Theatre on the Square

A difficult ‘Winter’

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NOTE: As the Word/Eagle is in flux with the renaming and corresponding change in official website, John is putting his reviews here — for now.

By John Lyle Belden

Being a caregiver for a parent with Alzheimers or a similar condition is one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. With every struggle, you tell yourself, “It’s not about me!” yet you are in your own kind of pain.

In “Blackberry Winter,” playing through Nov. 19 at Theatre on the Square, Vivienne (Gari Williams) speaks to the audience about her caring for a mother who once made the world’s best coconut cake, but in these days would hardly recognize the kitchen.

The play is by Steve Yockey, whose dramas “Octopus” and “Wolves” have played on Indy stages. Those works dealt with stresses of fear and distrust in regards to intimate relationships. In this show, relationship struggles involve memories, objects and beloved family members.

Yockey’s style of including fantasy elements with animal metaphors also comes into play here, as Vivienne occupies her mind by coming up with a “creation myth” for Alzheimers. As the disease has no happy ending, she warns, don’t expect one to her story.

To embody the myth/fable, two of the main animals of the forest come to the stage: Gray Mole (Dan Flahive), who finds happiness simply by digging in the dirt, and optimistic, idealistic White Egret (Chelsea Anderson) who is sure she has found a way to make life better for all the denizens of the woods – at least the ones she sees above ground.

Their story is told in three parts, as Vivienne weaves in more of her monologue. She speaks of how in the mental clouds of this disease, what is real and true becomes blurred by confabulation and “comforting fictions.” We learn the significance of the scarves, the iron, the horse and the trowel, and why Vivienne is “a terrible person” – it’s not just because she fills the swear-bank.

And we see how White Egret’s wonderful idea goes horribly wrong.

This play is thought-provoking and challenging, especially if a relative with dementia is in your life. But in that case, this can also be comforting from shared experience as the spotlight is firmly on the caregiver’s role. Directed by Lori Raffel, this is an excellent glimpse into a difficult subject, with great performances delivered with gentle humor by the on-stage trio.

Find TOTS at 627 Massachusetts Ave., downtown Indianapolis; call 317-685-8687 or see www.tots.org.

John L. Belden is Associate Editor at The Eagle (formerly The Word), the central-Indiana based Midwest LGBTQ news source.

It’s ‘only’ a hit

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NOTE: As the Word/Eagle is in flux with the renaming and corresponding change in official website, John is putting his reviews here — for now.

By John Lyle Belden

Rarely has a play dared me so strongly to write a bad review of it.

“It’s Only a Play,” by legendary playwright and librettist Terrance McNally, is on the main stage at Theatre on the Square through Oct. 1, opening the 2016-17 season. In this comedy, a nervous playwright, Peter Austin (played by Dave Ruark) nervously awaits the reviews after opening night of his Broadway play.

All action takes place in a guest room at the home of the play’s rich producer Julia Budder (Afton Shepard), where Austin’s best friend, TV star James Wicker (Adam O. Crowe) tries to relax, glad that he turned down the lead role in the play – though he won’t tell Austin; scandal-plagued lead actress Virginia Noyes (Kathy Pataluch) and acclaimed “genius” director Frank Finger (Thomas Cardwell) each go to get away from the party crowd downstairs; reviled theatre critic Ira Drew (Jeff Maess) seeks someone to take on the play he secretly wrote; and coat-check boy and aspiring actor Gus (Jacob Swain) comes in to deposit coats and accoutrements worn by various celebrities.

The play is loaded with Broadway references and swipes at critics, and teases us with a cliffhanger at intermission. At the end, things get almost groaningly meta. Need I mention that the first version of this play closed during previews (according to Wikipedia)?

Yet, here, it all works.

Yes, even critics can take a joke – and I and another scribe in attendance could even think of someone who the play’s zingers better fit. The discussion of stage legends like Patty Lupone is mixed with more-recognizable celebrities like Lady Gaga, so references to the party downstairs never go flat. “Hamilton” even gets name-checked (and coat-checked).

And the mixture of dysfunctional characters we are presented with – Budder keeps butchering popular quotes, Noyes wears a court-ordered ankle bracelet, and Finger’s insecurity over his incredible success manifests as compulsive kleptomania – are very funny and well-presented by actors far more talented than the poor hacks they portray.

So, who cares if McNally didn’t get a(nother) Tony for this – for TOTS, this romp is “only” a winner.

