On the Aisle With Tom Alvarez | Tom Alvarez

‘New Voices’ Concert Personifies Dance Kaleidoscope Brand

March 24, 2024

Now in its 52nd season, Dance Kaleidoscope lived up to its illustrious reputation Saturday night in its “New Voices” concert, held on the OneAmerica Stage at Indiana Repertory Theatre. Billing itself as Indiana’s premier contemporary dance company, DK’s concert splendidly reflected its mission to embody... read more

Bakari, Brown & Company Triumph In Indianapolis Opera’s ‘Yardbird’

March 22, 2024

It had all the elements of a superlative contemporary opera and the art form in general — superb vocals, exceptional acting, compelling music and libretto, and exemplary production values, including appealing costumes, lighting and projections. Making “Yardbird” even more striking was the setting in which... read more

Moreno & DeSare Team Up Splendidly With ISO in ‘Dueling Pianos’

March 20, 2024

Two consummate entertainers with distinctly different styles graced the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage Friday for an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops concert, titled “Frankie Moreno &   Tony SeSare: Dueling Pianos,” which was led by conductor Jack Everly. And though flamboyant singer, songwriter, pianist, and recent “AES... read more

‘The Folks at Home’ Is A Modern Twist on Retro TV Comedy

March 6, 2024

The first thing I noticed upon entering the Indiana Repertory Theatre lobby Sunday were the comforting sounds of music themes from 70’s sitcoms. It was a prelude to an entertaining afternoon enjoying “The Folks at Home,” a heartwarming dramedy about the joys and struggles of... read more

Expanded ‘Bat In The Wind’ Maintains Its Brutal Rawness

March 3, 2024

Upon seeing Catalyst Repertory co-founder and Artistic Director Casey Ross’s searing “Bat in The Wind.” last August during the IndyFringe Theatre Festival, her script and the quality of the acting deeply impressed me. The fact that I yearned to see more of the IndyFringe version,... read more

Uplifting ‘MAMA MIA’ Retains Its Explosive Energy and Joy

March 1, 2024

I had the unexpected pleasure of sitting next to a couple of friends at Tuesday’s opening night performance of a 25th Anniversary North America tour of “MAMA MIA” presented by Broadway in Indianapolis at Clowes Hall at the Butler Arts Center. One of them shared... read more

‘Opera Cabaret’ Is Splendid Showcase for IO Resident Artists

February 29, 2024

Union 50 restaurant, located in the downtown Chatham Arch neighborhood was the scene of the recent “Opera Cabaret,” a fundraiser for Indianapolis Opera. The event, which was held Thursday, Feb. 22, was attended by over one hundred donors and supporters. To attract newer and younger... read more

Chris Lingner Leaves The Stage To Make A Difference Behind The Scenes

February 25, 2024

Following a four-year stint as a principal dancer with Indianapolis Ballet that ended in 2022, Chris Lingner, retired from performing to begin another chapter in career. Eventually he was asked to assume the role of Operations Business Manager for Indiana Ballet Conservatory in Carmel, Indiana... read more