Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 52
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FEBRUARY & MARCH DINE
IMPD plans curfew enforcement, connection center
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
As area schools plan for spring break and the end of the 2025-26 school year, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and community nonprofits announced their plans to enforce the city’s curfew laws and provide a safe space for youth who are out after curfew.
IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said during a March 10 news conference that the police department is committed to being proactive about youth safety, adding that curfews are for protection, not punishment.
“It gives officers a tool to intervene early, return young people home safely and prevent situations from escalating into violence or victimization,” she said, noting that the city’s youth connection center will open this month in time for spring break. “The purpose of the connection center is simple — accountability paired with opportunity. When a young person is out past curfew or engaged in concerning behavior,
we want more than just a warning. We want a meaningful intervention. The connection center will serve as a safe place where juveniles can be connected with trusted community partners who provide resources, food and support services.”
Terry said parents and guardians will be involved in the process.
Heather Savage from the nonprofit Let Them Talk said the connection center sends a message that when young people are in a difficult situation, the community will respond with accountability, guidance and support.
“For many youth, moments like this can become turning points when we meet them with resources, caring adults and opportunities,” she said. “Instead of isolation, we help redirect their past toward something better.”
Chrystal Hines, CEO of the nonprofit Inner Beauty, said that when kids are out late without adult supervision, the main question is, “Why?”
“For some, home may not feel safe or supportive — it may be a place that feels toxic or difficult to be in,” she said. “For
DISPATCHES
‘Cowboy Culture’ exhibit set — A new exhibition, “Cowboy Couture: The Fashion of Jerry Lee Atwood,” opens March 28 at the Eiteljorg Museum and continues through Aug. 2. The exhibition features the embroidered Western suits created by Indianapolis fashion designer Jerry Lee Atwood, who has designed for entertainers such as Post Malone, Lil Nas X and David Harbour. For more, visit eiteljorg.org.
‘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. “The purpose of this event is to bring hope and joy through music, which Jeff really loved,” she stated. For more, visit facebook.com/profile. php?id=61588407313044.
Indy environmental efforts recognized — The City of Indianapolis has been recognized by environmental nonprofit CDP for its work toward environmental transparency, climate action and
others, they are simply looking for connection. We know young people naturally want to feel a sense of belonging and for some youth, they may just need positive opportunities, safe spaces and trusted adults who are willing to guide them. This is why this effort matters. When our community comes together, we can help make sure our young people feel seen, supported and connected to the people and resources that help them to thrive.”
The nonprofits will help staff the connection center, which was part of a pilot program in 2025. Terry said the center won’t be open all summer but will be ready during times when city officials believe a higher number of youths might be out.
Indy’s curfew prohibits unaccompanied youth younger than 15 from being out after 11 p.m. any night of the week. Those ages 15-17 are not allowed out without an adult after 1 a.m. on weekends or after 11 p.m. on weeknights. Terry noted that officers will remind kids that it’s time to go home when curfew is approaching.
resilience planning, securing a place on CDP’s respected annual ‘A’ List. This is the eighth time it has received an ‘A’ rating. To be recognized with an A, a city must meet a series of criteria, including publicly disclosing environmental data, maintaining a comprehensive city-wide emissions inventory and publishing a credible climate action plan.
Airport surpasses record — The Indianapolis International Airport ended 2025 with another year of record‑setting passenger traffic. Airport officials announced that the facility welcomed more than 10.6 million passengers during the year, about 100,000 passengers more than in 2024.
86th & Ditch Rd or 82nd & Dean Rd
eCommunity.com/cancer
Byron H., patient
Indiana Landmarks award recognizes historic farms
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Farm Bureau are accepting nominations through April 30 for the 2026 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation, which recognizes the preservation and ongoing agricultural use of historic farms and farm buildings in Indiana.
Owners of more than 30 historic farms across the state have been honored with the award since it was established in 1992. The most recent award winner was the Stine-Anderson Family Farm, a historic Clinton County farm southwest of Frankfort, which was chosen in 2025.
Anyone, including farm owners, can submit nominations for the Arnold Award, which will be presented during the Celebration of Agriculture at the Indiana State Fair in August. The nomination asks for:
• A brief history of the farm and de-
Indy Parks promotion —
Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone recently announced the promotion of Andre Denman to deputy director for park planning, construction and facility maintenance. Denman previously served as administrator of park planning. He has served the city in a variety of roles since 2001 and has been with Indy Parks since 2006.
scription of its significant historic structures and features, such as the farmhouse, barns, agricultural outbuildings and landscape elements.
