We’re going “On the Aisle” with Tom Alvarez, theater critic, to find out the latest in Indiana local arts and entertainment.
Festival of Carols
- Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
- Dec. 17-19
- indychoir.org
A Magic Cirque Christmas
- Clowes Memorial Hall
- butlerartscenter.org
- Dec. 19
Lorie Line
- Studio One Theatre
- Dec. 21
- thecenterpresents.org
A Christmas Carol
- Indiana Repertory Theatre
- Through Dec. 26
- irtlive.org
AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Through Dec. 23
- indianapolissymphony.org
A Beef & Boards Christmas
- Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
- Through Dec. 23
- beefandboards.com
To read Tom’s reviews, previews and interviews on his “On the Aisle” blog, visit TomAlvarez.Studio. Follow Tom on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Nonprofit arts organization Discovering Broadway is working with Broadway producers and directors to give Central Indiana residents a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway in the making.
Joel Kirk, founder and artistic director of Discovering Broadway, joined us Wednesday to share more about “Ever After” coming to Indy before it hits NYC!
Tickets are on sale now for Discovering Broadway’s second show selection “Ever After,” based on the 20th Century Studios film starring Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston and directed by Andy Tennant (“Hitch,” “Fool’s Gold”).
The creative team will participate in Discovering Broadway Inc.’s Writer’s Retreat program May 18-24. A public concert of songs at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the new Feinstein’s Cabaret, located in the Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection, will follow the program.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Here’s more:
Christy Altomare starred in “Anastasia” for the entirety of the Broadway musical’s run.
Corey Cott is best known for playing Jack Kelly in the Broadway musical “Newsies” and originating the role of Donny Novitski in the Broadway musical “Bandstand.”
‘Ever After” was selected as Second New Musical for the Discovering Broadway Inc. Writer’s Retreat.
In May, the creative team of the new musical “Ever After” will participate in the Discovering Broadway Inc.’s Writer’s Retreat program in central Indiana. At 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Discovering Broadway Inc. will present songs in concert from the new musical “Ever After” starring Christy Altomare and Corey Cott at the new Feinstein’s Cabaret in the Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection.
“Ever After” will be the second show to participate in Discovering Broadway Inc.’s program following the February Writer’s Retreat of the new musical “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Altomare said, “It is always a wonderful day when it is spent in Indiana. I am beyond excited to be participating in the writers retreat this May! ‘Ever After’ is one of my favorite shows and I can’t wait to see what inspiration hits amidst such a warm, welcoming, and creative environment.”
Director Marlo Hunter said, “‘Ever After’ is the salve we all need right now — a witty, smart and romantic new musical comedy with a lush and layered score. There’s no greater gift for a show in development than a safe, supportive space — and Discovering Broadway is just that.”
Composer Zina Goldrich said, “I’m so excited to get back in the room with Marcy, Kate and Marlo. There is nothing better in the world than doing what you love with such intelligent, gifted and funny women.”
Bookwriter Kate Wetherhead, who participated in Discovering Broadway Inc.’s “The Devil Wears Prada” Writer’s Retreat, said, “It’s a thrill to return to Carmel to collaborate with another phenomenal team of theater artists. Discovering Broadway is fast becoming a creative home away from home.”
Lyricist Marcy Heisler said, “How special it is to have a safe, warm welcoming place to try things. Thank you so much for inviting us to Discovering Broadway. Your beautiful, needed resources are something to sing about, indeed.”
“Ever After” has music by award-winning songwriting team Goldrich (“Breathe,” “Yay People Yay!” and Drama Desk Nomination for “Dear Edwina”) and lyrics by Marcy Heisler (“Williamsburg” and Drama Desk Nomination for “Dear Edwina”).
The book is by Marcy Heisler and Wetherhead (co-bookwriter “The Devil Wears Prada,” co-creator/writer/director/star of the online comedy “Submissions Only”).
Directing the new musical is Hunter (“American Reject” and Callaway Award winner for directing/choreographing “Unlock’d”).
While the curtain is still down on performing arts right now, screens are up for online performances, so we go “On the Aisle” virtually with Performing Arts Critic Tom Alvarez.
Tom says, in lieu of writing reviews right now, he’s been doing a series of profiles on artist of color following the protests.
Tom’s Performing Arts Picks:
Virtual Open Mic Night, Sapphire Theatre Co., Sapphire Theatre YouTube, Every Thursday in June

Donata Cucinotta, Indianapolis Opera at Home, Indianapolis Opera Facebook, June 18, 8pm

Summer Music Camp, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Carmel Symphony YouTube

Performance Series, The Cabaret, The Cabaret YouTube
From The Vault, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, ISO YouTube
Cabin Fever Cabaret, Facebook Live, Every Friday at 7 p.m.
To learn more and read Tom’s reviews, previews and interviews on his “On the Aisle” blog, visit TomAlvarez.Studio.
Also, follow Tom on Facebook: @tomalvarezartswriter , Twitter: @tomalvarez1 & Instagram: @Tomalvarez4756.
What has Actors Theatre of Indiana done to adapt during the pandemic? How about hosting 12 weeks of FREE “ATI Friday Night Facebook LIVE – “From Our Homes to Yours” – with more than 33,000 views, over 15 states and 4 countries. Yep! And they’re not stopping anytime soon!
Cynthia Collins, Actors Theatre of Indiana, joins us to chat about their goals for 2020-2021 and what may happen if OPENING DAY is put on hold.
To learn more, visit atistage.org.
SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY ACTORS THEATRE OF INDIANA.