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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in North Indy are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Ahh Spring!

Group offers prostate cancer support

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis psychologist John Gallagher began leading prostate cancer support groups about 13 years ago — coinciding almost exactly with the first time he was diagnosed with the disease at age 56.

He had been negotiating a contract to provide support groups through an Indianapolis urology center, and the day before he signed that contract, he received his diagnosis. Since then, he said, he received treatment, went into remission and then was diagnosed three more times, but he’s now been “squeaky clean” — as far as prostate cancer goes — for about a decade. Gallagher’s contract with the urology center ended, but his commitment to helping others didn’t. He now leads support groups for men with prostate cancer through the nonprofit Cancer Support Community Indiana, with meetings twice monthly at the center’s north Indy facility, 5150 W 71st St., and at Gallagher’s south side office, with virtual attendance available for those

who can’t make it in person.

Gallagher said his personal experience and his ability to research have helped him facilitate the support groups over the years, as well as understanding how men process something as devastating as a cancer diagnosis.

“What happens in a support group with a bunch of guys is different from the stereotype about support groups,” he said.

“Men do not come to a support group for people to be sympathetic with them. Men are information-seeking, problem-solving animals, and the very useful thing that is consistently appreciated by my guys (is) they learn about treatment options that they were never going to hear from their physician.”

Gallagher said most physicians will offer treatments that they know how to provide, which can limit options for patients. He said that over the years, he and others in his groups spent a lot of time researching those options and compiled a list of 14 primary approaches.

“We don’t give medical advice, obvi-

ously, but what we do is we present a composite of information that pretty much amounts to one-time, one-stop shopping for about everything you might need to know about prostate cancer if you’re embarking on making a decision,” he said.

One of the 14 options is a non-FDAapproved immunological treatment available in Greece that Gallagher credits with eliminating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he had been battling. He added that lifestyle factors can improve outcomes for all types of cancer risks. Those factors include diet, exercise, stress management and social support. And although his support groups are less about feelings than similar groups, he said the men who join value the sense of community — some even continue to participate long after they successfully complete cancer treatment.

Anyone interested in joining Gallagher’s support group can call Cancer Support Community Indiana at 317-2571505 or email info@cancersupportindy. org for details.

For more about the nonprofit, visit cancersupportindy.org.

Indy Parks unveils MLK Gateway Project

northindy@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis officials recently unveiled the new MLK Gateway section of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park — a $6.8 million city-funded project that includes a new plaza, walkways, landscaping and expansion of the Landmark for Peace memorial.

“One of our city’s most important monuments stands larger and grander than ever thanks to the reimagined Landmark for Peace memorial,” Mayor Hogsett stated in a news release. “The city is proud to invest into this place of national significance. Not only does it honor the memories of two great American heroes, but it will also remind

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1702 N Broadway St., Indianapolis, is open following renovations and improvements. (Photo courtesy of Indy Parks)

future generations of the invaluable legacy that they left behind.”

The opening was a day before the 58th anniversary of Robert Kennedy’s speech in Indianapolis, when he announced

the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. The speech was credited with helping maintain calm in the city that night, when many other cities across the country saw outbreaks of violence. Kennedy was assassinated only two months later.

The Landmark for Peace memorial was dedicated in 1995 by local, state and national leaders, including former President Bill Clinton and members of the Kennedy and King families.

The park, 1702 N. Broadway St., is fully open to the public, with final landscaping and signage to be completed in the coming weeks.

For more, visit parks.indy.gov/parks/ dr-martin-luther-king-jr-park.

•

•

DISPATCHES

 Mt. Vernon’s Ertel named Mr. Basketball — Mt. Vernon High School senior guard Luke Ertel was recently named Indiana Mr. Basketball for 2026 in online voting of media and boys’ varsity coaches conducted by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and All-Star game director Mike Broughton, The 6-foot-2 Ertel, who is headed to Purdue University next season, will wear the No. 1 jersey for the Indiana All-Stars in their annual series with Kentucky in June. Ertel earned the boys’ top honor after being named on 207 ballots submitted. Dikembe Shaw of Crown Point was runner-up with six votes. Ertel averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game for Class 4A state champion Marauders. Ertel is the first Mr. Basketball winner from Mt. Vernon.