Find the stage at 627 Massachusetts Ave. in downtown Indianapolis. Call 317-685-8687 or see www.tots.org.

John L. Belden is Associate Editor at The Eagle (formerly The Word), the central-Indiana based Midwest LGBTQ news source.

IndyFringe: Passing Notes

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By Wendy Carson

This is one man’s journey through the remembrance of his first love and other fleeting moments of childhood. He deftly navigates the awkwardness of teenage mating rituals and the overall cluelessness of boys into the minds of girls. As he points out, life for a teenage boy is a series of stupid statements and them making up for them.

The story unfolds through the two young actors reading the various notes they wrote to each other during these years, as well as providing insight on the meanings behind their words. However, the narrator is also there, berating his younger self for his bumbling behavior.

While the tale is overall pretty predictable (think, “The Fault in Our Notes”), it is pointed out to us that “clichés are that for a reason.” Still, this is an excellent portrayal of a familiar story.

Performances are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, on the Theatre on the Square second stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Barking Signals (Badly) During Goldwater

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By John Lyle Belden

Life in rural America was fairly simple in the 1960s. And in most towns, one of the most important things going on in the fall was high school football.

That was the case in a small Virginia coal country town, where a coach is having trouble fielding a team, so he will accept anyone who shows up — including three very different boys who barely know the rules of the game.

One student is desperate to leave the backwoods town behind, and feels having sports on his list of extra-curriculars will help him get into college. His best friend would rather read than play a physical game, but to his joy (and the coach’s) finds that there are whole volumes on the strategies of the gridiron. The third walk-on has to balance school and practice with his shifts at the mine; he has a very personal reason for joining the team.

One would think this little drama with comic touches is about football. But it’s not, just as for the coach, not even football is all about football. It’s about life and growing up and understanding the people you find yourself on a team with. And on that field, this show scores a victory.

It suits up Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27-28, at the Theatre on the Square second stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: I’d Like To See More Of You

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By John Lyle Belden

Local theatre producer-director Bob Harbin (Bobdirex productions) presents a mature-content burlesque show in an old-fashioned Vaudeville style. Harbin himself doesn’t bare all, though co-conspirator and local comedy goddess Claire Wilcher comes close, and some other heavenly bodies present themselves for a tease and/or a laugh.

The well-rounded nature of this show, with songs and bawdy humor added to the flashes of skin, make it exceptionally entertaining.

We also learn that by state law, while pasties and discretion are required of performing women, for men, the “full Monty” is legal. Remember the Youtube video with a couple of men dancing with nothing on their bare skin but a couple of towels? That routine is reproduced live. One false move, and we get more of a show than anyone counted on!

You should see more of this. Performances are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, at Theatre on the Square. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Modern dance options

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By John Lyle Belden

For this entry I’m reviewing two shows: “Inspired Motion” by Crossroads Dance Indy and “Carve” by Motus Dance with Orkestra Projekt.

I’ll admit up front: Dance isn’t really “my thing.” One might think that disqualifies me from being a reliable reviewer of these modern dance shows. But I disagree, to the extent that in this I am the proxy for the average viewer, who hasn’t spent years studying or even thinking about modern dance. Yet you’ve got that Fringe ticket — what are you going to see?

I couldn’t help but think, while watching the dancers execute movements they and their teachers and choreographers had labored over and rehearsed for endless hours, that what I was seeing was like trying to read something with not just unfamiliar words, but a foreign alphabet. When they move their arms like so, or collapse to the floor, or leap in a certain fashion, does it have a meaning they are trying to communicate to us? What is it?

I later spoke with one of the dancers, and she liked my idea that one of the local dance troupes or schools should put on a Fringe show of “the vocabulary of dance,” in which their movements could be better explained and understood. So I can stand at the end of the show, knowing, “ah-ha, I get it now.”

But for now you get my feeble attempts to interpret.

In “Inspired Motion,” in which the dances were designed by the dancers themselves, the performance of the young women of Crossroads Dance can be summed up in the word “graceful.” They flowed one into another like the instinctive flight of a flock of birds. On one piece reflecting the conformity of a cult (going by the printed program) they danced in unison  and unified groups with precision.

For us who must be beat over the head with a metaphor, the piece, “Single Use” makes excellent use of plastic grocery bags as costume and fashion accessories. The ladies even indulge in a bit of humor as they bring their point home.

In “Carve,” on the other hand, the movement of Motus and music of Orkestra Projekt were displays of constant unresolved tension. The dancers had mastery over their bodies and executed their moves expertly. The musicians performed modern Phillip Glass-style pieces (including one by Glass) with sharp precision as well, assuring us that any and all discordant notes were placed there with intent.

