‘Wrong’ goes right at the IRT

By John Lyle Belden

One of the great ironic tricks of theatre is that it takes true professionals to portray clumsy amateurs in a way that delivers side-splitting comedy. This we get from Indiana Repertory Theatre with “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

This was a U.K. and Broadway hit by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer, who apparently spend their time in London making other stage genres and classic stories “go wrong.” The script invokes the spirit of Murphy’s Law, in that practically every prop will break or fail and every conceivable mistake can and will be made – combined with a determined “the show must go on” attitude.

This appears to be the Indianapolis premiere, though there were productions last year in Bloomington and Carmel (we reviewed those as well, in case this looks familiar).

To ensure that everything goes perfectly catastrophic, the IRT Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, Benjamin Hanna, directs. The cast includes a couple of the players from last autumn’s “Spelling Bee,” Brent Mutter and Dominque Lawson, and two local masters of physical comedy, Rob Johansen and Claire Wilcher.

The play takes place in England at the Cornley Drama Society’s opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The whodunit’s director (Eric Sharp), who also plays the detective, is grateful to finally get a production under way with a full cast, once the technical director Trevor (Ryan Hallahan) and stage manager Annie (China Brickey) are set. The mystery starts from opening curtain with the victim Charles (Johansen) lying on a chaise at center stage. Entering, despite a stuck door, are his best friend Thomas (Mutter), his brother Cecil (Lawson), fiancé Florence (Sarah Coakley Price), and the butler Perkins (Wilcher). Was this murder? Detective Carter arrives to determine it was, and everyone is a suspect.

Of course, this Agatha Christie-style story is constantly upstaged by things falling and failing all over the place, nothing where it’s supposed to be, and cleaning fluid in place of the stage-whiskey. Add to this some superb bad acting, such as Lawson’s comically broad gestures resembling bad attempts at sign language, or Wilcher’s need to have key words written on her hand – and always mispronounced.

Things get even more bizarre when Florence is accidentally knocked out and Annie, script in hand, must immediately take her place, going about as well as you’d expect. Eventually, Price and Brickey are two concussed, dueling Florences fighting for the spotlight.

Throughout, this is a masterpiece of mayhem. The non-stop hilarity surpasses even favorite farces like “Noises Off,” with chaos comparable to Monty Python or The Marx Brothers at their manic best.

Credit goes to Christopher and Justin Swader for the hilariously hazardous stage design.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through May 11 on the mainstage at IRT, 140 W. Washington St., in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Get info and tickets at irtlive.com.

For Frosty Die-Hards who Actually Love Wonderful Xmas Stories

By John Lyle Belden

As we proceed into December, it’s time we put aside our worries over politics and international strife to consider truly important questions, such as:

  • Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie – I mean, it absolutely is, right?
  • Does “Prancer” still count?
  • And, can we get ever get enough Jimmy Stewart?

Explore these vital issues with folks who clearly have issues – in “A Very Phoenix Xmas: It’s a Wonderful Die Hard Life Story Actually,” directed and curated by Claire Wilcher. It’s like the beloved performer and intimacy expert worked on an in-depth project on holiday television and cinema, but she took one of those Siberian Santa mushrooms (see the show for context).

Our up-for-anything cast of Matthew Altman, Paige Neely, Devan Mathias, Zachariah Stonerock, and Kelsey Van Voorst take on a series of skits by Wilcher, Jeff Clawson, Steve Moulds, Zack Neiditch, KT Peterson, Mookie Harris, Steven Korbar, Bennett Ayres, and the return of Mark Harvey Levine’s “A Requiem for Shermy,” one of the best tributes to the Peanuts Christmas Special. In video bits between scenes, Wilcher joins in on some classic holiday movie moments.

This show gets a little spooky at times, a lot funny throughout, and just one degree from Kevin Bacon. We’ve seen Mathias and Van Voorst deliver the silly before, and they are at the top of their game here, as well as charming Neely and ever-fabulous Altman; meanwhile Stonerock excels at Pythonesque straight-man delivery, as well as the task of doing likely the most imitated-for-laughs voice in Hollywood history.