 Dance group to perform — Bessie Award–winning Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its production of The Revival: Djembe in the New Millennium, coming to Indianapolis’ Madam Walker Legacy Center April 30 and May 1. The performance depicts the influences of West African culture, music and dance on the urban cultural landscape. For ticket information, visit madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.

 Grant supports online volunteer hub — United Way of Central Indiana has created a centralized online platform, volunpair.org, where nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities and community members can match their volunteer interests with what’s available. The new website is supported by a $1.3 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

 Kickoff to May contest — The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank have launched the 2026 Kickoff to May contest. The “Racing Through History” challenge offers Hoosiers 18 and older a chance to win a prize pack valued at more than $1,000. It includes Indianapolis 500 Carb Day passes, 500 Festival Parade VIP tickets and a $250 Huse Culinary gift card. To enter, participants must answer three trivia questions at resources.starfinancial.com/star-500-festival by 11 a.m. April 29. The winner will be announced during the free Kickoff to May event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 on Monument Circle. For more, visit 500Festival.com/Kickoff.

North Indy middle school wins $50K national prize

northindy@youarecurrent.com

Northview Middle School in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township was awarded the $50,000 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder’s Award April 1 during the NIET conference in New Orleans.

The school earlier received $10,000 when it was picked as one of five finalists for the annual award, created by Lowell Milken in 2008. According to a news release, the Founder’s Award honors one school in the United States each year for implementation of NIET’s principles.

“We are pleased to present Northview Middle School with the 2026 NIET Founder’s Award,” Milken stated. “Principal Thomas Hakim, Superintendent Dr. Sean Taylor, staff and students have demonstrated outstanding academic gains by strengthening instruction and building a nurturing environment for all.”

Founder’s Award recipients are cho-

sen based on improved classroom instruction, professional learning focused on the needs of teachers and students, and engaging educators. From 2023 to 2025, the percentage of Northview students scoring proficient on state assessments increased 22 points in math and 11 points in English Language Arts — well above the state average, the news release stated.

“Northview Middle School has made building the instructional skills of its staff the foundation of its focus on

Northview Middle School representatives receive the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder’s Award April 1 during the NIET conference in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy of NIET)

continuous improvement,” NIET Chief Executive Officer Joshua Barnett stated. “Teachers are strengthening their instruction and refining practices to meet student needs across grades and subjects. As a result, students are thriving. Congratulations to the Northview Middle School team on this achievement.”

Northview Middle School on the north side of Indianapolis has about 1,000 students in grades six through eight, with almost half qualifying for free/reduced-price lunch.

DISPATCHES

 USPS job fair — USPS will host a job fair from noon to 4 p.m. April 24 at USPS District Conference Center, 8765 Guion Rd., Indianapolis. The postal service is hiring rural carrier associates and part-time city carriers. USPS personnel will be onsite at the job fair to provide detailed information about the positions and to answer questions. Applications are accepted online only at usps.com/careers. Search for positions in “Indiana” for openings.

 ‘Jeff’s Day’ to support area family — An Indy music festival and fundraiser honoring former Fishers resident and area musician Jeff Day will help support a Fishers family whose 8-year-old child is battling cancer. “Jeff’s Day” is set for 1 p.m. May 3 at the Rathskeller in Indianapolis, 410 E. Michigan St. Day died from colon cancer in 2024 and his wife, Jessica, hopes to raise awareness and encourage people to get colonoscopies. For more, visit facebook.com/profile. php?id=61588407313044.

Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel

Indy man to serve 22 years for armed robbery

A 24-year-old Indianapolis man was recently sentenced in federal court to 22 years in prison for committing armed robberies at two Indianapolis businesses and carjacking a woman as she left a Dollar Tree in Lawrence in October 2022.

According to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana, George Landy pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, attempted interference with commerce by robbery and carjacking.

