IBJ Movie Night: ‘Watchmen’

Can “Watchmen,” based on the acclaimed graphic novel, hold its own with such recent superhero standard-bearers as “Iron Man” and “The Dark Knight”?

Be one of the first to find out. I’m giving away passes to the March 5th (okay, technically…

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Review: Nine lies about “Cats”

Nine lies about “Cats” (Which is in the midst of a revival at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre).

1. “Cats” is the epitome of the safe, predictable Broadway show. Go into your way-back machine and try to imagine someone approaching…

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Scheduling one show at a time

Some of the Indy area’s newer theater companies have been announcing new productions on a show-by-show basis. This allows them to react quickly, to get a show up when it’s ready, and to live within their often very-limited means. On…

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You-review-it Monday

So what did you do this weekend?  

For me, an outstanding arts weekend included the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra/Indianapolis Museum of Art presentation of Buster Keaton’s “The General” (note to ICO/IMA: please put another one onto next year’s schedule) and Storytelling Arts of…

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Cramming for the Oscars

The Academy Awards are coming up on Sunday and, while I know the best film of the year won’t win (since “Wall*E” wasn’t even nominated), I’ll still be tuning in to root for some favorites (Go “In Bruges” for Best…

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Revisiting “Movin’ Out”

When you appreciate a musical or play a lot better the second time you see it, it’s sometimes difficult to sort out why.

It could be that the piece just grows richer on repeat viewings. It could be that the change of…

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You-review-it Monday

For me, the weekend included the tour of “Movin’ Out” at the Murat, “Crime and Punishment” at the IRT (more on this outstanding production in next week’s print IBJ), and Michael Feinstein with the Indianapolis Symphony (see previous blog post).

Did…

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Reviews: Cirque and Feinstein

There’s not enough room in my IBJ print column this week to discuss all I’m seeing this week. Plus, I wanted to get word to you on these two while they are still in town. So here’s two quick reviews:

First,…

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First look: State Fair concerts

More than any other concert series, the Indiana State Fair’s is influenced as much by the atmosphere as it is by the act. Catch a slight breeze on a warm-but-not-too-hot night after a loop around the Fair with friends or…

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Video: Arts funding roundtable

Got a little time? And some interest in the future of the arts in Indianapolis?

Sit back and watch IBJ’s arts funding roundtable. Your thoughts, of course, are most welcome. 

[kml_flashembed movie=”http://weblive.ibj.com/ibj/video/ae/articlePlayer.swf” height=”250″ width=”306″ /]

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Thomas Kinkade, painter of…cars?

I’m all for populist art. But I’ll readily admit to being a bit embarrassed for the city that Thomas Kinkade, the much-collected — and much-mocked — “painter of light,” has been named the featured artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway…

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You-review-it Monday

For me, the last few days included an opening at the Phoenix, a world premiere with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and finally getting around to watching “Love Actually.”

How about your weekend? Did you take in any First Friday events? Catch “Durang-O-Rama” or “To…

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Arts roundtable: funding

Last week, we at IBJ gathered a panel of local arts professionals to discuss funding issues. A story about that insightful talk will appear in the upcoming print IBJ while a video will appear on line. I’ll give you more…

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Shakespeare hall-of-famers

Tonight, the Guthrie Theatre’s touring production of “Henry V” comes to Purdue University. Shortly after talking about it on the air today at Fox 59 (where I offer a weekly preview of upcoming arts events–see clip at www.ibj.com/arts), I…

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Should libraries charge?

Should libraries be charging for the hottest materials?

The Dallas Public Library thinks so. It’s slapped a $5 surcharge on a short list of bestsellers and new-release DVDs. You can find more details here.

A slippery slope or a smart move?

And,…

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Chicago: Weathering the arts storm

I know I’m not alone among Indianapolis arts lover in taking occassional trips to Chicago for a change-of-venue cultural fix. So I like to keep an eye on the news up there.

Well, the Chicago Tribune recently reported on some…

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You-review-it Monday

Yes, there was the amazing football game. But, for me, the weekend also included LA TheatreWorks’ production of “The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial” at Clowes and InterAction Theatre’s “Durang-o-Rama” at the IndyFringe space.

While well acted, “Monkey Trial” fell between two stools. At its…

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Good news for the arts?

Last night, on my way to the Phoenix Theatre to see “Love Person,” I called and discovered that the play was sold out. And I hadn’t made a reservation.

On the one hand, I’m frustated that I didn’t get to the show…

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