Sunday, January 15

Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dixie Swim Club

I like British farces. I really do. I look forward to Beef and Boards' tradition of opening every season with one. Now the powers that be have decided to switch things out and run a "regular" comedy for the opening show of the 39th season. Curious, I attended wondering if the changing of the guards was a wise choice.

Dixie Swim Club brings together, annually, the members of a college girls' swim team for a long weekend with "no men, no kids and no work." Martinis are definitely allowed, however, as are laughter, tears and bickering. Toss in loyalty, friendship and strength and you will have mixed up a potion of unconditional love as tasty as one of the cocktails consumed continually by Dinah, portrayed superbly by Rita Thomas.
Spanning a period of 33 years, the five southern women share their lives, trials and triumphs with sass and spunk. Through marriages, divorces, career changes, health issues and death, their team spirit makes their reliance on each other grow stronger with each passing year.
Destination Actor Sarah Hund portrays an Eyeore-esque character named Vernadette, whose life is full of one mishap and woe after another. The plucky lady greets her jinxed life with a wisecrack and smile.

Thomas portrays the career-driven attorney without a love life but plenty of mixed drinks and financial success.
Jill Kelly portrays Lexie, the over-the-top divorcee (again and again) who still believes the world revolves around her.
Sheree, played by Angela R. Plank, runs her life, and the lives of her friends, with the precision from her days as the swim team captain.
Sweet, naive Jeri Neal, performed by Laurie Walton, has just left her old existence behind and is on an exciting journey of all the firsts in life.

Reminiscent of every great chick flick and great for-females television program, DSC brings together the lives of women in an endearing, funny and poignant manner. The well written script (Nicholas Hope, Jessie Jones, Jamie Wooten) covers all the facets of a woman's life without harping on any one period more than others. Trimming down on specifics, such as wrinkles, and committing heavier coverage to the major events lends the play to more universal topics: Life. Love. Death.

Creating characters most people can relate to (or resemble themselves) gives credibility to the flow and blending of the women's lives. Challenges produce change and the ladies push each other, sometimes unwillingly, to reach inside themselves to be stronger, softer or kinder as the need arises.

Time will tell whether the British farce or southern comedy will win more of the audience affection. If I had to make a bet, however, I would not count out the ladies.

Bottom Line: If you are a fan of Menopause: The Musical, Church Basement Ladies or Steel Magnolias then you will howl with laughter and well with tears at Beef and Boards' Dixie Swim Club.

For shows, tickets and complete details, visit BeefandBoards.com
Images: JulieCurryPhotography.com
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGO and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Saturday, January 14

Beef and Boards Announces 2012 Season

Beef and Boards Announces 2012 Season
Press Release***
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2012 Season at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will take audiences from Chicago to Iowa to Oz, with a whole lot of fun in-between! Four new shows bookend three favorites for a season with everything from blondes to the church basement.
Starting the season with some Southern charm, Beef & Boards presents its debut production of Dixie Swim Club. (Read Gotta Go review here) Dive in to this comedy about five women whose friendships formed many years ago on their college swim team. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they reunite every year at a beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. This touching show about friendship that lasts forever is on stage from Jan. 12 through Feb. 12. Book by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten.

          Beef & Boards goes blonde in February with its premiere production of Legally Blonde the Musical, opening Feb. 16. (Read Gotta Go review here) After being dumped by her boyfriend for someone “serious,” Delta Nu sorority president Elle Woods drops the credit cards and hits the books to win him back. She’ll take on Harvard Law, but also learn a lot about herself in the process. This seven-time Tony Award nominee is on stage through April 6. Book by Heather Hach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Based on the movie Legally Blonde.
          The Music Man marches in to Beef & Boards starting April 12. (Read Gotta Go review here) This six-time Tony Award winning musical centers on the fast-talking “Professor” Harold Hill, a con man who convinces the people of River City, Iowa, to buy uniforms and instruments for the boys’ band he promises to create. While his plan is to skip town with the cash, he doesn’t bank on falling for the town librarian who sees right through him. On stage through May 25. Book, lyrics and music by Meredith Wilson.
       
