By John Lyle Belden and Wendy Carson

It’s been a busy month or so for Betty Rage Productions and its founder, Callie Burk-Hartz. The independent company, dedicated to, in its words, “telling interesting stories, creating original comedy, and making sure there is always a bad-ass role for a woman,” has managed all three quite well.

In the first weekend of March, Betty Rage presented an excellent production of the Noel Coward comedy, “Blithe Spirit,” with a cast for whom acting comes as natural as breathing, including Burk-Hartz herself. This was done in cooperation with the Indianapolis Scottish Rite, which provided more than a venue.

“They have been so supportive,” Burk-Hartz said. The relationship started a few years ago, when she found herself seeking a location for her next play. Having relatives in Masonic organizations, she called the Scottish Rite, which happily provided a beautiful theater, technical help, and even props.

Later in March, Betty Rage presented another one-of-a-kind revue of “Lady Bits” at IF Theatre. Drawing from a variety of local women performers, they bring all manner of comedy “bits” including sketches, improv, and standup. The talent is exceptional and the result is wonderful. (See our review of the January show.) “Lady Bits” returns on June 12-13.

The month ended at the IF with Betty Rage hosting FemmeFest, presenting four original one-hour stage productions written and acted by women. As a development venue for these shows, they often felt raw, but with great potential. You may see one or all of these as polished gems in the future:

“BS Conversations” – The Uncut Diamond Alicia Sims presented a one-woman show, or “Monodrama,” performing about a dozen distinct characters who find themselves on a broken-down bus. As they await repairs, surprising connections are made and discovered among these personalities. The result is funny and engaging, and audience members were impressed with her nimble character work.

“Female Troubles” – A sort of cabaret revue by Elle Tyler, directed by Ana Hammersly, in which five women gather to express their blues. Performers are Maria Meschi, Abby Morris, Skye Walker, Anna Zimmerman, and Tyler on piano. They all helped collaborate on their original songs, presented with energy and humor. And honesty – we found ourselves thinking “that was like if you had said, ‘describe Maria in a song’” after her number. The overall feel is reminiscent of the popular “Menopause: The Musical,” but relating more to one’s 20s and 30s, including experiencing motherhood.

“Out of Yard Signs” – This dark comedy by Jacqueline Lidberg Larabee, directed by Ebony Chappel, is a peek behind the scenes of a political campaign in a major city. Headquarters for Major Brooks is reeling after her competitor, Henson, lands an endorsement from a minor celebrity. However, her powerful campaign manager feels that she can overcome this situation, without resorting to one-upping each other with B-list celebrities. Add to this a perky and very motivated intern who also has to deal with a delusional “supporter” who only wants a yard sign to get her husband off her back, and you have a recipe for hilarity and a nice educational lesson on the current political discourse. Hopefully, this show will turn up again with a little more added (we really want to see the results of the impending press conference) as it is a smartly written look at women and race in the current political climate. Performers were Gabrielle Patterson, Andrea “Sapphyre” White, Ezri Braid-Grizzell, and Erin Moore.

“The Shared Stage” – Presented by Robin Kildall with Karin Stratton, Brandi Metzger, Anna Himes, Kait Burch, and Rachelle Martin, this is a series of six 10-minute plays that all entertained well and we hope some of them might be expanded to become a fringe-length offering.

1. “American Gurl” – Arden, formerly Olivia, brings his fiancé Hannah home for Thanksgiving. While there, Hannah is going to finally get to see the oft-talked about collection of American Girl Dolls Arden grew up with. However, she is unaware that the dolls actually come to life and interact with people, until they suddenly mistake her for their owner. This makes for some delightful whimsy and interesting backstory.
2. “Railing it Uptown” – Two women, one in black and one in white, are taking the subway home from a day’s excursion in the city. Their interactions are absurdist at times and quaint at others but show that you can never know what a stranger has to offer.
3. “Still Life, In Zombies” – A retired zombie hunter is pursuing some of her hobbies when a zombie ends up at her door. It’s not one from the labs her daughter runs, so she locks it in the closet for later. After her best friend and another zombie show up, things get a little more complicated. Still, it looks like at least one of her ideas may actually bring about a possible solution to the situation.
4. “There Once Were Two Clouds in the Sky” – Two clouds, on roller chairs, interact with each other during their short but interesting lifespan. It’s a sweet take on the fleetingness of a lifetime and one’s purpose in the universe.
5. “Chicken Shoot” – A girl and her stepsister find the remains of the government complex where their father worked. They try to somehow connect with their always distant father, who was more obsessed with his life’s most important project (The Chicken Shoot). While the actual project was both vastly important and truly absurd, it was a part of their lives, however tangentially, and must be acknowledged as must their roles, however secondary, in his life.
6. “Carole’s, Cuts, and Dyes” – It’s just before Christmas at Carole’s Salon and everyone has some secrets to share. Between the idea of who has known a murderer, Christmas sex, and the true meaning of Christmas, we are taken on a whirlwind of laughs and food for thought that will keep you reminiscing for a while.

For information on what the Bettys are up to, see bettyrageproductions.com.