INDECENT at Phoenix Theatre Tells Thrilling Story

"We have a story we want to tell you...about a play that changed my life." Moments into this 90-minute ensemble piece, patrons are brought into a world of intrigue, love, and endurance with this simple line. Lemml, played in an "astounding" performance by Nicholas Jenkins, according to critic Lisa Mitchison, serves as the tour guide for this weaving storyline. From start to finish, the audience is drawn in, held close, and left wanting more.

Initially, patrons learn they'll see this historical story retold by the troupe who originated it years before. As the play progresses and time jumps in "blinks of time," audiences are so immersed in the lives of these characters, it's easy to forget the history lesson inherent in the text. The play within the play features a controversial scene between women in love; they kiss, they dance in the rain, they speak of matters usually reserved for the privacy of a bedroom. Scene to scene, the audience hears of this beautiful moment while only catching glimpses of it in the action. Each time it's shown, patrons see a bit more, go a bit further with the women while seeing their relationship unfold offstage as well. This through line provides a touchpoint for audiences as they skip through time, marching closer to the ending Lemml can never remember.

Featuring exceptional design work from local artists and noteworthy acting skill from a Bloomington and Indianapolis cast, Indecent is worth the price of admission and then some. As the third production in Phoenix Theatre's new home, it's clear Phoenix artists are learning how to use their new space to the its fullest extent. The 2018/2019 season announcement is on the horizon; what comes next for the 35-year-old company will certainly be an exciting ride.

Indecent runs June 14-July 8 on the Bryan Fonseca Stage in the Russell Theatre. Tickets are $33 on Thursdays and Sundays, $35 on Fridays, and $37 on Saturdays. Call the Box Office at 317-635-7529 or visit PhoenixTheatre.org for tickets.

Photo: Nicholas Jenkins and the ensemble in Indecent. Photo by Zach Rosing.