The Yellow Brick Road leads to Beef & Boards for the 2012 Family Show, The Wizard of Oz. (Read Gotta Go review here) Join Dorothy and her unlikely friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion as they take a fanciful journey that teaches them there’s no place like home. On stage May 31 through July 15, special $10 discounts are offered for this show for kids ages 3-15. Book by L. Frank Baum, music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.
          Summer signals the time for a great religious comedy and 2012 brings the return of the Beef & Boards favorite, Nunsense! (Read Gotta Go Review Here). This side-splitting spoof about the Little Sisters of Hoboken who present a hilarious fund-raising talent show is on stage from July 19 through Aug. 26. Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, who refers to the show as “just good-time fun.”
          Then things really heat up as the Tony-Award winning sizzler Chicago makes its debut at Beef & Boards starting Aug. 30. Step back into the roaring Twenties in Chicago, where Roxie Hart murders her lover and seeks to become a celebrity while incarcerated. Her newfound fame could launch an entertainment career – but only if she’s acquitted by her charismatic lawyer. On stage through Oct. 7 and rated PG-13. Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander.
          As the seasons change, it’s time to go Away in the Basement for A Church Basement Ladies Christmas starting Oct. 11. It’s 1959 and those zany Lutheran ladies are doing their part for the children’s Sunday School Christmas program. Come on back to the basement for more of their hilarious antics and stories! On stage through Nov. 25. Book by Greta Grosch, music and lyrics by Drew Jansen.
          If ever there was a season to celebrate traditions, it’s the holidays. And Beef & Boards’ annual holiday production, A Beef & Boards Christmas marks its 20th year in 2012. Opening Nov. 29, A Beef & Boards Christmas makes the most of the season, with beautiful music, energetic dance numbers, colorful costumes and stirring voices. Gather with friends and family for this original production, on stage through Dec. 23.
          Plus Beef & Boards brings back its one-hour musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol starting Dec. 7. This classic, enhanced with holiday carols, tells the timeless Charles Dickens story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge whose cold heart warms with the visits of several spirits on Christmas Eve. The production is on stage for select dates through Dec. 21.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE
           The Pyramid Players are also announcing their 2012 Live Theatre for Kids series. Designed to entertain children of any age, these shows are a great way to introduce preschoolers to live theatre. Plus, kids have the opportunity to meet the cast after each show for pictures and autographs.
          Dora’s Pirate Adventure  sails in to Beef & Boards for the first time and docks from Feb. 24 through March 31. Dora the Explorer Live! presents a show with Nickelodeon’s Dora, her best buddy, Boots the monkey, and the rest of their friends as they take an exciting trip to Treasure Island.
          Cinderella, the childhood favorite about a young girl’s journey to becoming a princess, is on stage starting Oct. 19. A young girl with a wicked stepmother, Cinderella’s fate seems sealed. But with a little help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella secretly slips off to the royal ball where she and the Prince fall in love. The magical fairy tale comes to life at Beef & Boards through Nov. 17.
          Performances take place on select Fridays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Performances last just one hour, are presented without intermission, and include juice and a snack.
CONCERTS
          Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre also offers several concerts throughout the year. These performances always include Chef Odell Ward’s specially prepared buffet.
Indiana’s own Wright Brothers return for their annual Race Day concert on Sunday, May 27.
More featured concerts are planned, with performance dates to be announced throughout the season. 
For tickets, show times and details, visit BeefandBoards.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Tuesday, January 10

List of Devour Downtown Restaurants Winterfest 2012


Winner's Circle
Devour Downtown begins today with the event running through January 22. $30 menus (for one or two
depending on location) give foodies and regular diners alike the ability to try out three courses at more than 40 restaurants in the downtown Indianapolis area. This year select eateries are also offering $20 lunches.



