Gotta Go

Celebrity Sightings during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis

2012-02-01T18:39:00.001-05:00

Indianapolis' Super Bowl XLVI offers top-notch parties, the amazing Super Bowl Village, and, of course, the big game. But what if what you are really into, or least slightly curious about, which celebrities made the trek to the Midwest?
Naturally they will be at the game inside Lucas Oil Stadium, along with thousands of other fans. Of course they will be in and out of Indianapolis International Airport, and at the local top hotels, including Conrad Hilton, JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, The Canterbury, The Columbia Club and Omni Severin. But, guaranteed, the security is amped up too high for you to sneak in and snap a photo.

So, where do you go to find a celebrity or pro ball player during their down time? Think about what you would do while in a town for a few short days on business. That's right...business. Although most of the athletes (some are from other teams or non-football athletes) and many of the famous people are here for pleasure, many are also here for business purposes. (Think of making public appearances, parties and ceremonies as part of their job.) Also, consider what you would want to see while in a strange town and what you would need to do while away from home.

Eating, shopping and working out are activities most people do while staying away from home, for whatever reason. Sightseeing, definitely, but food, souvenirs and exercise are necessities to everyone. With that in mind...

Dining
According to my sources, the restaurants to attempt to get a reservation for is... (pretty much anywhere, of course) with a few maybe more so than others. But the ones most likely to capture the attention of the rich and famous?

St. Elmo Steakhouse-(127 S. Illinois St.) The world famous shrimp cocktail draws the celebs from, well, around the world to prove they can handle the heat.
Fogo de Chao-(117 E. Washington St.) Delicious meat, lots of delicious, hand-carved meat, makes this a shoo-in as a favorite place for athletes (hint) and celebs alike.

St. Elmo-Shrimp Cocktail Izzy Evans

Shapiro's Delicatessen-(808 S. Meridian St.) Another world-famous eatery has produced sandwiches, including the locals' must-try Reuben sandwich since 1905.

Shopping

Where will they shop? Naturally, the Circle Centre Mall will have its share of the famous out-of-towners. But those in the know, and those who have asked their hotel concierge, will probably trek over to Massachusetts Avenue, aka Mass Ave. for boutique, eclectic shopping., including Silver in the City, Mass Ave Wine Shoppe and Mass Ave Toys.

Exercise

After all, athletes, performing artists, and celebrities of all sorts need to stay in shape for a variety of reasons. With the hotels packed full, and the (hopefully) continued beautiful weather, many will opt out. Outside, that is, for walking, running and bicycling opportunities. Where will they go to walk off the calories and stretch their muscles?

The Canal-With arguably the city's most beautiful scenery, paddle boats and walkways, this three-mile popular spot at White River State Park is the perfect place to go for exercise.
YMCA-Located at the Athenaeum, the "Y" offers plenty of treadmills and free weights withing walking distance of most of the hotels.
IntoSalsa-Many celebrities keep in shape by dancing their pounds away. Latin dances are taught at this studio, located just above another local favorite, Acapulco Joe's.

The Canal at White River State Park Image/IzzyEvans

Meg Ryan, Jimmy Fallon, Peyton Manning, and Tony Dungy have already been spotted. Wherever you go, for the remainder of Super Bowl 46 week, keep your camera ready for the next celeb sighting.

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.

6 Places to Go if You aren't Going to Super Bowl XLVI

2012-01-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLVI is theonce-in-a-lifetime event no one in Indiana wants to miss. Or don’t they?

Although the festivities will beglorious, there might be some who are comfortable with not attending (thesure-to-be best-ever) Super Bowl XLVI.

Image provided by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

The football spectacle will bring anextra 150,000 folks to the downtown area, along with the accompanying parking,traffic and crowd issues. If you are not one of those 150,000 fans thenhere's the list for you. Proving there is more than football in Indiana, here are 6 Places to Go ifyou are not wanting to hang out at the Super Bowl Village, or anywhere neardowntown, for that matter.

And, just in case you want to keep aneye on the game without attending, some of the places making the list havetelevisions onsite to check the score.

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre-Located far north of the craziness which will ensue, the live theater venue has on stage Dixie Swim Club, (review here) a Steel Magnolias-meets-Golden Girls comedy for those wanting to laugh, rather than scream at football fumbles. Website: BeefandBoards.com
Conner Prairie-Hearthside Dinners are a family friendly activity that makes learning about history fun. Website: ConnerPrairie.org
Hoosier Park Racing and Casino-Located outside the circle of madness, in Anderson, the casino offers almost 200 slot machines, poker tables and several restaurants for those wanting to bet on something besides the pigskin. Website: HoosierPark.com
Paoli Peaks-Skiing, snowboarding or curling up in front of the massive fireplace are all available on Super Bowl Sunday. Website: PaoliPeaks.com
French Lick Resort-Escaping from all the hustle is easy in this southern Indiana getaway. Spas, restaurants and nearby shopping allow you to relax resort style. Website: FrenchLickResort.com
Mallow Run Winery-Winter Warmup Weekend, in Bargersville, dishes up soup, warm bread and desserts along with live music and wine tastings. Website: MallowRun.com

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.

Final Two Super 46 Sandwiches Selected for Super Bowl XLVI

2012-01-27T19:39:00.002-05:00

Hoosiers Select

Final Two Super 46 Sandwiches

Mile High Club

*** Press Release ***

The Schnitzelbank Restaurant’s Bratwurst and Rock Cola 50s Café’s Mile High Club Sandwich are the finalists in Indiana Office Tourism Development’s Super 46 Sandwich promotion.

The contest began with 46 sandwiches. Voting for the latest round lasted a week, and garnered 28,516 votes. Since the contest began on Jan. 3, 228,064 votes have been cast.

Rock Cola Café’s sales are up this month by more than 40 percent. The restaurant, located in Indianapolis, has sold more Mile High Club Sandwiches in the last 30 days than it has in the last three years.

The Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper is going through 100 pounds of bratwurst, which is about 500 to 600 links. Typically this time of year only 30 pounds are used.

Voting to determine the winner of the Super 46 Sandwich contest will begin today, and end Thursday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. with a winner announced that day. The public will receive an opportunity to view the final two sandwiches on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. in Super Bowl Village. Special guests will be invited to try the two sandwiches and give their opinion.

Bratwurst

Voting for the Super 46 Sandwiches will continue in a bracket-style playoff that coincides with the NFL Playoffs. Voting to determine the winner will continue at Super46.com. Each visitor to the site may only vote once per round.

The Super 46 Sandwich promotion was launched by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee and the publishers of Indianapolis Monthly, to showcase Indiana foods and restaurants to Super Bowl visitors.

Images: Izzy Evans

Dance Kaleidoscope Fundraiser Gala 2012 Stardust

2012-01-24T12:10:00.004-05:00

Dance Kaleidoscope

Fundraiser Gala 2012

Stardust

*** Press Release ***

This season's Gala theme, Stardust, promises an elegant evening to remember on Saturday, February 25. Join Dance Kaleidoscope for an event reminiscent of a glamorous Supper Club.

The event will take place at the White River Ballroom inside the downtown JW Marriott Indianapolis that has a private entrance and wonderful amenities. The evening will include a performance by DK dancers, dinner, a silent auction and surprises from our chair, Stephen Taylor.

Master of Ceremonies - Eric Halvorson

Music - David Meek & Friends, DJ for Dance Party - DJ n GO

Timeline

6 pm Cocktails (Cash Bar) and Silent Auction

7:30 pm Silent Auction ends

7:35 pm Live Auction

7:45 pm Ballroom Opens (DK Performance, Dinner, Hochoy Award Presentation, Raffle Drawing)

9:15 pm Checkout Begins

9:15 pm - 1 am Dance Party

Ticket/Table Information

To reserve a table or to purchase individual tickets, please call the DK office at 317.940.6555. Please give as complete a list of names for your table as possible. This will help our efforts to make each guest feel welcome. When calling, please also specify if any of your guests will need vegetarian meals.

Corporate Table of 10 - $1350

Patron Table of 10 - $1200

Individual Ticket - $120 each ($70 is tax-deductible)

Stardust Raffle Tickets

Raffle Ticket - $10. You could win up to $3000 at the Gala. Purchase several raffle tickets to increase your chances of winning! Proceeds benefit Dance Kaleidoscope. Drawing to be held at the end of the Gala on February 25, 2012 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. License number 126484.

If 1200 Tickets Sold:

1st Prize $3000; 2nd Prize - $2000; 3rd Prize - $1000

If Under 1200 Tickets Sold:

1st Prize - 25% of Total Take; 2nd Prize - 15% of Total Take; 3rd Prize - 10% of Total Take

To purchase raffle tickets, contact the DK office at 317-940-6555, email janies@dancekal.org

Entrance/Parking Instructions

The White RIver Ballroom at the JW Marriott Indianapolis has a private entrance. Take W. Washington around the property (passing Fairfield Inn and Courtyard by Mariott) to Event Center Dr. You may drop guests off there, or take advantage of the Valet Parking.

Top 10 Performing Arts in Indianapolis 2011

2012-01-23T20:06:00.000-05:00

Gotta Go Top 10 List for Performing Arts

Indianapolis 2011

The annual compilation of the Gotta Go Top 10 Best Performing Arts performances in Indianapolis is always difficult to select due to the quantity of great talent and shows in the Indy metro area. As the 12th largest city in the nation, the Circle City offers something for just about everyone.

With so many shows, and only one of me, let me say as always that this is not an all-inclusive list and represents only the performances personally attended and reviewed by this critic.
Some of the reviews were in print, some online, and some were on WIBC.

Whether you agree, disagree, or have comments or questions, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.

1. Opening Night Gala: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Krzysztof Urbanski-Urbanski brings in a whole new era for Indy. The energy that evening was palpable. Click here for review.

2. Puccini People: Dance Kaleidoscope-Quite simply, this is the best, in my opinion, of David Hochoy's work in the five years I have been a performing arts critic in Indianapolis. I reviewed it on WIBC to give listeners the time to catch it.**

3. Stephanie J. Block: The Cabaret at The Columbia Club-Fun, flirty and feisty. Click here for review.

4. Idina Menzel: ISO-Delightful, charming and utterly impish. Click here for review.

5. 39 Steps: IRT-Proving it doesn’t have to be dramatic to be worth noting. Click here for review.

