Kondrat’s return, scoring Tutu tickets, and more

—In the "Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in" category comes news that actress Diane Kondrat, who moved west earlier this year, will be back to star in the Phoenix Theatre's season opener "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike."

—Speaking of the Phoenix, it has a hit on its hands with "Love, Loss and What I Wore," with new performances added Sept. 5-15.

—The Indy Fringe festival is off to a rousing start with particularly notable numbers for Monday night where a 51% increase in ticket sales was noted over 2012. The fest runs through Aug. 26.

—Desmond Tutu will be appearing at Butler University Sept. 12 in a partnership between BU and the Christian Theological Society. The talk is free, but tickets are required…and the only ones left are reserved for Butler faculty, staff, students or alumni. Those will be distributed beginning at 10 a.m. on Aug. 30 at Clowes Hall.

—If you are attending the Start with Art luncheon on Aug. 23, make sure to grab a copy of the IBJ A&E Season Preview special section.