Devour Downtown Winterfest 2012
Participating Restaurants

To check out each restaurant's menu, visit DevourDowntown.org

120 West Market Fresh Grill 
14 West
Adobo Grill
Barcelona Tapas
Bella Vita at Circle Centre
The Capital Grille
Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant
Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room
The Columbia Club
The Circle City Bar & Grille
Colts Grille
Columbia Club
Creation Café
Dunaway's
Eagle's Nest
Elbow Room
Fogo De Chao
Forty Five Degrees
Goose the Market
Greek Islands
Hard Rock Café
Harry & Izzy's
High Velocity
Iaria's Italian Restaurant
Iozzo's Garden of Italy
Kilroy's
Libertine
Lorenzo's Ristorante
McCormick & Schmick's
Mesh
Milano Inn
Miguel's Southern Kitchen
Morton's The Steakhouse
The Elbow Room
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Osteria Pronto
Palomino
Pearl Street Pizzeria
The Rathskellar
R Bistro
Rock Bottom
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sahm's Tavern
Scotty's Brewhouse
Sensu
Severin Bar & Grille
Shula's Steak House
Skyline Club
Slippery Noodle
Smokehouse on Shelby
Smoking Goose
St. Elmo Steak House
Tavern on South
The End of the Line Public House
Turner's at the Canterbury
Weber Grille
Claddagh
Winner's Circle

Since 2005, the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association (IDRHA) has hosted Devour Downtown. Originally an annual event, Devour Downtown now is held twice a year – in the winter and summer.

To view the list of participating restaurants and their specific prix fixe menus, visit www.devourdowntown.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGO and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and  the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Monday, January 9

Restaurant Review: The Roost

Coffee Cake                                                Image/IzzyEvans
The Roost has unveiled its new menu and it consists of all the comfort foods a Midwesterner could hope for.
Meatloaf? Check. Fried chicken? Oh yeah. Gravy? Poured on anything that sits still long enough.

Located at 7373 E. 116th St (right at Allisonville Rd.) The Roost is the second oldest member of the Sahm's Restaurant Group, which has been in existence for about 25 years. Normally known as a breakfast and brunch spot for residents of Fishers and other northsiders, the restaurant recently launched its new menu for dinner.
Having been a comfort food-Midwest style cook for my entire life, I am always happy to find it done well in a restaurant. It is absolutely heartbreaking to crave fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, and end up with a mountain of flavorless white glob, mushy green beans (well done, they are my personal favorite vegetable) and greasy, over-cooked poultry.
Fried Chicken                           Image/IzzyEvans

The Roost provides crispy, juicy fried chicken, mashed potatoes worth eating sans gravy (not that you would) and grean beans seasoned just right. Other menu items worth mentioning are the apple butter and fried biscuits which could satisfy as an addition to any meal, from breakfast on; meatloaf, which was juicy and great alone or as a sandwich, and dessert.

Fried Biscuits/Apple Butter        Image/IzzyEvans
Dessert, which rightfully has many restaurants fighting for a "wow" factor item, can be powerful in its own simplicity. Case in point: Sour Cream Coffee Cake. The northside food spot has outdone itself by not trying to outdo itself. The coffee cake represents the best in flavors without attempting to ooze anything, crystallize sugar or even contain the usual must-have ---- chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar is all that is required to carry this cinnamon-enhanced to its goal of satisfying without saturating your sweet tooth.

Bottom Line: The Roost sets out what intends to do: provide Hoosiers with comfort food done simply, done well, and done right here in Indy.

For a full menu, directions and information, visit Sahms/TheRoost

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Sunday, January 8

Devour Downtown Winterfest 2012 Signature Drink Winners

Devour Downtown continues its tradition of offering menus at a reduced cost from Indianapolis-area restaurants. The event, which takes place each winter and summer, has become a mecca for foodies, many who attempt to hit each eatery. The 2012 Winterfest runs from Jan. 9 - 22, and includes more than 40 eateries this time.

