Another critic bites the dust

The Los Angeles Times has decided it doesn’t need a full-time dance critic and so Lewis Segal is now out of a job.

What does that matter to you?

Well, it’s no secret that daily newspapers are placing less emphasis on arts…

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You-review-it Monday + March tips

For me, the weekend meant visiting the new Children’s Theatre Institute on North Keystone, screening more films in advance of the Indianapolis International Film Festival (early predication: “Operation Filmmaker” will be a fest favorite), and trying my hand at paper…

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Kid stuff the focus for new theater

In yesterday’s IBJ Daily A&E e-mail, I discussed the Children’s Theatre Institute at the Junior Achievement Center, which officially opens its doors tonight with a party and performance of “Treasure Island.” The company promises a full slate of kid-centric productions,…

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Reviews, previews, blogs, etc.

While this blog has loads of readers (110,000 page visits in January.), I’ve found, anecdotally, that that number includes some who know little about IBJ’s other arts and entertainment coverage.

So I thought I’d take today’s posting and give you a…

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Mellencamp: the musical

The long-discussed John Mellencamp/Stephen King stage musical “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” at last has an opening date.

It’s scheduled to premiere in Atlanta at the Alliance Theatre in April…of 2009. (The Alliance, FYI, won the Tony Award for Oustanding Regional Theatre…

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Musical detente in N. Korea

What to make of the New York Philharmonic’s decision to include a concert in North Korea on its latest musical road trip?

Conductor Lorin Maazel explained:  “Music is a powerful language in which those of us who are humane and intelligent…

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You-review-it Monday (+ Oscars)

Catch any of the three Ps this weekend (“Proof” at TOTS, “The Piano Lesson” at the IRT, or Pilobolus at Clowes Hall)? Get to the Indianapolis Art Center or the Symphony?

Or just groggy from watching the Oscars?

Whatever the case, let…

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“Assassins” shot down

“All of us have a healthy respect for the freedom of artistic expression that college theater represents, and all of us agree that out of respect for the families of those victims of the tragedies at Northern Illinois University and…

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IBJ Night at the Movies IV

A few reasons why I’m interested in “The Other Boleyn Girl”:

1. Natalie Portman, still looking for a post-“Star Wars” winner.
2. Scarlett Johansson, ready to step up from the promise of her early, less challenging roles.
3. Eric Bana, in a role…

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TV alert: Sondheim tonight

Today I am PBS’ biggest fan.

That’s because tonight, the long-running series “Great Performances” is premiering “Company,” a taped-from-the-stage production of the George Firth/Stephen Sondheim musical.

In case you are unfamiliar, “Company” is a landmark musical from 1970 that bypassed traditional story…

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Sense or censorship?

“It is important for those in the industry to show some thought about who they are marketing some of these programs to…. I’m concerned about sex, but I’m also concerned [about] some of the violent slasher-horror films that come out…….

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Theater 2008-2009?

We’re getting closer to the point where Indianapolis-area theater companies and presenters announce their 2008-2009 seasons.

Already, Footlite Musicals has staked out territory that includes “Crazy for You,” “Miss Saigon” and—the one I’m most looking forward to—the local community theater premiere…

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You-review-it Monday

Lots going on this week, from a new play opening at the Alley Theatre to African Footprint at the Madame Walker.

Me, I had my first Storytelling Arts experience at the Indiana Historical Society, visited the Indianapolis Art Center and caught…

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Striking developments

So we all survived the Hollywood writers strike.

Bully for us.

As a writer — and as someone with an optioned script in limbo at a major studio — I’m…

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‘Bang’ bounced at TOTS

A last-minute switch in the lineup at Theatre on the Square was mysteriously announced yesterday. In the just-around-the-corner late February slot, out went the relatively unknown survivalist comedy “Bang.” In comes the Pulitzer-Prize winning “Proof.” Why? According to the news…

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Sneak peek at “Great Ideas”

Elsewhere at ibj.com, Jennifer Whitson reports on the Arts Council of Indianapolis’ selection of two projects as winners in this year’s “Great Ideas” contest.
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First impressions/free tickets

What was the first production that woke you up to the potential pleasures of the stage? Were you tuned in as a kid? As a teen? Did interest in theater, dance, opera or live music wait until you were grown?

Or…

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