A Chirstmas Carol

Disney’s A Christmas Carol 3-D opens the holiday season with a timeless classic tale. Jim Carrey tops the list of voices used for this Robert Zemeckis film. Using the same technique as in The Polar Express, A Christmas Carol is a slightly darker, more realistic movie version of the Charles Dickens story than those in recent years.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Carrey) is the penny-pinching, blackhearted soul who must learn the lessons of humanity and kindness through the visits of three ghosts, also portrayed by Carrey. Colin Firth gives voice to Scrooge’s nephew Fred, and Gary Oldman takes the part of Bob Cratchit,
the lowly employee of Scrooge’s counting house.

With slight differences, such as the Ghost of Christmas Present being returned to the original candle apparition, the movie stays along familiar lines. Audience members under the legal age seemed to enjoy it, with a few preschool-age tots a little scared of this version. Nothing a box of Milk Duds couldn’t solve, though.

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

The Indiana Ballet Company: Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera was performed this past weekend at the Madame Walker Theatre by The Indiana Ballet Company. Converting Phantom to a ballet production was an interesting concept, and accepting the invitation, I was sitting dead center.
The love triangle between Christine (Tuesday Mayhew), Raoul, Ballet Master (Ogulcan Borova) and Phantom (Sergey Sersiev) begins in Act I with only Christine aware of the masked one’s presence. Unable to resist his charm, a spell is cast upon her, causing confusion for Raoul, who cannot understand the power of the Phantom. In a moment of weakness, Phantom allows Christine to remove his mask, horrifying her by the sight of his disfigurement, and she runs.
In Act II, the three principals dance through a Spanish Masquerade Ball, and Phantom declares his love for Christine. Making her decision to stay with the Phantom, the ballerina is left alone as
Phantom vanishes, unable to face his fear of love, leaving behind only his mask and cape.

Powerful and moving are the best descriptors to this switch in the familiar story. Sersiev wraps the Phantom character in his own cape of dark sensuality. Watching him dance is an intense assault of the senses, holding your attention raptly, breathlessly waiting for his next move. Able to sense his vulnerability, fear and desire, the audience members are left feeling awakened in their own frailties.

Alyona Yakovleva, IBC’s founding director, has set a mission for the classically trained company to connect with the Indy community, with each of its artists living and working in Indiana, year round.
Nutcracker will be the next venture for the company on December 11 and 12 at the Madame Walker Theatre.
Photos: Polina Pesherov
This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Theater Review: Phoenix Theatre: Shipwrecked!

At the corners of St. Clair and Park, tucked in among beautiful homes, sits a former church cloaking The Phoenix Theatre. Currently on stage is Shipwrecked! An Entertainment through November 8.

Goad as Louis de Rougemont

Casting Indy’s theater-pillar Charles Goad (The Fantasticks, The Merchant of Venice, A Christmas Carol) was more than enough reason for me to accept a review invitation.

For whatever reason, although normally known for its edgy, adult-themed productions, Phoenix has granted Indy with a monumental performance which is G-rated.

Don’t ask why, simply enjoy.

When they decide to offer a family-friendly production, they do it up right.

Another of my local favorites, Eddie Curry (The Producers, Don’t Dress for Dinner) portrays almost two dozen characters throughout the show proving his multi-tiered talent works on stages south of the pyramids. I had long fostered that particular hope and am pleased to see the fruition of my prayers.

Charles Goad and Eddie Curry

Using the less-is-more theory, the almost one-man show revolves around the story of a man who lives to tell about his exciting adventures on the high seas. Some step up to discredit him, but he holds tight to his story, giving the audience that last chance to believe in him.

There are not enough superlatives to honor the quality of actor portraying the lead character, Louis de Rougemont. Goad represents the best of the best in live theater and it is, as always with this gentleman, pure joy to watch him in action.

If you have never basked in the glow of the talent which is Charles Goad, then here’s your chance --- Don’t botch it.

