Review: Holes at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT)

Originally published on The Examiner.com.

The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents Holes on their main stage now through November 6. This delightfully mysterious children's tale, by Louis Sachar, comes to life through the eyes of a rag-tag gang of six boys sentenced to a horror-filled work camp. Through a series of flashbacks, the fate of one young prisoner becomes clear. An ensemble of eight adult actors don various characters and accents as easily as costumes, working to move the play through centuries of time with enigmatic storytelling. Directed by David Bradley,  

Holes at the IRT offers a live action glimpse into the whirlwind mind of famed childrens author Louis Sachar.
Based on Sachar's 1998 novel of the same name, Holes has been adapted for the stage and the screen both by Sachar himself. Because of this the script manages to adhere to the essential storytelling elements that make Sachar's work so unique including his ability to make believable far-fetched characters and to prolong suspense even as he jumps from the Old West to the modern day Texas.

The cast is easily divided into two parts, adults and kids, with each team working equally to further the plot in very different ways. While the cast of kids explore the gentle dynamics of teenage relationships among boys, the adults jump from character to character, each more outrageous than the last. The juxtaposition of realistic characterization in teen characters and the caricature like jumps each talented adult makes captures perfectly the way adults can sometimes seem so zany to kids.

An impressive set from Rob Koharchik, complete with about a dozen holes from which endless theatre magic seems to spring, the dry, dusty landscape that sets the modern day scene easily translates to a variety of locations throughout time and around the world. With ample help from Lap Chi Chu's lighting design, the show becomes a veritable flying carpet. Wendy Meaden's costume design also make impressive transformations throughout the show.

While Louis Sachar's novel is most popularly read by school children, the IRT's production of Holes is appropriate for kids of all ages. Enjoy this truly magical theatre production with family and friends, a great opportunity to introduce you kids to live theatre. Catch it through November 6 at the Indiana Repertory Theatre bring Indianapolis theatre to downtown.

Wit at Theatre Within

The Theatre Within in Fountain Square presents Wit for one more weekend only. This heavy drama by Margaret Edson, shares one literary professor's lonesome struggle through cancer as she navigates a careless medical system. A thoughtful play with humor throughout, director Ruth Hawkins elicits interesting performances from her cast. With a script, and a main character, that are ever aware of there own dramatic devices, Theatre Within's production finds a strong balance between the wit and the sentiment of Wit.

Susan Pieples as Vivian Bearing, the cancer ridden lover of John Donne poetry, carries the show through direct address monologues that gently walk a line between snide know-it-all and sympathetic victim. Though I didn't like the character very much, Pieples manages to evoke an emotional response from her audience due simply to her sickly circumstances. Left alone in the world through a series of self-alienating life choices, the character comes to illuminate the importance of human interaction through her lack thereof.

Making the jump from behind the scenes to onstage, Rod Issac takes on the roll of the monotone Dr. Kelekian, whose strangle-hold over his fellow Jason Posner (Thom Turner) makes for a comedic exploration of the shortfalls of the medical world. Paired with RN Susie Monahan (Eryn Bowser), the difference between nurses and doctors when it comes to actual care in the most literal sense of the term, provides interesting food for thought. Hawkins plays up the hamster wheel of a hospital cleverly through blank faced doctors moving with Tetris like precision.

Though I was disappointed by emotionally manipulative musical choices throughout, which show both a lack of faith in the actors' ability to act and the audience's ability to receive, I split hairs. The show retains a sense of cohesiveness throughout, meditating on the end stages of life without becoming too heavy handed. Overall, a wild success for Theatre Within and a worthwhile Indianapolis theatre production. Catch it for one more weekend: September 24 and 25 at 8:00 pm.

For more details visit the Theatre Within's website.

Camelot at Beef and Boards

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents Camelot through October 10. This Broadway musical, which premiered in 1960, shares the legend of King Arthur (Doug Stark), Queen Guenevere (Krista Severeid) and Sir Lancelot (Tony Lawson). An epic love triangle, Beef and Boards' production features gallantry, sword fights and knights dancing. . . what could be better? With strong contributions from both Severied and her real life husband Lawson as two-thirds of the love-triangle, the production shimmers with forbidden love and catchy tunes. And though Stark sing-speaks most of the beloved songs, his contribution as the chivalrous and kindly king is simply heartbreaking.