6. Singin' in the Rain: Beef and Boards-Wet with a movie-set ambiance. The acting, the set, the dancing…all fabulous. Click here for review.

7.  Evening with the Stars: Indianapolis City Ballet-This is consistently in the Top Ten List for an excellent reason. I reviewed it on WIBC to give listeners the time to catch it.*

8.  Dracula: IRT-The not-so-light version by Stephen Dietz packed the house. Click here for review.

9.  Tierney Sutton:The Cabaret at The Columbia Club-Ethereal and earthy at same time. Click here for review.

10. Madama Butterfly: Indianapolis Opera-A classic story told well. Click here for review.

*2011 Lesson learned: Write and post all reviews -- even on those performances I cover on air in order to have something to share with you at the end of the year.

Bottom Line: I have enjoyed 2011 and look forward to Indy's offerings for 2012. So many more could have, should have been mentioned. Each year it becomes more and more difficult to choose the best of the performances and that is a great problem to have.

Image by: T. Wenger

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 Cabaret at The Columbia Club: The Puppini Sisters' Show Canceled

2012-01-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

CANCELED

The Puppini Sister’s show at The Cabaret

TheCrystalTerrace/TheCabaretatTheColumbiaClub Image/GreatExposures

*** Press Release ***

January 19, 2012 (Indianapolis) — The Puppini Sisters have canceled their United States tour due to changes in the enforcement of United States tax laws. In addition to the other US venues, the performance at The Cabaret on March 9 & 10, 2012 has been canceled. Current ticket holders to that performance at The Cabaret may exchange their tickets for a future performance or receive a refund for their tickets.

The Cabaret may be adding another performance later in the season, but the details are unknown at this time.

*** Full schedule of optional performances are available by clicking here.

Contact The Cabaret at 317-275-1169 or email info@thecabaret.org for more information.

ABOUT THE CABARET
The Cabaret is a professional, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of the Cabaret is to elevate the cabaret art form; attract, develop and retain high-quality local performance talent; and provide a unique and important contribution to the city’s artistic and cultural life.
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.

Super Bowl Village XLVI 2012 Band Schedule

2012-01-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Schedule
Bands in Super Bowl Village

*** Press Release ***

Indianapolis – The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee announced dates and times for the musical performances in the Super Bowl Village starting Friday, Jan. 27.

Two stages - the Pepsi Stage at Meridian and Georgia Streets and the Verizon Stage at Pennsylvania and Georgia Streets – will host bands daily through Super Bowl Sunday for the public to enjoy for free.

“The Super Bowl Village will provide an outdoor fan festival gathering spot for visitors and residents alike to enjoy,” said Allison Melangton, president and chief executive officer of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. “Whether you’re a fan of country, hip-hop or rock, you’ll find music on both stages to enjoy.”

Emmy-award winning Zuri Hall will serve as the on-stage emcee in the Super Bowl Village as well as host for “Village TV.” Comedian and Super Bowl ambassador Mike Epps will also make special appearances throughout the week.
“Fire and Ice” Lounges will provide food and beverage sales in several locations through the Super Bowl Village.
Super Dash, two human-powered wheels, one dedicated to each fan base of the competing Super Bowl teams, operate similar to a hamster wheel. Each day, the top 100-yard dash scores will be announced. On February 5, the division that generated the most energy will be crowned champion.
Kinect NFL PLAY 60 FanDome provides an immersive 360 degree inflated dome with full-body gaming on Kinect for Xbox 360. Kinect responds to body movement with controller-free gaming. The interactive Kinect gaming is exciting and new for seasoned gamers and rookies alike.
Papa John’s will provide a mobile kitchen near the Verizon Stage on Pennsylvania Street with pizza for purchase.

An up-to-date schedule may be accessed by clicking Super Bowl Village XLVI.

Other previously announced elements in the Super Bowl Village include:
ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza
The Ice Gurus Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield from the Food Network’s show Ice Brigade will entertain with live ice sculpting performances
While pre-sale for ZipLine tickets has ended, walk-up sales for $10 per ride will be available daily for visitors to enjoy the 96’ tall, 800’ long ride down Capitol Avenue through the Super Bowl Village. Tickets must be purchased at the time of the ride, while spots last.
Tailgate Town and Touchdown Alley will provide a fun football atmosphere as you enjoy the Village.

The Huddle at Circle Centre

The Host Committee also announced details for “The Huddle at Circle Centre,” the space formerly occupied by Nordstrom at Circle Centre. As a key venue near the Super Bowl Village, the Huddle will provide entertainment and dining options for visitors as well as a second floor retail component operated by LIDS Sports Group. Specifically, the Huddle will include:

Chef’s Table
End Zone Beer Garden
Warming area with limited seating
NFL Ticket Exchange
LIDS Locker Room @ Circle Centre - 23,000 square feet of retail space with a wide assortment of Super Bowl and NFL merchandise

Entertainment

LIVE WISH-TV broadcasts from the 24-Hour News 8 Huddle at Circle Centre studio
Clear Channel Communications’ nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show will do live morning broadcasts from The Huddle Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3.
Limited space available. Check http://www.bobandtom.com/ for show details.

Hours of operation for the public area of The Huddle at Circle Centre:

Friday, January 27 3:00 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, January 28 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, January 29 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Monday, January 30 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 31 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 1 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 2 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Friday, February 3 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Saturday, February 4 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, February 5 11:00 a.m. - TBD

With the support of The Penrod Society, the Host Committee also announces “The Huddle After Hours Club” that will be open during the celebration leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. The "Huddle After Hours Club” is located in the heart of the Super Bowl Village at 130 S. Meridian St (formerly the men’s department at Nordstrom). The Huddle After Hours Club is open to the public (21 years of age or older with valid state issued ID and a small cover charge) and will be an ultra lounge destination featuring top shelf cocktails, an exclusive VIP area and entertainment. Patrons can enter The Huddle After Hours Club near the intersection of Maryland and Meridian streets.

All access passes to The Huddle After Hours Club can be purchased in advance by clicking HuddleAfterHours.com or IndyHuddle.com. The Huddle After Hours Club is smoke-free and will be open during the following hours:

Friday, January 27 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 28 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Sunday, January 29 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 2 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Friday, February 3 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 4 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Street Restrictions

Important street restrictions can be found by clicking StreetRestrictions.

Park and Ride

Park and Ride tickets are available in advance for $2 per person by clicking ParkandRide.

Limited cash sales accepted onsite at all locations for $10 per car.

Super Bowl Village Schedule of Bands

Additional bands to be announced and can be found on IndianapolisSuperBowl.com

Friday 1/27/2012

Super Kick Off

The Last Good Year

3:30 PM

Pepsi Stage

Kramus (Q-95 band contest winner)

4:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Max Allen Band

5:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Bret Michaels

9:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Saturday 1/28/2012

Indy's Super Cure

Orquesta Bravo

12:30 PM

Pepsi Stage

Jon McLaughlin

1:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Cynthia Layne

2:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Lynda Sayyah

5:15 PM

Pepsi Stage

Jennie DeVoe

8:00 PM

Pepsi Stage

Patti Labelle

9:15 PM

Verizon Stage

Sunday 1/29/2012

Super Families

Special plans to be announced soon

Pepsi Stage

Corey Cox

1:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Will Hoge

4:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Railroad Earth

6:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Dierks Bentley

9:15 PM

Verizon Stage

Monday 1/30/2012

Super Community

Healing Sixes

3:30 PM

Pepsi Stage

Stereo Deluxe

5:00 PM

Pepsi Stage

Living Proof

7:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Tuesday 1/31/2012

Super Sports

Greta Speaks

3:30 PM

Pepsi Stage

DJ Helicon & Special Guests

5:00 PM

Pepsi Stage

Hunter Smith Band

7:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Fuel

9:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Wednesday 2/1/2012

Super 'Biz Bowl'

Roxie

3:30 PM

Pepsi Stage

Indy's Legends of Doo Wop

5:00 PM

Pepsi Stage

The Meatball Band

7:45PM

Pepsi Stage

Big Head Todd & The Monsters

9:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Thursday 2/2/2012

Super Heroes

Hero, Jr.

11:30 AM

Pepsi Stage

John Spencer

12:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Corey Cox

2:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Otis Gibbs

3:15 PM

Pepsi Stage

Sixpence None the Richer

4:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Red Wanting Blue

5:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Edwin McCain

7:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Darius Rucker

9:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Friday 2/3/2012

Welcome Super Fans

DJ Limelight

11:30 AM

Pepsi Stage

Blackberry Jam

12:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Morris Day and the Time

2:00 PM

Verizon Stage

Bashiri Asad

3:15 PM

Pepsi Stage

En Vogue

4:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Gentleman Alphonse

5:45 PM

Pepsi Stage

Fitz & the Tantrums

7:00 PM

Verizon Stage

LMFAO

9:30 PM

Verizon Stage

Images by Super Bowl Host Committee

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist and blogger, 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.

Easley Winery Strikes Gold with Riesling in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2012-01-18T16:50:00.002-05:00

Easley Winery Strikes Gold in San Francisco

***Press Release***

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 18, 2012) - Easley Winery has struck gold with its 2010 Michigan Riesling - a gold medal that is, at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Selected as one of four gold medals awarded in a competitive field of similar Riesling offerings, Easley Winery could not be more proud of its 2010 Michigan Riesling.

"It's great to step out onto the field of competition and bring home a victory," states Easley Winery owner Mark Easley. "Easley Winery has been producing high-quality wines for years, and this gold medal, along with other recent wins such as Reggae Red's Best of Class at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition and others, keep driving that point home."

Easley Winery's 2010 Michigan Riesling is produced at the Easley Winery production facilities in downtown Indianapolis, and the Riesling grapes are grown in southwest Michigan, just 12 miles north of Indiana's border.

The climate of southwest Michigan proves to be the ideal location for growing Riesling grapes. Lake Michigan's effect on the vineyard is similar to the traditional Riesling growing regions of the world. Easley Winery works very closely with their grape growers to produce the finest wines possible. Easley Winery has been creating high-quality wines and champagnes since 1974. Depending on the year and season, Easley Winery produces 20 or more wine or champagne varieties. 2010 Michigan Reisling can be purchased at Indiana Meijer locations, select retailers that carry great wines, and Easley Winery, where great wines are created everyday.