Looks like the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre’s holiday tradition is here to stay (through Dec. 22) and in good hands. It’s on the mainstage at 705 N. Illinois St., downtown Indianapolis; get tickets at phoenixtheatre.org.

ALT, Phoenix present meaningful production

By John Lyle Belden

For us Americans, we are asked from the time we first learn about it in school what we think about the United States Constitution, but, honestly, what do we know about it? What does it do, has it done – has it not done?

American Lives Theatre and Stage Door Productions present “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck on the main stage of the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre in downtown Indianapolis. This play is a unique blend of (mostly) one-woman storytelling and memoir, compelling lecture, and on-stage debate with elements of improv and audience response.

In its award-winning Off-Broadway run, Schreck recalled how she earned her college tuition as a teen winning prizes at speaking contests on the Constitution held by the American Legion. The narrative comes to more recent times with personal stories and taking notice of how the Supreme Court has upheld – or possibly failed – America’s foundational document.

In the current local staging, highly talented stage veterans Claire Wilcher portrays Schreck while Ben Tebbe is on hand as Heidi’s friend Danny Wolohan, who assists by portraying a Legionnaire contest moderator whom Schreck recalls fondly. In the second act, Jada Radford, a local performer who also participates in Speech and Debate as a student at Marian University, comes out as herself to take a side against Schreck/Wilcher on a constitutional issue chosen at random. Audience members are free to submit topics, as well as questions for the performers, which will be used at the next performance.

Wilcher’s manner is so natural and earnest that any line between her and Schreck vanishes. We readily absorb her recollections, as well as facts and history that may not be common knowledge but affect us all. We delve deeply into the vital Fourteenth Amendment, as well as the cryptic Ninth Amendment, and their role in recent decisions, as well as cases before the courts today.

While there is a fair amount of humor, disturbing truths cannot be avoided. Director K.T. Peterson admits in a program note that “this play is upsetting,” but sees that as a good thing. Difficult topics include domestic abuse, abortion, and civil rights, especially for women. Wilcher-as-Schreck doesn’t get angry, yet pulls no punches in her delivery, a from-the-heart pleading from both women in unison.

Tebbe is supportive and good natured, playing it aptly more as an ally than a co-star. Radford is simultaneously brash and charming. She nimbly blends her stage and forensic skills, even winning the debate in the performance we attended.

So, if anyone tells you something is not in the Constitution, tell them, “Penumbra.”

Want to know why? Find out “What the Constitution Means to Me” in performances through Sept. 22 at the Phoenix, 705 N. Illinois St. Audience members also each get their own copies of the Constitution to take home. Get tickets at phoenixtheatre.org and information at americanlivestheatre.org.

‘White City Murder’ strikes again

By John Lyle Belden

One hundred thirty-one years ago, Chicago hosted the World’s Fair. Practically everyone who was anyone at the time was there. Also, a notorious and prolific serial killer, who had his victims coming to him, which he dispatched not only for the thrill but also for cold hard cash.

You might already know about this, especially if you have read Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City.” Before that non-fiction bestseller was in print, Ben Asaykwee, then living and performing in Chicago, started work on a musical inspired by the brazen exploits of swindler and murderer H.H. Holmes.

Eight years ago, Asaykwee and collaborator Claire Wilcher premiered “White City Murder” in Indy’s Irvington neighborhood (just blocks where Holmes had briefly resided, killing one of his last victims). Last weekend, the duo opened the latest edition of this fascinating historical extravaganza in the black-box Basile stage at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre.

For such an audacious event as the shining white Fair, with the unbelievably dark deeds occurring just miles away, Asaykwee and Wilcher go big with carnival barker energy befitting a Buffalo Bill show (Bill also makes an appearance – in fact our actors portray dozens of people from simple to celebrity). Once they have grabbed our attention, they keep us fascinated and entertained by the story of tragic fates and horrible deeds, aided by a hidden keyboard and a vocal looper to reflect the inventive atmosphere of the late nineteenth century.