For a $30 prix fixe menu, one or two guests can dine on specially selected three-course meals. Devour Downtown, originating in 2005, is hosted by the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association. For full list of restuarants, menus and locations, click DevourDowntown.org. Information is also available on Facebook or follow on Twitter @DevourDowntown.

Accompanying the cuisine are the winners of the Signature Drinks competition. I am always pleased to be selected as one of the judges of this distinguished competition. It brings out the best mixologists in Indianapolis for cash prizes and bragging rights. The three categories' liquors, Canadian Club, 1800 Tequila and Grey Goose, are required as the main ingredient in the new recipe, created specifically for the Devour Downtown event.

Winners
1800 Tequila
Drink: 1800 Holiday Wish
Mixologist: Elesia Rock
Restaurant/Bar: Harry & Izzy's
Recipe: Muddle cranberries and lime with simple syrup. Add ice, cranberry juice and 1800 with splash of pomegranate and cranberry juices. Add Triple Sec and a splash of sour mix. Sugar rim of glass, set aside. Shake in a different glass. Build 1/2 of ice, layer of cranberries, other 1/2 of ice, then strain into rimmed glass.


Grey Goose
Drink: The World Traveler
Mixologist: Bryce Tremont
Restaurant/Bar: Lorenzo's Ristorante
Recipe: 1.5 oz. Grey Goose Vodka, 1 oz Huber Winery Blueberry-infused dessert wine, 0.75 oz Chilean Tamaya baby pear juice, splash of St. Germain, splash of Prosecco, Chilean Tamaya baby pear
Pour vodka, dessert wine, pear juice and St. Germain into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and serve in well-chilled martini glass. Garnish with Chilean Tamaya baby Pear. Top with a splash of Prosecco.

Canadian Club Whiskey
Drink: Hoosier Holiday Blend
Mixologist: Elesia Rock
Restaurant/Bar: Harry & Izzy's
Recipe: Muddle cranberries, oranges and cinnamon stick with bitters and light simple syrup. Add Canadian Club and cranberry juice and splash of Sprite.

Images: Izzy Evans
For sponsor information, visit Republic National Distributing Company

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Saturday, January 7

Lynyrd Skynyrd Headliner for 2012 Indy 500 Carb Day Concert

LYNYRD SKYNYRD HEADLINES MILLER LITE CARB DAY CONCERT 2012
It hasn't been announced whether Jim Nabors will be singing Back Home Again in Indiana at the Indianapolis 500 2012, but Carb Day's musical headline is definite.

**Press Release**
INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 - Legendary American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day concert Friday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The concert, free with Miller Lite Carb Day admission of $20, will take place on the Miller Lite Stage in the IMS infield. Miller Lite Carb Day tickets are available now at www.IMStix.com.

"It's very exciting to welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Miller Lite Carb Day concert," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "The band's incredibly powerful live show will help to keep the good times rolling at IMS all the way through Race Weekend."

Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive Southern rock band, with a catalog of more than 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million. The band is a cultural icon that appeals to all generations with its backbone of rock and country, passionate vocals and trademark layered guitars. Among the band's popular hits are "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special" and "What's Your Name?"

The band has persevered with indomitable will and spirit through triumph and tragedy, including a plane crash in 1977 that claimed three band members. Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album,"God & Guns," continues to feature a muscular, three-guitar attack led by original band member Gary Rossington.

Lynyrd Skynyrd consists of Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Robert Kearns (bass) and Peter Keys (keyboards), with Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase providing backing vocals as the Honkettes.

The Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd will be the finale of an action-packed day at IMS. Also scheduled are the final practice for the 33 starters in the Indianapolis 500, the Freedom 100 race for Firestone Indy Lights and the popular IZOD Pit Stop Challenge.

