The Cabaret at The Columbia Club: Lauren Cregor

Chestnut-tressed triple-threat Lauren Cregor blew in breezily from New York to land, ever so sweetly, onstage at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club Friday evening. The singer-songwriter, pianist and composer returned home for a heartwarming engagement in the glow of her family and friends' admiration and love.

Starting the show with the sassy, smart Let's Not Be Friends, Cregor scooped up the members of the audience and kept them in the pocket over her heart the entire evening.

Second selection The Lover was a stop-and-start whimsical number giving a glimpse into the creative brilliance that is Lauren Cregor.

Playing Indianapolis was a reunion for Cregor, graduate of Cathedral High School and Indiana University. Surrounded by friends, family, including her grandmother, the feisty, Italian-infused songbird opened her warmth to the crowd, winning their attention, applause and loyalty.

Marina, written about, and sung to her 92-year-old grandmother, sitting at the table next to this critic, stopped time in the Columbia Club.

One of those goose bump, surreal moments which come along all too rarely. Not one glass clinked, no silver dropped, as we all watched and listened with rapt attention to every syllable and chord rejoicing the love for her cherished grandmother.
From the first words, I'm going home...to the last, I'll always stay...Cregor enveloped us and took us on a journey of innocence and lullabies…a magic carpet ride of deep-rooted respect, love and happiness. We didn't want to land...and we didn't.

The well-deserved standing ovation didn't end the warm feelings among the audience members. Lingering in the Crystal Terrace afterward to meet the lovely singer, well-wishers spoke of her great talent and great love of life.

Shannon Forsell, The Cabaret director, and powerful singer in her own right, joined the Indiana native onstage more than once, re-enforcing that her own talent can be enjoyed solo or as a trio.

Third of the trio was local talent Dave Ruark. Known most-notably for his comedic brilliance at Comedysportz, Ruark also wows audiences at the American Cabaret Theatre, The Civic Theatre and The Phoenix Theatre as a dramatic actor and singer.

Bottom Line: Lauren Cregor makes time stand still with her lyrics, powerful vocals and sincere warmth which originates from somewhere deep within her soul and familial roots.

If you have a performance or event you would like reviewed, e-mail me at Elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I’ll be right here, enjoying one last flute of champagne…what’s cabaret without the bubbly?

This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.
*All photos courtesy of Mark A. Lee, Great Exposure
www.greatexposure.net

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

Daphne Willis

Being asked to review musical talent is always a pleasure. Alas, I do not have enough column space to write about all the CDs sent me. However, coming to The Rathskeller April 29 is a new musical obsession of mine I would like you to get to know.
If a miracle had occurred and a love child was created by Joni Mitchell, a sober Janis Joplin and fellow-Chicagoan Rikki Lee Jones, her name would be Daphne Willis.
Willis has released What to Say through Vanguard Records. Producing a folksy/ bluesy/Caribbean sound, I was surprised to find this was Willis’ debut album. The singer-songwriter has a laid-back smooth sound which lends itself to either great background music or listen-to-and-discuss music, depending on the track chosen and the mood you’re in at the moment.
The listener is tricked into believing they are hearing a world-weary older singer when in truth Willis is a fresh-faced twenty-something with a positive, enthusiastic approach to life. Perhaps Willis is an old spirit in a college student’s physical form; however, she delivers the veteran-style goods especially with Everybody Else, Love and Hate and slowed-down Pulled Tight.
I sat down with Willis while she was performing in town recently and was impressed by her professionalism and quality of live sound.
Plucked from anonymity in an unusual way, Willis’ talent was discovered by Welk Music Group president Kevin Welk during a flight as he listened to American Airlines’ piped-in music. This proved to be a lucky break for her and us.

Bottom Line: You’re best bet is to catch this remarkable talent right away so you can keep track of her almost certain journey to becoming a household name.

If you have an event or performance you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to Elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I will right here, wondering whatever happened to Rikki Lee Jones…

*Photo credits: Laura Crosta

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

The Phoenix Theatre: Yankee Tavern

The difference between art and entertainment, according to my former professor of theater appreciation, is that art broadens your thinking, entertainment merely amuses you. Others have likened it to the difference between healthy and junk foods.

I believe both are correct and would like to state that sometimes a spoonful of sugar truly does help the medicine go down. Mine comes in the form of Jessica's Magic Cookie Bars at The Phoenix Theatre's snack bar. Purchasing a couple of her baked goods is an absolute must for every one attending a performance at Indy's off-Broadway theater. Hey, we all support the arts however we are able, and the proceeds benefit the theater.

