About the reviewer
Email: amarylliswriter at gmail dot com
I have been interested in theatre ever since I was a member of my high school’s Thespian Troupe over 30 years ago. However, I became passionate about writing about theatre in June of 2007. I saw a Neil LaBute play called “Fat Pig” at the Phoenix Theatre here in Indianapolis. I found myself wanting to write about it more publicly than in my own paper journal or on my family blog.
I saw on the Phoenix’ website a quote from a post on IndianaAuditions.com by Joe Boling. I had never heard of IA, but when I went to that site and found the “You Review It” forum, my life changed. I chose “Amaryllis Jones” as my pseudonym, and suddenly I was exploring all kinds of theatre in Indianapolis and writing about them.
I posted in the forums for a while, but then IA’s owner, Joe Urban, asked if I would join the official IA review team and help them cover the 2007 Indy Fringe Festival. I was thrilled to receive my first media pass. I almost killed myself trying to see and review all of the Fringe shows that week while still working 50 hours at my day job but again, my life changed for the better.
After that, I initiated relationships with several theatre marketing directors around town, and I made an effort to see shows at a wide variety of theatres – community (all-volunteer), professional, and hybrid - whether they were able to offer me media passes or not. I fell into the pattern of seeing and writing about 3-5 shows each week. I started learning as much as I could about theatre and about writing theatre reviews. I look forward to continuing to learn about this for the rest of my life.
In January of 2008, the IA review team manager stepped down. I volunteered for the job. At first Joe Urban agreed to let me try it for six months, but then he told me that he thought he might have someone else he liked better. I decided I was ready to try running my own theatre reviews blog instead. I am grateful to my brother, Ned, for helping me figure out how to get “Indy Theatre Habit” started, and for introducing me to blogging in the first place. I imagine I will be learning about blogging for the rest of my life, too.
But I still hang out on IA, and I encourage anyone who is interested in Indianapolis area theatre – especially community theatre – to check it out.
In 2008 I saw more than 140 shows. Here is a quick directory of what I saw that year, with links to my reviews. For part of 2008 I served as a judge for the Encore Association. I was not allowed to write publicly about the 30+ shows that I judged over the 2008-2009 season, but it was still an excellent learning experience for me.
My year as an Encore judge ended on August 31, 2009. Here is a directory of the shows that I saw in 2009, with links to my reviews of the shows I am allowed to write about.
Here is a directory-in-progress of the shows I have seen so far in 2010, with links to the shows that I had time to review.
I spend 20-30 hours a week on this blog, including driving all around central Indiana to see 1-5 shows per weekend, writing about the shows, editing what I write, embedding useful links in what I write, monitoring and responding to comments, and fielding requests for reviews from 50+ theatres and other arts organizations. This is on top of another, full-time, job that I also love very much.
I hope that my blog, “Indy Theatre Habit,” will encourage everyone in the Indianapolis area to make a habit out of going to the theatre. Life is just better with a shot of theatre in it.
Hope Baugh
PS – Send me an email at amarylliswriter at gmail dot com or leave a comment here on Indy Theatre Habit. I look forward to hearing from you!
PPS - I thank Michael Ries for helping me feel more comfortable getting my picture taken. I thank Julie Curry for taking my most recent headshot, above, which I added to my blog on August 29, 2008. I also thank my brother, Ned Baugh, for showing me how to re-size and upload photos to my blog in the first place!
PPPS – I thank Zach Rosing for helping me keep my Wordpress updated and for installing the automatic spam monitor for my comments box!
(“About the Reviewer” page updated 4-14-10.)
Hope Baugh – www.IndyTheatreHabit.com
Hope,
I like your site…and good for you!
I am relatively new to theatre (2 years) and get on IA occassionaly. Now, late(r) in life (50’s) I regret that I didn’t get invovled earlier. But I am having a blast, now in the middle of my 8th show in those two years.
I trust we get a chance to meet sometime. I enjoy reading your Blog!
Mark Tumey
February 18th, 2008 at 10:13 am(MarkT in IA)
Currently as the “Phantom” in Belfry’s “Phantom of the Country Opera”
Thanks, Mark, for reading my blog and for leaving a comment! I have regrets, too, but have decided not to dwell on them. (laughing)
Break a leg with “Phantom of the Country Opera!”