In the role of a life time, Doug Stark captures King Arthur's temperament nearly perfectly. Making the transition from the dull Wort to the noble King, Stark is lovable in this lead role. When paired with Severeid as Guenevere, the two create a realistically charming relationship. And Severeid's voice simply soars in her vocal solos. Tony Lawson's ego-centric Lancelot, complete with a snooty yet sexy French accent, delicately navigates the waters between total ass and miracle maker. The three lead hit every relational nuance they can, without brow beating. Underplayed emotions align with medieval mores. As their age-old love triangle builds, its is impossible to keep from intertwining your own emotional response with the difficult situation at hand.

As usual, Jeff Stockberger is spot-on as comedic relief in the role of King Pellinore. Snorting and barking his way through scenes, with some help from a gigantic four-legged friend, he steals practically every scene he is in. A delight to watch, Stockberger pulls double duty as Merlyn in the first scene of the play, effortlessly grasping the aged wisdom of the famed wizard. As Mordred, Danny Kingston is an evil scream. A good six inches shorter than most other players on stage, he establishes himself quickly in the second act as the ruthless heir with a larger than life presentation. The ensemble shines vocally, particularly in the climatic song of the play "Guenevere."

Director Eddie Curry creates a magical homage to the legend of Camelot on stage now at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. For lovers of grand musicals, this Indianapolis theatre production is one to catch.

Annie at Indianapolis Civic Theatre

Nina Samaan as Annie at Indianapolis Civic Theatre

I took my sister, Maggie, to see Annie at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre last weekend. On opening night we took our seats for this Indianapolis theatre production, settling in to enjoy Maggie's favorite musical ever. Something about the whimsical little orphan, whose optimism is the only thing she has in abundance, seems to touch a chord with children upon first sight. And in fact, on our way out that evening, a little girl, no more than six, twirled in the lobby singing "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow." It was as if we were hearing the song for the first time and imagining our rags to riches dreams once again through her.

The story hasn't changed at all since it first premiered in 1976. But the idea of clinging to hope in the midst of depression, economic or otherwise, is as fresh as ever. Never had the song "We'd Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover" rang so resonantly with me before. I found myself wondering why no one had yet parodied the tune replacing Herbie with Georgie. Yet as we suffer through the worst economic recession since the 1930s, the important lesson the little orphan has to teach is the real point.

Civic Theatre's production of Annie offers a highly polished design concept, allowing the cast to travel to the many locations called for in the show. Despite a few costuming hiccups, namely a hat that shadowed the face of the Rising Star in "N.Y.C.," each member of the cast was picture perfect. Famous for his lighting and scenic design throughout the city, director Ryan Koharchik played to his visual strengths to create a truly beautiful production.

The cast pushed themselves to the comic limit, doing justice to their cartoon origins in the Sunday funnies. As the devilish Rooster, Paul Hansen elevated those around him, even helping to flesh out his sister Mrs. Hannigan's (Carrie Neal) character. Singing from Daddy Warbucks (Dan Scharbrough) and Annie (Nina Samaan) fell flat. Yet I couldn't get enough of the songbird voice of Mikayla Reed in the role of Grace Farrell. But the most impressive sound, by far, came from the ensemble who sent shivers down my spine on more than one occasion.

For a healthy dose of adorable orphans, particularly Annie Cushman as Molly, check out Annie at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre. Read the NUVO review, written by yours truly here.

IndyFringe Theatre Festival in Review: Part Five

Three more shows to share about, then I'm taking the night off from Fringe.

Road to Nowhere

John Hefner returns to IndyFringe Festival after a successful run last year with The Hefner Monologues. His latest show, Road to Nowhere, chronicles his cross country journey to self actualization. With frantic and nerdy energy, Hefner relies heavily on his ability to charm the audience with self-deprecating humor. Though Road to Nowhere lacks the cohesiveness and comic timing that Hefner proved himself capable of during last year's fringe, his story is a sweet retelling of his trip from DC to Seattle to visit his certifiably insane lover while coming to terms with the death of his father. Though Hefner mingles enough quirkiness to keep your interest throughout including a slide show of his actual trip complete with a rousing came of "Where's Dad?", Road to Nowhere is a vast departure from the tightly performed comedy of his previous fringe offering. Capable of so much more, I hope to see Hefner return with a more rehearsed show next year.

