Indy Theatre Habit

I am three shows behind in my reviewing because I have been working on a presentation of my own for a conference related to my day job.  If you happen to think of it, please send me “break a leg!” vibes at 10:30 on Monday morning.

I hope to complete my three detailed reviews soon, but in the meantime I will just give you three quickies:

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Perfect Wedding,” written by Robin Hawdon and directed by Judy Fitzgerald, is a wacky, professionally-executed farce whose style and hilarity reminded me of Carole Burnett’s ensemble comedy.  The last performance is today at 2:00 at the Pike Performing Arts Center, on the northwest side of Indy.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Sherlock Holmes: the Final Adventure” opened Friday night on the IRT’s Main Stage in downtown Indy and continues through October 11, 2008.  Peter Amstel directed.  He is the one who directed the IRT’s wonderful production of “Our Town” last year.  I would like to write two posts about this show: one about the show itself, which is excellent, and one about the razzle-dazzle of opening night of the new season at the IRT, which was, well…dazzling.

A new community theatre group, ArtBox Productions, is presenting “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” by Steven Dietz, at the Asylum House in German Park in Greenwood on the south side of Indy through next Sunday, September 28, 2008.  (Sunday performance at 6:30 pm.)  The director, Jason Hignite, told me that they have an agreement with the Asylum House to do a live theatre horror piece every year from now on, as a prelude to the opening of the haunted house attraction.  “Dracula” is a creepy-fun beginning to this new tradition.  It made me want to re-read and re-enjoy the original novel.

I’m glad I was able to see all of these shows!  I am also looking forward to seeing “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre next weekend, plus several Encore Association shows.  I will not be allowed to write about the Encore shows since I am a judge this year, so maybe that will give me a chance to catch up.

By the way, I would like to post a photo from one of these three shows with this mini-post, but the two professional companies sent me, basically, only one photo each, so I will save those for the full reviews.  The community theatre company is still working on getting me photos.   You don’t mind the occasional words-only post, do you?

Thanks for your patience.  More later…

Hope Baugh - www.IndyTheatreHabit.com

(PS - 9/23/08 - I remembered after I had left for my conference that Ulrike Steinert, Director of Marketing for the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, had sent me more than one publicity photo to go with “Little Shop of Horrors.”  Now that I am back home, I have included one of them here, just for fun.  When I find out who took it, I will credit the photographer.  Zach Rosing also emailed me to offer several informal but high-quality shots, which I also appreciate.  Thanks Ulrike and Zach!  HB)