INDIANAPOLIS THEATER REVIEWS

We recently had the pleasure of attending 'Legally Blonde: The Musical' at Beef & Boards, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. The production was a brilliant blend of humor, heart, and high-energy performances that left the audience thoroughly entertained and inspired...

A trip on the yellow brick road is not a rare occurrence in local theater, but some productions just hit it out of the park. The current one at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre managed to find the perfect cast, include a wonderfully fresh and diverse group, including Bessie D. Smith as the delightfull...

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, gracing the stage of the illustrious Murat Theatre, is an exhilarating journey through the life and music of one of the most iconic figures in the history of popular music. Spanning two acts, this production not only celebrates Tina Turner's unparalleled talent but als...

Surrounded by the political intrigue, Rasputin's influence on the royal family, and the enduring mystery of any potential survivors of the Romanov tragedy -- Enter ANASTASIA a musical at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre that dares to explore the tantalizing possibility that one of the Czar's daughter...

Thirty years ago I saw my very first professional musical. I was just a kid, and I was in awe of the performance at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. That very same show, The King and I, is on stage now and the magic is still there. It may be tinged with nostalgia for me, but the talent on stage is unde...

Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, has continued to enchant audiences with its unique blend of myth, music, and storytelling. Recently, a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall offered a glimpse into this underworld tale, showcasing both the production's prowess and the talent of its cast....

MAMMA MIA! is an electrifying and heartwarming musical that never fails to delight audiences, and the national tour I experienced last night was no exception. From start to finish, the production was filled with infectious energy, stunning choreography, and, most importantly, incredible vocal perfor...

Last night, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the timeless melodies and poignant story of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' at Beef & Boards. From start to finish, the production radiated charm, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion, leaving the audience entranced and uplifted. As I reflect on...

The stodgy claustrophobic feel of the first half of the show is intentional and director Christ Saunders handles it beautifully. We are meant to be just as frustrated as Mr. Peel at the red tape and wheel spinning of the committee....

'To Kill a Mockingbird' remains relevant and poignant, addressing themes that resonate across generations. The play's success lies not only in its compelling source material but also in the exceptional talent of the cast, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Atticus Finch and the authentic depictio...

Any show that calls itself 'Something - the Musical' is unabashedly announcing to its audience: 'We're goofy, and we know it.' This production unabashedly embraces its cheesiness from the start. Any critic versed in this theatrical tradition wouldn't have anticipated Menopause the Musical to be a hi...

Matilda is an entertaining show, but the message at its heart is the transformative power of finding love and connection. And that's just about perfect for the holiday season.  ...

A Christmas Carol is back at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This holiday tradition is an audience favorite for a reason. New this year, Priscilla Lindsay directs and brings so much humor into the show with playful moments between the cast members. ...

There are many films that can be considered iconic, and that is especially true of holiday films. However, there is a special place in so many hearts for Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS. Its staying power has held true since its premiere in 1954, and there can be no doubt as to why. Every scene is...

FROZEN the film has captivated audiences with its magic, charm, and music since its release in 2013, and FROZEN the musical is all the same elements with some important and impactful twists. It’s a true spectacular and engaging for audience members young, old, and everything in between. So if you ...

The mega-hit musical Frozen is on stage now at the Old National Centre. I can’t think of many shows that would be a better fit for a child’s first Broadway experience. These characters are so beloved and watching the show was like leaning into one of Olaf’s warm hugs....

Originally created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber more than 50 years ago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is gracing the stage of Beef & Boards. Fun fact that this show was what launched Rice and Lloyd Webber’s illustrious careers, continuing with more musical collaborations...

Do you think you know the story of Frankenstein? Do you picture a green-skinned creature with bolts in his neck? The true story is less about the monster than it is about its creator and this adaptation looks closely at the writer behind the story. It's a tale of man's hubris and catastrophic guilt ...

GRUMPY OLD MEN split guts and warmed hearts when it first hit theaters as a movie in 1993, and its musical adaptation is no different. The musical on stage now at Beef & Boards maintains all of the charms and chortles of the original and incorporates new, reimagined moments for many of the character...

Looking for twentieth-century aesthetics (think an Art Deco club) and swingin’ music, making your heart sing, you’re in luck. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Ladies” is a 1981 musical revue of the back of Duke’s celebrated history. From early songs like “The Mooche” and “Mood Indig...

If you want to be reminded of the magic of theater, take a young child to see their first show. It’s nothing short of exhilarating to see their face light up when a story comes alive in front of them. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s current production of Beauty and the Beast pulls out all the sto...

American Lives Theatre (ALT) closes its strong season with Predictor at the Phoenix Theatre. On the surface, it’s the story of one woman’s fight, but underneath that, the heart of the play lies in the friendship, determination, generational legacy, and so much more that help drive Meg Crane. In ...

Only a couple of shows recent have received as much interest and praise as HAMILTON. A historical drama, HAMILTON is the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda that comes with with a dash of comedy and a history lesson presented by outstanding lyrics and exciting music that switches seamlessly from a melody...

If you love dancing, have I got a show for you! An American in Paris is on stage for the first time at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Many will recognize the story from the Oscar-winning 1951 film of the same name. The familiar Gershwin score and songs are lovely and “They Can’t Take That Away Fr...