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.
A classic TV special is being brought to life on stage!
The Civic Theatre has created a stage adaptation of, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
The production is running from November 26 to December 18.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” was first shown as an animated television special in 1965 and has been part of the holiday tradition ever since. The stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer was completed in 2013.
Max McCreary, who plays Charlie Brown, and Evan Wallace, who plays Snoopy, joined us today to share more about the production.
They say it’s great for little kids because it’s short (less than an hour long), and it’s the perfect way to come inside and warm up during a visit to the Christkindlmarkt, which is right outside the theatre.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
The little sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, child of god, has accidentally poisoned 52-nuns. So now they need to raise money for their burials, and with that, crazy antics for the musical comedy stage production of “Nunsense” begin.
Four of the nuns from the show joined us today to share more about what you can expect.
The show has been running since September 17, and it continues through October 10 at the Myers Dinner Theatre.
It’s full of musical numbers, tap and ballet, an audience quiz, and it’s become an international phenomenon!
You can purchase tickets at Myersdt.com.
Youth Inspirations Theater is holding an athletic shoe drive fundraiser from September 1 through October 15 to raise money for their production of the Wizard of Oz and Fall Classes.
YIT will earn funds based on the total quantity of gently worn, used, and new sneakers collected. GotSneakers, a social enterprise, will issue funds in compensation for the collected sneakers. Those funds will benefit Wizard of Oz and our Fall Classes. Anyone can help by simply donating gently worn, used, and new sneakers.
GotSneakers has developed a unique fundraising program that asks communities to reach into their closets, not their pockets! The sneaker recycling program helps keeps sneakers out of landfills, which has harmful effects on our environment, and helps organizations like ours raise much needed funds. The program is truly a win – win!
We know that most people have extra sneakers in their closets they would like to donate rather than throw away. By doing so, we raise money for our production of Wizard of Oz and Fall classes and help the environment. It’s a win – win for everyone!
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Thursday 4:00-8:00pm at YIT Studio.
Address: 9625 E 150th St Suite 105 Noblesville, IN 46060.
Learn more about GotSneakers by visiting their website at, gotsneakers.com.
Travel back to those summer nights with the family and enjoy music under the stars. The Actors Theatre of Indiana’s presents a new special event and you’re invited! Don Farrell, co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana. Here’s more from him:

Let’s get away from it all!
Hop in the car and head on down to the Drive-In! Join Actors Theatre of Indiana and travel back to those summer nights when the family would pile into their two-toned Chevy to watch their favorite stars under the stars.
The events will take place on the LIVE Stage at Monon Square Shopping Center in Carmel from 7pm to 9pm.

Enjoy the music that made the movies memorable, performed by Don Farrell, Judy Fitzgerald, Cindy Collins and Tim Hunt!
Reminisce with songs that were made famous by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Peggy Lee and so much more!
So, step on it and get your tickets now while you can to this fun-filled event! See you there!
Dates:
- Sept 18 – 7-9 pm
- Oct 23 – 7-9 pm
- Nov 27 – 7-9 pm
For more information, visit the ATI website.
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.