The 2012 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for noon Sunday, May 27.
2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Wednesday, January 4

Super Bowl XLVI 2012 Indianapolis Gets Super 46 Sandwiches

Meatball Sub-Historic Steer Inn                        Image/Izzy Evans
Hoagy, stacker, sammy... whatever the preferred nickname, pretty much everyone loves some sort of filling between two pieces of some type of bread. In honor of Super Bowl XLVI, the first time ever event in Indianapolis, Super 46 was created by the Indiana Office of Tourism to showcase local foods in the favorite Super Bowl party form.

The sandwich.

The press conference held at Shapiro's Delicatessen January 4 brought out, for the media, some of the 46 sandwiches created by local eateries.
Reuben/Shapiro's                                                                        Image/IzzyEvans
















A great place to highlight great sandwiches, considering the history of the world-famous Indy food stop. Started in 1905, the downtown place has been in the right location for many memorable occasions at Conseco, now Banker's Life Fieldhouse, the Hoosier (aka RCA) Dome, Lucas Oil Stadium, Market Square Arena,, the list goes on...
Prime rib/Harry&Izzy's-St. Elmo's Image/Evans
So many places which have come and gone, and those that are still here, all within walking distance of the still-standing sammy spot. Now the Super Bowl will be within minutes of its doors... one Indianapolis landmark event meeting one Indianapolis landmark restaurant...

Now...on to the sandwiches.
All 46 restaurants were not at the press conference but, the ones that were showcased their goods with flair. Heaping platters of sandwiches were pleasing to the eye and palate. Here is a list of my favorites from the eateries in attendance and their offerings.


Batali/GoosetheMarket             Image/IzzyEvans

















For a complete list of Super 46 sandwiches, click here... in.gov/visitindiana/super46/
For information on the events in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, visit IndianapolisSuperBowl.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Sunday, January 1

Marion County Fair Moves to June

Marion County Fair changes to June dates,
announces new midway operator
Plan on getting your fair food fix a little earlier this year.
**Press Release**
INDIANAPOLIS – The 82nd annual Marion County Fair will sport a whole new look at a whole new time during Summer 2012.

Citing soaring temperatures frequently approaching triple-digit territory, along with an increasing number of competing events, the fair’s board of directors is moving the event from its traditional July dates to one month earlier. The 2012 Marion County Fair will be held Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 30.

“We’ve weathered back-to-back summers during which temperatures truly affected every aspect of the Marion County Fair,” said Cathy Clark, newly elected fair board president. “The heat was directly responsible for lower attendance, it created an uncomfortable environment for everyone on the grounds, and bordered on being dangerous for animals on display.

“We also wanted to create some space between our fair and other area big events, such as the Indiana State Fair and Brickyard 400,” she added.
The dates are not the only changes fair-goers will experience. A new midway operator – Farmland, Indiana-based North American Midway Entertainment - will provide more than 40 rides geared for all ages, along with an array of games and fair food.

North American Midway Entertainment provides midway attractions to Hoosier fairs including the Indiana State Fair and the Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Lake, Shelby, Howard, Delaware, and Kosciusko County Fairs, among others.
The 82nd annual Marion County Fair will be held June 22-30, 2012 at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 East Troy Avenue, Indianapolis, near the I-465/I-74/Southeastern Avenue interchange. For more information, call 317. 353.2444 or log on at www.marioncountyfair.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Tuesday, December 27

The Cabaret at The Columbia Club: 2012 Season


THE CABARET AT THE COLUMBIA CLUB: 2012 SEASON 
*Press Release* 
Sam Harris
The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, located in the Crystal Terrace on the third floor of The Columbia Club,  opens its 2012 season Jan. 13 & 14. Tickets are on sale now for all 2012 performances and are open to the public.
Patrons should be advised to order tickets in advance, as The Cabaret sold to 93 percent capacity on average in 2011, with more than half of the shows selling out far in advance. Tickets may be purchased at TheCabaret.org or by calling 317-275-1169.
                         