The charges are related to three incidents over eight days, starting Oct. 16, 2022, when Landy entered the Family Dollar on East 38th Street, pretending to shop for cold medicine. He carried a box to the checkout counter, then lifted his shirt to reveal a .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun in his waistband and demanded money from the clerk, who handed over $200.

The next incident was Oct. 23, 2022, when he attempted to rob a McDonald’s on West 38th Street. According to the announcement, Landy approached the drive-thru window, forced it open, pointed a firearm at an employee and demanded money. He fired a shot toward the worker, then attempted un-

successfully to open the cash register himself. Landy fired another shot into the restaurant before fleeing on foot. No one was injured.

The third incident was Oct. 24, 2022. The announcement stated that Landy approached a woman walking to her car in the parking lot of a Dollar Tree on Pendleton Pike in Lawrence. He pretended to ask for her phone number and a date. As the woman began getting into her vehicle, Landy lifted his shirt to display a firearm and ordered her into the passenger seat.

“He demanded money, warning that ‘bad things would happen’ if she could not pay,” the announcement stated. “When the victim explained she only had $30 in cash, Landy abducted her and her vehicle to drive to two banks, where he compelled her to withdraw $500. He then drove her downtown and left her at the IndyGo bus station, stealing her wedding ring, debit card, driver’s license and other jewelry before fleeing in her car.”

Landy has 22 prior convictions, including 12 felonies, ranging from burglary and felony theft to drug offenses and resisting law enforcement. At the time of the 2022 armed robberies, he was on probation for felony auto theft.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Flatrock Storage brings secure option to Geist area

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentinfisheres.com

In November 2025, Tony Matthews and his son Chris Matthews launched Flatrock Storage in Fortville, 750 W. Garden St. — a secure self-storage facility that offers storage units as well as RV and boat storage for Geist residents and beyond.

The company is a family business, with Tony and Chris serving as owners and managers, and daily office operations spearheaded by Chris’ wife, Karen Matthews.

Besides Flatrock Storage, Tony and Chris have led M&C Concrete for more than 20 years, and through that experience, laid the foundation for the new business.

“We both helped build the buildings,” Tony Matthews said. “We did the footing on them all, we did the concrete work on them. It’s really fun working with the family … talking every day about things and strategizing what we need to do and the advertisement that we need to do, and where we need to focus our concerns on.”

Flatrock isn’t their first foray into storage. Tony started a mini storage business about 30 years ago called Store-More, 310 S. Mitthoeffer Rd. in Indianapolis.

“That kind of got us in the storage business,” Tony said.

Flatrock Storage has a variety of amenities for customers and their various storage needs. The property is

fully fenced and gated and has video surveillance that provides 24-hour monitoring. It also has 24-hour access, drive-up and elevator access, and temperature-controlled units.

“We have a total of about 250 units there, and we do have climate control,” Tony said. “There’s probably about 80-some climate-controlled units. And then one of the biggest things we have is a good area for boat storage and RV storage … We have big enough units, like 36x15, that boats can store inside.”

Remodeling Seminar Kitchen & Bath

WEDNESDAY MAY 13 | 7 - 8:30pm

The year before starting Flatrock Storage, Tony and Chris started a warehouse leasing business, Trackside, right next door.

“We have good managers underneath us,” Tony said. “In the concrete business, we have foremen out on the jobs and managers out on the jobs managing the jobs. We’re as good as our help. We wouldn’t be successful if we didn’t have the help that we have.”

Chris said the feedback has been positive so far.

“People really like the design of the buildings, the size of the units, the height and doors and stuff like that,” he said. “A lot of interest and demand for the boat and RV-size units.”

In addition to their various small businesses, Tony served with the Indianapolis Fire Department for 27 years and Chris has served with the fire department more than 20 years. Tony also is a softball coach at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis.

What You’ll Learn

BREAKING AWAY

Friends plan to win second Guinness World Record running 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Breaking a world record is a little addictive, apparently, because a group of friends who hold one Guinness World Record after running the Geist Half in a caterpillar costume last September now hope to break another record during the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, set for May 2.