On one hand, the styles of these two ensembles, who shared the stage for much of the show, are perfectly suited to one another and their melding is a master stroke. If you like the style of either, this performance is highly recommended. On the other hand, where is the sin in a major chord; and while dance can express strife , stress and pain, can’t it also express joy?

Ah, but what do I know.

Both shows are held on the generous confines of the Theatre on the Square main stage. “Inspired Motion” has performances Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27. The last performance of “Carve” is Sunday evening, Aug. 28. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

 

IndyFringe: Beyond Ballet

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By Wendy Carson

Whether you are an avid fan of ballet, casual observer or complete novice to the art, this show will captivate you with its style and variations.

From traditional dances to inventive takes – as well as a small preview of an upcoming offering – this show highlights what ballet is and can be. The performers here are still young students, yet their style and grace shows that they have honed their talents well.

The most inventive number presented is a solo dance to John Lennon’s classic song, “Imagine,” in which tap and ballet are combined to make something that is breathtakingly beautiful.

This is a perfect showcase for the Indianapolis School of Ballet to introduce new audiences to their program as well as the beauty and dynamics of its performance. It is definitely a must-see performance that will inspire and delight.

Performances on the Theatre on the Square main stage Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Class, Grass and Ass

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By Wendy Carson

It is clear from the onset that Debra Mullins aspires to be Bette Midler. This crazy tribute to the style and sassiness of “The Divine Miss M” is her attempt to do so. From her back-up group, The Debutants (think Indy’s version of Midler’s “Harlettes”) to her choice of songs, she does her best to invoke the diva.

While some of her attempts do fall a bit flat, the show is still entertaining. The comedy bits are great, the costuming and choreography work well, but she seems to miss some steps here and there.

For instance, the Who song, “Squeezebox” was written as “Momma’s got a Squeezebox” to help hammer home the double entendre. Her change of the lyrics to “Daddy’s got a Squeezebox” removes the main thing that makes this number so naughty.

Still, the show is a very good cabaret review that showcases several talents from around town that are rarely seen on these stages. So, get the girls together, grab a glass of wine, sit back and have a good time.

Performances at the Theatre on the Square main stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-28. Get info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.

IndyFringe: Calder the Musical

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By Wendy Carson

This little show seems to be the early contender for biggest audience (move over, DK!). It’s a touching look into the life of a man who’s name most of us have never heard, but whose artistic output we are all familiar with.

Alexander “Sandy” Calder was a typical artist – a sensitive and misunderstood little boy, a wayward, searching young man and a misunderstood genius who is responsible for giving the world the mobile. Narrated by Thalia, the Muse of Comedy, we are taken to various times in the artist’s life that shaped his creations and legacy.

One thing to note, this script is being workshopped here in the hopes of being developed into a full-length show. However, what is presented does whet the appetite for more. The circus scene alone is amazing.

The production also presents possibly the largest cast and crew of any of this year’s offerings. I am bringing up this point because the caliber of talent involved so impressively high, I am unable pick out a single member of the team to focus on.

Just know that if you want to be able to experience this magic for yourself, you should go now and buy your tickets online at indyfringefestival.com. Every single performance so far has been a sell-out and that momentum does not look to subside. One performance remains: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, on the Theatre on the Square main stage.

IndyFringe: C-

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By Wendy Carson

Your college years, they were fun — weren’t they?

You had a good time and the worries of the day-to-day working world were but a distant glimmer on the horizon. But now graduation is over 20 years behind you. What have you done with your life and what do you wish that you had been taught back then to better prepare you for your future?

This is the story of one man’s quest to reconnect with some of his frat brothers in order to discern the answers to those questions. Among those Eric Jaffe finds are his redneck buddy who went to college because his parents wouldn’t support his dream of being a “Rock God,” the disgraced athlete who let his scholarship slip through his fingers, and “The Sponge” who was always smoking pot but never bought any of it.

The stories are compelling and their messages are strong. In fact, I would hope that parents would try to bring out their high school-aged kids to see this and maybe learn some of the pitfalls that college offers.

However, the narrative was not at all linear, and this caused the individual characters’ storylines to be impossible to follow. With a little polish, this could be an amazing show that could be a useful teaching tool for college-bound students.

Even so, the message is important enough to make this show worth a look.

Performances are at the Theatre on the Square second stage Aug. 25 and 27. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.