Bottom Line: Whether you need to beg, borrow or empty your nephew’s piggy bank, get the fifteen Georges together for a ticket to this show. The immense satisfaction of money well spent will be your just reward. Shipwrecked! is quite clearly one of this year’s best values and should be required viewing for every school age child in the metropolitan area.

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.

My Little Baby's All Grown Up, and Getting Married

Looking as if she had just stepped off a wedding cake, my lovely daughter, Britani Nicole, floated down the aisle this weekend into the arms of her prince, Simon, standing at the altar. When your baby has found The One, you know your own life is changed forever.

Held at Community Church of Greenwood, the small, intimate affair had a dreamy effect through the use of candlelight and plum calla lilies. My princess’ gown with rum-pink bead work gently sprinkled across it and the handmade veil were reminiscent of a bygone era. Her dark tresses were curled and flowed gracefully down her back. Certainly, Walt Disney has never created for his films a princess as beautiful as mine.

I attempted, before the ceremony, to describe to her in a mother-daughter moment, how much love I felt for her and found it ironic that as someone who writes weekly about strangers, I could not find the right words for this so-personal situation. I hope she understood my heart’s meaning, anyway.

I was honored, and humbled, by my child’s request that I walk her down the aisle. I now know how a dad feels when walking the last walk with your little girl. It was over so quickly, and yet memories of her childhood were able to race through my mind at a lightning speed.

Arriving into this world in 20 minutes flat, the 9-pound, 12-ounce bald baby let me know right away I would for- ever be twisted around her long elegant finger. With memories of stitches from a bike fall, dead pets (hermit crab), the American Girl sleeping bag incident, science projects, PTO meetings, talent contests, proms, boyfriends, moving to college, and now the wedding flooding my thoughts, I was overwhelmed with a bitter sweetness. Would I be on the sidelines now, forever watching from the bleachers as she steps boldly, as she always does, into her new life? Were these steps down the aisle the last steps I would take with her?
She smiled at me as she started to leave after the reception, and that smile said it all. “The last step in my life? Not likely, Mom. You are stuck with me, and we are just getting started with the really good stuff.”

So I know that although she has moved far away physically, she will always be right here with me. And one day, Princess Britani will contact me via her cell phone, announcing through an ultrasound photo, that she will be giving me a grandchild. Until then, I will be content to know that God chose me, and no one else, to be her mother and share this joyous ride of her life.

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.

Inglorious Basterds

In movie theaters now is Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. Well known as both a writer and a director, Tarantino makes this movie one of his finest. For those not in the know, he also gave us Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004), creating his own genre of comedy and gore. Would that be goromedy?

Always surprising us, QT’s choice for front man, Lt. Aldo Raine, is A-lister Brad Pitt, who reveled in his role as the leader of the American Jews sent to brutally kill 100 Nazis per team member. Not since Burn After Reading (2008) has he seemed to so thoroughly enjoy himself on the screen. Who else could bring laughter from the audience with various wisecracks, while practicing the fine art of forehead carving?

Tarantino’s genius, perhaps, lies in casting the perfect actor for each role, and then allowing each to do what he or she does best. He gives them permission to go over the top to become almost a caricature of the characters they are to portray.

And then they kill somebody. Violently.

Pitt’s portrayal as the Tennessean sent to kick Nazi butts was not the hit of the movie, though. Surprised? You’re not the only one.

Christoph Waltz as Colonel Hans Landa

There was a breakout star of the movie. How many actors can say that they stole a film from the king of Hollywood?

Christoph Waltz can. Turning in the No. 1 performance of the movie, Waltz portrays Colonel Hans Landa, the deliciously evil, and yet somehow, oddly charming, egomaniacal Nazi who hunts down Jews. Hailing from Vienna, Austria, Waltz is virtually still an unknown in America. But not for long.

Winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival this year for Basterds, Waltz appears to be a sure bet for the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Oscars. Not the typical SS officer, the eloquent Landa is crazy like a fox, with a self-indulgent attitude willing to do anything to catch what he terms repulsive rats. The opening scene sets the pace and tone of the movie, with Landa quietly and methodically coercing a French farmer into revealing exactly where he has stashed a Jewish family. Then has his men open fire, naturally; it’s his job.

Diane Kruger as Bridget von Hammersmark

The rest of the movie is a bit surprising here and there, dubbed as a fantasy-historical film. The plot basically is about the one family member who escaped, planning revenge and simultaneously, some espionage is worked in while a German hero falls for the escaped Jewish girl.

Confused?

They throw in subtitles, too. Not to worry, though; it actually runs smoothly.

Not addressed in the movie were the inhumane and vicious atrocities endured by the victims of the Nazis. Perhaps Tarantino credits his audience with the intelligence to remember those facts concerning WWII. Disregarding the final events of the war, as played out in history, the flick resembles a young boy’s fantasy of, “Wouldn’t it be nice if this is what really happened?”

Bottom Line: Plan on hearing about this movie, and Christoph Waltz, for a long time, and consider both already on the list of Golden Globe and Academy Award nominees.

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.

Restaurant Review: N'awlins Creole Cafe'

Photo by N'awlins Creole Cafe'

I was invited to test the newest eatery in the area, N'awlins Creole Café, 1118 N. State Road 267, in Avon. Opening just a week or so, ago, the café is already showing a promising start. Owners Brian and Jeri are originally from the pelican state and have run a catering business prior to opening the restaurant.

Tasting several items from the menu, I am happy to report that it is not only possible to get authentic Creole cuisine in the Indy area, it is also possible to do so without breaking the bank. The catfish was flaky and moist, the breading even and not too thick. The shrimp Po Boy sandwich was stacked high with the little guys and dressed as it’s done in New Orleans – mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.

The jambalaya was as good as it can get this far north. The spices were noticeable without overpowering the traditional chicken, smoked sausage, and for an extra buck, shrimp. All seafood is brought in from Louisiana. was also tipped to the fact that crawfish is only good in the months with the letter “R” in it…which means no crawfish until September.

The gumbo file was a hearty soup delicious in its combination of shrimp and spices. The side dishes, Cajun corn, and red beans and rice, were hot and delicious. Future plans are for wine and beer to be added to the menu, but for right now, soft drinks are available. The décor was reminiscent of the former occupant, a coffee shop, and there is Dixie music in the air.

Outdoor seating is available, as are catering and delivery options. I have been invited back to check out the lunch menu. That sounds like a great idea, since I want to try the pralines from the dessert menu. The prices are reasonable and the steady stream of customers gives the distinct impression that this eatery has a very bright future.
T:  (317) 272-1077; Website: Nawlinscreolecafe.com Address: 1118 N State Road 267, Avon, IN
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.

Fair Food 2009

It’s that marvelous, wonderful time of the year again – state and county fair time. The 4-H projects are turned in for judging, ribbons are distributed and displayed, rides are bolted together and, best of all, concession booths start selling fair food.

Fair Food Time!

Fair food is in a food group all its own and probably not on the nutritional food pyramid. Much of it started as real food, and then metamorphosed into junk food on steroids. Noir movie director Tim Burton couldn’t come up with the weird extremes which have been taken with once reasonably edible stuff. Nothing is too
far out, nothing is off limits, and anything healthy can, and will, be turned into the sinful delights we dream
about the rest of the year.

So what’s out there? The common pineapple whip ice cream, corn dogs and walking tacos have been upstaged by the truly weird. First, the Snickers candy bar was deep fried, then Oreos, then Twinkies...

OK, here’s the list of food gone crazy at the fairs which I have heard about, seen in person or actually eaten.
First, the kabob items, because at fairs, if the food item isn’t drowned in a vat of hot oil, it’s skewered, right?