• A description of how the farm’s historic agricultural structures continue to be used in day-to-day farming operations, and how they have been preserved or adapted.
• High-resolution digital photographs of the farm and its preserved historic features. Historic images are also welcome.
The award winner receives an outdoor marker and feature coverage in “Indiana Preservation” magazine. The award is in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer who combined progressive agricultural practices with the rural landscape’s historic and natural features.
For more, visit indianalandmarks.org/ john-arnold-award-rural-preservation.
DISPATCHES
Eiteljorg hires new VP for advancement —
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has hired a new vice president for advancement, Alli Badgero, who brings experience in nonprofit fundraising in the arts and higher education. Badgero joined the Eiteljorg Feb. 2 after serving as vice president of development at Indy Art Center for the past four years. She previously held senior fundraising roles at Marian University, Ball State University and the Detroit Zoological Society in Royal Oak, Michigan.
The Stine-Anderson Family Farm in Clinton County won the 2025 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Landmarks)
Hoosier artisans spotlighted
northindy@youarecurrent.com
The 14th annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace is scheduled for March 28 and 29 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, featuring art and fine craft, artisan food and beverages — all made in Indiana.
“The Marketplace officially opens Indiana’s art fair season,” a news release stated. “From hand-smithed jewelry and striking wood art to fine watercolors, functional pottery, handmade chocolates and award-winning wines, this is the place to find something beautiful for your home — or something delicious for your table.”
Work bearing the Indiana Artisan seal has passed a jury process and represents the highest standards of Hoosier craftsmanship, according to the news release. Each artisan featured is an entrepreneur, and the list of members includes residents of Indiana’s smallest communities, such as Gnaw Bone in Brown County; as well as more populous communities, such as Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville and Brownsburg.
In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the approximately 100 artisans featured in the Marketplace will
The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is March 28-29 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. (Image courtesy of Indiana Artisan)
focus on Americana-inspired works. Many artisans will demonstrate their creative process, and food and beverage vendors will offer samples.
The Marketplace will take place in the Agriculture Horticulture Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, close to the start of the midway. Admission is $10 for adults; children 14 and younger are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.
The hours of the event are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 28, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 29.
Advance tickets and more information are available online at indianaartisan.org.
Area homebuilding opens 2026 with modest growth
news@youarecurrent.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis has reported that single-family building permit activity across central Indiana began 2026 on a positive note compared to January 2025. The nine-county region recorded 731 permits in January — compared to 700 permits in January 2025 — reflecting a 4 percent year-over-year increase and showing resilience relative to broader national housing trends, according to a news release.
The U.S. Census Bureau and an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders indicates single-family permitting and housing starts have remained cautious nationwide as affordability pressures and interest rate conditions continue to influence builder confidence. Against that backdrop, central Indiana’s year-over-year increase points to a market maintaining forward
momentum despite ongoing economic headwinds, according to BAGI.
“Central Indiana’s housing market is starting 2026 on solid footing,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated. “Builders are entering the year with a disciplined approach — carefully managing production, aligning with buyer demand and responding thoughtfully to evolving market conditions. Compared to national trends, central Indiana continues to demonstrate stability and measured growth. Those fundamentals provide confidence as builders and buyers move further into 2026.”
Hamilton County had the highest number of building permits in January with 265; followed by Marion County with 128. Hancock County had 91; Boone County, 75; Johnson County; 68; Hendricks County; 65; Madison County; 18; Morgan County; 13 and Shelby County, 8.
For more, visit BAGI.com/Permits.
COMMUNITY
Author shares writing tips, love of Indy 500 with kids
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
In 1973, former Indianapolis resident Ray Hartjen bought “Thirty Days in May: The Indy 500” by Hal Higdon through his local Scholastic America catalog. The book chronicled practice sessions and the challenges that led up to the 1970 Indianapolis 500, and highlights racing legends like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt.
“Reading that book, it just captured my young imagination,” Hartjen said. “Back in the ‘70s, racecar drivers were kind of like astronauts, and it was a tremendously dangerous sport. Fatalities were not uncommon. They were daredevils. I just became a super fan; I reread that book two to three times a year for a decade.”
enthralled with the race, Hartjen relocated to California. He connected with Fishers Elementary School fourthgrade teacher Rachel Harris through a former high school classmate and sent her a box of his books for future lesson plans.
