On the Aisle With Tom Alvarez | Tom Alvarez

A Beef & Boards Christmas Is Infused With Panache

December 2, 2025

As a reviewer, this time of year is my most active. That’s because so many performing arts organizations present annual holiday productions, to fill their coffers through ticket sales to those seeking top-notch entertainment during the holidays. Many holiday presentations have become beloved traditions for... read more

Veteran And Emerging Performers Shine in IO’s ‘Rigoletto’

November 17, 2025

How sublime it felt to experience one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most enduring masterpieces, Rigoletto, presented by the Indianapolis Opera, on Saturday at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre at the Allied Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The beloved opera, which was a hit following its... read more

Beethoven X Beyoncé Splendidly Blends Cultures & Genres

October 21, 2025

  The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Uncharted Series, features concerts created by the maverick composer-conductor-producer-singer-songwriter-DJ-arranger Steve Hackman. The concerts are a hybrid of classical and pop music, and singularly unique for literally changing the face of classical music concerts in Indianapolis and beyond. A prime example... read more

‘Beehive’ Is an Exhilarating Musical Romp Back To The 60s

September 10, 2025

  While experiencing “Beehive,” a Valentine to 1960s pop hits, which opened Friday at The Studio Theatre at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, I was enveloped in nostalgia as I was transported back to my high school and college years. Presented by... read more

‘Aspen Ideas’ Is Intriguing Theatre

September 5, 2025

Because I review all the performing arts and typically publish only four to five performances in any given month, I carefully vet the plays I see to ensure that my time is well spent. My criteria usually focus on such factors as content, playwright, performers,... read more

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