February 18th, 2008 at 11:21 amHi Hope!
Just wanted you to know I really miss your reviews over at IA, but I’m so glad they’ve found this cozy little spot to nest in now. I hope its working out for you!
Keep it up,
Dane
Oh, are you still coming to see “Six Degrees of Seperation”? Let me know so I don’t suck
February 21st, 2008 at 1:10 amThanks, Dane, for reading my blog and for missing me. It’s all good: I am still on IA conversationally, but I also have, as you said, my own cozy little review nest here, which I love.
I have a reservation to see “Six Degrees” on Friday night. Does the fact that I will be there mean that you WILL suck or that you won’t?
(I am sure you won’t, either way.)
Break a leg! And thanks again for visiting my blog.
February 21st, 2008 at 1:25 amHope,
Sorry that I missed you Friday night at “ART”. Such great talent.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:20 amIt was nice to sit IN the audience and watch a show. After being in 3 in a row, I hadn’t had much of a chance to do that. Also went to Footlite on Sunday to see “Jane Eyre”. Good show with some good talent, but seemed a little long and I had a bit of trouble hearing from my seat. Fantastic costumes. Look forward to meeting you one of these times.
Mark
I’m sorry I missed you, too, Mark! I’ll look forward to meeting you another time.
March 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pmI am trying to locate a Nils Nordell who worked for the New York Public Library in the 1960-1970 period. You mention a Nordell is a review. Could it be he? Can you reach him?
John Hebel
April 19th, 2008 at 11:22 amHi, John. I think the actor in Footlite’s production of “Jane Eyre” is too young to be the person you seek, but I will see what I can find out for you.
April 20th, 2008 at 10:20 pmHi, Hope,
April 21st, 2008 at 10:29 amThanks for thinking me “too young” but yes I did work for the New York Public Library in the last two years of the 60’s. And I know John Hebel but had lost track of him. I only saw this question because of an email from Susan who was also in “Jane Eyre.” Do you have an email to contact him?
Thanks,
Nils Nordell (Robert, the butler, “Jane Eyre”)
Hurray! I love happy endings, especially when library staff is involved.
Nils, I do have John’s email address. I will send it to you privately.
Thanks, Susan and IA, for your help!
April 21st, 2008 at 11:36 amHope, I always enjoy your heartfelt reviews. Your passion is inspiring. I am honored by your response to IRON KISSES, and was thrilled by your review of WELCOME TO THE MONKEY HOUSE although I didn’t know who Amaryllis was at that time — thanks for posting your picture on your blog!
Constance Macy
April 28th, 2008 at 10:10 pmThanks very much, Constance, for reading my blog and for leaving this kind comment here! And for your and ShadowApe’s passion, too!
April 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pmHope, I’m continued to be amazed by you. This blog is very cool and I’ll definitely be reading this faithfully. I subscribed to the RSS feed and I look forward to your next review, especially after how much fun the Foreigner review was to read.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:45 pmAustin! I am delighted to hear from you here! Thank you very much for your kind encouragement!
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 amHi Hope.
Just found your site. I am the Executive Producer of the Mystery Cafe. I have had experience with people who think “interactive theater” is not theater so I am not aware of your views on the subject. Would you be interested in two tickets to experience one of our productions?
Joe
June 5th, 2008 at 12:32 pmThanks for the offer, Joseph! I will email you soon.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:52 amHope you get to see THE FANTASTICKS!
June 12th, 2008 at 11:02 pmActually, I saw it last Saturday night and am working on a blog post about it right now!
(Short version: I liked it very much.)
June 13th, 2008 at 6:22 amDear Hope,
Congratulations on the success of your blog and for all that you do to support the arts in Indiana! I hope that you will be able to check our current offering of THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND now playing at the Pike Performing Arts Center. It only plays till July 20th. If you would like fo me to set up some media tickets for you, just email me and I would be happy to!
Best regards and keep up the great work you are doing!!!