On March 5, he spoke with the class virtually to share how he became a writer and, of course, his love for the Indy 500.
“The students really enjoyed hearing about his book and learning about his experiences both as a writer and with the Indy 500,” Harris said. “They were highly engaged and very eager to ask questions throughout the conversation.
It was a wonderful experience for them, and we are now excited to begin reading the book and continue learning more about the Indy 500.”
Fast forward more than 50 years, and Hartjen, 61, is now the author of his own Indianapolis 500 book, “The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” His book touches on racers and their strategies, how teams and drivers prepare for the race, and the “drama that makes the Indy 500 one of the most unpredictable events in motorsports.
Hartjen said he wrote the book, published by New York-based Morgan James Publishing, to inspire the next generation of Indy 500 race fans, but also in honor of Higdon and the book that inspired his love of racing all those years ago.
In the years since he first became
As the school year inches closer to the May 24 race, Harris wants to use the book in future lesson plans.
“My hope is to read the majority or some of the book to my students as it gets closer to the Indy 500 time,” she said.
Hartjen said he hopes to inspire an Indy 500 race fan or two with his book.
“Hopefully, the students enjoy the book and some of them turn into these fervent race fans,” he said.
Besides “The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Hartjen has written a handful of other books, all of which can be found on Amazon or through his website, rayhartjen.com/store.
Fishers Elementary School students in Rachel Harris’ fourth-grade class video chat with author Ray Hartjen. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Harris)
Hartjen
Everwise Credit Union
Opens New Branch for Zionsville-Carmel Community
Everwise Credit Union is expanding to serve the ZionsvilleWest Carmel community with its fifth full-service branch in Hamilton County and its 19th branch in the greater Indianapolis region. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on April 21 at 10920 North Michigan Road.
The new branch reflects Everwise’s ongoing commitment to our members and community-focused service, offering convenient access for commuters and families traveling between neighborhoods, downtown Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
Situated along Michigan Road, the branch is intentionally placed to serve growing families, professionals and small businesses whose lives and work frequently cross city and county lines.
“As communities like Zionsville grow, the needs of the people who live and work there continue to evolve,” said Jay Gendics, Chief Banking Officer at Everwise Credit Union. “Having a presence here allows us to meet members where they are and support them with the financial services they rely on.”
Inside, members will find modern digital banking tools and a team focused on one-on-one financial guidance, helping members build long-term financial confidence, whether they are purchasing their first home, refinancing an auto loan or preparing for retirement.
In an era defined by digital banking, Everwise aims to be digitally convenient and humanly accessible.
“Banking has always been personal,” Gendics said. “Technology should make things easier, not replace genuine connection. Digitize the process, but never the relationship.”
Comfortable seating areas, private consultation rooms and integrated digital tools in the branch allow members to move seamlessly between technology and personal interaction. Members can stop in to ask questions, explore options or gain clarity about their next step with Everwise’s experienced professionals.
With a long history of supporting local schools, nonprofits and small businesses in local communities, Everwise is also looking forward to establishing stronger roots in Zionsville and West Carmel.
The organization invests more than $1 million annually into local initiatives including supporting lifelong learning through financial education and scholarships. Everwise’s annual “Day of Giving” mobilizes employees to support local non-profits through hands-on service.
He loves a parade
Longtime volunteer key to 500 Festival annual event
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Al Wurster’s passion for the 500 Festival Parade began at an early age.
“When I was 8 or 9 years old, I went down to the parade to help my uncle sell programs,” he said. “The programs used to (feature) the floats, the history, that sort of thing. So, that was my first taste of being at the parade.”
The 63-year-old Zionsville resident became a volunteer with the seating committee in 1987.
“I worked my way up to chair of the parade and then moved on to the 500 Festival board for eight years,” he said. “I started with that role in the fall of 1999, with the first race being the 2000 (Indianapolis 500) race. My last race and time on the board was 2007, the year after I was chairman of the board in 2006.”
Wurster has remained involved with the parade, serving as track liaison coordinator. He also serves on the 500 Festival Foundation board.
“It’s a great community event,” Wurster said. “The biggest event the 500 Festival does is the Mini-Marathon, and the second one is the parade. I’m engaged in logistics and where to stage things. I don’t get to see a whole lot of the fans because the fan experience starts at North Street and Pennsylvania Street, where I am. I see the first section of the crowd. But to see the kids and the energy there is really cool.”