Zachary Davenport, Zach Burton, Ian Leatherman and Kaid Hutchinson broke the record for the fastest half marathon in a four-person costume on Sept. 13 when they ran the Geist Half in Fishers in just under 1 hour and 30 minutes — well below the 1 hour and 41 minutes set in 2022 by the previous record holders.

“It went pretty much exactly to plan,” Burton, 27, said. “No complaints. You plan for everything to go wrong, so if nothing goes wrong, it kind of makes you nervous for the next time, because that’s when everything’s going to go wrong. But the first time was super easy, tons of fun.”

So much fun, they’re doing it again for the Mini, but with one more link in the caterpillar.

“We are adding somebody, but at the same time we’re not,” Burton said. “So, the way Guinness works is, you’re required to film the entire attempt. Meaning, you have four guys in the costume, but there’s a fifth guy running behind you with a camera the entire time. That fifth guy was Kaleb (Gucinski).”

And although he ran the Geist Half with them, Gucinski, 25, didn’t get any kind of official recognition.

“To be honest, we felt bad Kaleb didn’t get a plaque,” Davenport, 23, said. “So, we’re going to get him a plaque that has his name on it this time.”

They still need a sixth person to film the attempt. Davenport is all for trying again with a six-person costume later, but Burton said this will be his last attempt at a world record. Hutchinson and Leatherman, both 28, agree that, with their families growing, the upcoming Mini also will be their last try.

That last try will be well documented.

Professor Jack Lugar, who leads the cinema and media arts program at Anderson University, which all five runners attended, is making a short film about their Mini-Marathon record-breaking adventure. Lugar said he heard about their Geist Half experience after they had broken the record. He thought it was a great story to tell and quickly contacted Davenport.

“I reached out to him and said, ‘Hey, you guys want to do this again, and do a documentary and kind of repeat or see if you can beat it?’” he said. “And he was like, ‘Well, we’re already working on it.’ … I just jumped in and grabbed footage from the first race, and we’ve been grab-

bing footage on some interviews and piecing that together as they prepare for the second race. And we’ll cover that day and then whatever follows after that.”

Lugar said the film will focus on the adventure, including unplanned pitfalls and — they all hope — a world record at the end.

“It just seems to be a natural story about, kind of, this silliness — but also I think every kid dreams about winning a world record at some point, with that book on their shelf that they got … at those school book fairs,” he said, adding that the Mini-Marathon and its connection to the iconic Indianapolis 500 make a great background to the story.

BREAKING ANOTHER WORLD RECORD

The current record for the fastest half marathon in a five-person costume was set in October 2023 by a team from Canada. They ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 1 hour, 48 minutes and 59 seconds while wearing a streetcar costume.

The Mini-Marathon team members all said they’re confident they can break that record May 2, especially after completing

the Geist Half in an hour and a half last fall.

They do have to reserve a little time to kiss the bricks — an Indianapolis Motor Speedway victory tradition where winners kiss the 3-foot strip of original 1909 bricks at the finish line — which might be complicated for five guys in a caterpillar costume.

Lugar, 56, is not going to run the race with the group. He said he’s been filming training runs by driving along in a van, and the runners will have portable video cameras with them during the race — similar to what they did during the Geist Half.

“Within the caterpillar, there were two GoPros and an Insta 360 camera,” Burton said of the Geist race. “So, there was only one person not holding a camera, and that person was probably holding a speaker, just blasting music.”

Their eclectic playlist for that race included Creed’s “Higher,” “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers and the “Barbie” movie theme song. Burton said they’ll come up with a new playlist for the Mini-Marathon race.

“It’s just part of it, right?” he said. “You see this giant 25-foot monstrosity coming down the streets of Indianapolis, it better be making music, too.”

For more about the Mini-Marathon, visit indymini.com.

ON

BUSINESS LOCAL

Women Build It event set

northindy@youarecurrent.com

The annual Women Build It Conference, a gathering for Indianapolis-area women in design, construction and related industries, is hosting a “Momentum Series” of smaller events leading up to the larger conference this summer, including a May 6 luncheon featuring Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors.

The luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E 67th St., Indianapolis. In addition to Lord’s presentation, the event will provide networking opportunities and professional tips — the goal of each Momentum Series gathering.

and takeaways you can use immediately, from leadership and workplace dynamics to innovation, customer excellence and sustainable growth.”