*Sam Harris: Broadway, Ballads & Blues
January 13 & 14, 8:00 PM
Since first amazing audiences as Star Search Grand Champion with his signature rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” SamHarris has become a Tony-nominated Broadway star (The Life, Grease, The Producers, Cabaret, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), a multi-million selling recording artist with nine albums to his credit, and an international concert “sellout” from New York's Carnegie Hall to London's West End. Harris brings his singular interpretation and inimitable style to an eclectic collection of Broadway and Pop Classics from Hammerstein to Sondheim and U2 to Lennon. 
 Price: $45, $55, $65

** Steven Stolen: Isn’t It Romantic?
February 14, 8:00 PM            
“Indy’s favorite tenor,” Steven Stolen, performs a show sure to please the Valentine in everyone. Whether it’s a date with “A Fine Romance” or a witty “I Hate You Darling” come “Dream a Little Dream” and share a “Stolen Moment” with one of Indy’s favorite personalities and that casual elegance that has made him popular with audiences from coast to coast. (Singles welcome)
Price: $25, $35, $45

*Janis Siegel: New York Standard Time
February 24 & 25, 8:00 PM
Ever since Janis Siegel co-founded The Manhattan Transfer over three decades ago, listeners, fellow musicians and critics have marveled at her inventive phrasing and richly expressive voice. A ten-time Grammy winner, Siegel has sung lead vocals for some of the Transfer’s biggest hits, including “Operator,” “Birdland,” and “The Boy from N.Y.C.” Siegel has also sustained a solo career that has spawned more than a half dozen finely-crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects, amassed a large international fan base and garnered consistently high critical praise. In an age when buyers and sellers are quick to jam music and musicians into convenient boxes, Siegel has built a career on defying preconceptions and stereotypes. 
Price: $35, $45, $55

*The Puppini Sisters!
March 9 & 10, 8:00 PM 
With a unique blend of retro style, pop kitsch, and stunningly crisp vocals, UK-based vocal trio The Puppini Sisters bring ‘Andrews Sisters’ style three-part harmony into the modern age with show-stopping interpretations of everything from “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to “I Will Survive” to Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.”  They have four albums, two of which have landed in the Top Five albums on the U.S. Jazz Charts. Their recent Christmas album, Christmas With The Puppinis, earned them a spot on NBC’s “A Michael Bublé Christmas.” With TV appearances and tours worldwide, the group has developed a large and dedicated fan base throughout Europe and in North America. **Prizes will be awarded to the best 40’s attire!
Price: $45, $55, $65
**Cynthia Layne: The Back Room, A Night at the Speakeasy
March 24, 8:00 PM

Don your flapper dress or raccoon coat and join us as we transform The Cabaret into a 1920’s speakeasy. In celebration of women’s history month, Cynthia Layne celebrates the music of prohibition’s “Jazz Age” when women got the right to vote and “flappers” flooded the speakeasies, daring to drink cocktails and dance to hot Jazz. Don’t let the law keep you from coming! The evening will include prohibition-era cocktails served in teacups and prizes for the best costumes. Don’t forget: the password “hooch” will get you in the door.
Price: $25, $35, $45

**Shannon Forsell: Songs I’ve Never Sung on Broadway 
April 20 & 21, 8:00 PM 

Managing and artistic director of The Cabaret, Shannon Forsell, graces The Cabaret’s stage once again, with “Songs I’ve Never Sung On Broadway.” Through songs from Broadway to cabaret to jazz, this show explores how we choose to live, the choices we make, and how “forks in the road” shape and define who we are.   
Price: $25, $35, $45 

*Maureen O’Flynn: At the Crossroads, In Partnership with the Indianapolis Opera
April 27, 8:00 PM
Metropolitan Opera leading lady Maureen O’Flynn, makes her Indianapolis cabaret debut with a sumptuous musical feast for the ears. Featuring classics by Kern, Porter, Sondheim, and Weill, Maureen’s versatility shines in this intimate performance. Equally comfortable on the opera stage at La Scala or the musical theater stages at the Berkshires Theatre Festival, Maureen proves to be one of the most thrilling voices to grace the worlds of opera, musical theatre and cabaret. 
Price: $35, $45, $55