A large paper notepad registers the body count, climbing ever higher. It is unknown how many Holmes killed – he was convicted of just one murder and had been pursued only for insurance fraud – but this is not to celebrate that. Asaykwee gives us a snapshot of a wild time in a dynamic era, presenting those whose lives were touched and ruined as much as the man who doomed them. And for us – twenty-first century consumers of true-crime entertainment in its various forms – he gives us a show that truly kills, complete with catchy tunes and wry gallows humor.

Back when I first saw this, I noted its rough edges (now nicely polished) and wondered if this performance was only suited to Asaykwee and Wilcher’s unique style and talents. I now sense others willing to engage the gusto this show demands could do it just fine, but still, make a date to see the originators.

“White City Murder” runs through Aug. 4 at 705 N. Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis. Info and tickets at phoenixtheatre.org.

IRT presents ‘Folks’ in a comic situation

By John Lyle Belden

The situation comedy, a/k/a sitcom, is primarily an American invention, and in its many settings often reflects an aspect of the American Dream. But put something that could be made into a TV pilot on a stage with no cameras – just the live audience – and you find that the difference between a “Full House” and “A Raisin in the Sun” becomes little more than the laugh track.

This is the genre-testing approach of R. Eric Thomas’s “The Folks at Home,” in its second-ever production, presented by Indiana Repertory Theatre (its premiere was in Baltimore, where the story is set).

Young married couple Brandon and Roger (Garrett Young and Keith Illidge) are hitting what could be a rough patch. The big house they bought is changing from a wise investment to a burden as Roger has trouble finding a job; still, Brandon has things budgeted so they can stay until they sell the house – which Roger privately doesn’t want to do. Also, the ghost put the mail in the refrigerator again.

While Brandon’s at work, Roger’s parents Pamela and Vernon (Oliva D. Dawson and Sean Blake) arrive, informing him that their house is in foreclosure, and they are going to have to move in. Later, Brandon’s says-whatever’s-in-her-head mother Maureen (Tracy Michelle Arnold) shows up, stating that since she’s between jobs and living situations, her son said she could move in. Then the “maid” Alice (Claire Wilcher) abruptly arrives to clean off the dust and bad vibes.

As they say in the biz, hilarity ensues.

It’s interesting to guess all the possible classic sitcom influences jammed into this play – “Odd Couple,” “All in the Family,” “Jeffersons,” “Roseanne/Conners,” “Ghosts,” “Modern Family,” you name it – but that would be a disservice to Thomas and director Reggie D. White. In this homage to problems that work out in half an hour of wholesome humor, we see what happens when the issues don’t stop when the theme song kicks back in. Just as many teleplays are based on lived experiences in family homes, this fictional family sees things getting real between the quippy one-liners and odd misunderstandings.

Even with the ever-lurking drama, there are some belly-laugh comic moments, including the always-awkward “family meeting,” and the arrival in Act 2 of Wilcher as Brandon’s very pregnant sister Brittany, eager to dispense her “crock-pot” wisdom. The cast give us unique characters that still suggest archetypes – Maureen a bit Archie Bunker, Vernon a bit George Jefferson, Brandon and Roger like pals of Will and Grace – which like those personae keep them relatable to folks we know or people we’ve been. Given more than a half-hour for the plot to play out, it’s like binging a short season’s arc (complete with Intermission for a break) to see how all the storylines resolve. Funny, uplifting, and NOT available on Netflix or any other streaming service. Catch “The Folks at Home” at the IRT, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, through March 16. Get tickets and information at irtlive.com.

Getting to look a lot like ‘Xmas’

By John Lyle Belden

I’ll never forget the moment a few years ago during a show when Claire Wilcher shouted, “That just happened!” as she rolled with the comic chaos, ever one of this city’s biggest talents.

As the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center sought to revive its traditional “Very Phoenix Xmas,” it was entrusted to Wilcher, who directed and wrote the whole show with “& Friends,” which include costars Shawnte P. Gaston, Carlos Medina Maldonado, and Ben Asaykwee, who co-wrote songs with her. Putting aside lame wordplay (for a moment) this is simply, “A Very Phoenix Xmas Returns: The Return of the Very Phoenix Xmas.”

Yeah, it’s happening.

