Ticket Giveaway: Broadway in Indianapolis' Sound of Music

Ben Davis as Captain Georg von Trapp

Sound of Music is an American classic providing childhood memories for millions of children nationwide. Thanks to Broadway in Indianapolis, I am giving away two tickets to opening night, Tuesday, January 10, 2017. The show (which is looking to be a sell out all nights) will be performed at Old National Centre.

Check back to this site for a full review on Indiana native Ben Davis as Captain Georg von Trapp, and the entire cast.

HOW TO WIN

To win, simply share this link on your FB page and state your favorite part of Sound of Music. It could be a character, a song, or even a memory. I will check Sunday night at 9 p.m. on all who have shared the link. Whoever generates the most shares of the link from their FB page, WINS!

I will contact you via FB message with details on receiving your tickets.

Ready, Set, Share ~

Images: Matthew Murphy
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 Indianapolis 2013-2014 Season Gets Wicked with Ghost, Flashdance and Mormons

BroadwayInIndianapolis.com brings fresh shows and a (now) classic favorite to the 2013-2014 season. Check back to GottaGo.us for reviews of each of the shows or catch them on WIBC Saturday mornings.

2013-2014 SEASON

FLASHDANCE
October 1-6, 2013
*Clowes Hall
FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. It features the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll."

WICKED
November 13-December 1, 2013

*Old National Centre
Back by "Popular" demand. Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon,” and when it last played Indianapolis in 2011, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the story of  long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete - and completely satisfying - new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

GHOST THE MUSICAL
March 4-9, 2014
*Old National Centre
Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie GHOST in a brand-new Broadway musical. GHOST THE MUSICAL follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

MEMPHIS
April 1-6, 2014

*Clowes Hall
From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, comes a hot new four-time Tony winning Broadway musical with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
May 13-18, 2014

*Clowes Hall
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
June 17-22, 2014

*Old National Centre
THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, “South Park.” Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s
Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

For more information visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

The Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro Live at Murat Theatre

Who: Buddy Valastro Live: The Cake Boss

What: Homemade for the Holidays Tour

Where: Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

When: Wednesday, December 5 · 7:30 p.m.

Website: LiveNation.com

*Press release*

Candy canes, carols, and the Cake Boss! Celebrate the holidays this season with America’s favorite baker, Buddy Valastro, at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana on Wednesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. at livenation.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Old National Centre box office. Reserved tickets are $47.50, $37.50 and $24.75 plus applicable service charges. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $85.00 which includes a post-show meet and greet, Cake Boss tour laminate, and special holiday surprise.

Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” brings a special live holiday show the entire family will enjoy. Sharing the holiday traditions and stories from his family at Carlo’s Bakery, Buddy presents an all-new show full of holiday spirit and jingle bell rock. Demonstrating the techniques that have made him the most famous cake artist in the country, Buddy will share behind-the-scenes stories from his hit TV show, answer audience questions, and will bring several lucky members of the audience up on stage for cupcake and cake decorating.

One of the centerpiece shows of the TLC network, a 5th season of “Cake Boss” began airing on Memorial Day. Viewers continue to celebrate the mouthwatering desserts and not-to-be-missed Valastro family moments occurring in bustling Hoboken, NJ, home of Carlo’s Bakery, which celebrates its 102nd anniversary this summer. In addition, Buddy’s second TV series on TLC “Next Great Baker” launches a new season on November 26th.

In late 2011, Buddy’s released his second book with Simon & Schuster. In “Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy’s Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets,” Buddy shares everything a home cook needs to know about baking as he takes readers through the same progressive training he had in his apprenticeship at Carlo’s Bakery. A new book is set for release in November 2012 (details forthcoming).

The Homemade for the Holidays Tour is produced by Mills Entertainment based in Saratoga Springs, NY. An industry leader in alternative and branded live entertainment, Mills produces, promotes and manages shows throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. For more information, visit millsentertainment.com.

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

Theater Review: Broadway Across America Fiddler on the Roof

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For tickets, schedule and information, visit OldNationalCentre.com

Photo credit: Carol Rosegg

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

Broadway Across America: Jersey Boys

If you are fortunate enough to review theater long enough you will come across performances which sail above the majority. I have been that fortunate, on a few occasions, to witness the short list of shows setting a standard to which others strive to match.

Broadway Across America's Jersey Boys is one of those shining stars. Four boys from the wrong side of Newark (is there a right side?) Walk Like a Man onstage at The Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey St., through July 3. The Tony and Grammy award-winning show hits every note and every emotion at full throttle and with an Italian sledge-hammer intensity.
In the gritty New Jersey jungle where you, "Join the Army, get mobbed up or become a star," four street thugs scratch, bribe and threaten their way up the ladder of pop idol stardom. Golden egg and falsetto-voiced teenager Francis Castelluccio-Frankie Valli (Joseph Leo Bwarie) becomes lead singer for the ever-turbulent band which eventually settles on the name The Four Seasons. Other members of the group include bad boy Tommy DeVito (Matt Bailey), neurotic, brooding Nick Massi (Steve Gouveia) and songwriting child prodigy Bob Gaudio.
With a street-tough stage and an in-your-face approach, the audience is delivered a documentary musical ripe with behind-the-scenes juicy details including, prostitutes, failed marriages, fights, jail time, blood, booze, certain Italian affiliations and loan sharks...kind of like a mob movie, complete with Joe Pesci, set to amazing music.
Shed your rose-coloured, dreamy pop icon glasses at the door, folks, 'cuz this ain't no group of Catholic choir boys. These almost-wise guys have each others' backs, secrets and loyalty. Their rise to fame was no walk in the park.
Each of the four members takes a metaphoric season giving a blow-by-blow account interjected with several of the 29 No. 1 hits. Belting out the songs (Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man) in rapid-fire, concert-style succession, gives definition to the lyrics' origins, including Oh What a Night, about Gaudio's loss of virginity.

Swearing like, well, guys from Jersey, the finger-snapping, dapper-dressed, well-choreographed group lays it all out there...judge them and take a chance on their wrath, because they are not ashamed. Like them or not, they are who they are...American born and American proud. Rising to fame and fortune was not easy and they earned every penny.
Selling 175 million albums, the Hall of Fame inductees parted ways when financial disaster, through De Vito's gambling mishaps, was brought to light...by the loan sharks. After pledging to the mob that he would pay back every penny owed by his Jersey buddy, Valli, along with Gaudio, continued on with touring. Massi departed from the group at that time, citing a need to be home with his family.
The show's final 'season' was narrated by Valli's account of going solo. Always the idealists, Gaudio and Valli continue their handshake partnership, dividing all monies gained through solo ventures, remaining best friends to this day.
Whether over, or under, the appropriate age to remember this group's rise to fame, chances are you know the music, lyrics and songs. Although not as great as the real thing, this version of Valli and the Four Seasons is as close as you could hope to find.
As a writer, you may find it strange when I say there are not enough words in Mr. Webster's dictionary to explain the phenomenon going on at The Murat Theatre, so I will put it succinctly.

Bottom Line: DO. NOT. MISS. Jersey Boys...for any reason. Lie, cheat, steal...whatever it takes...Jersey Boys is the one you do not want to miss for the 2009-10 season.
For tickets and information, visit http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/shows/jerseyBoys.html

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, theater critic, and travel writer. You can now follow her on facebook and catch her as Indy's Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, festivals, events, theater, and films.

**This column appears in its entirety, or in an edited version, in the following newspapers:
South Sider Voice, West Side Community News, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times-Reporter, Fortville-McCordsville Reporter, New Palenstine Reporter