*Lainie Kazan: The Chanteuse is Loose! 
May 11 & 12, 8:00 PM
Lainie shares music and stories from her long and varied career on the stage and screen.  From her start as Barbra Streisand’s Broadway understudy in Funny Girl , Lainie went on to sing in the top night clubs and on television, including 26 appearances on The Dean Martin Show, and her own variety special. On screen, she received critical acclaim for her performances in My Favorite Year and the blockbuster comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  On Broadway, she received a Tony nomination for My Favorite Year, and starred in The Government Inspector, The Exonerated, and The Vagina Monologues. Audiences may also recognize her for her television roles on Will & Grace, The Nanny, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives.
Price: $45, $55, $65

*Stacey Kent: Dreamer

June 7 & 8, 8:00 PM 

Grammy nominated songstress, Stacy Kent ‘s ability to tell a story, capture an emotion, a mood, hone it and share it like a secret with her audience are qualities that make her so special and enable her to sell out concert halls, jazz clubs, and cabarets around the world.  The evening will feature tunes from her recent Blue Note release Dreamer in Concert, along with songs from her critically acclaimed musical career spanning eight best-selling albums.
Price: $35, $45, $55
Linda Eder

*An Intimate Evening with Linda Eder
June 22 & 23, 8:00 PM

June 23, 2:00 PM 

With a career spanning over two decades and accolades as “one of the greatest contemporary solo voices of our time,” vocal sensation Linda Eder brings her one-woman show to The Cabaret for a rare and intimate performance. Linda rose to stardom after an impressive 12-week run on Star Search followed by an award winning Broadway performance in Jekyll and Hyde. Since then, Linda has performed for packed concert venues across the country and recorded nine solo albums. With her extravagant vocal gifts and stage presence, Linda proves she is a vocal force not to miss!
Price: $75, $100, $125

*Tom Wopat: Love Swings
Tom Wopat
July 13 & 14, 8:00 PM
Tom Wopat first came to public attention as Luke Duke on the original TV series The Dukes of Hazard, but it wasn’t long before his classically trained vocals whisked him away from car smashes and corny humor to the bright lights of Broadway (Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, The Pajama Game, Guys & Dolls, Catch Me if You Can). With an expansive repertoire featuring music from Hollywood to Broadway, the Tony-nominated star’s show will feature musical favorites from Frank Sinatra and The Beatles to Judy Garland.
Price: $45, $55, $65

*Melinda Doolittle: Love 101

July 27 & 28, 8:00 PM

Former “American Idol“ contestant, Melinda Doolittle’s show is sure to be very cabaret, and, with all due respect to Simon Cowell, she’s not about to apologize for it!  After two critically acclaimed runs at Feinstein’s, Melinda brings her show featuring Jazz standards, pop hits, Broadway classics and songs from her recent CD to The Cabaret. She got her start as a backup singer for, to name a few, Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, Alabama, Bebe and CeCe Winans and Aaron Neville. Since her time in the spotlight, Melinda has wowed audiences with her ‘big voice’ and ‘soulful’ performances, from the White House to the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall.
Price: $35, $45, $55

*Carol Woods: Singin’ the Blues on Broadway
August 10 & 11, 8:00 PM       
Whether singing the Blues, gospel or standards, Broadway star Carol Woods is at home on stages around the world. While Broadway is her musical home (Chicago, One Mo’ Time, Smokey Joe’s Café, Stepping Out, The Goodbye Girl, Grind, Big River, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas), Carol has also performed at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, in the movie The Honeymooners opposite Cedric The Entertainer, on London’s West End (One Mo Time, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Blues In the Night) and in cabaret venues around the world. 
Price: $35, $45, $55

*Karen Mason: Show Queen, A Broadway Songbook
August 24 & 25, 8:00 PM 
Whether she is lighting up the stage in a hit Broadway musical or amazing audiences with her critically-acclaimed cabaret performances and concerts, Karen Mason is a showstopper.  In this performance, Karen shares songs from her vast Broadway career including her starring roles in Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, and Wonderland.  Karen is also a ten-time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) award winner, winning the Major Female Vocalist of the year for six consecutive years.
Price: $35, $45, $55
  