As track liaison, Wurster helps get the 33 Indy 500 drivers from the drivers’ meeting at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the parade in Indianapolis.
“I coordinate the activities that happen at the track,” he said. We have a motorcade police escort to the parade route.”
After getting the drivers there, Wurster said he parks his car and heads to the starting line of the parade to work with longtime volunteer Chris Rehme to make sure everything is in order.
“I’ll absolutely do it as long as they’ll have me, as long as I don’t screw up,” Wurster said of volunteering.
Laura Bliss, vice president of operations for the 500 Festival, said Wurster’s contributions are major.
“Al’s dedication to the 500 Festival has been unwavering for decades,” Bliss
said. “From his time on our board of directors beginning in 1999 to his continued involvement on the Parade Committee today, he has remained deeply committed to the success and tradition of the parade. His passion for the 500 Festival and our community truly embodies the spirit of this event.”
Wurster has attended all but two Indy 500 races since 1987, and one of those was 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that kept fans from attending.
Prior to moving to Zionsville 2 1/2 years ago, Wurster lived in Noblesville. Wurster is a commercial general contractor for Wurster Construction, a family business based in Indianapolis.
“I’m third generation and my son (Max) is fourth generation,” he said. Max, a Westfield resident, has been a 500 Festival Parade volunteer since graduating from college. Wurster has two other children, daughter Madison and son Fritz, who are not involved in the business. His first wife, Sally, died of breast cancer in 2016. He started dating his second wife, Marsha, in 2019 before they married in 2022.
FOND MEMORY
One of the neat things Al Wurster experienced while serving on the 500 Festival board was taking celebrities around the track for a parade lap before the race.
“One year I had actor Patrick Dempsey around the track,” Wurster said. “I knew he was on a TV show, ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ but I didn’t know he went by the nickname ‘McDreamy.’
And as we were going around the track, everybody was yelling ‘McDreamy.’ He was just getting the biggest kick out of that. He was a great guy. There’s a lot of great people I’ve gotten to meet.”
Al Wurster is a longtime 500 Festival Parade volunteer. (Photo courtesy of Al Wurster)
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH
Indianapolis-area senior launches career in stand-up comedy
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Rita Beck used to hide behind her mother’s skirts when meeting strangers, but said she quickly grew out of that phase and has been a “ham” for most of her life.
“I enjoy making people laugh, for sure,” she said. “Making people laugh — it’s kind of a stress reliever.”
Beck — retired since 2014 from Rita’s Backyard Tea Room and Garden Center — recently put her sense of humor to work and started performing as a standup comedian at various venues in the Greater Indianapolis area.
It all began with an introductory comedy class, hosted by The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It was fun, but, you know, I really didn’t do anything with it,” she said. “In October of this last year, they had another one — introductory — and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve been introduced already, but I’ll do it again.’”
Beck officially caught the comedy bug during her second class. After she graduated, a friend who lives in a retirement community suggested a comedy show at the community, and Beck organized a group comprised of fellow comedy class graduates. That led to another show, and then more shows.
The Witty Committee Comedy Troupe now has performed in various private venues as well as at Jamaican Breeze restaurant on Keystone Avenue, Trax BBQ in McCordsville and Pickle on Penn in Carmel.
“It’s just something that I’m really, really enjoying,” Beck said. “I get to be creative. I meet new people — it’s a lot of good stuff.”
Beck said her goal is to organize at least two shows per month for Witty Committee members. And, she said it’s not difficult to come up with new jokes for all those shows.
“Nothing’s funnier than life, right? Nothing’s funnier than people watching people do silly things,” she said. “One of my favorite comedians is Jeanne Robertson. She doesn’t say she’s a comedian —
she’s a humorist. She watches people.”
And people provide all kinds of comedy material.
For example, while enjoying a cinnamon roll at Just Judy’s off north Binford Boulevard, the server told Beck about her husband buying her a $90 manicure, which included a hot stone hand massage.
“For $90, you’re going to have to rub me everywhere,” Beck joked when the server left — and yes, that bit might make it into a future comedy set. “And my friends will say things when we get together, just say funny things that they maybe don’t think is funny, but strikes me as funny. And if I think it’s funny, I’m pretty sure somebody else is going to think it’s funny, too.”
Beck and the rest of the Witty Committee perform “clean” comedy, she
added, but that doesn’t mean it’s for all ages — there is plenty of innuendo, just no cursing or R-rated humor.