Salad on a stick

Salad on a stick – someone figured out how to put lettuce on a skewer. Healthier, true, but where do the croutons fit into this picture? Pineapple spears, Carmellows, caramel-covered marshmallows, and cheesecake
wedges are now on sticks. The newest kabobs to hit the circuit are chocolate-covered peanut butter rounds, chocolate-covered Key Lime pie and frozen s’mores. The last item is, of course, drizzled with chocolate, caramel or other sweet toppings.

Pretzel rods are being dipped in chocolate or caramel, fish are in tacos and mashed-potato martinis are hitting the midway this year.

What’s being batter-dipped and deep-fried? Frog legs, banana pudding wraps and Pop Tarts. Hot dogs are now being wrapped in a zucchini skin, deep fried and called, what else, zucchini weenie. Say that three
times fast.

Deep-fried chocolate-covered strawberry

Chocolate-covered bacon is also deep fried now, as are Jelly Belly jelly beans, Spam, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese-filled sausages, Tootsie Rolls, alligator meat, Pepsi, Coke and, drum roll please, White Castle hamburgers. Yep, the little square guys are battered and oiled up for a fast-track heart attack.

The healthier fare being given the royal-oil treatment are strawberries, pineapple and bananas. Avocados, carrots and green beans have not entered the concession zone, as far as I know. However, there’s always next year.

If you have a favorite fair food, share it with me by emailing a note to elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I will be right here, figuring out how to deep fry cotton candy.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Beef and Boards: Annie

With reports of the recession filling the newspapers and airwaves with disheartening information, it’s nice to get a shot of optimism. Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 N. Michigan Street, provides just that in the form of Annie. Everyone’s favorite orphan needs no explanation or introduction, unless you have been out of the loop since its conception in the funny pages.

Just in case, a little history. Little Orphan Annie, created by Harold Gray, first appeared in 1924. The character’s name was fashioned after Indiana’s own James Whitcomb Riley’s poem Little Orphant Annie. The Broadway version won seven Tony Awards. The movie version starred Albert Finney, Carol Burnett and Aileen Quinn playing the little redheaded orphan.

Following a contest with the winner being chosen American Idol-style, the title character was portrayed by Kara Oates. Oates put forth a performance of sweetness backed up by two fists of feistiness. The best song performed by this pint-sized lead was Maybe, followed by her performance with the rest of the orphans singing It’s the Hard-Knock Life.
Ty Stover turned in a strong performance as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, with his best time in the spotlight occurring with his interactions with Annie. Last seen in this role in 2002, Stover most recently portrayed Old Deuteronomy in B&B’s Cats. Proving his talents are more than just his soothing baritone voice, Stover bared his gentler, sensitive side in this musical. Nice touch; keeps the audience on its toes in regard to this actor’s untapped abilities. These two vastly different performances of Stover’s garner even more of my respect and creates a wish to see him in more complicated roles in the future.

Miss Hannigan, played well by Cynthia Collins, connects solidly with Jeff Stockberger as Rooster. Easy Street was nicely done, with help from Carol Worcell as Lily St. Regis.

Kenny Shepard once again proved his worth by taking on numerous roles throughout the show, including emcee beforehand. Shepard’s characters were each a complete transformation from the prior, including mannerisms, voice and costume.

Had he spent even one instant longer on stage than he did, John Vessels would have completely snatched the thunder away from every other cast member. Known in Indianapolis for his work as the good Reverend Oglethorpe in the packed-house Smoke on the Mountain saga, Vessels upstages the rest of the cast with his perfectly-timed deadpan style. Setting the bar higher for the rest, while portraying the valued butler Drake, as well as radio announcer Bert Healy, Vessels got the most reaction from audience members and steps into this week’s Gotta Go spotlight’s high beam. The only error made in regard to Vessels is director Eddie Curry not using him onstage far more.
Bottom Line: B&B has put forth the classic, Annie, in such a way that it should become an annual tradition for the entire family.

If you have an event, restaurant or festival you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to commnews@in-motion.net or call 241-7363. Me, I will be right here just thinking about Tomorrow.

