Symphony reports first budget surplus in 6 years
A big boost in donations and hefty cutbacks pushed the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s annual budget into the black for the first time since 2007.
Performing Arts
Articles
LOU’S VIEWS: Life after ‘Wicked’: What to do once you’ve seen the blockbuster musical
The national tour of “Wicked” continues to draw crowds to the Murat Theatre, where it runs through Dec. 1. If you’ve already seen it this time around, you might be wondering what to do now to maintain your Elphaba fix until the show flies back into town in a few years.
LOU’S VIEW: A pair of trios with DK and the Phoenix
Three choreographers make magic while three couples mine marital misery.
Indiana contestants getting heavy airtime on ‘Family Feud’ game show
At least eight central Indiana families are contestants this season for the syndicated television show “Family Feud,” according to WNDY-TV Channel 23, where the show airs locally. But that number belies the real interest in the show.
Urbanski extends contract with ISO
The 30-year-old music director will remain on the podium at least through the 2017-2018 season, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra officials said Thursday.
IndyFringe Festival breaks attendance record
Wrapping up Sunday, the 11-day performing arts festival downtown sold a total of 17,286 tickets for the 64 productions mounted.
A&E SEASON PREVIEW: Lou Harry’s critically selected highlights
I’m happily overwhelmed by the number of events I anticipate attending and reviewing during the coming arts season. Take a look.
IndyBaroque appoints new executive director
Maarten Bout is the new executive director for IndyBaroque, which oversees the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra and Ensemble Voltaire.
ISO fills chair for general manager
Daniel Beckley, former executive director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, will take responsibility for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Hilbert Circle Theatre.
Actor who played ghoulish TV host Sammy Terry dies
Bob Carter’s Sammy Terry character was a fixture of Indianapolis television from 1962 to 1989, beginning each episode of "Nightmare Theater" on WTTV-TV by climbing out of a coffin with a trademark fiendish chuckle, wearing a blood-red cape and skullcap, and green makeup on his face.
Indiana Arts Commission pledges $2.9M in grants for 2014
Recipients in central Indiana will include the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Indianapolis symphony gives away old theater seats
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is taking out some 1,700 seats dating as far back as the 1930s as part of a renovation of the Hilbert Circle Theatre, with The Strand Theatre in downtown Shelbyville taking enough to redo its 377 seats.
King, Mellencamp break rules with ‘Ghost Brothers’
“Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” which plays in Bloomington and Indianapolis in October, is a musical that’s not quite like anything out there — as you might expect from two of America’s most independent artists.
Dramatic rehiring as IRT fills Stolen spot
Suzanne Sweeney has decided to stay at the Indiana Repertory Theatre as managing director, a few days before she was supposed to start a new job at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
IRT’s Stolen to exit in swell of arts group departures
Managing Director Steven Stolen will leave the repertory theater for a position with Rocketship Education. Other local performing arts executives stepping down are John Pickett of the Indianapolis Opera and Kirk Trevor of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Critical questions follow reviewer’s departure from Indy Star
The state’s largest newspaper is mum on whether reviews will continue after the Friday resignation of its fine arts critic. Arts organizations are taking a wait-and-see attitude.
Mellencamp’s musical to launch tour from IU
“Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” a collaboration with Stephen King, once talked about for Broadway, will hit 20 cities, beginning with Bloomington and Indy.
Butler set to unveil $15 million Schrott Center for Arts
The new, 450-seat Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University fills a venue gap between the school’s two theaters that each seat about 100 and the 2,200-seat Clowes Memorial Hall.
Former symphony chief lands in sunnier position
Simon Crookall, who ended an often-stormy, seven-year run at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2012, has been hired to take over the Hawaii Opera Theatre in May.
City’s pianist competition makes key changes
This year’s event includes more promotion, more prize money—and an art installation of pianos on Monument Circle.