasing his talent more than any other is futile, but audience, and personal, favorites would include “To Life” and “Sunrise, Sunset” with wife, Golde.

Playing matriarch Golde is Gerri Weagraff giving as much spunk and feistiness as she was getting….and then some. Her sparring matches with Tevye, and Yente the Matchmaker, played admirably by Pamela D. Chanora, are pure enjoyment.

Vocals, acting and dancing stayed at a high range with the Bottle Dance by the entire company the preeminent scene of the evening.
The most satisfying factor of the performance is the fabulous energy and strong talent of the entire cast. It truly is the highest level of showmanship seen this entire season from BAA.

Bottom Line: Broadway Across America’s Fiddler on the Roof gives a great opportunity to revisit or share the classic with a whole new generation.

For tickets, schedule and information, visit OldNationalCentre.com

Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

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, LinkedIn 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.

Northside Nights: March 8-18 Restaurant List

NORTHSIDE NIGHTS RESTAURANT WEEK

MARCH 8th – 18th 2012
If you are looking for Northside Nights 2013 Click HERE

Mini indulgences/Seasons 52                  Image/IzzyEvans

What: Northside Nights Restaurant Week

When: March 8-18

Who: 27 northside Indianapolis restaurants

Where: Various northside Indianapolis restaurants-see list below

Cost: 3 courses: $30 per person or $30 for two people

Website

For a complete list of menus, visit NorthsideNightsIndy.com

Participating Restaurants

Arni’s

Bonefish Grill

Chef Mike’s Charcoal Grill

Cobblestone Grill

Eddie Merlot’s

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Hall’s Castleton Grill

Harry & Izzy’s

Hellas Café

Kincaid’s

Michael’s Southshore

Mitchell’s Fish Market

Oakley’s Bistro

Peterson’s

Pizzology

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Sahm’s Bar & Grill

Sahm’s Restaurant & Bar

Sangiovese Ristorante

Seasons 52
For a review of Seasons 52, click here.

Stone Creek Dining Noblesville

Stone Creek Dining Zionsville

Sullivan’s Steak House

The Melting Pot
For a review of The Melting Pot chocolate martini, click here.

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.