A quick warning: In the edgy spirit of the Phoenix Theatre, there are a fair number of F-bombs dropped among the fake snowflakes, though as usual nothing blasphemous for this holy season. This fun is for high schoolers and older.

The overall theme is Christmas season in central Indiana, with some comic shots taken at traditions including the IRT “Christmas Carol,” the Symphony’s “Yuletide Celebration,” and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. To start the second half of the show, we even get a look at actual Yelp reviews for local attractions.

Between scenes, we get “greetings” from various Hoosiers throughout history, from Col. Eli Lilly to Madam C.J. Walker to Kurt Vonnegut. (And by the way, Claire, Wendy and I have always called that freeway “the Babyface.”)

All four have their moments to shine, including Gaston as an infamous billionaire, Maldonado and his “box dance,” and Asaykwee as a disaffected member of whatever today’s generation is called. Order the theme cocktail before the show or at intermission, and you, too, can be part of the performance!

Once again, the Phoenix balances engaging in tradition with thumbing its nose at it. This ‘Xmas’ is fresh, funny, heartfelt, and entertaining with deftly delivered satire and all the feelings – from fun to frustration – of the holiday season.

Performances run through Dec. 23 at 705 N. Illinois St., downtown Indianapolis. Get tickets at phoenixtheatre.org. And at the show, tell Gustav we said “Hi.”

No mystery why you should see ‘Clue’ at IRT

By Wendy Carson 

With all the recent variants (I find the Simpsons version very amusing) as well as a modern upgrade of the original, I think it’s safe to say most of us have played the game of “Clue” at least once. Add to this the widespread interest in murder mysteries (real and fictional) and that the board game is the subject of a film with a large cult following, and you have the perfect recipe for a hilariously good night of theater.

Adapted to the stage by Sandy Rustin, based on the movie script by Jonathan Lynn, the delightfully kooky script has been taken up by Indiana Repertory Theatre director Benjamin Hanna and brought together a dream team of local and regional talents to elevate “Clue” to previously unknown comical heights. Though the plot and characters echo Lynn’s screenplay, there are numerous brilliant additions (apparently the house was built by the Parker Brothers) to keep you laughing anew. Even the game board shows up at one point, as a handy map to the labyrinthine mansion.

Scenic designer Czerton Lim pulls out all the creative stops in giving us a set with multiple slamming doors, secret passageways, moving walls, and tributes to the game and movie (yes, that is Tim Curry as Mr. Boddy in the painting).

John Taylor Philips brings out all of Wadsworth’s condescending arrogance in his turn as the butler and ersatz host of the evening’s events. Andrea San Miguel brings all of the maid Yvette’s cheeky mischief and charm. Henry Woronicz plays up Colonel Mustard’s dotage, yet keeps him somewhat austere. Emjoy Gavino subtly shows Mrs. White’s predatory instincts while still keeping her endearing. Beethovan Oden’s turn as Professor Plum highlights the character’s belief that he is the smartest man in any room. Emily Berman’s version of Miss Scarlet is even more sultry and sassy than expected. IRT favorite Ryan Artzberger easily adapts to each of his three roles, even with mortal wounds.

Eric Sharp takes full advantage of his character’s expansion in this script and brings a delightful bumbling nerdiness to Mr. Green. Claire Wilcher adds another level of comic genius to her spectacular performance as the seemingly prim Mrs. Peacock. Not to be outdone, Devan Mathias plays three different roles with such gusto that two of them have to be killed to keep her from stealing the show.

Whether you have seen the movie, played the game or just want to see a show that will have you laughing almost non-stop, get a “Clue,” playing through May 20 on the IRT mainstage, 140 W. Washington St., downtown Indianapolis. NOTE: Dressing up as any of the characters (old or new), also adds another level of enjoyment to the experience. (I was one of many “Peacocks” on opening night.)

Get info and tickets at irtlive.com.

Civic ‘Anne Frank’ stirs young audience

By Wendy Carson 

This past Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to be allowed to attend one of the special student showings of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. It was eye-opening for all, to say the least. Overhearing their comments both during and after the show helped drive home how important theatrical productions of Holocaust stories are in our world.