According to the GreyHunt website, Lord has worked in the interior design community for more than 25 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from Marymount University and founded GreyHunt Interiors in 2009, a Carmel-based firm named after her sons, Greyson and Hunter.

“These smaller events bring women in design, construction and the built environment together for practical conversations, fresh ideas and real relationship building,” the Women Build It website states. “Expect thoughtful programming, peer-to-peer connection

She also serves on the design board for the Decorators Show House, where she was named Rookie of the Year in her first year of participation, and is a member of Home Artists and the Board for the Indiana Design Center.

The Women Build It Conference is set for all day Aug. 18 at Ritz Charles in Carmel, 12156 N. Meridian St. For more, visit womenbuildindy.com.

Sheetz to open Hoosier stores

news@youarecurrent.com

Pennsylvania-based conveniencestore chain Sheetz recently announced plans to expand into Indiana — starting with the Greater Indianapolis area — part of the company’s ongoing Midwest growth plans.

According to the announcement, Sheetz will open its first Hoosier stores in and around Indianapolis in 2027, eventually opening 100 stores in the state over the next 10 years — a $1 billion investment that will create more than 3,000 jobs.

Specific locations and opening dates for Sheetz’s initial sites will be announced later.

“Over the past several years, we have received a significant number of inquiries from Indiana residents who want to see Sheetz in their communities,” President and CEO Travis Sheetz stated. “This momentum has been reinforced by the enthusiastic response to our unique offerings in new Midwest markets. It is an exciting time for Sheetz, and we look forward to giving customers everything they need in one stop, creating quality jobs and being a positive force in the Indiana communities we serve.”

Later this year, Sheetz will open a new

food preparation and distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, further supporting its Midwest expansion, which started in Ohio.

“Since its first Ohio location opened nearly 30 years ago, the company has built a strong and expanding presence throughout the Midwest, including the opening of more than 25 stores in western Ohio in recent years, with several locations in the Dayton and Toledo markets,” the announcement stated. “Building on that momentum, Sheetz entered Michigan in 2024.”

Sheetz was founded in 1952 by Bob Sheetz and remains family operated. The stores offer made-to-order food, drinks, snacks and fuel. For more, visit sheetz.com.

Commentary by Larry Greene

An unfinished west Carmel basement was transformed with a custom bar feature, adding function, warmth and a defined gathering space within the open layout.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Defined bar zone within previously open, unfinished basement.

• Custom cabinetry in rich wood tones to add warmth and contrast.

• Cambria quartz countertops paired with a vertically stacked tile backsplash.

• Integrated beverage fridge and undercounter sink for functionality.

• Arched niche detail creates a focal point with architectural interest.

• Floating wood shelf with integrated lighting for display and ambiance.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

ATI presents ‘Sunset Boulevard’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Judy Fitzgerald is indeed ready for her close-up as Norma Desmond.

Fitzgerald, the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s artistic director, plays silent-screen star Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” April 24 to May 10 in ATI’s production at the Studio Theater in Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“My goal is for the character to be true to the movie and the musical,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s an honor to get to play the role. It’s a huge role that runs the gamut from falling in love to going completely crazy.”

Don Farrell, an ATI co-founder along with Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins, is making his first ATI performance since “Million Dollar Quartet” in June 2023. He stepped away from ATI to work on his other projects.

“When Judy called and said we’d love to cast you in this, I was honored she thought of me for this role,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to come back to working with Judy on this stage that has so many memories.”

Farrell portrays Max, Desmond’s loyal servant.

“The tragedy and desperation for each character — and when you hear the score Andrew Lloyd Webber has for each character — it’s really something special,” he said. “Max is a fierce defender of Norma. He’s very silent but he’s always there. He’s always observing. It’s almost creepy. He’s watching the relationship between Joe and Norma and how she’s starting to fall (for Joe). He’s wanting to protect her.”

Fitzgerald said Max has a lot more presence in the musical.

“He has some big numbers,” Fitzgerald said.

