Top Events to Check out in Indy April 2016

There are a few upcoming events in the Indianapolis area to keep on your radar and get tickets for asap. One of these is the show, which I will be checking out Sunday at the 2 p.m. performance, called In The Mood.

A 1940s Big Band musical, will perform for two shows only at Carmel's Palladium. The music of an entire generation and our nation’s veterans.The brassy, singing, dancing and all-American 1940s musical highlights Swing music, Big Band and WWII music and dance.

Perfect for taking grandparents, parents and children to help connect multi generations through live music can open discussion on true historical events and help younger generations understand what the older generations went through to keep freedom for this country.

Included in the show is music by: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the 1940s. Hit songs include Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Tuxedo Junction, Well Git It, On The Sunny Side of the Street, In the Mood and many more.

Venue: The Palladium at The Center for Performing Arts
Day/Date: April 3; 2 pm and 7 pm
Tickets: 317-843-3800 or at TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org.

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Also on the Gotta Go line up is this Saturday night ~ to be spent reviewing Beef and Boards' Guys and Dolls on its opening weekend. Having not seen it before (gasp), it will be fun to watch a story line so popular with no idea which way it will turn. I do know there is gambling and romance. I also noticed the buffet contains numerous gluten-free items on it as well.

Check back early next week for my review ~

Venue: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
Date: March 31 - May 15
Tickets: 317-872-9664 or BeefandBoards.com.

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The Naptown Roller Girls roller derby organization takes to the rink again at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Proving women can take the pain of roller action, the Tornado Sirens and Warning Belles vie for a victory at this family friendly event.

Image/JoanMarcus

Venue: Indiana State Fairgrounds

Date: April 2, 7 p.m.

Tickets: BrownTickets

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Broadway in Indianapolis will have Indy laughing it up again in The Book of Mormon. Returning for an encore performance, plan on the show to sell out quickly so get your tickets immediately or expect to be out of all the fun. Read my review from the original showing in town. I will be on hand to review this go 'round because you simply do not want to miss something this great.

Venue: Old National

Date: April 12 - 17

Tickets: BroadwayinIndianapolis.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.

Restaurant Review: Eddie Merlot's

(LtoR) Prime Ribeye Steak  and Florida Grouper with Citrus Glaze

Having never eaten at any of the Eddie Merlot's, including the one in Indy, (click here for current locations), I decided it was time to accept a long-standing invitation from Joseph Davey, GM and sommelier, to drop in for a restaurant review at Indianapolis' north side location. I knew there wouldn't be an issue with the customer service ~ we are talking about Davey after all. He is well known by customers, employees and industry insiders for his impeccable taste, customer service and attention to details.

That meant I could relax and concentrate more on cuisine, cocktails and wines. Valet service is available upoon arrival. Since great valet service is difficult to find, having customers sing the valet staff's praises without being asked was a five-star endorsement to me.


The restaurant's decor is grand without being pretentious ~ sweeping views of the dining area, French doors leading to outer rooms and a large bar/lounge area. This last detail is relevant to anyone wishing to relax without hearing little ones and preferring to sit in an adults-only section.
Sitting in the lounge, actually right at the bar, enabled me to get a good view of the tables while still being convenient to chat with the bartenders about cocktails. This was particularly of interest to me after judging the recent Northside Nights cocktail competition in which Merlot's took first in their category (Evan Williams) and second overall with Bourbon Blackberry Peppercorn Shrub.
(Note* First place overall went to Late Harvest Kitchen)

Ahi Tuna Wontons

Ahi Tuna Wonton appetizers started the meal and were full of flavor and had great texture compatibility between the tuna, Asian glaze and 'wonton' chip. I can easily see this as a great share-plate with a gal pal after work with salads and drinks in the summer. For a dinner appetizer, it worked very well ~ not heavy, just enough to whet the appetite. Lobster bisque was served, thick and rich, with a large lobster piece for good measure, rather than bits and pieces throughout.

I love salad.
I hate to make salad.
It's that simple.
And...
It's that difficult ~ to find a truly great salad.