Don Farrell
July 11th, 2008 at 4:04 pmThanks very much, Don! I sent you an email…
July 11th, 2008 at 9:35 pmThanks (again) hope for coming out to support ART. I mean, you are seriously an ART Groupie now. Ha! Seeing it more than one time in its original run defines that! Ha! Your support of our show — and your insightful questions and insights at all the post-show discussions — and your passionate support of the area theatre sector — is truly a blessing — very encouraging for all of us — and we always enjoy hearing what you have to say! Thanks so much for your open spirit and enthusiasm! Enjoy your creative journey — and I HOPE to you see at the next show, Hope! Later alligator! ~ Earl
July 14th, 2008 at 9:12 amThank YOU, Earl, for reading my blog and leaving such an encouraging comment! And for being willing to take “Art” on the road. I loved seeing it a third time but in a new venue. I will post a review of the closing performance soon.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:18 pmHi Hope! love your site. I think the idea of having a storytelling event titled, “Then a week before we opened…” is a GREAT idea!! =)
July 15th, 2008 at 9:59 amThanks very much, Molly, for reading my blog and for your kind comment.
Maybe the new Spotlight space will be a good place to host such a swap!
July 15th, 2008 at 11:36 amAre you planning to go to Theater on The Square to see “The Very Merry Unauthorized Childrens Scientology Pageant”? I am interested in your review of the show….
July 20th, 2008 at 7:51 pmHi, Annie. Thanks for your interest! I am planning to see “The Very Merry…” but am not sure, yet, which performance.
If you are involved with the show, break a leg!
July 20th, 2008 at 9:01 pmHope!
What a pleasure working with you the other day! You are a delight.
I am so glad your “voice” is out in the theatre community.
It is greatly needed and appreciated!
Thanks!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 pmJulie Curry
Thank YOU, Julie! The photos you took of me are beautiful!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:21 amTHANK YOU!
That was a very thoughtful an kind review of my show. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, and would love to have you at performances in the future if the opportunity presents itself!
Kindest Regards,
August 28th, 2008 at 2:03 amJared
Hey, you’re welcome, Jared. Thank YOU for a fun magic show! Feel free to put me on your mailing list for future shows: amarylliswriter at gmail dot come.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:46 amHope – thank you so much for ALL the hard work you do seeing so many shows in Indy and reviewing them. I have found them to be a pleasure to read – insightful and honest. You are a terrific asset to our growing community!
All the best.
September 29th, 2008 at 10:49 amThanks very much, Ashley! I really appreciate your kind words.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:42 pmHi, Hope. I’m the guy you sat next to @ Myers Dinner Theater to see South Pacific. It was nice meeting you. And I’m intrigued by the website/blog. Hope to see more of it.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:27 pmHi, Jack! It was nice meeting you, too.
It will be a few days before I complete my post about “South Pacific” at Myers Dinner Theatre. It takes me a minimum of four hours to write each review, and I usually write them in the order that I saw the shows. I need to write about seeing “The Sound of Music” at Beef’n'Boards first, but after that I will write about seeing “South Pacific.”
Thanks for reading my blog and for leaving a comment!
October 5th, 2008 at 8:39 pmAh ha! Found you again.
-Dave A.
February 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm(you know me from the old LC days)
Yep. Here I be. Hi, Dave A.!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 pmGreat article on Hollenbeck. If he writes a book I would love to share my stories of Costume World and Marilyn Wick. Even though it has been a couple of years sine my costume world breakdown from some of the people who are still there and I talk to from time to time the stories are not only funny but to many are heartbreaking when you work for Costume World!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pmHi Hope!
Thank you for the wonderful review on our last season’s production of AND THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND. We are currently in rehearsal for FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, a hilarious parody on every Broadway classic you can think of. I think you would enjoy it. We are having an invited preview on April 1st and would love to have you as our guest. Please contact me and I will send you our press release.
Thanks again!
Cynthia Collins, Co-Founder
March 26th, 2009 at 10:44 amActors Theatre of Indiana
Hey Hope You should check these guys out if they ever do a public show the are great!
