Theaters decry cutback in newspaper reviews
Local theater leaders are sounding the alarm about a drop in coverage by The Indianapolis Star, saying the lack of ink is hurting attendance and the city’s ability to lure new productions to town.
Arts & Entertainment
Articles
Mellencamp a reluctant pitchman in Chevy ad
U.S. celebrities making pitches for large corporations is nothing new. But John Mellencamp has been long known as an artistic purist with a disdain for commercialism. His debut this fall as a pitchman for Chevrolet’s Silverado pickup truck has surprised many and touched off a torrent of criticism.
New ballet school takes over space left by failed dance group
Victoria Lyras began classes for her newly created Indianapolis School of Ballet Aug. 21 in 10,500-square-foot quarters on Capitol Avenue that previously housed Ballet Internationale's Clara R. Noyes Academy, which closed in November because of financial problems. ISB has 20 students so far.
Chamber of Commerce explores casino recommendation
To shore up local government’s enormous financial shortfalls, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has begun investigating whether it wants to push for a downtown casino–a politically explosive idea that would face widespread opposition.
New Ambassadair owner drops dues, brings back charters
The new owner of Ambassadair travel club has eliminated membership fees and will add a flurry of charter flights in January under a plan to revive an Indianapolis institution that shuttled thousands of Hoosiers around the globe for 34 years.
Dolphin trainer keeps busy in and out of water
Valerie Hollowell always has known she wanted to work with dolphins. After all, trips to Sea World were highlights of her childhood. But now that she's a senior marine mammal trainer, she knows the seemingly glamorous job she watched from the stands is more than wet suits and whistles.
In second year, IndyFringe Festival starts to draw corporate dollars
IndyFringe is hitting its stride in its second year, according to its executive director, Pauline Moffat. The quirky, alternative-theater festival is garnering corporate support, but still appealing to a younger crowd.
Family’s prized lemon drinks add zest to Indiana State Fair
Beverly Morgan and her husband Allen opened their first lemon shake-up stand at the Marion County Fair in 1970, when they were both teachers looking for some summer income. It went so well, they opened a stand at the Indiana State Fair. And they'll be back there this week, when the fair kicks off its 150th year of midway rides and corn dogs.
With ‘dark days’ behind it, Conner Prairie gets back to business
In the 2-1/2 years following a 2003 overhaul of Conner Prairie management orchestrated by Earlham College, the Hamilton County attraction was mired in uncertainty over its future and an increasingly bleak financial outlook. Now the skies are brightening.