For wine review, details, events, directions and hours, visit EasleyWinery.com
For Indy Wine Trail dates click IndyWineTrail.com

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: Beef and Boards Dixie Swim Club

2012-01-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

I like British farces. I really do. I look forward to Beef and Boards' tradition of opening every season with one. Now the powers that be have decided to switch things out and run a "regular" comedy for the opening show of the 39th season. Curious, I attended wondering if the changing of the guards was a wise choice.

Dixie Swim Club brings together, annually, the members of a college girls' swim team for a long weekend with "no men, no kids and no work." Martinis are definitely allowed, however, as are laughter, tears and bickering. Toss in loyalty, friendship and strength and you will have mixed up a potion of unconditional love as tasty as one of the cocktails consumed continually by Dinah, portrayed superbly by Rita Thomas.
Spanning a period of 33 years, the five southern women share their lives, trials and triumphs with sass and spunk. Through marriages, divorces, career changes, health issues and death, their team spirit makes their reliance on each other grow stronger with each passing year.
Destination Actor Sarah Hund portrays an Eyeore-esque character named Vernadette, whose life is full of one mishap and woe after another. The plucky lady greets her jinxed life with a wisecrack and smile.

Thomas portrays the career-driven attorney without a love life but plenty of mixed drinks and financial success.
Jill Kelly portrays Lexie, the over-the-top divorcee (again and again) who still believes the world revolves around her.
Sheree, played by Angela R. Plank, runs her life, and the lives of her friends, with the precision from her days as the swim team captain.
Sweet, naive Jeri Neal, performed by Laurie Walton, has just left her old existence behind and is on an exciting journey of all the firsts in life.

Reminiscent of every great chick flick and great for-females television program, DSC brings together the lives of women in an endearing, funny and poignant manner. The well written script (Nicholas Hope, Jessie Jones, Jamie Wooten) covers all the facets of a woman's life without harping on any one period more than others. Trimming down on specifics, such as wrinkles, and committing heavier coverage to the major events lends the play to more universal topics: Life. Love. Death.

Creating characters most people can relate to (or resemble themselves) gives credibility to the flow and blending of the women's lives. Challenges produce change and the ladies push each other, sometimes unwillingly, to reach inside themselves to be stronger, softer or kinder as the need arises.

Time will tell whether the Britishfarce or southern comedy will win more of the audience affection. If I had tomake a bet, however, I would not count out the ladies.

Bottom Line: If you are a fan of Menopause: The Musical, Church Basement Ladies or Steel Magnolias then you will howl with laughter and well with tears at Beef and Boards' Dixie Swim Club.

For shows, tickets and complete details, visit BeefandBoards.com
Images: JulieCurryPhotography.com
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.

Beef and Boards Announces 2012 Season

2012-01-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

Beef and Boards Announces 2012 Season

Press Release***

INDIANAPOLIS– The 2012 Season at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will take audiences fromChicago to Iowa to Oz, with a whole lot of fun in-between! Four new showsbookend three favorites for a season with everything from blondes to the churchbasement.

Starting the season with some Southerncharm, Beef & Boards presents its debut production of Dixie Swim Club. (Read Gotta Go review here) Dive into this comedy about five women whose friendships formed many years ago ontheir college swim team. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they reunite everyyear at a beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh andmeddle in each other’s lives. This touching show about friendship that lastsforever is on stage from Jan. 12 through Feb. 12. Book by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten.

Beef & Boards goes blonde inFebruary with its premiere production of Legally Blonde the Musical, openingFeb. 16. After being dumped by her boyfriend for someone “serious,” Delta Nusorority president Elle Woods drops the credit cards and hits the books to winhim back. She’ll take on Harvard Law, but also learn a lot about herself in theprocess. This seven-time Tony Award nominee is on stage through April 6. Bookby Heather Hach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin.Based on the movie Legally Blonde.

TheMusic Man marches in to Beef & Boards starting April 12. Thissix-time Tony Award winning musical centers on the fast-talking “Professor”Harold Hill, a con man who convinces the people of River City, Iowa, to buyuniforms and instruments for the boys’ band he promises to create. While hisplan is to skip town with the cash, he doesn’t bank on falling for the townlibrarian who sees right through him. On stage through May 25. Book, lyrics andmusic by Meredith Wilson.

TheYellow Brick Road leads to Beef & Boards for the 2012 Family Show, TheWizard of Oz. Join Dorothy and her unlikely friends the Scarecrow, TinMan and Cowardly Lion as they take a fanciful journey that teaches them there’sno place like home. On stage May 31 through July 15, special $10 discounts areoffered for this show for kids ages 3-15. Book by L. Frank Baum, music andlyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.

Summersignals the time for a great religious comedy and 2012 brings the return of theBeef & Boards favorite, Nunsense! This side-splitting spoofabout the Little Sisters of Hoboken who present a hilarious fund-raising talentshow is on stage from July 19 through Aug. 26. Book, music and lyrics by DanGoggin, who refers to the show as “just good-time fun.”

Thenthings really heat up as the Tony-Award winning sizzler Chicago makes its debutat Beef & Boards starting Aug. 30. Step back into the roaring Twenties inChicago, where Roxie Hart murders her lover and seeks to become a celebritywhile incarcerated. Her newfound fame could launch an entertainment career –but only if she’s acquitted by her charismatic lawyer. On stage through Oct. 7and rated PG-13. Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander.

Asthe seasons change, it’s time to go Away in the Basement for AChurch Basement Ladies Christmas starting Oct. 11. It’s 1959 and thosezany Lutheran ladies are doing their part for the children’s Sunday SchoolChristmas program. Come on back to the basement for more of their hilariousantics and stories! On stage through Nov. 25. Book by Greta Grosch, music andlyrics by Drew Jansen.

Ifever there was a season to celebrate traditions, it’s the holidays. And Beef& Boards’ annual holiday production, A Beef & Boards Christmas marksits 20^th year in 2012. Opening Nov. 29, A Beef & Boards Christmas makes the most of the season, with beautifulmusic, energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes and stirring voices. Gatherwith friends and family for this original production, on stage through Dec. 23.

PlusBeef & Boards brings back its one-hour musical adaptation of AChristmas Carol starting Dec. 7. This classic, enhanced with holidaycarols, tells the timeless Charles Dickens story of miserly Ebenezer Scroogewhose cold heart warms with the visits of several spirits on Christmas Eve. Theproduction is on stage for select dates through Dec. 21.

CHILDREN’STHEATRE

ThePyramid Players are also announcing their 2012 Live Theatre for Kids series. Designedto entertain children of any age, these shows are a great way to introducepreschoolers to live theatre. Plus, kids have the opportunity to meet the castafter each show for pictures and autographs.

Dora’sPirate Adventure sails in toBeef & Boards for the first time and docks from Feb. 24 through March 31. Dora the Explorer Live! presents a showwith Nickelodeon’s Dora, her best buddy, Boots the monkey, and the rest oftheir friends as they take an exciting trip to Treasure Island.

Cinderella,the childhood favorite about a young girl’s journey to becoming a princess, ison stage starting Oct. 19. A young girl with a wicked stepmother, Cinderella’sfate seems sealed. But with a little help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella secretlyslips off to the royal ball where she and the Prince fall in love. The magicalfairy tale comes to life at Beef & Boards through Nov. 17.

Performancestake place on select Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.Performances last just one hour, are presented without intermission, andinclude juice and a snack.

CONCERTS

Beef& Boards Dinner Theatre alsooffers several concerts throughout the year. These performances always includeChef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet.

Indiana’sown Wright Brothers return for theirannual Race Day concert on Sunday, May 27.

Morefeatured concerts are planned, with performance dates to be announcedthroughout the season.

For tickets, show times and details, visit BeefandBoards.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.

List of Devour Downtown Restaurants Winterfest 2012

2012-01-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

Winner's Circle

Devour Downtown begins today with the event running through January 22. $30 menus (for one or two

depending on location) give foodies and regular diners alike the ability to try out three courses at more than 40 restaurants in the downtown Indianapolis area. This year select eateries are also offering $20 lunches.

Devour Downtown Winterfest 2012

Participating Restaurants

To check out each restaurant's menu, visit DevourDowntown.org

120 West Market Fresh Grill

14 West

Adobo Grill

Barcelona Tapas

Bella Vita at Circle Centre

The Capital Grille

Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant

Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room

The Columbia Club

The Circle City Bar & Grille

Colts Grille

Columbia Club

Creation Café

Dunaway's

Eagle's Nest

Elbow Room

Fogo De Chao

Forty Five Degrees

Goose the Market

Greek Islands

Hard Rock Café

Harry & Izzy's

High Velocity

Iaria's Italian Restaurant

Iozzo's Garden of Italy

Kilroy's

Libertine

Lorenzo's Ristorante

McCormick & Schmick's

Mesh

Milano Inn

Miguel's Southern Kitchen

Morton's The Steakhouse

The Elbow Room

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Osteria Pronto

Palomino

Pearl Street Pizzeria

The Rathskellar

R Bistro

Rock Bottom

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sahm's Tavern

Scotty's Brewhouse

Sensu

Severin Bar & Grille

Shula's Steak House

Skyline Club

Slippery Noodle

Smokehouse on Shelby

Smoking Goose

St. Elmo Steak House

Tavern on South

The End of the Line Public House

Turner's at the Canterbury

Weber Grille

Claddagh

Winner's Circle

Since 2005, the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association (IDRHA) has hosted Devour Downtown. Originally an annual event, Devour Downtown now is held twice a year – in the winter and summer.

To view the list of participating restaurants and their specific prix fixe menus, visit www.devourdowntown.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.

Restaurant Review: The Roost

2012-01-09T15:38:00.000-05:00

Coffee Cake Image/IzzyEvans

The Roost has unveiled its new menu and it consists of all the comfort foods a Midwesterner could hope for.
Meatloaf? Check. Fried chicken? Oh yeah. Gravy? Poured on anything that sits still long enough.

