IBJ A&E Road Trips: ‘Big Fish’ in Chicago, ‘War Horse’ in Cincy

After the thrilling trip to Chicago to the Art Institute and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, we've got two more trips ready to announce (and more on the way).

Big Fish, April 27

Why am I so excited to co-host a trip to Chicago’s Oriental Theatre to see “Big Fish”? For one, there’s a special excitement to seeing a Broadway-bound show before it gets to New York. Anyone who saw the pre-Broadway Chicago runs of “The Producers,” “Aida” or “Mamma Mia!” can attest to that.

But that’s not all. This production carries with it an amazing lineup of talent. First, there’s Tony-winning star Norbert Leo Butz, one of the most dynamic, charismatic musical theater actors I’ve ever seen on stage. After seeing him off-Broadway in “The Last Five Years” and on Broadway in “Catch Me If You Can,” I decided that I’d be willing to see him in anything. And, in this case, he’s working with director Susan Stroman (“The Producers,” “Crazy for You,” etc.) and composer Andrew Lippa (“The Wild Party”).

War Horse, April 6

More family is “War Horse”—although if you’ve only seen the Spielberg film, you may not understand why the play proved such a hit in New York and London. Featuring life-sized puppets created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, the show (which isn’t scheduled to come to Indy) is on its first national tour—a rarity for non-musicals these days. Our trip to the Aronoff Center for the Arts in downtown Cincinnati includes a post-show dinner at Nicholson’s, gastropub and a few to-be-announced surprises.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Interlude Tours at 317.913.0387, or reservations@interludetours.com. Remember: Priority seating is given to the first to commit.

Hope you can join me at either or both.