With most of the audience being of roughly the same age as Anne, the tragedy of her life and situation really resonated with the students. While they were aware of World War II as history, seeing the images in context really drove these horrors home. After the performance, most were busy wiping tears from their eyes, even those who had read Anne’s “Diary of a Young Girl” prior to attendance.

The power of the show begins with the spectacular set design of Ryan Koharchik. The multi-level set reflects the spaces these souls were forced to inhabit during their two years in hiding but the grim truth of the situation comes from the high, chain-link fence topped with razor wire that serves at the back wall to the show. This also allows for Michael J. Lasley to project timely background photos to further the message beginning with the initial one of Anne’s photograph and actual pages of writing from her diary. Lasley also has a short moment on stage near the end of the show.

While Wendy Kesselman’s new adaption of the play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett is stirring, nothing would ring true without the amazing skills of the actors here, under the direction of versatile theatre artist Claire Wilcher. Especially since many regular theater goers will know several of them for their numerous comedic roles and will be delighted to see their incredible range highlighted here.

Rebecca Piñero brings the shy stoicism of Anne’s older sister Edith to light, keeping her character from being overlooked and fading into the background.

Kevin Caraher as Mr. Kraler, who keeps the doors to the Franks’ business open and running while ensuring no one else is aware of the eight souls above, shows both the hopefulness and fear of his role.

Mookie Harris as the dentist Mr. Dussel keeps his character cold and very removed from the others he is with, but also hints that this is the character’s way of shielding himself from the devastation of losing more people he cares about.

Jay Hemphill and Carrie Reiberg as Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan bring the elitist pomposity out in their characters, yet still show us the struggles of a couple terrified of the situation they have been put into.

Garrett Rowe, as Peter Van Daan, brings his character’s growth from fear at being thrown into a new situation with unbearable co-inhabitants, delicately budding into happiness and growing romance throughout their time together.

David Wood as Otto Frank keeps the optimistic outlook as the leader of this group of survivors. Brittany Magee’s maternal turn as Edith Frank is perfection indeed. She enacts the struggles and sorrows of a mother fighting to keep control of her family and situation so well you might think she has raised a slew of teenagers herself.

Anyone who has ever witnessed her on stage before obviously knows the spectacular comic whirlwind that is Kelsey VanVoorst. Now we are a party to the depth of her pathos as she portrays Miep Gies, the character most at risk of tragedy for her part in this endeavor. VenVoorst keeps Miep as upbeat as possible as she bravely smuggles in the supplies to keep the group alive during their time in hiding. The strength and resolve that keeps her going are evident as she forces herself to find the happiest news she can find to share with the families.

Finally, we arrive at the cornerstone role of the play, Gemma Rollison as Anne Frank (alternately played by Sydney Pinchouck on Feb. 28 and 24). Known as a brave girl who fought through so much to keep herself optimistic through her lifetime, this side of Anne is presented perfectly, yet Rollinson also brings the girl’s precocious and obnoxious spirit also noted in her writing and memories of her surviving father. Beginning as an oblivious 13-year-old who thinks teasing her companions is the height of joy, Rollinson exquisitely brings out Anne’s changes into a budding young woman by the show’s end.

As this country has recently experienced fear and confinement from a life-threatening disease, it feels like we can identify somewhat with the desperation and anxiety faced here. However, the fatalities of the Coronavirus are nothing in comparison to the horrors of the Holocaust. This grave, terrible reality is precisely why these stories must be told and retold. As the years pass and memories begin to fade, we must ensure that this dark chapter of the past is never forgotten or allowed to recur. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council is on hand in the lobby to provide information of how to participate in continuing this vital effort.

After seeing the reactions of the young people in the audience, I urge you to get as many of them to this show as you can (as well as yourselves). While the subject matter is rather intense and is probably not suitable for all ages, anyone 13 and up really needs to see what life could have been like for themselves if they had been born during this time. Performances run through Feb. 25 (public showtimes at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays) at the Tarkington theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. Get info and tickets at civictheatre.org or thecenterpresents.org.

IRT gives mouse-eye view of stage magic

By John Lyle Belden

The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents an excellent introduction to the world of live theatre for the smallest patrons – preschool to the early school grades – with “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.”