Located at 7373 E. 116th St (right at Allisonville Rd.) The Roost is the second oldest member of the Sahm's Restaurant Group, which has been in existence for about 25 years. Normally known as a breakfast and brunch spot for residents of Fishers and other northsiders, the restaurant recently launched its new menu for dinner.

Having been a comfort food-Midwest style cook for my entire life, I am always happy to find it done well in a restaurant. It is absolutely heartbreaking to crave fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, and end up with a mountain of flavorless white glob, mushy green beans (well done, they are my personal favorite vegetable) and greasy, over-cooked poultry.

Fried Chicken Image/IzzyEvans

The Roost provides crispy, juicy fried chicken, mashed potatoes worth eating sans gravy (not that you would) and grean beans seasoned just right. Other menu items worth mentioning are the apple butter and fried biscuits which could satisfy as an addition to any meal, from breakfast on; meatloaf, which was juicy and great alone or as a sandwich, and dessert.

Fried Biscuits/Apple Butter Image/IzzyEvans

Dessert, which rightfully has many restaurants fighting for a "wow" factor item, can be powerful in its own simplicity. Case in point: Sour Cream Coffee Cake. The northside food spot has outdone itself by not trying to outdo itself. The coffee cake represents the best in flavors without attempting to ooze anything, crystallize sugar or even contain the usual must-have ---- chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar is all that is required to carry this cinnamon-enhanced to its goal of satisfying without saturating your sweet tooth.

Bottom Line: The Roost sets out what intends to do: provide Hoosiers with comfort food done simply, done well, and done right here in Indy.

For a full menu, directions and information, visit Sahms/TheRoost

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.

Devour Downtown Winterfest 2012 Signature Drink Winners

2012-01-08T20:41:00.001-05:00

Devour Downtown continues its tradition of offering menus at a reduced cost from Indianapolis-area restaurants. The event, which takes place each winter and summer, has become a mecca for foodies, many who attempt to hit each eatery. The 2012 Winterfest runs from Jan. 9 - 22, and includes more than 40 eateries this time.

For a $30 prix fixe menu, one or two guests can dine on specially selected three-course meals. Devour Downtown, originating in 2005, is hosted by the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association. For full list of restuarants, menus and locations, click DevourDowntown.org. Information is also available on Facebook or follow on Twitter @DevourDowntown.

Accompanying the cuisine are the winners of the Signature Drinks competition. I am always pleased to be selected as one of the judges of this distinguished competition. It brings out the best mixologists in Indianapolis for cash prizes and bragging rights. The three categories' liquors, Canadian Club, 1800 Tequila and Grey Goose, are required as the main ingredient in the new recipe, created specifically for the Devour Downtown event.

Winners

1800 Tequila

Drink: 1800 Holiday Wish

Mixologist: Elesia Rock

Restaurant/Bar: Harry & Izzy's

Recipe: Muddle cranberries and lime with simple syrup. Add ice, cranberry juice and 1800 with splash of pomegranate and cranberry juices. Add Triple Sec and a splash of sour mix. Sugar rim of glass, set aside. Shake in a different glass. Build 1/2 of ice, layer of cranberries, other 1/2 of ice, then strain into rimmed glass.

Grey Goose

Drink: The World Traveler

Mixologist: Bryce Tremont

Restaurant/Bar: Lorenzo's Ristorante

Recipe: 1.5 oz. Grey Goose Vodka, 1 oz Huber Winery Blueberry-infused dessert wine, 0.75 oz Chilean Tamaya baby pear juice, splash of St. Germain, splash of Prosecco, Chilean Tamaya baby pear

Pour vodka, dessert wine, pear juice and St. Germain into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and serve in well-chilled martini glass. Garnish with Chilean Tamaya baby Pear. Top with a splash of Prosecco.

Canadian Club Whiskey

Drink: Hoosier Holiday Blend

Mixologist: Elesia Rock

Restaurant/Bar: Harry & Izzy's

Recipe: Muddle cranberries, oranges and cinnamon stick with bitters and light simple syrup. Add Canadian Club and cranberry juice and splash of Sprite.

Images: Izzy Evans

For sponsor information, visit Republic National Distributing Company

Lynyrd Skynyrd Headliner for 2012 Indy 500 Carb Day Concert

2012-01-07T13:55:00.000-05:00

LYNYRD SKYNYRD HEADLINES MILLER LITE CARB DAY CONCERT 2012

It hasn't been announced whether Jim Nabors will be singing Back Home Again in Indiana at the Indianapolis 500 2012, but Carb Day's musical headline is definite.

**Press Release**

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 - Legendary American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day concert Friday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The concert, free with Miller Lite Carb Day admission of $20, will take place on the Miller Lite Stage in the IMS infield. Miller Lite Carb Day tickets are available now at www.IMStix.com.

"It's very exciting to welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Miller Lite Carb Day concert," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "The band's incredibly powerful live show will help to keep the good times rolling at IMS all the way through Race Weekend."

Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive Southern rock band, with a catalog of more than 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million. The band is a cultural icon that appeals to all generations with its backbone of rock and country, passionate vocals and trademark layered guitars. Among the band's popular hits are "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name?"

The band has persevered with indomitable will and spirit through triumph and tragedy, including a plane crash in 1977 that claimed three band members. Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album,"God & Guns," continues to feature a muscular, three-guitar attack led by original band member Gary Rossington.

Lynyrd Skynyrd consists of Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Robert Kearns (bass) and Peter Keys (keyboards), with Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase providing backing vocals as the Honkettes.

The Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd will be the finale of an action-packed day at IMS. Also scheduled are the final practice for the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500, the Freedom 100 race for Firestone Indy Lights and the popular IZOD Pit Stop Challenge.

The 2012 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for noon Sunday, May 27.
2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Super Bowl XLVI 2012 Indianapolis Gets Super 46 Sandwiches

2012-01-04T18:07:00.002-05:00

Meatball Sub-Historic Steer Inn Image/Izzy Evans

Hoagy, stacker, sammy... whatever the preferred nickname, pretty much everyone loves some sort of filling between two pieces of some type of bread. In honor of Super Bowl XLVI, the first time ever event in Indianapolis, Super 46 was created by the Indiana Office of Tourism to showcase local foods in the favorite Super Bowl party form.

The sandwich.

The press conference held at Shapiro's Delicatessen January 4 brought out, for the media, some of the 46 sandwiches created by local eateries.

Reuben/Shapiro's Image/IzzyEvans

A great place to highlight great sandwiches, considering the history of the world-famous Indy food stop. Started in 1905, the downtown place has been in the right location for many memorable occasions at Conseco, now Banker's Life Fieldhouse, the Hoosier (aka RCA) Dome, Lucas Oil Stadium, Market Square Arena,, the list goes on...

Prime rib/Harry&Izzy's-St. Elmo's Image/Evans

So many places which have come and gone, and those that are still here, all within walking distance of the still-standing sammy spot. Now the Super Bowl will be within minutes of its doors... one Indianapolis landmark event meeting one Indianapolis landmark restaurant...

Now...on to the sandwiches.
All 46 restaurants were not at the press conference but, the ones that were showcased their goods with flair. Heaping platters of sandwiches were pleasing to the eye and palate. Here is a list of my favorites from the eateries in attendance and their offerings.

Shapiro's-The classic Reuben is well known and loved.
Schnitzelbank-Bratwurst piled high with mustard and sauerkraut.
Harry & Izzy's/St. Elmo's-Prime rib with special sauce is hot in temperature and horseradish.
Historic Steer Inn-Meatball sub with cheese and hearty tomato sauce.
Goose the Market-Batali on a hard roll is filling with its stacked meats and cheese.

Batali/GoosetheMarket Image/IzzyEvans

For a complete list of Super 46 sandwiches, click here... in.gov/visitindiana/super46/.
For information on the events in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, visit IndianapolisSuperBowl.com.

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.

Marion County Fair Moves to June

2012-01-01T16:19:00.000-05:00

Marion County Fair changes to June dates,

announces new midway operator

Plan on getting your fair food fix a little earlier this year.

**Press Release**

INDIANAPOLIS – The 82^nd annual Marion County Fair will sport a whole new look at a whole new time during Summer 2012.

Citing soaring temperatures frequently approaching triple-digit territory, along with an increasing number of competing events, the fair’s board of directors is moving the event from its traditional July dates to one month earlier. The 2012 Marion County Fair will be held Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 30.

“We’ve weathered back-to-back summers during which temperatures truly affected every aspect of the Marion County Fair,” said Cathy Clark, newly elected fair board president. “The heat was directly responsible for lower attendance, it created an uncomfortable environment for everyone on the grounds, and bordered on being dangerous for animals on display.

“We also wanted to create some space between our fair and other area big events, such as the Indiana State Fair and Brickyard 400,” she added.

The dates are not the only changes fair-goers will experience. A new midway operator – Farmland, Indiana-based North American Midway Entertainment - will provide more than 40 rides geared for all ages, along with an array of games and fair food.

North American Midway Entertainment provides midway attractions to Hoosier fairs including the Indiana State Fair and the Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Lake, Shelby, Howard, Delaware, and Kosciusko County Fairs, among others.

The 82^nd annual Marion County Fair will be held June 22-30, 2012 at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 East Troy Avenue, Indianapolis, near the I-465/I-74/Southeastern Avenue interchange. For more information, call 317. 353.2444 or log on at www.marioncountyfair.org.

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.

The Cabaret at The Columbia Club: 2012 Season

2011-12-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

THECABARET AT THE COLUMBIA CLUB: 2012 SEASON

*Press Release*

Sam Harris

The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, located in the Crystal Terrace on the third floor of The Columbia Club, opens its 2012 season Jan. 13 & 14. Tickets are on sale now for all 2012 performances and are open to the public.

Patronsshould be advised to order tickets in advance, as The Cabaret sold to 93 percent capacity on average in 2011, with more than half of the shows selling out farin advance. Tickets may be purchased at TheCabaret.org or by calling 317-275-1169.

*Sam Harris: Broadway,Ballads & Blues

January13 & 14, 8:00 PM

Since first amazing audiences as StarSearch Grand Champion with his signature rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” SamHarris has become a Tony-nominated Broadway star (The Life, Grease, TheProducers, Cabaret, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat), a multi-million selling recording artist with ninealbums to his credit, and an international concert “sellout” from NewYork's Carnegie Hall to London'sWest End. Harris brings his singular interpretationand inimitable style to an eclectic collection of Broadway and Pop Classicsfrom Hammerstein to Sondheim and U2 to Lennon.

