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|  Thursday, July 17, 2008 |
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"Transformations"
 July 17-27
Butler University's Lilly Hall
It has become a summer tradition for ShadowApe Theatre Co. (a talented gang of theater pros that includes notable local actors Robert and Jennifer Johansen, Constance Macy and Michael Brown as well as designers Ryan and Robert Koharchik) to offer a visually arresting production unlike anything else seen on area stages. See what the homegrown tribe is up to this year when it creates a theatrical event out of the poems of Anne Sexton. For details, click here.
"The Wiz"
July 18-Aug. 17
American Cabaret Theatre
For years anytime I heard that a local theater company was staging "The Wizard of Oz," I thought, "Come on. You can do better than that." It's not that I don't love "Oz" - in fact, I'm a huge fan not just of the film but of the original books, too. It's just that no based-on-the-Judy-Garland-movie stage production I've ever seen has brought anything interesting to the table. They trod the familiar yellow brick path, hit all the requisite songs and provide nothing in the way of new connection to the material.
"Why," I asked myself, "don't more people do 'The Wiz?" It's got good songs, fun opportunities for creative design and the possibility of surprising audiences.
Well, it seems that my unspoken request has been answered; American Cabaret Theatre is staging the show as its summer young-adult production. Last year, it offered a production of "High School Musical" with more energy and heart than the national tour. And "The Wiz" features Jessica Murphy and Brook Wood, who were strong last year in "Songs for a New World." So there's reason to be optimistic. For details, click here.
StarQuest Talent Competition
July 19
Indiana Convention Center
The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration always brings major musical talent to town (this year including Cameo, Con Funk Shun, The Whispers, Keyshia Cole and KEM). But in our "American Idol"-crazed world, I'm guessing that some of the best music you'll hear at this year's event will be from acts you've never heard of, showcased at the StarQuest Talent Competition. The performers will be presented from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and it's free with Expo admission. For details, click here.
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"Chakaia Booker: Mass Transit"
 July 22-April 1, 2009
Various downtown locations
The latest in Indy's annual series of downtown public art exhibitions features the work of Chakaia Booker, a New York-based artist who uses tires in her impossible-to-ignore creations. For a map and intro to her work, click here. For details on the exhibition, click here.
Jason Mraz
July 17
Lawn at White River State Park
How much tolerance do you have for free-flowing musical positivity? Test your limits with some mellowness from this singer/songwriter whose songs have popped up on "Ugly Betty" and in "50 First Dates" and "Happy Feet."
To hear Mraz's smile-inducing "I'm Yours," click here. For more details on the concert, click here. |  | | | |
| "Heroes & Victors: A Tribute to the Greatest Sports Films"
July 18-19
Conner Prairie
If you say that "Hoosiers" is the best sports movie of all time, you might get some argument (not much, but some).
If you say that Indiana is the sports movie capital of the world, you still might get some argument (but, again, not much).
But don't expect any argument if you suggest that an evening under the stars with the music from "Hoosiers," "Breaking Away," "Rudy," "The Natural," "Field of Dreams" "Chariots of Fire," "Rocky" and "Cars" - powered by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra - sounds like a home run.
The program, which features film clips on the big screen (go early to score a good viewing spot) also features piano soloist Jingzuan Zhang, a native of China now living in Westfield, and a visit from Bloomington-based screenwriter Angelo Pizzo, who penned "Hoosiers" and "Rudy."
For more details, click here.
This week's contest
 For a chance at winning a pair of tickets to see Marc Cohn (if you aren't already a fan, you no doubt have heard his hit "Walking in Memphis") at the Music Mill, just fill out the form here. We'll pull one name at random. (For more info on Cohn, visit here. For more on the concert, click here.)
Last week, we offered a pair of tickets to the August appearance of Tommy Davison at Morty's Comedy Joint. We even threw in a free appetizer. I'll announce the winner next week.
Why? Well, the same reason we skipped questions in the last two e-mails - because, when you read this, I'll be on vacation.
But that shouldn't keep you from visiting www.ibj.com/arts for previews, reviews, blogs and video.
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"Transformations." The joy of Sexton. 
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