INDIANAPOLIS THEATER REVIEWS

PRETTY WOMAN became a beloved classic as a film. It had an undeniable chemistry between the actors and a balance of hard and soft moments that drew audiences in. It’s always a question if a film turned into a musical can have the same effect....

A world premiere, a Hoosier playwright, and a little piece of fascinating but overlooked history. Borrowed Babies has all the makings of a great play. American Lives Theatre’s (ALT) current production is on stage at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre right now. ALT produced playwright Jennifer Bl...

MJ THE MUSICAL could be summed up in two words: jukebox musical. But that is a disservice to this powerhouse of a show. MJ THE MUSICAL has incredible intensity, depth, and intentionality that brings out the man behind the myth. It is a remarkable tribute to a true musical visionary and what makes hi...

It is a rare and admirable accolade to be the longest running play in the world, and THE MOUSETRAP has clearly earned its top spot. This timeless murder mystery penned by the iconic Agatha Christie keeps audiences on the edges of their seats from start to finish. The current production at Beef & Boa...

This touring production delivered all the brilliance, electricity, and emotional punch that has made the show a global phenomenon; yet what stood out most in Indianapolis was the sheer excellence of the choreography and the ensemble...

A Beef & Boards Christmas is an absolute must-see. This year’s production is nothing short of spectacular -- a joyful, uplifting celebration that blends nostalgic charm with dazzling talent, making it one of Indy's most enchanting holiday traditions....

It is iconic. It is legendary. It is soul-stirring. LES MISÉRABLES has captivated audiences since it debuted in 1980 in Paris, France as a French-language musical. It draws in audience members of course, but it also draws in exceptional talent. Each production relies on the passion of its performer...

This laugh-out-loud, heart-filled musical delivers two and a half hours of pure entertainment, sharp wit, and musical brilliance. From the clever book to the pitch-perfect performances, Tootsie proves why continues to charm audiences everywhere....

It’s not often you get a peek behind the curtain as an audience member in the theater. I was able to glimpse behind the scenes of the Indiana Repertory Theater’s latest production The 39 Steps. It’s impossible not to have a greater appreciation for a production when you see the actual hammerin...

Some artists have staying power for a few years or even a decade, but not many have captured the level of admiration, imitation, and attention as Elvis Presley. HEARTBREAK HOTEL explores the life that shaped “The King of Rock and Roll”....

Waitress is one of the rare non-musical movies that transitions to the stage with ease. The show is currently on stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and features a score by Sara Bareilles, filled with heart. It tells the story of a woman, trapped by her circumstances, who longs for another life....

Wicked isn’t just a Broadway favorite. It’s a politically sharp, emotionally layered story about what happens when systems define who’s good and who’s dangerous....

The Beef & Boards annual family show is the perfect way to kick off the summer. There are a few big moments in the production with the wow factor, including an aerial ribbon dancer and a mermaid soaring through the sea....

What did our critic think of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Indiana Repertory Theatre?Sometimes you don’t realize how badly you needed to laugh until your sides are aching, and your face hurts. The Indiana Repertory Theatre is certainly ending its season with a bang, in the form of a collapsing set a...

Six is nothing short of a dazzling, high-energy masterpiece that breathes new life into history with a modern pop twist. This electrifying musical reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a fierce girl group....

From the moment the first note hit the air, Jersey Boys at Beef & Boards was nothing short of electrifying! This production captures the magic, heart, and raw energy of The Four Seasons with astonishing precision....

The success of this production rests on the voices of the actresses and what a success it is! Without incredible singers, the rest falls flat. Each of the four give beautiful performances, but it was the voices of Akili Ni Mali as Nina Simone and Jamecia Bennett as Sarah that brought the house down....

From the first note of 'Tomorrow' to the final curtain call, Annie at Clowes Memorial Hall is a dazzling and joyous production that brings the beloved classic to life with fresh energy and heart....

No words in the vernacular can truly describe this experience. It is sweet, sexy, sad, funny, intense, and the list goes on. MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is irresistible from start to finish....

The show’s farcical first half works because the second sticks the landing. Agatha Christie was the master of the big reveal, and this is one of her best. It all comes together beautifully in the final moments....

Last night’s performance of Elf The Musical at Clowes Memorial Hall was nothing short of magical—a joyful, heartwarming celebration of the holiday season that left the audience grinning from ear to ear....

It’s Indiana at Christmastime. We all know what ancient VHS, dusty DVD, or TV holiday film special is ready to roll: A CHRISTMAS STORY. After all, it has everything you could ask for. A small town, a lovable family, snow, shenanigans, and heartwarming scenes. Now, imagine all of that plus music. C...

In the repertoire of well-known musicals, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is right towards the top. It is a beloved tale of human resilience, prejudice, romance, humor, loyalty, and the not-so-simple intricacies of navigating family life in a changing world. It speaks to theatergoers around the world on differe...

I had the absolute pleasure of attending Million Dollar Quartet at Beef & Boards, and I can't recommend it highly enough! From the moment the lights dimmed, I was transported back to that legendary day in 1956 when four rock 'n' roll legends came together for an impromptu jam session at Sun Records....

There are a few Indy performers whose name alone is enough to get me to their show. Ben Asaykwee and Claire Wilcher are two of those actors. They’ve come together for “White City Murder”, an original musical Asaykwee created about the serial killer H.H. Holmes, who made his mark at the Chicago...