Price: $45, $55, $65

** Steven Stolen: Isn’t It Romantic?

February14, 8:00 PM

“Indy’sfavorite tenor,” Steven Stolen, performs a show sure to please the Valentine ineveryone. Whether it’s a date with “A Fine Romance” or a witty “I Hate YouDarling” come “Dream a Little Dream” and share a “Stolen Moment” with one ofIndy’s favorite personalities and that casual elegance that has made himpopular with audiences from coast to coast. (Singleswelcome)

Price: $25,$35, $45

*Janis Siegel: New York Standard Time

February24 & 25, 8:00 PM

Ever since Janis Siegel co-founded TheManhattan Transfer over three decades ago, listeners, fellow musicians andcritics have marveled at her inventive phrasing and richly expressive voice. Aten-time Grammy winner, Siegel has sung lead vocals for some of the Transfer’sbiggest hits, including “Operator,” “Birdland,” and “The Boy from N.Y.C.”Siegel has also sustained a solo career that has spawned more than a half dozenfinely-crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects, amassed a largeinternational fan base and garnered consistently high critical praise. In an age when buyers andsellers are quick to jam music and musicians into convenient boxes, Siegel hasbuilt a career on defying preconceptions and stereotypes.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*The Puppini Sisters!

March9 & 10, 8:00 PM

With a unique blend of retro style, pop kitsch, andstunningly crisp vocals, UK-based vocal trio The Puppini Sisters bring ‘AndrewsSisters’ style three-part harmony into the modern age with show-stoppinginterpretations of everything from “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to “I WillSurvive” to Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.” Theyhave four albums, two of which have landed in the Top Five albums on the U.S.Jazz Charts. Their recent Christmas album, ChristmasWith The Puppinis, earned them a spot on NBC’s “A Michael Bublé Christmas.”With TV appearances and tours worldwide, the group has developed a large anddedicated fan base throughout Europe and in North America. **Prizes will be awarded to the best 40’sattire!

Price: $45, $55, $65

**CynthiaLayne: The Back Room, A Night at theSpeakeasy

March24, 8:00 PM

Don your flapper dress or raccoon coat and join us as wetransform The Cabaret into a 1920’s speakeasy. In celebration of women’shistory month, Cynthia Layne celebrates the music of prohibition’s “Jazz Age”when women got the right to vote and “flappers” flooded the speakeasies, daringto drink cocktails and dance to hot Jazz. Don’t let the law keep you fromcoming! The evening will include prohibition-era cocktails served in teacupsand prizes for the best costumes. Don’t forget: the password “hooch” will getyou in the door.

Price: $25,$35, $45

**ShannonForsell: Songs I’ve Never Sung onBroadway

April20 & 21, 8:00 PM

Managingand artistic director of The Cabaret, Shannon Forsell, graces The Cabaret’sstage once again, with “Songs I’ve Never Sung On Broadway.” Through songs fromBroadway to cabaret to jazz, this show explores how we choose to live, thechoices we make, and how “forks in the road” shape and define who we are.

Price: $25, $35, $45

*Maureen O’Flynn: Atthe Crossroads, In Partnership withthe Indianapolis Opera

April27, 8:00 PM

Metropolitan Opera leading lady Maureen O’Flynn, makesher Indianapolis cabaret debut with a sumptuous musical feast for the ears.Featuring classics by Kern, Porter, Sondheim, and Weill, Maureen’s versatilityshines in this intimate performance. Equally comfortable on the opera stage atLa Scala or the musical theater stages at the Berkshires Theatre Festival,Maureen proves to be one of the most thrilling voices to grace the worlds ofopera, musical theatre and cabaret.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*Lainie Kazan: The Chanteuse is Loose!

May11 & 12, 8:00 PM

Lainie shares music and stories from her long and variedcareer on the stage and screen. From herstart as Barbra Streisand’s Broadway understudy in Funny Girl , Lainie went on to sing in the topnight clubs and on television, including 26 appearances on The Dean Martin Show, and her ownvariety special. On screen, she received critical acclaim for her performancesin My Favorite Year and theblockbuster comedy My Big FatGreek Wedding. On Broadway, shereceived a Tony nomination for My FavoriteYear, and starred in The Government Inspector, TheExonerated, and The VaginaMonologues. Audiences may also recognize her for her televisionroles on Will &Grace, The Nanny, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives.

Price: $45, $55, $65

*StaceyKent: Dreamer

June 7& 8, 8:00 PM

Grammy nominatedsongstress, Stacy Kent ‘s ability to tell a story, capture an emotion, a mood,hone it and share it like a secret with her audience are qualities that makeher so special and enable her to sell out concert halls, jazz clubs, andcabarets around the world. The eveningwill feature tunes from her recent Blue Note release Dreamer in Concert, along with songs from her criticallyacclaimed musical career spanning eight best-selling albums.

Price: $35, $45,$55

Linda Eder

*AnIntimate Evening with Linda Eder

June22 & 23, 8:00 PM

June 23, 2:00 PM

With a career spanning over two decades and accolades as“one of the greatest contemporary solo voices of our time,” vocal sensationLinda Eder brings her one-woman show to The Cabaret for a rare and intimateperformance. Linda rose to stardom after an impressive 12-week run on Star Search followed by anaward winning Broadway performance in Jekyll and Hyde. Since then,Linda has performed for packed concert venues across the country and recordednine solo albums. With her extravagant vocal gifts and stage presence, Lindaproves she is a vocal force not to miss!

Price: $75, $100,$125

*TomWopat: Love Swings

Tom Wopat

July13 & 14, 8:00 PM

Tom Wopat first came to public attention as Luke Duke onthe original TV series The Dukes of Hazard, but it wasn’tlong before his classically trained vocals whisked him away from car smashesand corny humor to the bright lights of Broadway (Annie GetYour Gun, Chicago, The Pajama Game, Guys & Dolls, Catch Me ifYou Can). With an expansive repertoire featuring music fromHollywood to Broadway, the Tony-nominated star’s show will feature musicalfavorites from Frank Sinatra and The Beatles to Judy Garland.

Price: $45, $55, $65

*MelindaDoolittle: Love 101

July 27& 28, 8:00 PM

Former “American Idol“ contestant,Melinda Doolittle’s show is sure to be very cabaret, and, with all due respectto Simon Cowell, she’s not about to apologize for it! After two critically acclaimed runs atFeinstein’s, Melinda brings her show featuring Jazz standards, pop hits,Broadway classics and songs from her recent CD to The Cabaret. She got herstart as a backup singer for, to name a few, Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin,Alabama, Bebe and CeCe Winans and Aaron Neville. Since her time in thespotlight, Melinda has wowed audiences with her ‘big voice’ and ‘soulful’performances, from the White House to the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall.

Price: $35, $45,$55

*CarolWoods: Singin’ the Blues on Broadway

August10 & 11, 8:00 PM

Whethersinging the Blues, gospel or standards, Broadway star Carol Woods is at home onstages around the world. While Broadway is her musical home (Chicago, One Mo’ Time, Smokey Joe’s Café,Stepping Out, The Goodbye Girl, Grind, Big River, The Best Little Whorehouse InTexas), Carol has also performed at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops,in the movie The Honeymoonersopposite Cedric The Entertainer, on London’s West End (One Mo Time, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Blues In the Night) and incabaret venues around the world.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*Karen Mason: Show Queen, A Broadway Songbook

August24 & 25, 8:00 PM

Whethershe is lighting up the stage in a hit Broadway musical or amazing audienceswith her critically-acclaimed cabaret performances and concerts, Karen Mason isa showstopper. In this performance,Karen shares songs from her vast Broadway career including her starring rolesin Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard,and Wonderland. Karen is also a ten-time MAC (ManhattanAssociation of Cabarets) award winner, winning the Major Female Vocalist of theyear for six consecutive years.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*Annual Cabaret Fundraiser

Laura Benanti: Let Me Entertain You

September 29, 8:00 PM

Laura Benanti

Thisirresistible star of Broadway, TV, and film shares a saucy evening with herfavorite stories and songs. Laura has taken Broadway by storm, earning the TonyAward for her portrayal of Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee, starring opposite PattiLupone in Gypsy. Other Broadwaycredits include Women on the Verge of aNervous Breakdown, Swing!, Into theWoods opposite Vanessa Williams, Nineopposite Antonio Banderas, and The Soundof Music. She has performed her cabaret in top venues around the country,including Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center’s “Spotlight” series, curatedby cabaret legend Barbara Cook. *The evening will include a silent auction,heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, and a champagne and dessert receptionfollowing the performance.

Price: Individual $150, Table Sponsor$1,000, **Corporate Table Sponsorshipsavailable

*GavinCreel: Live, Out Loud

October 12& 13, 8:00 PM

Tony nominated Broadway star and singer/songwriter, GavinCreel has a unique sound that blends his love for both pop and musical theatre.Performing songs from his already vast Broadway career (Hair, La Cageaux Folles, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mary Poppins) and hiscontemporary originals, Gavin showcases his extensive musical talent. In tandemwith his success as an actor, Creel has garnered an organic mainstreamfollowing as a singer/songwriter, playing to sold-out crowds from New York toLondon.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*Todd Murray: Croon

November 2& 3, 8:00 PM

Before the age of electrified amplification, songs had tobe sung loudly in order to be heard. Theintroduction of the microphone introduced a new, intimate style of performingwhich became known as crooning. Todd Murray follows the history of crooning,beginning in the 1920’s through today. With lush popular ballads, swing, Latin beat, all with lyricists such asBerlin, Porter, Lerner/Lowe, Hal David, and Leonard Cohen, Murray demonstratesthat all popular music has its roots in crooning.

Price: $35, $45, $55

*Victoria Clark: GloriousDays

November16 & 17, 8:00 PM

A favorite among audiences and critics alike, Tony Award-winningBroadway star Victoria Clark brings her one-woman show to Indianapolis. Theshow will feature standards from the Great American Songbook alongside materialfrom lesser-known composers and music from her Broadway career (The Light in the Piazza, The Grapes of Wrath, Sister Act:The Musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Cabaret, Urinetown, Titanic, How to Succeedin Business Without Really Trying, Bye Bye Birdie, Grand Night for Singing). The New York Times says Clark, in her Piazza, role gave“hands down the best musical performance by any actress this season.” This issure to be one show you won’t want to miss!