*Annual Cabaret Fundraiser
Laura Benanti: Let Me Entertain You

September 29, 8:00 PM

Laura Benanti
This irresistible star of Broadway, TV, and film shares a saucy evening with her favorite stories and songs. Laura has taken Broadway by storm, earning the Tony Award for her portrayal of Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee, starring opposite Patti Lupone in Gypsy. Other Broadway credits include Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Swing!, Into the Woods opposite Vanessa Williams, Nine opposite Antonio Banderas, and The Sound of Music. She has performed her cabaret in top venues around the country, including Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center’s “Spotlight” series, curated by cabaret legend Barbara Cook.  *The evening will include a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, and a champagne and dessert reception following the performance.
Price: Individual $150, Table Sponsor $1,000, **Corporate Table Sponsorships available 

*Gavin Creel: Live, Out Loud

October 12 & 13, 8:00 PM

Tony nominated Broadway star and singer/songwriter, Gavin Creel has a unique sound that blends his love for both pop and musical theatre. Performing songs from his already vast Broadway career (Hair, La Cage aux Folles, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mary Poppins) and his contemporary originals, Gavin showcases his extensive musical talent. In tandem with his success as an actor, Creel has garnered an organic mainstream following as a singer/songwriter, playing to sold-out crowds from New York to London. 
 Price: $35, $45, $55

*Todd Murray: Croon
November 2 & 3, 8:00 PM
Before the age of electrified amplification, songs had to be sung loudly in order to be heard.  The introduction of the microphone introduced a new, intimate style of performing which became known as crooning. Todd Murray follows the history of crooning, beginning in the 1920’s through today.  With lush popular ballads, swing, Latin beat, all with lyricists such as Berlin, Porter, Lerner/Lowe, Hal David, and Leonard Cohen, Murray demonstrates that all popular music has its roots in crooning.
Price: $35, $45, $55 

*Victoria Clark: Glorious Days

November 16 & 17, 8:00 PM

A favorite among audiences and critics alike, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Victoria Clark brings her one-woman show to Indianapolis. The show will feature standards from the Great American Songbook alongside material from lesser-known composers and music from her Broadway career (The Light in the Piazza, The Grapes of Wrath, Sister Act: The Musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Cabaret, Urinetown, Titanic, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Bye Bye Birdie, Grand Night for Singing). The New York Times says Clark, in her Piazza, role gave “hands down the best musical performance by any actress this season.” This is sure to be one show you won’t want to miss!
Price: $35, $45, $55 
Shannon Forsell
*Martinis & Mistletoe, featuring Everett Greene, Shannon Forsell & The Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra
December 13, 14 & 15, 7:30 PM

December 15, 2:30 PM

Start with the rich sounds of jazz vocalist Everett Greene (compared by many to Barry White, James Earl Jones and Darth Vader); add the sultry, smooth vocals of local diva, Shannon Forsell; stir in the Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra with their lush, sophisticated arrangements; toss in holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” along with a dab of instrumentals from the infamous TV cartoon special A Charlie Brown Christmas; add a few other holiday gems and voilà – the perfect evening to warm you up on a cold winter’s night!

Price: $35, $45, $55

*** Check back at GottaGo.us throughout the season for review of performances ***
  *The Signature Series, features the finest national and international cabaret performers.
**Club Series showcases the wealth of Central Indiana’s seasoned local performers.

Location: The Cabaret at the Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Parking:   $10 valet parking for cabaret patrons.
ABOUT THE CABARET
The Cabaret is a professional, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of The Cabaret is to elevate the cabaret art form; attract, develop and retain high-quality local performance talent; and provide a unique and important contribution to the city’s artistic and cultural life.



Photos: Furnished by The Cabaret Club


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.