August 6, 2026
I recently conducted a Zoom interview with Charles Busch, who called from his Manhattan apartment, for my On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. In our conversation, the playwright, performer, novelist and cabaret storyteller reflected on Aunt Lil, Charles... read more
August 1, 2026
DECADES: The Story of America in Song, presented by Claude McNeal Productions Friday at McGowan Hall, reminded me how much of our shared history has been carried through music. Returning for America’s 250th anniversary, the show used familiar songs, movement, photographs and quick shifts in... read more
July 25, 2026
With a clear evening sky overhead and cooler air settling in, Indy Shakes, the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company, opened King Lear Friday at the imposing Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre in Riverside Park on Indianapolis’ west side. It was hard to imagine a better backdrop: the stone... read more
July 19, 2026
American Lives Theatre continues to pursue its mission of engaging, provoking and entertaining audiences by presenting stories that reflect the lives and history of Americans. With Extreme Home Makeover, which opened Friday at the Frank and Katrina Basile Theatre at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural... read more
July 18, 2026
Hoosier-born journalist Janet Flanner might seem, at first glance, unlikely stage material, which is part of the pleasure of “They Call Me Genêt,” D. Paul Thomas’ 90-minute, one-woman show that premiered Thursday before a full house at The District Theatre in Indianapolis. Produced by The... read more
July 17, 2026
The energy radiating from the stage of the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University was vivid during Wednesday’s preview of Newsies, the Broadway musical presented by Summer Stock Stage before a sold-out audience. That spark was matched by the enthusiasm of... read more
July 5, 2026
ESQUE Burlesque: Patriotica! at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel knew exactly what kind of room it was working when I attended the Friday performance. The show, presented by Worcel Shepard Productions was cheeky, carefully assembled and just unruly enough to keep its cabaret polish... read more
July 4, 2026
I have lost count of how many times I have watched the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra perform its annual “Star Spangled Symphony” concert at Conner Prairie in Noblesville. Yet, the experience remains as moving as ever. Wednesday’s performance, part of the three-day Fourth of July celebration,... read more