Yankee Tavern, another Stephen Dietz play, opened at Phoenix, 749 N. Park Avenue. You will remember my fondness for IRT's version of Dietz' Becky's New Car. This piece is set in a NYC tavern near Ground Zero, post 9/11.

Bar regular Ray, who is depressed and lives in the abandoned upstairs, is portrayed by Stephen Hunt, and is the over-the-top-everything-is-a-conspiracy personality. The tavern’s owner is graduate-student Adam, played by Shane Chuvalas.
Chuvalis comes into his own strengths in this play, giving a solid performance as the guy who has secrets of his own, as well as demons to deal with concerning his father's death.
Hunt turns in a superior performance as the emotional conspiracy zealot. The interpersonal exchanges between Chuvalas and Hunt are, by far, the best quality in this show, with these two actors keeping the flow of the show zipping along. Dietz' speedy dialogues are part of his gift and finding actors able to keep up the pace is a big plus.

A bothersome point is when Ray, who up to this point believes all conspiracy theories, doesn't believe Palmer, played by Doug Johnson, when he offers a hard-to-believe theory. It’s a little out of character and rather noticeable, at least to me.

The extra story lines, Adam's father, the wedding plans, and a couple of others, tends to misdirect the focus and muddies up what could have been an exciting ride. The thrill and momentum is lost a little when an affair is brought into the mix and ghosts of the tavern are discussed.

However, the ins and outs are less important than the final message in this work. It brought up excellent points and caused one to reconsider a few others.

Bottom Line: Yankee Tavern should be seen so as to create a need for answers in each of us and to reopen questions we asked ourselves on 9/11 and immediately afterward, but left unanswered and forgotten.

Looking ahead: I will be attending the 17th Annual Stutz Artists Open House Friday and Saturday, 1060 N. Capitol Avenue.

If you have an event, performance or restaurant you would like reviewed, please send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I'll be right here, thinking about my favorite conspiracies.

*All photos are courtesy of Julie Curry Photography
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This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Beef and Boards-Hello Dolly

Hello Dolly, like a favorite pair of well-worn jeans, or a comfort food, gives you the warm fuzzies and bring back great memories. Now playing at Beef and Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Road, it reminds me of all the musical classics I have enjoyed over the years, the fun, frivolity and, of course, singing and dancing.

When Dolly Levi, portrayed by Iris Lieberman, sets her sights, and matchmaking skills, on wealthy widower Horace Vandergelder, played by Mark Goetzinger, the hilarity ensues.
Lieberman and Goetzinger are well matched, especially during the fast-paced restaurant Harmonia, scenes. Their rapid-fire interaction, ripe with frustration on tight-fisted Vandergelder's part and full of doubletalk on Levi's side, are the best parts of the show.

Having included in the cast two of my favorite Indy actors, made this show even more enjoyable.
Goetzinger, A Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, is a solid, subtle, quiet talent showcasing his vocals impressively with It Takes a Woman, and So Long Dearie. I was impressed by Goetzinger the first time I caught him, at IRT, opposite another of my Indy favorites, Charles Goad in The Fantasticks. I make a point of seeing any show he is in, making him a "Destination Actor."

John Vessels, whom I have crowed about since I first encountered him in B&B's Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, is truly a treasure for the audience and the theater. Never out of character, Vessels gives every ounce of marvelous ability he can, and brought delicious energy to the various roles he portrayed, including Judge and waiters' captain, Rudolph. He is also a "Destination Actor."


What is that, you ask? It's a term I use to describe the actors that we, as theater and movie attendees, search for in a casting list. When we see they are in a particular show, we make a point of going to see it; they are our destination. We benefit from their performance and the actor directly influences positively to the show's bottom line. Everyone is a winner.

Beef and Boards is celebrating 30 successful years under the guidance of owner, Doug Stark. Hello Dolly proves Stark knows exactly what his audience wants.

You can now catch me weekly at 6:56 a.m. and 8:56 a.m. on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, events, theater and films.

If you have an event you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I'll be right here, remembering It Only Takes a Moment.

*Photos courtesy of Julie Curry Photography, www.juliecurryphotography.com
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This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

IRT Becky's New Car

They say don’t judge a book by its cover. How about a play’s title? IRT, 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, opened Stephen Dietz’s Becky’s New Car this week, and the title says it all.