Price: $35, $45, $55

Shannon Forsell

*Martinis& Mistletoe, featuring Everett Greene, Shannon Forsell & TheBuselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra

December13, 14 & 15, 7:30 PM

December 15, 2:30 PM

Start with the rich sounds of jazz vocalist EverettGreene (compared by many to Barry White, James Earl Jones and Darth Vader); addthe sultry, smooth vocals of local diva, Shannon Forsell; stir in the BuselliWallarab Jazz Orchestra with their lush, sophisticated arrangements; toss inholiday classics such as “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,”along with a dab of instrumentals from the infamous TV cartoon special A CharlieBrown Christmas; add a few other holiday gems and voilà – the perfectevening to warm you up on a cold winter’s night!

Price: $35, $45,$55

*** Check back at GottaGo.us throughout the season for review of performances ***

*The Signature Series, features the finest national and international cabaret performers.

**Club Series showcases the wealth of Central Indiana’s seasoned local performers.

Location: The Cabaret at the Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Parking: $10 valet parking for cabaret patrons.

ABOUT THE CABARET

TheCabaret is a professional, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of TheCabaret is to elevate the cabaret artform; attract, develop and retain high-quality local performance talent; andprovide a unique and important contribution to the city’s artistic and culturallife.

Photos: Furnished by The Cabaret Club

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: Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows

2011-12-24T13:35:00.000-05:00

Sequel to blockbuster 2009's film about the perceptive detective and trusty sidekick, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," opens in theaters in time for the holiday must-see list.
With Robert Downey, Jr., (Holmes) Jude Law (Watson) and Guy Ritchie (directing) once again, this trio stands to be in each other's company for many years to come as this film franchise shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Review of the original is available here.

The fast-paced, more action-packed film takes the moviegoer on a whirlwind jaunt across Europe. Successful action and suspense movies must have a one-liner cracking hero or villain. In this case, most of the characters get in on the witty remarks. Villain of the show, Professor James Moriarty (portrayed superbly by Jared Harris), plays that cold, calculating personality that we so love our villains to be when pitted against the hot blooded, one-liner cracking hero.

Their razor-sharp verbal interchanges represent the intellectual chess-playing enemies in a good vs. evil game, with precision and, at times, without the chess board.
Easily argued as the best addition to the cast of characters is Stephen Fry as Holmes' brother, Mycroft. The Holmes' genetic disposition of self absorption takes a comical slant with the elder sibling criticizing Sherlock at every turn.

Rachel McAdams returns briefly in this second of what is certain to be a continuing series. Noomi Rapace steps in as Simza Heron for the feminine touch, without being a love interest. This leaves the plot, thankfully, about saving the world.

Much debate weighs which is better, the original installment or this film. Both are an excellent blend of intellect, action and comedy. Why compare? Just sit back, hold on and enjoy.

Bottom Line: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a great ride when Downey, Law and Ritchie are joined by Fry to save the world as only Holmes and Co. can.

Photo: Warmer Bros.
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.

Book Review: Wise Bear William: A New Beginning by Arthur Wooten

2011-12-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

Arthur Wooten ("Birthday Pie," "On Picking Fruit") switches gears in his latest endeavor, taking readers on a gentler ride.

"Wise Bear William: A New Beginning" relates the tender tale of toys tucked away in an attic. Rag Doll Rose, Bean Bag Bunny and Calico Kitty live in harmony among trunks, cracked mirrors and forgotten memories.

The dolls are guided lovingly by the knowledgeable bear after overhearing that children shall perform a traditional visit to the attic to retrieve once-loved toys left by other generations. The lucky chosen few shall regain the longed-for life of a cherished toy.

The cluttered attic’s inhabitants worry, sacrifice and learn to cherish each other, and themselves, while helping one another get ready for the children’s visit. Finding flowers, buttons and other objects for sprucing up their appearance, they realize that it is their love inside that makes them truly beautiful.

As the stuffed toys aid each other and the children arrive to scoop up their new friends, readers enjoy a journey of warmth, friendship and anticipation. Who will be chosen? Who will be left behind?

Bud Santora’s deep, rich illustrations of tattered dresses, floppy ears and button eyes enhance the warmth of the characters without overpowering the content’s message. Santora's background as an Emmy Award winner, costume and holiday designer, serves him well to create almost-touchable images throughout the must-read again book.
What was the inspiration for the lovable teddy bear and company? I asked Wooten in a recent telephone interview.

Blanket Bear

“It came from a bear I had as a child, Blanket Bear. My grandfather, John Reid, who I called Papa, came from Scotland. As a teenager, he went into WWI, and was on the front lines fighting. He brought home his army blanket and my grandmother turned it into a teddy bear for me. I still have Blanket Bear.”

Bottom line: I dare anyone to read this timeless treasure and not feel an immediate and strong connection with “Wise Bear William: A New Beginning.” Wooten has struck a chord with this book which touches all ages and it will be found sitting, with edges well worn, upon children's bookshelves around the globe.

Wise Bear William: A New Beginning is available as a soft cover, hard cover and ebook at Galaxais Productions

Find Arthur Wooten on Facebook by clicking: Facebook/ArthurWooten
FInd Arthur Wooten on Twitter by clicking: Twitter/ArthurWooten
Photo credits: Galaxais Production

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.

6 Best Spots to Take Kids During Holiday Break 2011 Indy

2011-12-16T10:31:00.001-05:00

Every year parents, grandparents and fun-loving adults ask for my opinion of places to go in the Indy-metro area with kids over holiday break from school. Here are the Top 6 Best Spots.

Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg through Jan. 8. Image/RRImages

Jingle Rails: Where: Eiteljorg Museum. What it is: Thirteen overhead walk-under bridges, replicas of downtown Indianapolis, The Great West and national treasures as seen via seven trains traveling throughout the display. When: The "coolest exhibit I've ever seen," according to one child at the exhibit, is open through Jan 8. Website: Eiteljorg.com
Willy Wonka: Where: Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. What it is: Roald Dahl's classic children's story. When: This is a great way to introduce kids to live theater through Jan. 7. Website: CivicTheatre.org.
Jolly Days: Where: Children's Museum: What it is: Listed consistently as a national must-see museum, Jolly Days is still fun after Christmas with activities for children of all ages, including a play castle, "ice skating" and theater. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: ChildrensMuseum.org.
Hearthside Suppers: Where: Conner Prairie. What it is: Enjoy helping prepare an early 1800s dinner and eating it by candlelight. When: Starts Jan. 6. Website: ConnerPrairie.org.
Conservatory Crossing: Where: Garfield Park Conserrvatory. What it is: Running train models, and a train village in partnership with The Indiana Railroad Company. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: GarfieldGardensConservatory.org.
Ice skating: Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds. What it is: A great way to introduce kids to a new sport or keep active during the winter. When: Through April. Website: In.gov/StateFair

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: SouthSider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: Mystery Cafe of Indianapolis: Ho Ho Homicide

2011-12-12T12:29:00.001-05:00

Robert Kingery and Melissa Gutierrez Image/IzzyEvans

Evidence suggests that Murder Mystery dinners gained popularity in the 1980s as a culmination of Hollywood's '40s mystery movies, radio Whodunnits in the '40s and '50s, theaters-in-the-round and dinner theaters which were predominant in the '60s and '70s. As is with most things, what once was old is new again, and this is true with audience-participation performances.

The Mystery Cafe, originating in '88 in Canton MA., is the original, and longest running, mystery theater company in the nation.

Mystery Café of Indianapolis was founded in ’92. The currently running performance, “Ho Ho Homicide” is performed at Milano Inn, 231 S. College St., Indianapolis. Alternate locations are available for various performances.

The play, written by Nita Hardy, is a zany, over the-top spoof of whodunnits. The plot finds southern belle, Miss Charlotte O’Tara, portrayed by Melissa Gutierrez, about to be murdered. When the dirty deed occurs, her relative from Ireland sings they are “Cousins, Identical Cousins” (think The Patty Duke Show's theme song here) Maureen O’Tara, also Gutierrez. Maureen puts on her sleuthing cap and hires Nick Saint, private detective.

Saint, a droll, Humphrey-Bogart caricature, portrayed by Robert Kingery, paces the floor while piecing together clues.

Gutierrez and Kingery whip through several characters each, switching accents, costumes and mannerisms without missing a beat. The duo shines brightest while verbally sparring with each other and both show genuine enjoyment in their roles. While this play is performed well enough to be on stage, the fun is found with the interaction between the characters and the audience.

The meal is served between acts as four courses, giving ample time to jot down clues, discuss possible suspects with other diners (seating is family style) and enjoy the food at a leisurely pace. Dinner consists of soup, salad, entrée choice of four traditional Italian dishes, and dessert of Spumoni ice cream.

Audience participation is cornerstone to the success and enjoyment of the evening (Translation: leave the curmudgeon at home). The more you get into the mood, the more fun it is. I was given the role of the Jamaican psychic "Madam Cleo" and sat near audience characters "Red Butler" and "Blondie Bloomwood" (who was a suspect). Awards are given out to the audience members: one for best actor and one for correctly guessing the murderer. Photo opportunities are available after the show. Ticket price covers the performance, meal (with coffee or tea) and good-natured fun. Adult beverages and gratuity are not included in the price.

Bottom Line: Mystery Cafe's outlandish groaners, over-the-top impersonations and slight innuendos make "Ho Ho Homicide" an absolutely delightful whodunnit and a refreshing alternative for an evening out.

For tickets, schedule and information, visit TheMysteryCafeIndy.com
For menu, hours and location of restaurant, visit MilanoInn.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.

Theater Review: Phoenix Theatre: A Very Phoenix Xmas6: Our Goose is Cooked.

2011-12-06T18:12:00.002-05:00

Wilcher, Gillan & Kincannon

The Phoenix Theatre continues its journey to the musical side of the street with more singing and dancing in this year's holiday offering: A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked!
Local Indy theater favorite Charles Goad (Shipwrecked!) was welcomed back to the stage after a brief hiatus to delve into other creative ventures. Claire Wilcher, Jason Gloye, Gayle Steigerwald, Scott Greenwell, Carly Kincannon and Abby Gillan join Goad in the limelight.

