On the Aisle With Tom Alvarez | Tom Alvarez

Callaway Performance at The Jazz Kitchen Is Intoxicating

August 18, 2025

There is nothing more satisfying than being up front in a small, intimate space listening to vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway, who is renowned as one of America’s premier jazz and pop singers. Such was the case Friday when I witnessed Callaway perform a 75-minute set... read more

Ebullient ‘Be More Chill’ Cast Rocks The Schrott

August 12, 2025

Accomplished Indy performer Devan Mathias reinforced that some actors also make excellent directors. Evidence of that theory was on display at the Howard L. Schrott Theatre Saturday at a production of Be More Chill presented by Eclipse, which she directed. The group is a professional company... read more

‘SpongeBob Musical’ Cast Electrifies At The Schrott

July 31, 2025

There is nothing more infectious than the energy exuding from high school performers, especially if they are talented and well directed. Such was the case Saturday when I experienced SpongeBob Musical, presented by Summer Stock Stage at the Schrott Performing Arts Center, at the Butler... read more

Songbook Academy Concert Spotlights Vocal Excellence

July 22, 2025

    A highlight of The Songbook Academy Concert Saturday at The Payne & Mencias Palladium was the return of 2016 alum and Broadway performer Nina White (Kimberly Akimbo). She represented the high caliber of hundreds of singers who have been students at the Songbook... read more

‘The Magnificent Fall’ Shows Fresh Originality

July 14, 2025

As a practical matter, before reviewing a show I’m seeing, I carefully vet the production, whether it’s a play, a concert, or a dance performance, since I regularly cover all three art forms. Mostly, I do so because, since there is only one of me,... read more

ATI’s ‘Titanic’ Is A Singular Artistic Triumph

June 24, 2025

During my 45 years of covering the performing arts in Central Indiana and beyond, I have had the great fortune of experiencing an extensive volume of exceptional work. But there have only been a few that had as much of an emotional impact on me... read more

ISO ‘Maestros’ Pops Concert Is Unparalleled Entertainment

June 12, 2025

I was so completly immersed in the exceptional music, vocals, and atmosphere enhanced by the audience’s electric energy at the Maestros: Jack & Enrico Pops concert, presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, that I couldn’t help be reminded  just how thrilling and vibrant live performance... read more

‘The Prom’ Is A Resounding Hit

June 4, 2025

Amidst ongoing culture wars, “The Prom, A Musical” offers a welcome escape with its endearing LGBTQ+ love story, set in red-state Indiana. Presented by Summer Stock Stage at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University, the musical, with its themes of... read more