Priority list: Free Shakespeare, a national vocal talent competition, more

Some high-hopes choices for July 18-24.

“The Winter’s Tale”

Heartland Actors Repertory Theatre is back with its annual free summer Shakespeare production, this time one of the Bard’s quirkier, less-easy-to-pin-down works of creative genius  (known to some only for a single stage direction: Exit, pursued by a bear). In “The Winter’s Tale,” hostile jealousy akin to “Othello” transforms into a bucolic romance a la “As You Like It” and then, well, let’s just say that “It is required you do awake your faith.” I suggest bringing a picnic and some friends.

July 21-23 White River State Park Details

Songbook Academy Finals

Have you heard about the live NBC broadcast of “Hairspray” coming up later this year? Well, the lead will be played by a previous winner of the Great American Songbook High School Vocal Competition, held at the Palladium. That’s just one of the success stories that emerged from this outstanding event in which young singers from around the country tackle classic tunes under the guidance of Michael Feinstein, opera star Sylvia McNair, and jazz singer Janis Siegel (best known from The Manhattan Transfer). The week of workshops in Carmel culminates in this public performance.

July 23  Palladium Details

WestFest

Stagecoach rides, and a stick-horse rodeo are included in the festivities at the Eiteljorg Museum’s annual event. You can also get up close with real animals, pan for pretend gold, and fill yourself with chuckwagon food. The featured entertainer is country swing band The Farmer and Adele.

July 23 Eiteljorg Museum Details

"Acid Dolphin Experiment"

The Phoenix Theatre’s playwright in residence Tom Horan takes a trip—and I do mean trip—into the life of Dr. John C. Lilly. He’s the doctor who, as the title suggests, gave LSD to dolphins in an effort to encourage them to speak. Finding out how this odd bit of scientific history translates into a stage production should be part of the pleasure of this world premiere.
July 21-Aug. 14 Phoenix Theatre Details

Also this week

For those who like a little edge in their musical theater, QArtistry revives “Zirkus Grimm” at the Circle City Industrial Complex July 22-Aug. 6 while Theatre on the Square offers the local premiere of “Heathers: The Musical, July 22-Aug. 13.

Concerts this week at Klipsch Music Center include Jason Aldeen July 21, Dave Matthews Band July 22-23, and Daryl Hall & John Oates July 24. Meanwhile, Peter Frampton/ Gregg Allman play July 20 at Lawn at White River State Park.

Meanwhile, David Benoit can be heard at The Warehouse, Kenny Rogers plays Hoosier Park July 22 and Rumer Willis visits the Cabaret at the Columbia Club July 22-23