Gloye, Gillan, Goad & Steigerwald

This not-for-children program tackles issues of prejudice, unrequited love and ungrateful offspring through sketches, songs and storytelling. Balancing out the heavy subjects are several lighter moments of love, Santa and dancing. Yes, I said dancing...at The Phoenix Theatre. Choreographed by Dance Kaleidoscope dancer and choreographer, Mariel Greenlee, the dance numbers provide a positive, fresh look for the edgy theater.

Goad and Greenwell

In a more traditional moment, Kincannon, Gillan and Wilcher present a spectacular, ethereal rendition of "Hallelujah Chorus" (Handel).
Goad's much-anticipated return did not disappoint proving he has not lost an ounce of talent while absent. Whether the tender, "The Student," the humorous, "Santa-Tude," or playful, "Outsourcing Santa," Goad's personal brand of talent is well demonstrated.

Rocking into the Gotta Go spotlight this week is Gayle Steigerwald in "How I Met Your Santa," the tale of her first meeting with Saint Nick. The delightful tale is all the more sentimental because of Steigerwald's tender storytelling ability. You will find yourself believing every word of the future Mrs. Claus' account of the Christmas she encountered the jolly elf in her childhood home.

Steigerwald, Wilcher, Kincannon & Gillan

It is no surprise that this piece earns the Gotta Go "favorite of the evening" award once I realized afterward that it had been written by Daniel Guyton. You'll remember Guyton receiving my "favorite of the evening" in 2009 during Phoenix Theatre's A Very Phoenix Xmas 4: Our Stockings are Stuffed with "Death of a Snowman." Guyton brings tender, real moments to the stage without slipping down the too-much slope.
Bottom Line: A Very Phoenix Theatre 6: Our Goose is Cooked! fulfills its mission to educate, challenge and entertain in this unexpectedly lighter performance.
Photo Credit: ZachRosing.com
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.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: Beef and Boards Christmas 2011

2011-11-27T10:46:00.001-05:00

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's annual holiday offering, "A Beef & Boards Christmas" opens this year with 10 new performers, including two pint-size ones: Ethan Halford Holder and Olivia McKenna.

Toning down the show from the flying reindeer of last year, this go round is a quieter holiday sing along and dance rendition of the Indy tradition. The north side venue brought in audience favorites Sarah Hund, John Vessels and Jayson Elliott (Indiana native) from out of town. You'll remember them best from the "Smoke on the Mountain" trilogy. Also on hand to co-host are returning B&B darlings Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims.

Shining brightest are the Holidaires, made up of Vessels, Hund and Elliott in "The Challenge" between Elliott and Hund, with each outdoing the other on numerous stringed instruments and Vessels popping in for his well-loved humorous touches. And, for a little taste of country, Elliott and Hund also team up for "Tennessee Christmas," while Vessels filled the air with the audience's laughter while performing, "All I want for Christmas."

Holder and McKenna also create a memorable moment with their mini version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and act as smaller hosts with Shepard and Wims.
The hosting adult couple performed their "Marshmallow World" Raggedy Ann and Andy dance with usual enthusiasm, always a favorite with the young and old (and this critic).

Bottom Line: "A Beef & Boards Christmas" is a heart-warming holiday show with something for everyone from ages 2 to 92.

For schedule, tickets and details, visit BeefandBoards.com
Photo Credit: JulieCurryPhotography.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.

Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2011

2011-11-25T17:29:00.001-05:00

Image/ChocolatefortheSpirit

It's time for the fourth annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2011, giving you ideas accumulated through personal experience, referrals and submissions. The handy list (in no particular order) is wrapped with links and recipient suggestions making it easier to find a perfect gift for just about everyone.

This year's Ultimate Gift Guide has a new item: the Judges' Favorite Award. The judges were unanimous in their enthusiasm of the inaugural distinction.

Without further ado...

JUDGES' FAVORITE AWARD

Chocolate for the Spirit

What: Gourmet hand-crafted chocolates

Who: Chocolate lovers, hostess gift, monthly club, stocking stuffer

Where: ChocolatefortheSpirit

Image/Burton'sMaplewoodFarms

Burton's Maplewood Farms

What: Rum-infused maple syrup, pure maple syrup

Who: Foodies, gourmet cooks, pancake and waffle lovers

Where: BurtonsMaplewoodFarms

Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth

What: Mini pies cookbook

Who: Stocking stuffer, Children, gift exchange, baker

Where: MiniPies/UlyssesPress

Image/CookingGreek

Cooking Greek Indy

What: Baklava cheesecake
Who: Hostess gift, family, individual, cheesecake lovers
Where: CookingGreekIndy

Winnie the Pooh
What: Disney's tale of everyone's lovable bear Cd/Blu-Ray set

Who: Movie buffs, Children

Where: WinniethePooh/Disney

Image/240Sweet

240 Sweet

What: Gourmet marshmallows

Who: Sweet lovers, stocking stuffer, monthly club

Where: 240Sweet

Image/iRenew

iRenew
What: Well-being waterproof bracelet
Who: Elderly, athletes, stocking stuffer
Where: iRenew

Image/LucidAbsinthe

Lucid
What: Absinthe louching gift set with authentic wormwood
Who: Discerning drinker, Absinthe lover,
mixologist
Where: DrinkLucid

Image/SweetTooth

Sweet Tooth Bakery Indy
What: Cake bites/pops
Who: Hostess gift, family, college
students
Where: SweeetToothBakery

CAMUS Cognac

What: Cognac gift set

Who: Discerning drinker, Cognac lover, mixologist

Where: Camus.fr

Image/CookingGreekInd

Cooking Greek Indy

What: Gift basket of gluten-free brownies and cookies

Who: Gluten-allergy sufferers, hostess gift

Where: CookingGreekIndy

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

What: Disney tale of Captain Jack Sparrow Cd/Blu-Ray set

Who: Movie buffs, Johnny Depp fans, Children

Where: PiratesoftheCaribbean/Disney

Flying Wish Paper

What: Flying wish paper

Who: Group, family
Where: FlyingWishPaper

Image/MollyBakes

Molly Bakes
What: Crazy for Cake Pops cookbook

Who: Kids, stocking stuffer, hostess gift, bakers
Where: CakePops/UlyssesPress

Image/StacyNewgent

Jill Silverman Hough

What: 100 Perfect Pairings Main Dishes; 100 Perfect Pairings Small plates

Who: Novice and expert wine drinkers, foodies, office gift exchanges

Where: JillSilvermanHough

Image/YandLBauducco

Bauducco Panettone
What: Italian traditional holiday cake with
Hershey's chocolate chips
Who: Hostess gift, family
Where: BauduccoFoods

Holiday World

What: Holiday World public figure Mrs. Koch bobble head

Who: Stocking stuffer, Holiday World lovers

Where: HolidayWorld/PatKoch

Image/UlyssesPress

Valerie Lum, Jenise Addison

What: Ice Cream Happy Hour
Who: 20-somethings, gourmet cooks, hostess gift, stocking stuffer
Where: HappyHour/UlyssesPress

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, syndicated blogger, 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.

Hendricks County Launches Tourism Blog

2011-11-20T12:35:00.000-05:00

Hendricks County blog to provide insider tourism information

DANVILLE, IN – Hendricks County residents and visitors now have a new tool to keep up with events, attractions and other tourism-related happenings within the county.

The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau will officially launch a new tourism blog today called “All Access – Inside Information on Hendricks County.” The site provides real-time, first-person storytelling to complement the HCCVB’s mission to promote Hendricks County and all its fantastic and surprisingly affordable activities.

“As a local for nearly 10 years and a former newspaper reporter covering this county, I was surprised by how much I didn’t know about all the fun and interesting things to do here,” said Josh Duke, communications manager for the HCCVB. “Arriving at the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau proved to be an eye-opener for me. Through this blog, we hope to open a lot more eyes as residents and visitors discover all of our hidden gems.”

The new blog will be accessible through the Tour Hendricks County website or directly at www.tourhendrickscounty.com/blog. The blog will post fresh content at least twice weekly with plans to expand that schedule. Readers also can subscribe for free on the site to get alerts when new content is posted.

The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau also will begin looking for experienced bloggers to join our team as well as asking many of our industry partners to contribute as guest bloggers. Anyone interested in blogging for the All Access tourism site, should contact Duke at Josh@TourHendricksCounty.com or by calling (317) 718-8750.

Find us on Facebook by clicking here -->> Hendricks County Tourism/Facebook and follow us on Twitter @FastTracktoFun. For more information, visit TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

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.

Indianapolis Holiday Shows and Events List 2011

2011-11-16T12:20:00.002-05:00

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

2011-11-10T19:17:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-09T08:29:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-08T18:27:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

"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"

2011-11-03T17:54:00.002-04:00

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

2011-10-30T22:55:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-19T18:32:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

"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.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: It's a Wonderful Life

2011-10-17T22:12:00.002-04:00

Stockberger and Hopkins

"It's a Wonderful Life" opens Indianapolis' holiday season this week on stage at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. The classic Christmas tale of learning to appreciate and having faith in yourself and others is a favorite with audiences.

The "Gotta Go" spotlight shines strongest on three individuals. Destination Actors, Eddie Curry as Clarence-Angel Second Class, Jeff Stockberger as Pa Bailey and Uncle Billy, and Sean Patrick Hopkins as George Bailey. Curry and Stockberger both have a strong presence on stage and many actors fade when onstage with either.

Hopkins makes his debut on B&B's stage with a performance that, rather noticeably, varies based on which other actor is onstage. His performance actually seems to match theirs. The stronger and more confident the other actor, the stronger and more confident his own performance becomes. An unusual personality quirk to be certain.

Hopkins and DiLellio

Hopkins' time with Betsy DiLellio as Mary Hatch Bailey, seemed to be spent holding back, perhaps not wanting to upstage anyone? Perhaps he felt he should blend in with the others. When George unleashes his feelings for Mary, the audience gets a more true sense of his ability.

