Broadway in Indianapolis: 2018-2019 Season

Far off lands, dancing in numerous locations and learning to live the life you want, are all included in the Broadway in Indianapolis: 2018-2019 Season.

Lions, Mormons, and waitresses find love, life and lasting friendships with strangers and loved ones. I am truly liking the diversity in this year's lineup. We have classics (The King and I), children-friendly (Lion King, Grinch), new to Indy (School of Rock, Waitress), and fan favorites (Mormon).

Broadway in Indianapolis: 2018-2019 Season

Disney’s THE LION KING

Old National Centre

September 12-29, 2018

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.  THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

DR SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL

Old National Centre

November 27-December 2

 Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.

SEASON OPTION

THE BOOK OF MORMON

Clowes Memorial Hall

December 18-23

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

SCHOOL OF ROCK

Clowes Memorial Hall

January 29-February 3, 2019

Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew LLoyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I

Clowes Memorial Hall

March 5-10, 2019

Two worlds collide in this musical, set in 1860’s Bangkok. The musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist king, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “Hello Young Lovers,” and “Shall We Dance."

WAITRESS

Old National Centre

April 23-28, 2019

 Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage.  A baking

contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

Season tickets for the 2018-19 Broadway in Indianapolis Season are on sale with three convenient ways to purchase season tickets:

1. Select your seats in person at the Broadway in Indianapolis Box Office in the Old National         Centre at 502 N New Jersey Street, Monday – Friday, 9:30am-5:00pm

2. Order online 7 days a week/24 hours a day at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com

3. Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Indianapolis Season Ticket Hotline at 800-793-7469. The Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.

Photos/Broadway in Indianapolis

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Broadway Across America ~ Indianapolis: Wizard of Oz

Broadway in Indianapolis brings flying monkeys, melting witches and a scary forest to the stage at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University. Running through Jan. 17, Wizard of Oz opens to a packed audience.

When a live version of a film classic is attempted, it is perfectly natural to feel trepidation. Will it have the original score? What will be chopped out and what will be updated to the point of destroying that which made the show popular in the first place?

Relax. They nailed the song list, characters (minus the Lullaby League), and even have a rainbow or two.

In fact, this is in my Top 10 favorites Broadway Across America productions I have reviewed since 2007. The classic, beloved film is given the respect due it, with a couple extra bonus items inserted for updating purposes.Dorothy Gale, the little girl caught up in a tornado, is performed oh-so-believably by Sarak Lasko. From her vocal talent with the deal breaker song, "Over the Rainbow," to her sweetness with her new travel pals, you just fall for her. (Prepare to get misty-eyed when she bids farewell to those friends.)

Playing the wise-cracking, adorable Scarecrow is Jay McGill. The man of straw, in this modern version, is less about trying to prove his intellect and more like Dory from Pixar's "Finding Nemo" ~ adorable and ditzy.

Morgan Reynolds gets everyone's attention as the Tin Man, the minute he opens his mouth to sing his character's song of woe, "If I Only had a Heart."

A surprise insertion is after intermission when the witch is melted and the enslaved Winkies show their happiness with a killer dance sequence. A great addition to an otherwise quick scene, showing why remakes can be good.

Shani Hadjian cackles as good as Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. She also brings out her girly side when she sings one of five new tunes, "Red Shoes Blues.

Certainly this production feels as if has been given a "Wicked" once over, in regards to one-liners and asides to the audience. This only serves to enrich the show bringing to a modern end, staving off any chance at a verbatim stale remake of the MGM classic.

Bottom Line: Broadway Across Indianapolis' Wizard of Oz brushes up the film classic endearing it to a whole new generation.

Images: Provided by BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

Tickets can be found at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

 Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Broadway Across America (in Indianapolis) 2015 - 2016 Season Includes Dreams, Wizards and a Phantom

New season line ups for theaters always give me happiness like Christmas morning. Will it have the shows I want? What surprise productions will be on the lineup?
Broadway Across America's Broadway in Indianapolis' schedule covers all the bases. One I hoped for (The Phantom of the Opera), one I didn't expect (Wizard of Oz), and even one I hadn't known existed.

Below is the entire lineup, including family favorites, new productions and a returning sell-out show.

For tickets, visit Indianapolis.Broadway.com

 Broadway Across America Indianapolis

2015 - 2016 Season

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

December 15-20, 2015

*Old National Centre

Be amazed by more than 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the globe. Witness snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments and Santa with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more. The show celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, original music and seasonal favorites all performed in a winter wonderland of amazement.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

January 12-17, 2016

*Clowes Memorial Hall

The most magical adventure of them all. This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally revamped for the stage. (read my review here)

Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs and surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

ONCE

February 9-14, 2016

*Clowes Memorial Hall

 Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original

Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their

own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s

about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. 

NEWSIES

March 15-20, 2016

*Clowes Memorial Hall

Winner of the 2012 TonyAwards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES, based on true events, tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right...and staying true to who you are. NEWSIES was brought to the stage by an award-winning creative team. It features a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles).

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

May 4-15, 2016

*Old National Centre

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA comes to Indianapolis as part of a brand new North American Tour. The production, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade” - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.

THE BOOK OF MORMON

April 12-17, 2016

*Old National Centre

 Hailed by The New York Times as "the best musical of this century" and the winner of

nine Tony Awards®, THE BOOK OF MORMON (Read review here) is the blockbuster Broadway smash from “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the Oscar®-winning

composer of Disney's Frozen and Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez. This outrageous musical

comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway

across the world to spread the Good Word. *Contains explicit language.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Broadway Across America: Rock of Ages

Clowes Memorial Hall, located at Butler University, was packed for the Indianapolis opening night of Broadway Across America's Rock of Ages. The venue's energy was electric with anticipation for a rockin' time and BAA delivered the audience exactly what they wanted: Fun in a loud, raucous manner.

