The frigid temperatures make staying home so appealing, but there is only so much cleaning, TV watching and book reading you can do. There are other ways to enjoy your time like seeing a great stage play.
In my opinion, one of the best things to do for entertainment during the winter months is see a play. You are indoors; you’re able to tap into your creativity and imagination; and depending on what mood you’re in, you can make it an enjoyable evening out on the town.
The great thing about living in Indianapolis during the winter months is that there is always a good stage play to attend. The Circle City is known for sports but should be equally famed for providing awesome theatre.
Following are several upcoming plays that will get you out of the house and into a theater.
“Charlotte’s Web”
Where:
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road
Run time:
Now through – March 21
About:
Based on E.B. White’s popular children’s book of the same name, this musical brings to the stage the tale of an unlikely friendship.
Why you should see this play:
“‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a great way to introduce younger children to live theatre. It’s a one-hour show, presented with young audiences in mind, and is based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White. Plus children get to meet the cast after the show for pictures and autographs!” —Patricia Rettig, director of marketing and media relations.
Info: (317) 872-9664; beefandboards.com
“The Cat in the Hat”
Where:
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Center Green, Carmel Run time: Now through – Feb. 28
About:
“The Cat in the Hat” is the perfect friend for a boring rainy afternoon. From games and mischief to Thing One and Thing Two, The Cat brings all sorts of trouble to this grey day— but will Sally and her brother be able to explain the mess to Mother? This Dr. Seuss classic leaps onto the stage with chaotic exuberance in this adaptation from the National Theatre in London.
Why you should see this play:
“Of the many reasons to see ‘The Cat in the Hat,’ celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss with one of his most beloved characters tops the list. This fun theatrical experience full of whimsical costumes and rhyme-filled dialogue stays true to Dr. Seuss and is a delight for children of all ages. We also have sensory-friendly performances that offer children with special needs an opportunity to enjoy live theatre.” —Margaret Lehtinen, promotions manager.
Info: (317) 843-3800; civictheatre.org
“What I Learned in Paris”
Where:
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Run time:
Thursdays – Sundays, March 17 – April 12
About:
In 1973 Atlanta, the politics of race, class and gender were rapidly transforming as the city elects its first Black mayor. What better time to begin a romance escapade than during the eve on a historic election? Old loves rekindle and new loves ignite in this expertly funny and delightfully urbane love story.
Why you should see this play:
“People should see the production because it is a delightful new play written by African-American author, Pearl Cleage and directed by Lou Bellamy (world renowned African-American director and producer) set in the 1970s. Despite the changing political landscape and women’s movement, the real story centers around compelling characters and how romance and relationships play into a person’s ultimate happiness. It is a beautifully designed play with fantastically interwoven 70s music throughout to get people moving, thinking and laughing.” —Brandee Bryant, director of marketing communications and PR.
Info: (317) 635-5252; irtlive.com
“Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea”
Where:
Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave.
Run time:
April 9 – 26
About:
Eighteen-year-old Dontrell Jones III decides it is his duty and destiny to venture into the Atlantic Ocean in search of an ancestor lost during the Middle Passage. But his family is not at all ready to abandon its prized son to the waters of a mysterious and haunting past. Blending poetry, humor, wordplay and ritual, “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” is a present-day hero’s quest exploring the lengths and depths we must go to redeem history’s wrongs.
Why you should see this play:
“‘Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea’ is the Phoenix Theatre’s 41st production featuring characters or themes from the African-American community. This production is a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The play is written by an Indiana University MFA graduate now attending the Juliard School in New York, and features a local cast of actors, dancers, and drummers.” —Ben Rose, marketing and media relations director.
Info: (317) 635 – 7529; phoenixtheatre.org.
10 major African-American playwrights
Amiri Baraka
Lorraine Hansberry
Langston Hughes
Adrienne Kennedy
Leslie Lee
Suzan-Lori Parks
Ntozake Shange
Samm-Art Williams
August Wilson
George C. Wolfe