Subsequently, when Stockberger's Uncle Billy, the absent-minded and often drunk relative, loses a large sum of money, Hopkins' performance comes alive. It is difficult to share the stage with someone who is larger than you, both with stage presence and true physical size, but it seemed to light the fire needed in Hopkins. The intensity with which he rallies as he loses patience with Billy's ineptitude (portrayed dead-on by Stockberger) is a marvel to watch as Billy cowers in fear and shame.

Curry and Hopkins

Hopkins' portrayal as George in deep despair, anger and desperation while interacting with the strength of Curry's enchanting portrayal of Clarence is the other highlight of the show. The two battling it out verbally while fighting George's internal demons bring out the confidence in the younger actor. The pair pulled the audience into the moment of heated debate while retaining the necessary disbelief of the situation by George.

Bottom Line: Curry, Stockberger and Hopkins create the energy in Beef and Boards' It's a Wonderful Life.

For tickets, schedule and performances, visit BeefandBoards.com
Photo credit: JulieCurryPhotography

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.

Heartland Film Festival 2011 Announces Winners

2011-10-16T10:10:00.000-04:00

Heartland Film Festival 2011 celebrates its 20th anniversary with well known directors, such as Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers, Rudy), Corbin Bernsen (Carpool Guy, Donna on Demand) and Emilio Estevez (The Way, Bobby) alongside high school first-timers. The Indianapolis-based festival, which runs through Saturday, Oct., 22, is designated as the "festival with heart" supporting films which touch viewers emotionally.

Martin Sheen, David Alexanian and Emilio Estevez of The Way

Cash prizes accompany the awards, including $100,000 grand prize for the Narrative Feature category, which tops the prize money given at Sundance, Tribeca and Toronto film festivals. Winners were announced Saturday, October 15, at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, Indianapolis.

2011 Winners

Award for High School Film Competition
($2,500) "Sacrifices of my Father" (Miguel Lopez)

Vision Award for Best Short Film

($10,000) "Thief" (Julian Higgins)

Award for Best Documentary Feature

($25,000) "Crime After Crime" (Yoav Potash)

Grand Prize for Narrative Feature

($100,000)-"Red Dog" (Nelson Woss)

Red Dog, an Australian film by Nelson Woss, is about a dog loved by all who loses its owner. The true tale has touched the hearts of more than Aussies. It has crossed the pond and looks toward being release, possibly, in the U.S. It can be viewed at AMC Showcase 17 Wednesday, Oct., 19 and Saturday, Oct., 22; and at AMC Castleton Square Friday, Oct. 21.

Rohan Nichol and Nelson Woss of Red Dog

For a full time schedule and list of films of Heartland Film Festival 2011,
visit TrulyMovingPictures.org.

Photo Credit: Izzy Evans

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 Beauty and the Beast

2011-10-14T20:10:00.001-04:00

Broadway Across America brings Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall, Indianapolis, this week. Little girls in attendance were in ribbons, patent leather shoes and their prettiest Belle gown or pink frock with the young lads sporting similar style as parents and children came in anticipation of a bigger-than-life story.

Emily Behny as Belle, seems a little lost in the show's beginning, gaining confidence in the second act with her vocals growing stronger, most notably in "A Change in Me." Her strongest trait, compassion, shows during the reading aloud to Beast, portrayed by Dane Agostinis, in the library and the dinner table scenes.

The highly anticipated "Be Our Guest" music and dance scene not only did not disappoint, it was the highlight of the evening. The excellent choreography by Matt West brings dishes, silverware and condiments to life, including Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes-style moves to the delight of parents and children.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Noteworthy, also, are two side characters. Michael Haller turns in the most solid performance of the cast as Lumiere the candelabra. Jordan Moore was delightful as Chip the teacup.

Make note that although "Beauty and the Beast" is considered a children's program, there are two points which may make even broad-minded parents uncomfortable. First, the feather duster, Babbette, bends over seductively, calling out Lumierre's name in an attempt to attract his attention. Second, Madame de la Grande Bouche pulls a silver flask, yes I said flask, out of the bosom of her dress and takes a few swigs of what we are to assume is alcohol.

The remainder of the program is kid-friendly offering a fun introduction for first-time theater attendees. I recommend sitting in the first ten rows in order to get the full measure of the streamers and special effects.

Bottom Line: Broadway Across America brings Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to Indianapolis with flash, Champagne and dancing dishes.

For tickets and schedule, visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com
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.

Heartland Film Festival 2011 Film Schedule

2011-10-12T19:54:00.003-04:00

Heartland Film Festival 2011

20^th Annual Film Festival: Oct. 13-22

A record 129 American and international films will screen during the 2011 Heartland Film Festival, which takes place throughout Indianapolis.

For premiere of The Way and complete 2011 Heartland Film Festival lineup, visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org.

All cash prizes and awards will be presented at the annual Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Old National Centre in downtown Indianapolis. The first evening of film screenings will take place Friday, Oct. 14 at AMC Castleton Square 14 on the Northside, where all award-winning films will be shown and the Crystal Heart Awards for short films will be presented.
In addition to the Award-winning films, Heartland will also screen Official

Selection films. These films are not in competition for the cash prizes, but are eligible for the Audience Choice Awards. Regular screenings of both Official Selection and Award winning films will take place Saturday, Oct. 16-Saturday, Oct. 23 at AMC Castleton Square 14 and AMC Showplace Indianapolis 17 on the southside.

Official Selection films included under the narrative features category:

25 Hill, A Buddy Story, A Year in Mooring, Africa United, An Ordinary Family, For Robbing The Dead, Janie Jones, Little Red Wagon, Love Birds, The Lutefisk Wars, Much Ado About Nothing, My Last Day Without You, Nathan and the Luthier, October Baby, Peloton, Saigon Electric, Score: A Hockey Musical, Somebody's Hero, The Selling, Sophie, Trinity Goodheart, Unicorn City and Works in Progress.

Official Selection films under the documentary features category:

A People Uncounted, A Journey In My Mother's Footsteps, Becoming Santa, The Blood in this Town, Boys of Bonneville: Racing on a Ribbon of Salt, Child of Giants: My Journey with Maynard Dixon and Dorothea Lange, Digital Man/Digital World, Dying to do Letterman, Family of the Wa'a, First Generation, Give A Damn?, God In The Box, Happy You're Alive, The Loving Story, Malaki-Scent of an Angel, More To Live For, Mulberry Child, My So-Called Enemy, The Peddler, The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An Urban History, The Redemption of General Butt Naked, Sarabah. These Amazing Shadows, Why I Write: The Twin Poets, The Welcome, YERT - Your Environmental Road Trip and Zero Percent.

Official Selection films under the short film category:

Azad (Free), Bahiya & Mahmoud, Berliner Osten (East Of Berlin), Blood Ties, Blue, The Burying Beetle, Challenging Impossibility, The Country Club, Crossing Salween, Day Of Rememberance, Desperate Crossing, The Dreamer, Dreamgiver, Drum Beats, Fatakra (Firecracker), Ghild, The Girl And The Fox, Girlie Jar, The Greatest Return, Grow Up Already, Gu Yeo-Rum-Eui Ba-Da (A Scene At Sea), Habibti, Journey Of The Beams, Knight To D7, Kofi, Le Jeu Des Soldats, Library Of Dust, Living For 32, Magic Orange, The Man Who Never Cried, Miyuki's Wind Bell, North Atlantic, Old Radicals, Paper Flower, Persimmon, The Quiet Life, Raise My Hands, Saving Pelican 895, Scraps, Sin País (Without Country), Sun City Picture House, Sunnyview, Take 2, The Telegram Man, Twins, Two Life, Vibrations

Special events

The 10-day film festival opens Thursday, Oct. 13 with the screening of The Way, starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, scheduled to be at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Additional events include the annual Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 15 where attendees can experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at the Old National Centre downtown.
- Sunday, Oct. 16 presents an opportunity to meet with Festival filmmakers during Reel Conversations: the Filmmakers’ Brunch at the Omni Severin Hotel and the Family Movie Event on Sunday, Oct. 16 featuring The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Film enthusiasts can attend the Heartland Institute Seminars for free on Monday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm and on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7:00pm at the Castleton AMC theater to hear Heartland Film Festival Award-winning and Official Selection filmmakers as they break down their filmmaking process from screenwriting to directing to producing.
The Festival will come to a close on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art with the time twister, Shuffle, starring T.J. Thyne, and the announcement of the 2011 Audience Choice Award winners.

Ticket Information

Regular screening tickets are available at http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/heartland-film-festival/tickets/ by calling 866-HFF-1010, or at theaters during the festival. Single tickets are $7.50 each when purchased in advance online or through the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the theaters are $9 each.

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: From Dark Pages tracks Jack the Ripper

2011-10-09T18:19:00.002-04:00

Progressive plays lead the audience throughout an area rather than performing on stage in front of a sitting audience. From Dark Pages is performed in this method, covering the three-story 1865 home known as the Morris-Butler House, 1204 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis.

Being new to this type of theater, it didn't take a second thought to accept an invitation extended by Indiana Landmarks organization. It's best to arrive 15 minutes early as the performance starts promptly.
Upon arrival, you are escorted or directed toward the sitting room to await host Dr. Watson, portrayed by Terry Wetherald. Yes, that Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes' fame. Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, performed by John Skipper, arrives to help guide the audience throughout the museum to meet Victorian-era characters (remember to curtsy or bow to the Queen) and uncover facts regarding infamous Jack the Ripper.

The ultimate goal is to discover the true identity of London's murderer of Whitechapel's ladies of the evening. One such lady, Elizabeth Stride, portrayed by Cyndi Skipper, meanders about the museum, propositioning audience and cast members, and offering opinions of the case in the most delightful way possible. Until she is brutally murdered.

Wetherald, John and Cyndi Skipper interact with each other and the audience in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, inserting one-liners while sharing advice about the case. Characters met along the journey include royalty, a medium, and dead bodies. Although a few parts are somewhat grisly, the bantering keeps the mood light.

Bottom Line: Amateur sleuths, literary and history buffs alike will enjoy From Dark Pages, as this twist to normal theater fare offers a relaxed and entertaining performance in an Indiana historical landmark.
For tickets, performance times and directions, click IndianaLandmarks/FromDarkPages.
Photo from website.
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.