Romaine Waldorf Salad

The  Romaine Waldorf Salad (shown is the half order I was served) is worth the drive just for this dish. Simplistic and direct, crisp Granny Smith apple slices, halved grapes, candied pecans and Gorgonzola cheese are served over a Romaine lettuce wedge and drizzled with maple apple cider vinaigrette. I could seriously eat this several times a week.

Merlot's is known for great steaks and the one served was no exception. Bourbon-marinated prime rib eye, cooked to order (medium) perfectly, with French-fried onions and Parmesan truffle fries for me to sample. I actually would like to have seen a smoked paprika aioli dip with the fries just to take it up that extra notch.

The Florida Grouper with citrus glaze was served over spinach and roasted mushrooms. Finding great seafood in the middle of the nation is not always easy so this find was a pleasant surprise. The flaky meat of the fish, accompanied with the acid of the citrus glaze was great. Add in the roasted mushrooms with a slight hint of cayenne, and I was in food heaven. Another dish worth the drive.

Joseph Davey selecting wine

Wines served were St. M Riesling with the seafood and Torres Ibericos' Tempranillo (my new obsession) with the steak.

If you understand that all Rieslings are not sweet (where did that urban legend start, anyway?) then you will thoroughly enjoy the St. M version with seafood. It's crisp without making you pucker, light and refreshing, with a citrus essence about it.

In the wine trend world, Tempranillo is the new pink, which is the new black, which is... oh well, whatever. Try it. It is slightly deep without being too dark in personality, and bold without being cheeky. It works well with steaks, but you can also pair it up with lasagna and other tomato-based foods.

Chocolate pot de creme was served for dessert ~ anything else would have been anti-climatic. The rich flavor and creamy texture was a perfect ending and large enough (easily) for two to share.

Side notes:

If possible, take a look at the wine room ~ great selections at all price points and ask for recommendations from Davey, he is not a wine snob and enjoys chatting with customers.

Another thought I had while there is how perfect a location it would be for a monthly club or wedding rehearsal dinner.

Lastly, I will be returning to check out their Happy Hour for my Girls' Night Out Top 10 List ~ stay tuned for that, or join in on the fun ~

Bottom Line: Eddie Merlot's menu, service and quality ~ under the stewardship of Joseph Davey ~ ranks easily in the upper echelons for great food, client satisfaction and pleasant ambiance in the Indianapolis metro area.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS) or FOX59 Morning News Show. Read Infused, her spirits and wine lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Actors Theatre of Indiana Announces 2012-13 Season

ATI 2012-13 Season

GYPSY

September 7-30

Based on the 1957 memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, this piece debuted on Broadway in 1959 starring the legendary Ethel Merman as Mama Rose, the mother who so desperately wanted her daughter to succeed. Written by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, the score contains such classic songs as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You.”

ROUTE 66

October 26-November 18

Take a dollop of "Grease," mix in some "Pump Boys and Dinettes" and add a generous dose of "Forever Plaid" for the high-octane fun of "Route 66." From the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the '60s, this musical revue features “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits including, “Dead Man's Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and many more.

The Musical of Musicals...The Musical!

February 1-24

With book, music and lyrics by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart. Sometimes one musical is not enough! In this comic Off-Broadway satire of musical theatre genres, the same story, “You Must Pay The Rent”, is told five different ways - each in the distinctive style of a different master of the form...Rodgers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma, South Pacific), Stephen Sondheim (Company, Sweeney Todd), Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly, Mame), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Evita), & Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).

My Fair Lady

May 10-19

May 29-June 9

Based on Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," with book, music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, "My Fair Lady" is triumphant. With "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On The Street Where You Live" and "Get Me To The Church On Time" it's no wonder everyone - not just Henry Higgins - falls in love with Eliza Doolittle. Includes a 10-person cast and dueling pianos for this unique version of a classic.

Tickets, directions and schedule are available at ActorsTheatreofIndiana.org.

Images provided by ATI

Reviews by Elizabeth J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory Announces New Studios

IBC student, Elise Shea                                                          Siggul/VAM Productions 2012

The Indiana Ballet Conservatory announces an open house Fri., July 27, 5 - 7 pm to introduce its new studios located at 849 W. Carmel Drive and allow students to enroll for the fall semester.

