On the Aisle With Tom Alvarez | Arts & Entertainment

‘The Folks at Home’ Is A Modern Twist on Retro TV Comedy

March 6, 2024

The first thing I noticed upon entering the Indiana Repertory Theatre lobby Sunday were the comforting sounds of music themes from 70’s sitcoms. It was a prelude to an entertaining afternoon enjoying “The Folks at Home,” a heartwarming dramedy about the joys and struggles of... read more

Expanded ‘Bat In The Wind’ Maintains Its Brutal Rawness

March 3, 2024

Upon seeing Catalyst Repertory co-founder and Artistic Director Casey Ross’s searing “Bat in The Wind.” last August during the IndyFringe Theatre Festival, her script and the quality of the acting deeply impressed me. The fact that I yearned to see more of the IndyFringe version,... read more

Uplifting ‘MAMA MIA’ Retains Its Explosive Energy and Joy

March 1, 2024

I had the unexpected pleasure of sitting next to a couple of friends at Tuesday’s opening night performance of a 25th Anniversary North America tour of “MAMA MIA” presented by Broadway in Indianapolis at Clowes Hall at the Butler Arts Center. One of them shared... read more

‘Opera Cabaret’ Is Splendid Showcase for IO Resident Artists

February 29, 2024

Union 50 restaurant, located in the downtown Chatham Arch neighborhood was the scene of the recent “Opera Cabaret,” a fundraiser for Indianapolis Opera. The event, which was held Thursday, Feb. 22, was attended by over one hundred donors and supporters. To attract newer and younger... read more

Chris Lingner Leaves The Stage To Make A Difference Behind The Scenes

February 25, 2024

Following a four-year stint as a principal dancer with Indianapolis Ballet that ended in 2022, Chris Lingner, retired from performing to begin another chapter in career. Eventually he was asked to assume the role of Operations Business Manager for Indiana Ballet Conservatory in Carmel, Indiana... read more

IBC Students Display World Class Artistry In Breathtaking Showcase

February 13, 2024

Tucked away in a nondescript office Park in Carmel, is a school that is turning out dancers who are the future stars of classical and contemporary ballet, modern and neo-ballet. Founded by artistic director Alyona Yakovleva-Randall, assisted by a first-rate faculty, the Indiana Ballet Conservatory... read more

‘Route 66’ Serves Up Nostalgic Survey Of Jukebox Hits

February 6, 2024

    The majority of the audience at Friday’s opening night of “Route 66” were Boomers, but fans of American pop music of the 50’s and early 60s, of any age will thoroughly enjoy this lightening paced 90-minute review presented  at The Studio Theatre at... read more

‘Cirque’ Captivates In Palladium CSO Pops Concert

February 2, 2024

It is not unusual for me to eavesdrop on conversations heard in lobbies during intermission or following performances Interviews. More often they are good barometers, aside from audio responses in during the shows themselves, of audience reaction. Such was the case Saturday when I attended... read more