Middle-aged Becky Foster, played by Constance Macy, Iron Kisses, is tired of her humdrum life and wants some excitement. While working overtime at a posh auto dealership and fantasizing about her own dream car whisking her away from her sedate life, a wealthy widower stops by to buy nine cars for his employees.

Walter Flood, portrayed by Nicholas Hormann, The Heavens are Hung in Black, is mourning the loss of his wife, who handled all of life’s little details for him. Becky is the go-to person for everyone. It’s a perfect match...except that Becky has a husband.

Joe Foster, played by Robert Neal, is the blue collar worker content with his lot in life. Neal turns in a makes-it-look-easy performance as a sitcom-style husband, clueless as to how to make his wife happy.

Hormann nails the role of Flood as a befuddled, born-into-wealth, lost soul matching comfortably with Becky’s organized personality.

Dietz, known for disregarding the invisible line between stage and audience, also ignores the unseen wall between the actor and the stage crew. This is the crux of the high-speed merriment and the genius of playwright Stephen Dietz.

B r e a k i n g through the fourth wall numerous times, Macy’s performance is pure comedic delight as she interacts with the audience, asking for help on various issues and duties. She then instructs the crew on lighting, setting and wardrobe changes.

All of this interaction is done on the pop-up storybook stage set while changing clothes onstage, selling cars, cleaning the living room and cheating on her husband. She is quite the expert multitasker.

At first glance, this play is just another comedy. Upon next-day glance, the sitcom-esque play is more. It addresses dreams, desperation and death. It brings forth the repercussions of disregarding marital vows and the aftereffects of betrayal while keeping the audience laughing. It has several story lines joining together at the end, most I have not mentioned for fear of revealing too many surprises.

Bottom Line: Becky’s New Car is an interactive comedy which you needn’t bother going to see unless you are ready for an 80-mph, convertible-top-down, radio-blasting, sun-shining drive along Life Moves Fast Boulevard.

If you have a performance you would like reviewed, email elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I will be right here, cruising along that boulevard.
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This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

Arbor Tea Room & Cafe'

I recently ate at an interesting eatery on the far east side of Indy. Arbor Café and Tea Room, 7173 W. U.S. 40, was started by a woman who refused to give up her dream.
Sonja (Sandy) Tanner came to our country at the age of 9 from Germany, unable to speak English. She learned from television chef Julia Childs how to cook and how to speak our language.

Not bad for a 9-year-old.

Personable and down-to-earth, the owner seated me in one of the parlors and started feeding me; I was more than okay with that. The Elvis-loving chef/owner is always willing to turn over her kitchen to Chef David Hornung in order to play a game of Skip-Bo with her customers. You’ve got to love a chef that laid back.

Featuring a full traditional menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Arbor also specializes in an additional menu of German food available on special nights. Some items featured on the menu include Schweizer Schnitzel (pork tenderloin with Swiss cheese), and Rouladin (beef steak with wine glaze), Bratwurst and Knockwurst. The French Onion Soup with Parmesan and Swiss cheeses was full of onions and rich beef broth and is worth a return trip by itself. I also tasted the Chicken Salad sandwich, made fresh daily, delicious in taste and generous in portion.

The non-fussy eatery has a décor which brings visions of visiting a favorite aunt in her home, complete with a parlor. Tea and fresh scones are available, complete with clotted cream and marmalade. Even Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter should be satisfied with that tea party.

Special Note: You can now catch me every Saturday morning as a featured guest critic on radio station WIBC 93.1 FM. I will discuss where you’ve Gotta Go and what to check out in Indy’s theater and entertainment scene on the Joe Ulery Show.

If you have a restaurant or event you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us.
Me, I'll be right here, thinking about Schnitznel.

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

Baby Rose

Some things cannot be measured, cannot be explained, cannot be described. They can't be understood until you have experienced them. Such is the case with milestones in one's life. Whether it is birth, death, graduation, wedding, divorce or some other significant point in one's life, it is a threshold which must be crossed before fully absorbing all that the event entails. No one can give you the complete package, you have to earn it, bad or good.


Such is the case with my recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina.

Rose Jeanette Bodenreider arrived into this world at 1:48 pm on March 8, logging in at 8 pounds, one ounce, 20 and one half inches and boasting a head full of beautiful hair. This little bundle of joy will lead me into unfamiliar territory...the world of grandmother.