July 1st, 2009 at 10:02 amAnd Yet another great Magician! He is a little more available to check out.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:03 amThanks, Troy, for the suggestions! I think the “Married2Magic” magicians in your first link performed at the Indy Fringe Festival in 2007 and/or 2008. Unfortunately, I was not able to catch their act. Maybe this year!
The name “Daniel Lusk” (from your second link) sounds familiar, but I am 99% sure I have not actually seen him perform. I’ll watch for him.
I have trouble getting to all of the regular theatre shows, let alone comedy, dance, and magic shows, but I do my best. In any case, I always appreciate hearing suggestions on what to see.
Thanks, again!
July 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pmHey Hope…………….I just wanted to say hi.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:05 pmDon’t know if you remember me I was in that same Thespian Troupe years ago.
Enjoy your reviews!
Carla
Hi, Carla! It’s great to hear from you! I remember you not only from our high school Thespian Troupe but also from your fabulous performance in “Graceland” at the Phoenix Theatre years ago. Thank you for reading my blog and leaving a comment!
What are you up to now?
By the way, your leaving a comment here on my “About the Reviewer” page reminded me that I needed to update it, so I did. Thanks for that, too!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:24 pmHello Carla.
October 9th, 2009 at 1:24 amI loved watching “Evita”. It was awesome. I don’t remember marble vaults and the staircase, bar, chairs, etc. looked like standard props. The show was excellent. I was very impressed. Eva, Che, and Juan were a hit for the standing ovation that all received. Great theatrical experience.
Best Regards.
Sharon
Hi Hope,
Just wanted to say it was my pleasure to accommodate you to see A Christmas Carol and am glad you enjoyed the show, I only wish I had known of the option to watch from the Observation Booth like Molly had suggested. I do hope you go and see Love Letters (It is a wonderful production, in which Patrick Clear and Priscilla Lindsay transcend that which is on the page onto the stage), and if you do decide to attend please let me know in advance so I can personally make arrangements here in the ticket office, it would be my pleasure. I enjoyed reading your blog and will make sure I follow up on your writing and blogging. Thanks for the kind words. I hope the show helped remedy the writers block that we all suffer from, from time to time.
Cheers,
Daniel Hoffman
December 26th, 2009 at 7:17 pmHi, Daniel! Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment! Thanks, too, for your excellent help at the Ticket Office the other day. Talking with you helped my writers’ block, too. ‘See you at th theatre!
December 28th, 2009 at 9:59 amHope,
I LOVE what you are doing! We need to talk shop, okay? Call me, please.
Ken Oguss
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:10 pmHope, I just read your review about “80 Days.” I didn’t realize until this week that I had seen one of the actors before! Jeff Cumings spent several seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I know why you developed a crush on him! I saw him as the lead in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” A talented man.
May 15th, 2010 at 11:15 amI would have loved to have seen him in that show, too, I bet! Thanks for reading and commenting, Jenny.
(And thanks, Ken, too. I just realized that I never commented back to thank you for the compliment. ‘Sorry!)
May 15th, 2010 at 1:01 pmHi Hope,
Would you by chance be going to Moby Dick Tonight at the IndyFringe Theatre, May 22/Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m.? I did like to go but not alone. Ellen & company are going on Friday & I’m seeing Patsy Cline then.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:36 amFran
(Hello in there)Hope –
It was great to say hello to you face-to-face at the Phoenix on Friday night…did you get the (John Prine) reference above?!
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your reporting on theatre in and around Indy. Your energy is contagious and encourages my wife and I to get out and attend more offerings….more often.
Did you enjoy the performance at The Phoenix? I was familiar with John Prine – and, even saw him 5-6 years ago at one of the downtown, outdoor thingies at the Murat – maybe Rib Fest? But, the way his songs were used to tell a cohesive story was very artful and compelling.
You – keep up the good work! Best Wishes –
Michael Davidson
May 19th, 2010 at 10:32 amHi, Fran – I sent you an email. I agree the Moby Dick show sounds intriguing!
Hi, Michael – It was great to meet you, too! I very much appreciate your kind encouragement, both here and in the Phoenix lobby.
I loved the John Prine show, too. I agree: artful and compelling!
May 19th, 2010 at 11:20 pm