The show is immersive, encouraging audience participation in a gentle manner. Children take their seats on the floor right next to the “stage” area, which includes two paths running through the audience (parents or guardians can sit with them, or to the back in regular chairs). There is an opening introduction led by an IRT staffer, such as actor/educator Beverly Roche or play director Benjamin Hanna, to let everyone know what to expect and get them in the proper mood.

Everyone in the excellent cast play mice — with humans, hazards and a pesky cat (giant from our perspective) portrayed by light and sound effects to aid young imaginations. Claire Wilcher is Granny, matriarch of the Boot family, who resides in an old work shoe in a barn in The Country with grandson William (Grant Somkiet O’Meara, the lone kid actor). They are visited by Town cousin Montmorency De Vere Boot (Paeton Chavis), who informs them that William has inherited a nice piece of luxury footwear in an attic closet in a house in the heart of the city. When Monty brings William to Town to claim his new home, they come across the “tame twins,” white mice who escaped their pen to roam free about the house. Snowey (Carlos Medina Maldonado) is friendly and welcoming, while Silver (Brianna Milan) is mean and mistrusting, trying to trick William into dangerous situations.

While I would find it problematic if the theme emphasized the danger of exploring new places and that one is better off where they “belong,” the lesson emphasis here is on being brave – both in confronting new things and in stepping up to help someone else. The play program has an easy activity worksheet that includes questions on the topic of bravery, and the cast returns after the play to help lead a discussion on being brave.

The play is by British playwright Vicky Ireland, based on the traditional Aesop fable. A bit of the Queen’s English slips in – like “ready, steady, go” – but not in unfamiliar accents.

All the children present at my showing (emceed charmingly by Roche) appeared to enjoy the play, even smaller ones who were fussy at first. Be prepared for learning new dance steps, like the mouse “greeting” and the hot-pipe crossing – bits of physical storytelling that helped keep the young audience engaged. It also helped that the star is a bit closer to the age of the playgoers. When one kid asked during the talkback if he could give a high five, he headed straight to O’Meara. While Chavis being a small woman helped her to connect, Wilcher was nicely maternal and Maldonado and Milan were like oversized children (think Big Bird, but with fur).

Some parents noted after the show that there aren’t many opportunities for small children to experience live theatre like this. For information and tickets to this play, running through March 25 on the Cabaret floor of the IRT – 140 W. Washington St., downtown Indianapolis – visit www.irtlive.com.

Getting through the holidays with TOTS

By John Lyle Belden

While most people are familiar with the “Nice” offering by Theatre on the Square, a live stage version of “A Christmas Story,” the show on the smaller second stage, “A Christmas Survival Guide” – tagged “Naughty” – is a little more obscure. So that’s what we’ll discuss here.

As for the naughtiness, it’s mainly for some language and Grinchy-Scroogey attitude as a jaded quintet – Gabby Niehaus, Shauna Smith, Anna Lee, Josiah McCruistion and Eric Brockett – their piano accompanist, Levi Burke, and stage manager, Nikki Sayer (her actual position, not just a role) deal with going through yet another holly-jolly season, whether they like it or not.

Still, a show is a show, and when the spotlight is on one of this ensemble, he or she shines, whether it’s Niehaus cooing “Santa Baby,” Smith crooning the “New Years Eve Blues,” Lee abducting “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” Burke tickling the ivories in a solo, or McCruistion frankly singing anything.

It helps that the cast are given copies of the book, “A Christmas Survival Guide,” from which we hear excerpts in the recorded voice of TOTS staffer and local uber-talent Claire Wilcher.

The best bit in this revue of songs and comedy features Lee as a lonely woman dealing with two rather needy and misunderstood roommates, portrayed hilariously by Brockett and McCruistion.

One note to shy audience members: Sitting down front could get you pulled onstage when the gang find themselves a reindeer short.

For something a little different (for teens and older) with a ring of the familiar, in a cozy intimate setting, this show makes a nice change of pace from your typical holiday fare. Performances of this and “Christmas Story” run through Dec. 23 at TOTS, 627 Massachusetts Ave.; call 317-685-8687 or see www.tots.org.