September ushers in the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s 12th season – a season that is packed with Broadway favorites and the return of last season’s sold out holiday show. One of only four equity theatre companies in greater Indianapolis, Actors Theatre of Indiana is the resident professional theatre company of The Studio Theater at The Center for the Professional Arts in Carmel. Their mission is to celebrate the power of theatre and contribute to life in central Indiana by offering high quality professional theatre performances and programs that engage, inspire, educate and entertain.
ATI was co-founded in 2005 by Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald who have 82 collective years of professional experience as actors, directors and choreographers working in some of the finest theatres in the country with some of the most respected people in the business. It is these connections that allow ATI to expose their patrons to national talent who regularly join their productions and increase the professional quality Broadway experience that sets ATI apart from the other equity companies in central Indiana.
Their 2016–2017 season offers something for everyone, beginning with the Indiana premiere of The Tony® Award-winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (September 16 – October 2, 2016). This new, smash-hit musical was inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including, Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’On, Sixteen Tons, Hound Dog and many more!
Next up is John Kander and Fred Ebb’s Tony® Award-winning iconic musical CABARET (November 4–November 20, 2016), which transports patrons to the infamous Kit Kat Klub in 1929, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles, and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd…and to leave their troubles outside.
The third production in the series is another Indiana Premiere – this one featuring Broadway’s most uproarious affair, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU (January 27 – February 12, 2017). This refreshingly modern spin on the traditional wedding comedy is packed with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and enough twists and turns to make even the most experienced wedding planner throw up his hands and say ‘Holy Matrimony!’
The season will come to a close with a glimpse at the core of Judy Garland through song in, BEYOND THE RAINBOW (April 28 –May 14, 2017). Step back in time to April 23, 1961, when a 38-year old Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall in what the New York Times called “the concert of the century.” Set both on the stage of Carnegie Hall and in Garland’s mind, BEYOND THE RAINBOW simultaneously treats its audience to the famed concert while telling the life story of one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable icons.
In addition to the four shows in the theatre’s subscription series, Actors Theatre of Indiana presents a holiday add-on production, the return of last season’s sold out show, COMPLETELY CHRISTMAS, Memories, Mistletoe & Manger Included (December 8 – 10, 2016). Take a break from the commercialized Christmas craziness and join Don Farrell and Mary Jayne Waddell for an unforgettable evening of holiday merriment, as they share how ancient beliefs and superstitions found their way into our music and celebrations.
Performances are Wednesdays at 7:30pm (discounted ticket rate of $25.00), Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm in The Studio Theater, 4 Center Green, Carmel, IN 46032.
To learn more about ATI, and to purchase tickets, visit atistage.org or call The Center for the Performing Arts box office at 317.843.3800.