Holding her in my arms, swaddled in a pink blanket, for the first time reaffirmed how valuable are family and life. No matter the distance, no matter the effort required, every ounce of energy put into the relationship comes back tenfold. Looking into Baby Rose's alert and angelic eyes, I knew that I wanted to be a part of her first word, step, tooth, all of the firsts that come along.

Every one of her milestones will be a priority in my life as she has become a milestone in my life.

Jobs, education, military appointment and a multitude of other reasons have flung families into separate directions as if leaves in the wind. This, too is the case for my family.

My son Blake, serving in the nuclear power division of the United States Navy, is stationed in South Carolina. He and my daughter-in-law, Melissa, are the proud parents of this little one they have lovingly nicknamed Little Bunny.

As I catch Mom, glowing with happiness, looking down into her first born's face as the early morning sun filters into the nursery; as I watch Dad dancing with his princess around the living room to Wicked's, "Dancing Through Life," I feel blessed to be included in the beginning of the next generation. To be part of the next chapter of the family history is more than special. As I continue through the autumn of my life I relax knowing my son and daughter-in-law, in the summer of their lives, have taken on well the responsibilities of raising their own family.

Surely the best thing in life is the love of one's children and, now, grandchild; I hope to say grandchildren eventually. Until then little Rose, the flower of my heart, will show me how to be the best grandmother I can be.

If you have a special event you would like reviewed, e-mail me at elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I will be right here, looking for scrapbooks for the dozens of baby pictures I have already taken.

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

Photo credit: ejmusgrave

The Cabaret-Amanda McBroom

Some problems are just not all that bad. The Cabaret at the Columbia Club, recently moved to its new spot in the historic landmark, had such a situation. Director Shannon Forsell’s vision of introducing cabaret greats to Indy created sold-out shows creating the need for an even bigger venue. Like I said, some problems are just not all that bad.

This move down the corridor led to the Crystal Terrace which literally overlooks the Circle’s War Memorial. The increased space of 25 tables indicates this will be the permanent home. However, the sold-out performance of Amanda McBroom Friday evening indicates the need for even more seating.

So, keep the packing boxes on hand, because Forsell has proven she has her finger on the pulse of Indy when she created and defined its cabaret scene.

Headlining the opening night of the 2010-11 season, McBroom, singer, songwriter and actress, provided an evening of emotional awareness. Personable and perky, McBroom connected easily and quickly with the audience with self-effacing tales as in I Want to be Round.

Paying tribute to Indiana’s own legends with Hoagy Carmichael’s Baltimore Orioles, and Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin, endeared her to the audience as well.
Accompanying the singer on piano, life and songwriting is Michele Brourman, who kept up with McBroom; not an easy task. The friends have created a balance whether performing, writing songs or laughing.

The second act, consisting of Jacques Brel’s tragic-inspired poetic-style songs, proved to be the stronger act.

The singer’s earlier light-heartedness was replaced with a sultry-smokiness as she recalled moments in time which gave her life direction. McBroom’s greatest talent is her ability to absorb into the song, channeling Brel’s emotions through her morphing into the lyrics’ style, creating a sensation so strong, it became uncomfortable at times. It was as if we were witnessing the actual heartbreaking moment when Brel’s life hit another sour note, inking the poison out of his system in an attempt to be free of his heart’s prison.

Ending the evening with her made-famous-by-Bette-Midler tune The Rose, McBroom received a well-deserved standing ovation. Returning for an encore, she ended the night on a hopeful, whimsical note with When You Wish Upon a Star.

Bottom Line: McBroom allows you into her world while retaining a mysteriousness, captivating the audience.

If you have an performance or event you would like reviewed, e-mail elizabeth@gottago.us.
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www.thecabaret.org
Photo credits: Mark A. Lee, Great Exposures, www.GreatExposures.net

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

Oscars 2010 FInal Update

The flutes are empty, the dresses rumpled and the after-parties have begun. I shall list the top seven categories and its winner.
This just wasn't the year for large blue people to win little golden men, I suppose. I am pleased at how many (every single one) of the seven categories ended exactly how I wanted them to end. It's so lovely when that happens. Next time, I should probably put a little wager on it. Is that legal?

**Best Supporting Actor-Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
**Best Actor-Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
**Best Supporting Actress-Mo'Nique (Precious)
**Best Actress-Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)
**Best Director-Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
**Best Picture-The Hurt Locker
**Best Animated Film-Up
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This post is exclusively written for Gottago.us.