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
Tom Alvarez is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist, and arts administrator with an extensive career spanning media and the fine arts. His diverse background as a producer, director, actor, and lyricist provides him with unique insight and access to review the arts across Indianapolis, Central Indiana, and beyond.
For over 50 years, Alvarez has documented theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. His work has been featured in the Indianapolis Star, NUVO, Indianapolis Monthly, and Dance Magazine, among others. A former contributor to WFYI-TV’s Across Indiana, he now hosts a regular performing arts segment on WISH-TV’s Life. Style. Live!. He is also the host and producer of the podcast On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez, part of the All Indiana Podcast Network presented by Circle City Broadcasting.
As a principal of Klein & Alvarez Productions, LLC, he co-created “Calder, The Musical” and serves as the managing director of Magic Thread Cabaret. Additionally, he is an active actor and model represented by the Helen Wells Agency and Heyman Talent Artists Agency.
You can follow his work on social media @tomalvarezartswriter and @tomalvarez1.
