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You-review-it Monday

For me, the weekend included stops at the new gallery at the Stutz Building, a visit to the art spaces at the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square, and finally exposing my two youngest kids to the movie “Hoosiers” —…

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Museum of Art fashion show to highlight local designers

It’s not easy to make a living in high fashion, especially in a city where the “garment district” extends only to the nearest
Hancock or Jo Ann Fabrics. Still, Indianapolis has a little something up its sleeve–more than a dozen designers who are prepping
their collections for “Project IMA,” a fashion show modeled after Bravo’s reality hit “Project Runway.”

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IRT’s new season

Yesterday the Indiana Repertory Theatre announced its 2008/2009 season and while it’s clearly too soon to pass any judgments – or make accurate predictions – I have to admit that the optimist and the pessimist in me had a field…

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Blu-ray not singing the blues

So Blu-ray won the high-definition format battle, effectively turning HD DVD into this generation’s Betamax.

Personally, this didn’t affect me at all. I managed to stay out of this turf war largely because a clearer picture and movie theater-quality sound are…

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‘Fair’er by far: a winner at Clowes

Blame it on the weather. Blame it on the familiarity of the material. Blame it on the lack of a name star.

But there were empty seats at last night’s opening of “My Fair Lady.”

It’s a shame, because unlike many other…

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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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Centaur tempted to buy Aztar casino

Indiana riverboat casinos don’t go up for sale every day. So when one becomes available, it’s bound to spark interest. Hence,
the dilemma facing Centaur Inc., the Indianapolis-based casino developer.

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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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