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|  Thursday, February 7, 2008 |
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Three Mo' Tenors
Feb. 8-10
Hilbert Circle Theatre
It's tough to make a name for yourself in music today if you don't specialize in a radio-friendly genre. So while James Berger, Duane Moody and Robert Mack all have impressive musical resumes, it's no big surprise that you haven't heard of them.
Which is why the collective moniker Three Mo' Tenors is so useful. Those three little words bring to mind the excellence of the Three Tenors and the playful jazziness of "Five Guys Named Moe." And that's just the beginning of their range.
In the trio's performance this weekend as part of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Pops series, expect to hear music ranging from operatic standards to Broadway classics to Motown hits. For more details, click here.
 Mickey Rooney
Feb. 10
Warren Performing Arts Center
The last time I saw Mickey Rooney on stage was about 20 years ago, playing the lead in a touring production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."
I knew I was in the presence of a legend. But what I saw - or thought I saw - was a selfish showboater who didn't care much about the musical or his fellow performers. Ad-libbing to audience members during other characters' songs and disregarding the script at any opportunity, Rooney made it clear that he was the draw. And that he could and should do whatever he wanted.
In hindsight, I can see that Rooney isn't a talent best suited to the confines of a traditional book musical. He knew what I didn't: The audience was there to see Mickey Rooney, not the show.
I'm planning on seeing him again Sunday. But this time, I'm wiser. Rooney will be in town with his wife, Jan, in a show called "Let's Put on a Show." Like the rest of the crowd, I'll be there to hear a legend tell stories, sing a few songs, and show clips from his golden days in Hollywood. (Four favorites I'm hoping are included: "Boys' Town," "Girl Crazy," "The Comic," and "The Black Stallion.)
For more details, click here.
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"The Lieutenant of Inishmore"
Feb. 7-March 9
Phoenix Theatre
Here's the second line of the New York Times review of the off-Broadway production of Martin McDonagh's play: "Gore and guts will be served in generous portions by some of the stupidest characters ever to cross a stage."
And the first line of the Times review of the same show when it was bumped up to Broadway: "Blood winds up on pretty much every surface in 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore.'"
Just letting you know what you're in for.
For those who have frequented the Phoenix before, this is the same author who penned "The Pillowman," a disturbing highlight from the gutsy theater's recent past.
For more details, click here. |  | | | |
| IBJ Night at the Movies: "In Bruges."
Feb. 13
Keystone Art Cinema
If you read the item above about "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" and want to catch playwright Martin McDonagh's screenwriting and directing debut, join me for IBJ Night at the Movies on Feb. 13 at Keystone Art Cinema. We've still got a few tickets available for our screening of "In Bruges," starring Colin Farrell.
To try to claim one, drop me a note at lharry@ibj.com . I'll let you know this afternoon if you are in. Tickets must be picked up at our offices by Monday at noon.
(If you were reading Lou Harry's A&E blog you'd already know about this one. Stop by for a visit sometime.)
The Temptations
Feb. 8
Clowes Memorial Hall
When is a group not a group ... or, at least, not the same group?
That's a question that frequently arises when discussing musical acts with lengthy careers. Is Van Halen with Sammy Hagar still Van Halen? Is Styx sans Dennis DeYoung still Styx? And what about The Platters, which has none of its original members?
It also comes up with The Temptations, which has gone through many changes over the years. In fact, few music fans may even realize that the group that hit the charts with "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and "My Girl" wasn't the same set of singers who rocked "Papa Was a Rolling Stone."
The permutation of The Temptations that is playing this weekend at Clowes Memorial Hall does feature one original member, Otis Williams. And it does bring with it all the hits.
Technically, you can say you saw The Temptations.
Or you can say you saw a Temptation.
Or you can disregard questions of identify and just sit back and listen to the set of great songs. For more details, click here.
Continuing
Still-running events from previous IBJ Daily A&E e-mails. 
This week's contest
 This week, win four tickets to see "Great Choreographers" at Butler University, making for a nice post-Valentine's Day double date - or a post-Valentine's Day family outing.
The show includes a new work commissioned for Butler Ballet from Ballet Austin's artistic director, Stephen Mills. Also on the program: Paul Taylor's "Cloven Kingdom" and three pieces by Butler dance faculty members.
Just fill out the form here. We'll pull one winner at random.
While filling out the contest form, tell us your favorite butler. We'll print some of the responses. It won't influence who wins, but we're doing it anyway.
By the way, last week, we asked for what would most likely lead you into temptation (in celebration of the Clowes Hall concert by The Temptations). Responses are here.
And congratulations to Brenda Gross, whose name was pulled at random to win a pair of tickets to the show.
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Three Mo' Tenors. Three big talents. 
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