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Joe Turner’s Come and Gone: A Thoughtful Examination of Black Experience

February 4, 2026

August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone stands as a moving and richly layered contribution to American theater, blending history, cultural identity, and personal discovery. Set in a Pittsburgh boardinghouse in 1911, the play is the second installment of Wilson’s renowned ten-play cycle chronicling African... read more

‘Lucky Stiff’ Is A Boisterous Frolic

February 2, 2026

Lucky Stiff is a musical farce that blends outrageous comedy, suspense, and plenty of heart. With music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, this quirky musical—based on Michael Butterworth’s The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo—was first performed at Playwrights Horizons... read more

The Three Mexican Tenors & ISO Turn In An Exuberant Performance

January 20, 2026

The Three Mexican Tenors are a sensational vocal ensemble, blending the passion, tradition, and musical sophistication of Mexico with the universally beloved format of the classical tenor trio. Friday evening, Jorge Lopez-Yañez, Alfredo Carrillo, and Jesús León performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by... read more

‘MJ the Musical’ Is An Eye-Popping Tribute to the King of Pop

January 14, 2026

MJ, the musical, is a dazzling and energetic tribute to the King of Pop, capturing the essence of Michael Jackson’s artistry, passion, and complex persona. Set primarily during the 1992 Dangerous World Tour rehearsals, the musical offers an intimate look behind the curtain, providing audiences... read more

‘Mousetrap’ Endures As A Timeless Theatrical Institution

January 11, 2026

Agatha Christie’s legendary murder mystery, The Mousetrap, has captivated audiences for decades, securing its place as the world’s longest continuously running play. Originally premiering in London’s West End in 1952, the play remains a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, clever plotting, and quintessential British wit. Its... read more

2025 Top Ten Performing Arts Events

December 30, 2025

I proudly present, in no particular order, my top ten list of performing arts events throughout Central Indiana that I reviewed in this column, and which thoroughly inspired and/or captured my full attention. 50th Anniversary Concert – Indianapolis Opera & Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Titanic –... read more

2025 Top Ten On The Aisle With Tom Alvarez Podcast Interviews

December 29, 2025

For the past two years, I have hosted and produced On The Aisle with Tom Alvarez, my weekly podcast on the All Indiana Podcast Network, presented by Circle City Broadcasting under the auspices of WISH-TV, Over that period, I have had the pleasure of engaging... read more

‘The Nutcracker’ Remains a Timeless Tribute to Wonder and Imagination

December 28, 2025

The Nutcracker, first performed in 1892, endures as one of the great treasures of classical ballet—a work that has charmed audiences across generations with its enchanting blend of music, movement, and visual spectacle. Now an Indy tradition, I witnessed the Indianapolis Ballet production, accompanied by... read more