Road to Nowhere at Comedy Sportz:
Saturday, August 28 at 1:30 pm

Joe's Cafe

Joe's Cafe is the first and only concert show I've seen thus far in the 2010 IndyFringe. Singer-songwriter Rupert Wates presents an evening of original compositions based on tidbits of news and historical information he has collected over the years. Paired with two outstanding female voices, Wates picks away at the guitar with incredible skill. From an homage to the late great George Carlin to a dangerous retelling of police brutality in Queens, NY, Wates creates an experience that hearkens back to the hay day of folk music. For a thoroughly enjoyable evening of toe tapping music, catch his final show tonight.

See Joe's Cafe at the IndyFringe Building:
Thursday, August 26 at 10:30 pm

IndyFringe Theatre Festival in Review: Part Four

The IndyFringe Theatre Festival is in high gear as crowds flock to downtown's Mass Ave theatre district to partake in one of the most eclectic festivals all year. In a week long marathon of theatre, the IndyFringe presents shows from both local, national and international performers, creating a buzzing epicenter for culture in the Circle City. Read on for reviews of The Blizzard Rewind: 30 Years/ 30 Plays/ 60 minutes, A Brighter Shade of Blue, Lot O' Shakespeare, Archy and Mehitabel and don't u luv me?.

Archy and Mehitabel

The best kept secret of this year's IndyFringe Festival and perhaps the biggest gem of the 2010 line up, Archy and Mehitabel features Canadian performer Jeff Culbert in an adaptation of the famed columns from journalist Don Marquis, which first appeared in 1916. In addition to playing Archy the cockroach, a the poet turned political agitator, and Mehitabel the alley cat, a free spirited dancer, Culbert dons a host of other characters from an informant ant to a daredevil moth. In each, the actor is completely transformed as he takes on Marquis' eerily relevant text, which touches on everything from a mother's love to the curiously wasteful habits of the supreme creator's chosen leaders: humans. Swaying easily from free verse, rhythmic poetry and prose, Culbert challenges his audience to understand "the thought that men and insects are the same, both transient flecks of starry dust that out of nothing came. Without ever preaching or brow beating, Culbert dons and drops each subject with out an ounce of righteousness. He simply shares Marquis's ruminations on humanity in a wonderfully performed show.

See Archy and Mehitabel at Marian Underground:
Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 10:30 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 4:30 pm

The Blizzard Rewind: 30 Years/ 30 Plays/ 60 Minutes

Bloomington Playwrights Project returns to the IndyFringe Festival after last year's daring show Sex/Death. The Blizzard Rewind shares the multiple short plays format of their former year's offering, but with a twist. A play for each thirty years that BPP has been open performed as the audience shouts out years from 1980 to 2010. With a different order every showing, the cast of six frantically scamper about grabbing props and setting chairs minute to minute. This high energy show provides a cross section of work from various writers involved with BPP. With a wonderful sense of ensemble and a no holds bar approach to audience participation, The Blizzard Rewind is pure fun. Their biggest success: projecting a timer throughout that no one seems to fixate on. Enjoy this wild celebration of the Bloomington Playwrights Project's 30th Anniversary.

See The Blizzard Rewind on Theatre on the Square's Main Stage:
Friday, August 27 at 10:30 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 1:30 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 7:30 pm

A Brighter Shade of Blue

Paul Strickland brings his unique flavor of comedy to the ComedySportz stage this IndyFringe. Half one man show, half stand up routine, Strickland manages a sweet message in his down-to-earth, laugh-out-loud show. Drawing material largely from a recent divorce, Strickland teaches by example as he places a positive spin on each tragedy he shares. From growing up in Hope Grounds trailer park torn between optimists and realists to his ex-wife's childlike outlook on the world, Strickland spins his own pessimism into hilarious quips revealing a deeper struggle to find the silver lining in a gray world. With tremendous organization from bit to bit, Strickland ably introduces ideas, jumping from story with a twinkle in his deep blue eyes.Whether or not you find yourself struggling to find the upside in troubling times, A Brighter Shade of Blue is definitely worth seeing.