Farrell saw the show on Broadway in the early 1990s.

“It’s amazing storytelling,” Farrell

said. “There’s so much mystery.”

Fitzgerald said the musical is true to the 1950 movie, which starred Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond.

Luke Weber, who is based in Dallas and performed in “Violet” with ATI in 2022, plays Joe Gillis, a writer.

“There’s a lot of decisions Joe makes that I’m thinking, ‘Why would he do that?’” Weber said. “But I think it’s his desire to be involved and wanting to be recognized for his work and wanting to make it big in some way. There’s a lot bubbling under the surface that I’m excited to play with.”

Fitzgerald’s former North Central High School classmate Michael Blatt is directing.

“I love getting to come back to Indianapolis and ATI,” Blatt said. “This will be my fifth show with ATI, and I am so grateful to be able to practice my craft at such a wonderful theater. It’s always

so special for me to get to do theater here. I really found my love for theater in Indianapolis and had wonderful opportunities here, in starting from a young age at Starlight Musicals, Jr. Civic and Footlite Musicals, and then later at North Central High School.

And it’s extra special to get to direct Judy Fitzgerald. We have been friends since high school and starred in all the shows together there. I think our young selves would be so happy that all these years later we are still friends and creating theater together.”

Blatt is directing an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for the first time.

“It really feels like a rite of passage to finally direct one of his shows,” Blatt said. “I’m a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber and I’ve seen every Broadway production of ‘Sunset,’ and I’m excited to put my own stamp on the material.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’

“Singin’ in the Rain” runs through May 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents Ball State Studio Band & Josh Kaufman April 23, followed by Human Jukebox with The Ahlwardts April 24 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘MEN ON BOATS’

The Carmel Community Players production of “Men on Boats” runs through April 26 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

JOSHUA BELL

Violinist Joshua Bell will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

Civic Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof” April 24 to May 9 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

SNARKY PUPPY

Snarky Puppy will perform its Somni Tour concert at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE

GOLDEN RECORD’

Hendricks Symphony’s “The Golden Record” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Violinist returns to Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Each year, violinist Joshua Bell talks about cutting down his schedule. However, that never seems to happen.

“I play about 120 concerts a year, which means some 200 days of traveling and six major continents,” he said. “I have friends everywhere, so I tend to keep filling up (my) schedule.

I’m lucky to be in that position.

I’ve been based in New York City for the past 30 years or so. New York was an easier base for my touring life since I spend half of my year in Europe, but Indiana is still my spiritual home.”

met several years ago in New York and it’s really a duo recital for violin and piano,” he said. “All the pieces are equal for violin and piano. We have four big sonatas that we’re playing on the program that are different sides of classical music.”

The composers include Franz Schubert, Edward Greig, Segei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel.

The Indiana University graduate and Bloomington native will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Bell, 58, will be accompanied by recording artist and pianist Shai Wosner. The appearance will be Bell’s sixth at the Palladium.

“Shai is a wonderful pianist that I

“It’s kind of a tasting menu of classical music is the way I like to think of it —- all very accessible and exciting pieces,” he said. “I’ve probably not done all in this combination, and some I have not done with this pianist. All the pieces have been in my repertoire for a long time in my life. You live with them and get to know them better, and you start working with a new pianist and it changes your perspective.”

Bell said the great thing about classical music is he gets to explore the depth of the pieces.

Bell has been the music director of the Academy of St. Martin of the Fields in London since 2011.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

Actor returns to role of Tevye in Civic’s ‘Fiddler’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tobin Strader has deep ties to “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The Fishers resident is reprising his role of Tevye in Civic Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which runs April 24 to May 9 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Strader, who previously played Tevye the last time Civic performed it in 2016, directed the musical twice at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis.

“This is just a show I feel is deeply in my DNA,” Strader said. “I played it in high school in 1987 in Charleston, Ill. I’ve just always connected with this show. My dad listened to (the music) a lot. It was a big deal in my house when I got to play Tevye in high school and for him to see me do it as an adult. The songs are beautiful and I love the story.”

Tevye is the father of five daughters. Strader said with his two sons being adults now is more meaningful to him.