“I’ve been to a lot of open mics where it was just vulgar,” she said. “It’s not my style and all of my comedians in my Witty Committee group feel the same way, and that’s why I chose them. So, that’s what we strive for, so that you can come out and not be embarrassed, or just cringe.”
Beck — who didn’t want her age revealed but is willing to admit she’s a longtime member of AARP — said she’s attended plenty of open-mic nights that made her cringe, so she decided to organize “clean” open-mic opportunities, which the Jamaican Breeze has agreed to host. Open mic allows anyone to get up and practice performing in front of other comedians and/or test out new
INTRO TO STAND-UP
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel’s Intro to Stand Up Comedy class returns in September. The class meets weekly for four weeks.
Taught by professional comedian Mat Alano Martin, the class provides information about the history and evolution of standup comedy, as well as joke mechanics, writing for stand up and performance theory and practice, according to the Center website.
“Over the course of the class, students will write and practice a 5 minute routine, which they will perform for friends and family at the graduation show,” the website states. “This class is perfect for anyone wanting to improve their presentation skills or those wanting to cross ‘performing as a stand-up comedian’ off their bucket list.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org/ learn/adult/intro-to-stand-up-comedy.
material.
“I’ll be helping other comedians and helping myself to get better — and I’ll be able to find some more comedians that might fit in our group,” she said. “And they’re giving us the room because we did our show there and they liked us.”
She hopes to expand the open-mic opportunity into a regular comedy night, but in the meantime, she’s booking gigs at area senior communities and other venues in the north Indianapolis area. Beck added that it’s a good thing she’s not counting on comedy to fund her retirement — so far, it’s not even paying for gas. But it’s a fun, rewarding hobby that keeps her active and engaged.
“How would I meet people sitting home? You’ve got to get out there,” she said. “I have a lot of friends that go, ‘You drive all that way by yourself?’ Yeah, until I can’t — then there’s always Uber. There’s always a way, right? I find it’s a way to stay relevant. So many times, senior citizens are just unseen and unheard — but I don’t think I’ll ever be unheard.”
For more about the Witty Committee, call 317-572-8218 or email comedybywitty@gmail.com.
Rita Beck, a Fishers senior citizen, and her Witty Committee comedy troupe. (Photos courtesy of Rita Beck)
Rita Beck tells jokes during a recent stand-up comedy performance.
ON THE COVER: Fishers resident Rita Beck performs a stand-up comedy routine. (Photo courtesy of Rita Beck)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Kingswood subdivision primary bathroom remodel replaced dated finishes with timeless materials, creating a brighter, more elegant space while preserving the room’s generous layout.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The original platform tub was replaced with a freestanding clawfoot soaking tub, creating a lighter focal point beneath the windows.
• Pebble tile flooring and blue-green subway tile wainscoting introduce texture and subtle color.
• Dark countertops and vessel sinks refresh the existing double vanity while maintaining warm wood cabinetry.
• Updated brass globe lighting adds brightness and complements the classic fixtures.
• Natural materials and warm finishes create a timeless, spa-like retreat.
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.
Illusionist brings ‘Mansion’ to Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There is one constant during a performance by illusionist Rick Thomas
“My show is centered around my ‘Mansion of Dreams,’” he said. “I wanted to create an evening where I invite the audience into my home or mansion and take them from room to room throughout my ‘Mansion of Dreams’ and show them how my dreams become a reality. I do the same in reverse by sharing with the audience how they can follow their dreams as well. The theme of the show is ‘Nothing happens until you dream.’”
Thomas will perform at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Thomas has received the highest recognition in the industry, the Illusionist of the World, presented by the World Magic Awards.
“I’m not a guy up there doing tricks,” Thomas said. “This goes far beyond magic and it’s a relationship that audiences will never forget.”
Thomas, who has won Entertainer of the Year and Show of the Year awards in Branson, Mo., has been a professional illusionist for 45 years.
“I was in Las Vegas for 20 straight years, and I had the most successful show for families in the history of Las Vegas,” he said. “I received a key to the City of Las Vegas.”
About 13 years ago, singer Andy Williams died and Thomas was asked to take over the 2,000-seat Moon River Theatre in Branson. Thomas now performs in the 700-seat Americana Theatre in Branson.