Catch it at Comedy Sportz:
Friday, August 27 at 10:30 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 9:00 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 1:30 pm

Lot O' Shakespeare

With a monologue from each of Shakespeare's plays and some sonnets, Timothy Mooney invites audiences to play IAGO (his version of BINGO) randomly deciding what and when he performs. Mooney's feat of memorizing such a vast amount of language is no doubt impressive. His handle on Shakespeare's text makes for a completely accessible performance from beginning to end, regardless of the obscurity of the chosen monologue. Yet as he moves from character to character, Mooney's readings begin to run together as he fails to find unique qualities for each mask he dons. His readings seem rote, with little wiggle room from performance to performance. Yet when simply speaking a sonnet, Mooney drops any "actory" pretense, finally sharing a moment of honesty and truth. Regardless, he is clearly an entertainer at heart, and worth seeing for that alone.

See Lot O' Shakespeare at Marian Underground:
Thursday, August 26 at 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 3:00 pm

don't u luv me

The Young Actors Theatre of Indianapolis offers a challenging piece about teen dating violence at the IndyFringe Building. With a solid script, high school age actors promote awareness of an important concept. Though a bit like an after-school special, the performance is emotionally affective. As one teen abandons her friends for an older boyfriend, she discovers the perils of the dating world. Her journey through love and then fear shares an invaluable lesson about reaching out for help. It was lovely to see these teen actors dig their teeth into a more personally relatable topic, than say The Crucible or Our Town.

See it at the IndyFringe Building:
Thursday, August 26 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 4:30 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 3:00 pm

IndyFringe Theatre Festival in Review: Part Two

Grind: The Musical

Minnesota based Theatre Undeclared offers musical talents on Theatre on the Square's main stage. Always in awe of those with talents I do not possess, I commend the creators of Grind: The Musical for their exploration of various musical genres throughout their show. Though the writing was a bit hokey and only a few of the singers really shone, creativity abounds as shadow puppets further the setting. This slice of life musical from the RENT generation pays homage to the rock musical concept, yet remains unaware of itself. Biting off a bit more than they could chew, writers Alex Higgen-Houser, Laura Stratford David Kornfeld attempt to tackle eviction notices, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the death of parents and the search for artistic fulfilment. They simply had too many loose ends to tie up in fifty-five minutes. Musical theatre fans will appreciate the hard work these novices put in to this production and even recognize their success, which equally balance their failures.

Worth Seeing at Theatre on the Square's Main Stage:
Monday, August 23 at 6:00 pm
Friday, August 27 at 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 9:00 pm

Hurry Up, Jesus!

Comedian Lindsay Webb takes the stage at ComedySportz with his quirky Australian comedy. Eager to see Webb in action after enjoying his emcee skills at IndyFringe's preview, he definitely lived up to expectations. With a set focused on the fallacy of religion, Webb gracefully walks a dangerous line between offending and entertaining. Quick on his feet, Webb dissects every sect of Christianity urging us to have faith in ourselves rather than religion. Every groan from the audience is followed by a hard laugh as Webb powers through fifty-five minutes of material on religion and family. A talented stand up comedian, this Aussie is a welcome addition to the 2010 IndyFringe Theatre Festival line up.


Catch him at ComedySportz:
Monday, August 22 at 7:30 pm
Friday, August 27 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 4:30 pm


Do Not Kill Me Killer Robots

Ben Eagerman's Do Not Kill Me Killer Robots at the Phoenix Theatre takes my vote for funniest play in Fringe, so far. A show designed for and by the Internet generation, Eagerman's humor plays on viral videos, Facebook feeds and end of world scenarios. As ridiculous as the title sounds, this one man performance piece is simply a laugh riot. Set three days in the future, Eagerman stands as the last living soul in a post-apocalyptic world. With cardboard props and a homemade megaphone, he feigns a slapdash one man show (timed to perfection) as his last ditch effort for survival. This campy piece pits kittens against sharks, explores the realities of space camp, and offers many theories on the origins of robots. Beware, Eagerman prods a rowdy audience, cast as the Killer Robots, to be even more verbal as the show progresses. 

Killer Robots at the Phoenix Theatre:
Monday, August 23 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 23 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 29 at 4:30 pm