Strader has known cast member Sadie Cohen for several years. He cast Cohen, now a Carmel High School junior, as one of the children eight years ago in Brebeuf Jesuit’s production of “The King and I.” Strader and Sadie were in Civic’s “The Sound of Music” in 2023.

Sadie’s mother, Melissa Cohen, plays her mother Golde. It will be Melissa’s debut in a Civic Theatre main stage production.

“I’ve been involved with Civic for many years as a volunteer and board member, so to be able to act on the stage is really a great honor,” she said.

Her son, Evan, a Creekside Middle School eighth-grader, is in the ensemble, too.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

NC grad returns for ‘Figaro’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be a change of pace for Ian Michael.

“It will be nice to do more of a comedic role,” he said. “I think the character is funny.”

The 2010 North Central High School graduate will portray Antonio in “The Marriage of Figaro” May 1-3 at The Toby Theater at Newfields at Indianapolis. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 1-2 and 3 p.m. May 3.

Michael, a South Bend resident, is the chair of the community engagement and education committee for South Bend Lyric Opera.

“It’s been several years since I lived in Indy, so it’s nice to come back and actually spend time here,” he said.

This is Michael’s second production with Indianapolis Opera, as he performed in “Rigoletto” in November 2025.

For “Figaro,” Michael is in the ensemble for the first act and then appears as Antonio in the second act.

“The funny thing is, he doesn’t show up until the middle of Act 2 finale and (the script) says half-drunkenly, running into tell someone about the plot,” he said. “It’s more a comedic role compared to Count Ceprano in ‘Rigoletto.’ It’s nice to do something a little more slapstick.”

Michael performed with Indiana Repertory Theatre, Civic Theatre and Summer Stock Stage as a youth.

“I didn’t know that much about Indy Opera, so it was a pleasure when I came in November to see what the experience was like,” he said. “It was phenomenal. I was blown away by the cast’s talent.”

A bass-baritone, Michael attended the University of Michigan and then moved to Fort Wayne after graduation. He was part of Heartland Sings Inc. and became involved with Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

“Opera is one of the things I do but I style myself as a crossover artist,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org and ianmichael.org.

15. Plural of louse

16. Be a bad winner

17. One way to stand by

18. Boatload

19. Swindles

20. Iconic design created

by Terre Haute’s Root

Glass Company in 1915

23. Actor Reeves

24. Medical research agency inits.

25. “Norma ___”

27. Indiana tax ID

28. Boot part

31. Tangle

34. Astronomical “Way”

36. Paper units

37. Indy’s Taggart Baking Company creation in 1921

40. Plot of land

42. Glower

43. Butler’s non-scholarship players

46. WTTV net.

47. WFYI net.

50. Falcons, on a Colts scoreboard

51. Choose

53. Retailer with 2,486 stores in 1994. In 2026?

Three.

55. Innovation created for use at the Indy 500 in 1911

60. Noncommittal answer

61. Hindu royal

62. Sit in the sun

63. Freeze

64. Publishing ID

65. Bad day for Caesar

66. Westfield HS exams

67. Durable wood

68. Army officers (Abbr.) DOWN

1. Movies

2. Changes the decor

3. “The Wizard of Oz” prop

4. Ancient Central American

5. Too

6. Cash drawer

7. Arctic ___

8. Beginner, to a gamer

9. Letters before Q+

10. Dismounted

11. I-90 in Indiana, e.g.

12. Zero in

13. UFO crew

21. Slice

22. Electrical unit

26. Chicago trains

29. Antiquated

30. Barely get, with “out”

32. Beer, slangily

33. Authentic

34. Imitation

35. Jr. and Sr. at NHS

37. White River fish

38. Letters on an email header, maybe

39. Steal

40. Defunct IND carrier

41. Exhausting routine

44. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon mo.

45. Ghost

47. Annual July 4 CarmelFest event

48. Not working

49. Emphasize

52. Josh

54. “Sex and the City” character

56. Be next to

57. Spartz and Carson, briefly

58. Fever’s org.

59. Stole material

60. Cambridge univ. ANSWERS ON PAGE 6

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