Constantine Maroulis, Boston Conservatory-trained and American Idol participant (Season 4), portrays wannabe rocker Drew/Wolfgang in L.A.'s Sunset Strip c. mid 1980s. Maroulis' portrayal of the sensitive, shy guitarist/singer won fans with his vocal performance, as well as receiving the "aah factor." With a scenic view and a four-pack of wine coolers (remember when they hit the shelves?) Drew fails at his attempts to woo love interest Sherrie, portrayed by Elicia MacKenzie. They eventually realize that Every Rose Has its Thorn, and, although not all dreams come true, sometimes what happens instead is much, much better.

Maroulis is surrounded by several strong cast members, including (but not limited to) Nick Cordero as Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree (who also won favor with the audience), and Peter Deiwick as Arena Rock lead singer Stacee Jaxx, who you want to hate but end up adoring and Travis Walker who leaped his way into the audience's heart as Franz. The entire show crams in one Rock God hit after another, We Built This City, I Want to Know What Love Is, Wanted Dead Alive....

Patrick Lewallen shines as narrator Lonny dishing out some serious tough love throughout the show, softened by his comedic offerings. Lewallen, the most polished on stage, is the King of Debauchery, cranking up the fun and ripping off the one-liners and physical comedy. His high energy never waned although he was virtually in every scene and song.

The production ricochets between a loud rock concert, a spoof of the 80s and a happily-ever-after fairy tale. Although the sound system was noticeably off, the audience didn't seem to mind, perhaps assuming it was meant to mimic the overly loud concerts of that era.

Blue jeans and rock T-shirts are not only acceptable but almost required to fit in. Not for the easily shocked or underage, strippers strut from beginning to end and obscenities are thrown in everywhere possible. The zany, over-the-top look at the famous club in L.A. gives a caricature view of the 80s in a way which should be annoying. Instead...you end up laughing at the zany antics.

Bottom Line: Like that bad boy your mom told you to stay away from, Rock of Ages seduces you with leather jackets, electric guitars and rock-n-roll,  zapping you back to the MTV-era and promising you Nothin' but a Good Time.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Broadway Across America: A Chorus Line

Broadway Across America's A Chorus Line, played at Clowes Memorial Hall, proves the strong storyline which is as relevant today as it did at its inception in 1975. When dancers arrive to a 'cattle call' for a Broadway show, they are asked to reveal more of themselves than dance moves. Several stories are brought forth during the day-long process.

Selina Verastigui played the role of Diana, turning in the sobering solo Nothing, the tale of a young girl mis-treated by an uncaring teacher in performing arts school.

Derek Hanson portrayed superbly the role of Zach, the show's director, a Type-A personality with an internal struggle when Cassie, played by Rebecca Riker, the woman who broke his heart, turns up for tryouts. Zack's need to know why Cassie left him and his need for her to remain the star he had created is intertwined with his need to punish her for the pain he ensued when she shattered his dreams.

Other story lines include the fun solo, I Can Do That, by Andy Mills in his portrayal as Mike upon learning he preferred dance class over sports.

The crowd-pleasing, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three, was offered by the delightful Kristen Martin as the plastic-surgery-needing Val. Martin so thoroughly enjoyed her role, her enthusiasm was contagious.

Bottom Line: A Chorus Line continues to share with the non-dancer why dancers need to dance over everything else and gives a glimpse into the struggles and passion of performing artists.
If you have an event or performance you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us.

--This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

*Photo Credit: Photos by Paul Kolnick

A Color Purple was presented by Broadway Across America at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indy and I was on hand to check it out. Based on Alice Walker’s novel, the musical follows the life of Celie (Kenita R. Miller) an uneducated, and abused, girl-turned-woman, whose experiences earn her the love and admiration of many, including, eventually, her former husband, Mister (Rufus Bonds, Jr.).

With powerful vocals belying her petite size, Miller turns in the strongest performance; threading her way through the production much as her character threads her way through the lives of all who know her. As the lives intertwine throughout time, Celie remains the constant, offering wisdom as needed, a firm hand as required.

Stand-in La Trisa A. Harper, as lanky sister Nettie, complemented Miller’s performance, as the two played off each other’s differences in vocal style and physical size. With such a short amount of time to encompass many decades of living, it’s understandable if you feel something is
skipped over.

The best advice I can give is to read the book or, at least, watch the film before checking out the musical to help meld the gaps.

Also ending the year was the annual holiday tour from Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Conseco Fieldhouse. With new video screens, an updated light/laser show and a rising stage, fans were not disappointed.

Once again performing with the full intent of making sure no one is sleeping, TSO brought the traditional artificial snow, nontraditional holiday tunes and a little extra this go round, playing selections from the newest album Night Castle.

With the October ’09 release, TSO steps away from its well-known Christmas line and gives a new choice for rock opera fans. Also included with the CD is a storybook with excellent illustrations, somewhat like a dream sequence captured by the artist.

Founded in 1996, the group has toured every winter since 1999, announcing at this year’s concert that there will be a spring tour to promote the new music from the 26-track CD. This is great news for those who get a case of withdrawals, waiting for the group’s signature sound, from one Christmas season to the next.

If you have a unique restaurant, event or performance you would like reviewed, contact me at elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I’ll be right here, thinking about Wizards in Winter. Catch Elizabeth on facebook or Twitter.

--This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.