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

*Send requests to Elizabeth@gottago.us.
*Photos courtesy of www.juliecurryphotography.com
*Visit www.beefandboards.com for tickets, show times, and details.

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

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Gala

Every kingdom has its so-called royal class, and Indy is no exception. Friday evening proved it as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway royalty came out to play. IMS held its Gala Extraordinaire at the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center for the kings and queens of the brickyard. Helmets and jumpsuits were exchanged for tuxes and evening gowns as the elite came forth to share in the Centennial event for the Speedway.

All three four-time champions, Rick Mears, A.J. Foyt and Al Unser, Sr., were on hand for the festivities. King Foyt took in stride the friendly harassment for not wearing a tux and bow tie, commenting that he couldn’t afford one. We should take up a donation, shouldn’t we?

The Thomas Kinkades were also on hand to unveil the masterwork which will grace the cover of the 2009 Indy 500 official program. Conversing with the painter gave this lady a little thrill as a fan of many years. He and wife Nanette, who was wearing a gorgeous red gown, shared a tidbit to keep in mind.

Known for placing the letter “N” in every painting for his wife, Kinkade inserted two on this painting. You will have to look hard for them, because I am not telling where they are located. Sorry, I like a little secret; don’t you?

What fabulous foods were devoured by all? Although the appetizers of melon and prosciutto were scrumptious, and the entrée of macadamia-crusted chicken was tender and delicious, nothing and no one could take the spotlight away from the dessert; my apologies to Mr. Wayne Newton.

Dear God, when I die, please allow me to come back as this showstopper dessert. A replica of the IMS Pagoda created entirely from chocolate and cheesecake. That, ladies and gentlemen, is heaven on earth. A tower of fudge brownie, cappuccino cheesecake, chocolate tiles and Chambord (raspberry liqueur) chocolate cake represented well the famous Pagoda of the Brickyard. Until I nibbled off the roof and gobbled the foundation, that is.

Hey, what’s a girl to do when faced with a plate of sinful decadence?

Exactly. I do all the hard work for you, don’t I? I am not sure which catering company erected that tower of temptation, but I want them at all of my soirees.

If you have questions or comments, e-mail me at Elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I’ll be right here, trying to figure out where to get one of those cool commemorative jackets.

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

Review: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco

Running off to join the circus has always been a little fantasy of mine. Having just seen Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco at Conseco Fieldhouse, makes me ponder...what if?

Living in a caravan, traveling by starlight, performing under the big top...that is a fantasy. Nowadays two to four semitrailers of equipment, props and costumes is the way they roll. And traveling by caravan is also a thing of the past. Jet-setting is more like it in the modern world, folks. Nothing slow like a wagon or even a bus driving through the night for these athletic performers.

They finish their final performance and are whisked off to a charter plane to fly to the next location  before their gear arrives. Artistic Director, Adam Miller, was kind enough to sit with me and explain some facts of life in the circus. Translation: he took off my rose-colored glasses, showed me the man behind the curtain and corrected all misconceptions.

So if they don’t have bearded ladies, sawdust floors or caravans anymore, what do they have?

Athletes. Lots and lots of athletes.

And they don’t travel alone. The 50 performers are accompanied by a support and administrative team of 40. Payroll clerks, equipment techs, choreographers and even nutritionists.

Yes, I said nutritionists.

When you are an acrobat on a trapeze, a high-wire walker or Chinese pole performer, you need to be in peak physical condition. That includes eating a balanced diet. I did not see one single Twinkie or Girl Scout cookie sitting around--I looked.

Bottom  Line: Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco is a fantastic display of human athleticism and showmanship. I was fortunate to see Cirque du Soleil Jungle Fantasy when it was in town and I certainly look forward to the next Cirque du Soleil to come to our wonderful city. It is worth the ticket price, and is an experience you and your kids will cherish for a lifetime.

Photo Credit: Submitted by Cirque du Soleil

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.