Prior to starting this column, I covered the performing arts for Examiner.com, which ended operations in 2016. While writing for that website for eight years, I published an annual top-ten list of what I regarded as the best shows reviewed each year. Once I started my own site, and for no particular reason, I ceased compiling my list. However, remembering how popular it was and conscious of expanding my readership, I have decided to bring the list back.
More importantly, if I can advance my mission to shine a spotlight on local performing arts organizations and artists, I am determined to do so. In that spirit, I present the following list of my top ten favorites shows seen in Central Indiana.
KDO Event of the Year – Kids Dance Outreach
Magnolia Ballet – Phoenix Theatre
Tosca – Indianapolis Opera
Sense & Sensibility – Indiana Repertory Theatre
Something Rotten – Footlite Musicals
Violet – Actors Theatre of Indiana
Yuletide Celebration – Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Admissions – American Lives Theatre
Nutcracker – Indiana Ballet Conservatory
Hispanic Heritage Concert – Carmel Symphony Orchestra
photo: Josh Humble
About Tom
Journalist, producer, director, Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, arts administrator, TV contributor, actor, model, writer and lyricist, Tom Alvarez has had an extensive career in media and the fine arts and continues to be an enthusiastic and devoted fan of both. His passion and unique background grant him insight, access and perspective to cover, promote and review the arts in Indianapolis, Central Indiana and beyond. Follow him on social media @tomalvarezartswriter and @tomalvarez1.
Alvarez has been writing about theatre, dance, music, cinema and visual arts for 40 years. His work has appeared in the Indianapolis Star, NUVO, Indianapolis Monthly, Arts Indiana, Unite Magazine, Dance Magazine, NOTE Magazine, and Examiner.com, among many other print and online platforms. A former contributor to Across Indiana on WFYI-TV, he currently has a regular performing arts segment on WISH-TV’s Life. Style. Live!
A principal of Klein & Alvarez Productions, LLC, Alvarez co-created “Calder, The Musical” and is the managing director of Magic Thread Cabaret. As an actor-model, he has appeared in numerous TV and print ads and is represented by the Helen Wells Agency and Heyman Talent Artists Agency.
