On the Aisle With Tom Alvarez | Tom Alvarez

‘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

‘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