All students enrolled in the fall semester will participate in The Nutcracker performed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Tobias Theater in December.

Since opening in 2010, the world-class faculty, consisting of Alyona Yakovleva, Tatiana Pali, Sergey Sergiev and Hailey Agran, has garnered both international attention and hometown support. Each year the number of students has consistently increased. Over the summer semester, IBC tripled the enrollment of its student body.

Students were invited April 25 to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix International NYC Finals, the largest international student ballet scholarship competition in the world. With more than 115 ensembles from America, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland, IBC placed in the top 12 with an ensemble piece created by faculty member, Sergey Sergiev, and danced by senior-level students Sterling Manka, Mark Pecar, and Alex Ray.

Sergiev was named the Outstanding Choreographer at this year's YAGP Indianapolis regional competition, which he received also in 2009 as well as the Choreography Award at the World Ballet Competition in 2010. In 2011, IBC earned the Outstanding School Award, while Yakovleva and Pali both received Outstanding Teacher awards.

The general public is welcome to attend an informal End-of-Summer Gala Friday, July 27, 7 pm at the new studios. There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged. 

For open house and 2012-13 enrollment information, visit IndianaBalletConservatory.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Tarkington Theater Announces Free Events and Grand Opening

Tarkington Theater Opens

with Free July Previews

Carmel (July 8, 2011) – The Center for the Performing Arts has finalized plans for the Tarkington Theater’s month-long preview celebration. The July performances culminate with a special red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce, the Center’s artistic director Michael Feinstein, American Ballet Theatre dancers and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition.

To attend the free previews, guests are required to request seats by calling the box office at 317-843-3800. Seating is limited. All performances will be offered in the Tarkington Theater, which is located across the Green from the Palladium (Third Avenue SW & City Center Drive).

In addition to the July preview performances, the Center is hosting Kids Day on July 30. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony and Open House is July 31. Both days will feature free performances on the Tarkington Theater stage.

The opening celebration culminates with the red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Michael Feinstein and Broadway star David Hyde Pierce. The Red-Carpet Curtain Raising concert on August 6 is the only paid performance in the lineup. Purchase tickets for the Red-Carpet Curtain Raising at the Palladium box office, One Center Green, by phone at 317-843-3800 or online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org

Michael Feinstein                                           Photo Credit: A J Mast

Preview and Grand Opening Events

Dance Kaleidoscope (July 15)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Celebrating 40 years in Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope is Indiana’s premiere professional dance company. Under artistic director David Hochoy’s lead for 20 years, DK’s mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through the experience of outstanding contemporary dance. At the Tarkington, DK will perform “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Taking Care of Business.” They will perform at IRT July 21-24 and at the Sweet Pea Festival in Montana on August 7.

Anita Hall & Everett Greene (July 19)

7:30 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

One of the most sought-after performers on the Island scene, Anita recently left her Hawaii home of 22 years and returned to her birth place of Indianapolis. Anita has shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock and Michael McDonald. Everett Greene has traveled around the world, performing with notables such as James Moody, Larry Ridley and the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra. He also toured and sang with The Count Bassie Orchestra. Everett was inducted into the Indiana Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005.

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (July 21)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is a professional contemporary dance ensemble and company dedicated to the exploration and presentation of thought-provoking issues. With the ability of dance to transcend the barriers that divide our world, they strive to enlighten, educate and entertain audiences of all ages. GHDT presents four repertoire concerts each season. It is a resident company at the Tarkington Theater and will begin its 13th season performing at the new venue in October.

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures film screening (July 26)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit arts organization, seeks to promote positive change in people’s lives through the transformative power of film. Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films from around the world. Heartland is also dedicated to cultivating youth and providing innovative educational programs to enrich the minds and lives of aspiring filmmakers.

International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (July 28)

7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required

The mission of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis is to recognize, reward and promote the world’s finest young classical violinists and encourage understanding, appreciation and support of the violin repertoire by a large and diverse audience. The IVCI utilizes its world prominence to bring international attention to Indianapolis, and maintains its efforts to be a visible and collaborative member of the arts communities in Indianapolis and Indiana.