“I decided to go out there for one year and help them out,” he said. “Now, it’s our 12th year anniversary and I call Branson home. I know why Andy Williams called it home. He left Hollywood and never returned. It’s a beautiful part of the country. It gives me a chance to raise my family as I so desire and I get to tour the world be-
cause Branson is closed about three or four months a year.”
Thomas said he recently performed in England and Florida.
Thomas was the magician for Disneyland Hotel for two years when he began his career.
While in Las Vegas residencies at different casinos, he performed two shows a night for six nights for about 50 weeks a year.
“I (perform) about one month a year now in Las Vegas just to keep my name in Vegas,” he said. “But what’s funny about Las Vegas is, the longer you are there, the less of the world knows who you are. There are entertainers in Vegas who have been there for ages and outside of the Vegas community, if you’re not out there touring and traveling beyond Vegas, you al-
most disappear.”
Thomas has conducted five world tours in more than 50 nations.
“I know I did the Ohio State Fair and the Indiana State Fair when I was younger,” he said. “So, I did a lot of fairs in the industry before I started doing the big theaters. I had a lot of fun doing the fairs, and presenting a show in that atmosphere taught me a lot about how to handle crowds that weren’t particularly there to see your show.”
Thomas said the Palladium size of 1,600 seats is perfect for his show. He said he usually visits the venue the night before the show and discusses with cast and crew the setup for the next day.
For more, visit rickthomas.com and thecenterpresents.org.
‘PRETTY WOMAN’
“Pretty Woman” runs through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Now That’s Funny: Joey Villagomez” March 26, followed by Morgan James March 27 28 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SCARLET LETTER’
Civic Theatre’s production of “The Scarlet Letter” runs through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘THE DROWNING GIRLS’
Main Street Productions’ presentation of “The Drowning Girls” runs through March 29 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘AND
THEN THERE WERE NONE’
The Carmel Apprentice Theatre will present Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” March 27 to April 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
THREE ITALIAN TENORS
“Direct from Rome: Three Italian Tenors” is 7 p.m. March 29 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Connick set for Carmel concert — Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, composer and actor Harry Connick Jr. and his band are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. Tickets are on sale at TheCenterPresents.org.
Illusionist Rick Thomas will perform April 4 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Rick Thomas)
ENTERTAINMENT
HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY THE BACON BROTHERS
GHDT brings ‘Exodus’ back to stage
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre returns to one of what Executive Director Gregory Hancock calls perhaps his alltime favorite piece that he created.
“Exodus” is set for 7 p.m. March 27 and 5 p.m. March 28 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
This is the third time “Exodus” has been performed. The last time was in spring 2022.
“It is also an important piece, and more relevant than ever with our world in so much chaos,” Hancock said. “It is a cautionary tale about not learning lessons from the past, but it is also filled with hope, strength and freedom. When I created ‘Exodus,’ the most important moment was when the mother sets her child adrift on the river and sacrifices her happiness so her child could be saved and have a better life. The piece is driven by this sacrifice for love.”
Hancock said his adaptation was inspired by the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament, but the setting is the contemporary world.
“It includes the contemporary plagues of desecration of the Earth, gun violence, racism, war, poverty, crime, social media, government, selfishness and death of the firstborn,” he said. “Some of the plagues are difficult to watch and perform due to the content, but art is intended to challenge at times. The Moses character is named The Chosen and is represented as female. This was a choice I made due to the sacrifice of her mother and my personal experience of having a strong, independent, powerful mother who sacrificed for me. While there are many hardships represented in ‘Exodus,’ it is ultimately a story of love and sacrifice of a mother and the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity to find beauty and hope amid sorrow and despair.”
Hancock said the production contains powerful and athletic choreography that pushes dancers to new levels of performance and endurance.
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
16. Fishers N S Road
17. ___ State Park (featuring water under the bridge)
19. Bad blood
20. Non-Rx
21. Herb that tastes like licorice
23. Wagering option, briefly
26. Secretary of State Rubio
30. Plow guy
31. ___ fatale
33. Zionsville Farmers’ Market corn unit
34. Smart alecky
35. Arctic floater
36. Two-thirds of AOL
38. ___ State Park (featuring a big drop of water)
42. “Enough!”
43. Rapper on “Law & Order: SVU”
46. Group of plotters
50. IU conference foe
51. Delight
52. Connect
53. Front-wheel alignment
55. Nutritional fig.
56. Capital of Colombia
58. Point to pick
60. Tehran’s land
61. ___ State Park (featuring a water source not found in a waterbed mattress)
