Indianapolis Theater Scene

[Moonlightmoonshiner]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 11:35am

Hi all any advice for good theater in Indy? I am moving there this summer and am looking for recommendations.

[asmith0307]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 2:58pm

It depends on what you are looking for really. The Indiana Repertory Theatre is the local regional theatre. They tend to do safer plays. There is also the Phoenix (my favorite - though I am totally biased). They do much riskier material. They haven't announced their new season yet (and probably won't for a month or so), but it should be good. They are the ones doing the first regional production of Hand to God this summer. Then there is also Footlight Muscials, Theatre on the Square, and a few other smaller theatre companies throughout the area. You may also want to check out The Cabaret at the Columbia Club. We do have a "Broadway Across America" division here in Indy as well. 

 

Bloomington (Indiana University) isn't too far away and has a musical theatre program as well as the Bloomington Playwright's Project. Purdue is also about an hour away and does nice work as well. 

 

Hopefully that helps!

Updated On: 4/27/16 at 02:58 PM

[nightnic001]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 8:03pm

Theatre on the Square is currently doing Bat Boy and this summer they will doing the Indiana premier of Heathers the Musical. 

 

Beef and Boards is pretty nice dinner theatre, but a little on the pricey side. Currently Guys and Dolls, and Beauty and the Beast this summer. 

 

 

[indytallguy]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 8:04pm

I'll echo the recommendation for the Phoenix. Know No Stranger and ShadowApe are both groups that do more avant garde or inventive performance pieces. IRT indeed does safe productions, but their resources allow them to consistently do good work with beautiful set design and top notch casts.

Butler University has a pretty strong performing arts programs and some of their theatre productions have been quite good. The Cabaret brings in amazing artists in a beautiful intimate space for fare less than the price of a comparable show in NYC.

Our location also is great for quick trips to Cincinnati (Playhouse in the Park), Louisville (Humana Festival of New Plays), and the vibrant theatre scene in Chicago.

[asmith0307]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 9:22pm

I forgot all about Beef and Boards (I have honestly never been there). There are some good concerts at the Palladium in Carmel (north side) as well.