Kids Day (July 30)

FREE / No reservations

1 to 6 p.m. - Family-friendly events and performances on the Tarkington Theater stage by Radio Disney, Iibada Dance Company, International Talent Academy, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and CYT. 

Open House (July 31)

FREE / No reservations

1 p.m. – Ribbon cutting. Remarks by Steven B. Libman, Mayor Jim Brainard and architect Stephen Sturtz.

2 - 5 p.m. – Open House featuring performances by Duke Tumatoe (2 p.m.), Carmel Repertory Theatre (2:30 p.m.), Indy Irish Dancers (3 p.m.), Indiana University Summer Concert Band (4 p.m.), Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre (5 p.m.) and Actors Theatre of Indiana (5:30 p.m.)

Red Carpet Curtain Raising (August 6)

PAID / Tickets required

5:30 p.m. - The opening night will feature artistic director Michael Feinstein performing Frank Sinatra hits. Feinstein will be joined by Tony Award-winning Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce. Additional entertainment includes dancers from American Ballet Theatre and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition. Guests will be greeted with a cocktail reception with food stations throughout the evening. Plans include an after party entertainment lineup and dancing. Limited seating is available via advanced paid reservations. For details, call the box office at 317-843-3800 or purchase online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org.

The Center for the Performing Arts, which is currently under construction in Carmel City Center, will include the Palladium concert hall, the Tarkington proscenium theater and the 200-seat Studio Theater. The Palladium will also be home to Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Collection, acting as a museum and education center by day and a concert venue by night.

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 @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.

Actors Theatre of Indiana: Chicago the Musical

Actors Theatre of Indiana has opened Chicago the Musical, in its new home at The Studio Theater, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel.
The 1997 Tony Award-winning production, which runs through May 22, is always popular and well suited to a large or small stage. Directed by Judy Fitzgerald, this version has the musical quartet to the side of the stage but still involved with the show.

Readers of Gotta Go will be pleased to find familiar names in this show, including Beef And Boards regulars, such as Destination Actor J. Vessels (Smoke on the Mountain) portraying Mary Sunshine, Paul Hansen (Spelling Bee) as Amos Hart, Kenny Shepard (Wizard of Oz), and Sally Scharbrough (Hairspray).

Paul Hansen as Amos Hart

Holly Stults portrays murderess Velma Kelly with a solid vocal and dance performance, while Cynthia Collins turns in an equally solid Roxie Hart. Kelly and Hart want to be stars in the worst way possible, and are willing to murder anyone who gets in their way. When their crimes land them in prison, they opt for Razzle Dazzle lawyer, Billy Flynn, portrayed by Bradley Reynolds.

The entire cast blends well and there is obvious enjoyment by all as they work All That Jazz. Stepping into this week's Gotta Go spotlight is Paul Hansen as Amos Hart, Roxie's pathetically optimistic husband. Hansen's Mr. Cellophane is the perfect combination of dejection and acceptance at his lot in life. Throughout the show his character sublimely continues to hope that Roxie isn't the conniving self-absorbed wrench she actually is and is still his blushing bride.

The spotlight also shines brightly on Reynolds, Collins, Vessels and company in the delightfully twisted We Both Reached for the Gun. Admitting he is the puppet master, Flynn explains to Roxie how she needs to simply say whatever he tells her and the newspaper reporters will mimic the sentiments. The acknowledgment of his powers of influence are demonstrated perfectly in this favorite song and dance number.

A special note regarding Scharbrough who plays Murderess Annie. I have followed her career over the past four years and believe she has now evolved from the innocent characters and is ready to handle a vixen or tough role, perhaps even Chicago's Velma Kelly. It's wonderful to see her develop her abilities and look forward to seeing her handle stronger roles in the future.

Bottom Line: ATI's Chicago blends strong choreography, vocals and seasoned performers for the first show in its new home.

Photos: Julie Curry Photography

 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 or email her at elizabeth@gottago.us.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.