The Center for the Performing Arts has finalized plans for the Tarkington Theater’s month-long preview celebration. The July performances culminate with a special red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce, the Center’s artistic director Michael Feinstein, American Ballet Theatre dancers and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition.
“The Tarkington Theater completes the performing arts campus. It is a state-of-the-art theater rivaling the most modern Broadway theaters in New York City,” said Steven B. Libman, President/CEO of the Center for the Performing Arts. “We decided the best way for the community to get acquainted with this marvelous venue is with a month-long series of special performances. Just as the Palladium is a one-of-a-kind concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington Theater brings its own set of theatrical wizardry to life. The ability to stage theatrical performances, dance and musical concerts enhances the Center’s artistic presentations.”
Sponsors include CNO Financial Group, Dodd Technologies, Tom Wood Jaguar, FERGUSON Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, REI Construction and REI Real Estate Services, Turkle & Associates and Jenn-Air.
The July preview performances showcase Central Indiana arts groups, including Dance Kaleidoscope, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Anita Hall & Everett Greene, Heartland Film Festival and the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.
To attend the free previews, guests are required to request seats by calling the box office at 317-843-3800. Seating is limited. All performances will be offered in the Tarkington Theater, which is located across the Green from the Palladium (Third Avenue SW & City Center Drive).
In addition to the July preview performances, the Center is hosting Kids Day on July 30. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony and Open House is July 31. Both days will feature free performances on the Tarkington Theater stage.
The opening celebration culminates with the red-carpet curtain raising on August 6, featuring Michael Feinstein and Broadway star David Hyde Pierce. The Red-Carpet Curtain Raising concert on August 6 is the only paid performance in the lineup. Purchase tickets for the Red-Carpet Curtain Raising at the Palladium box office, One Center Green, by phone at 317-843-3800 or online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org
Preview and grand opening events include:
Dance Kaleidoscope (July 15)
7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required
Celebrating 40 years in Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope is Indiana’s premiere professional dance company. Under artistic director David Hochoy’s lead for 20 years, DK’s mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through the experience of outstanding contemporary dance. At the Tarkington, DK will perform “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Taking Care of Business.” They will perform at IRT July 21-24 and at the Sweet Pea Festival in Montana on August 7.
Anita Hall & Everett Greene (July 19)
7:30 p.m. / Free / Reservations required
One of the most sought-after performers on the Island scene, Anita recently left her Hawaii home of 22 years and returned to her birth place of Indianapolis. Anita has shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock and Michael McDonald. Everett Greene has traveled around the world, performing with notables such as James Moody, Larry Ridley and the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra. He also toured and sang with The Count Bassie Orchestra. Everett was inducted into the Indiana Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (July 21)
7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is a professional contemporary dance ensemble and company dedicated to the exploration and presentation of thought-provoking issues. With the ability of dance to transcend the barriers that divide our world, they strive to enlighten, educate and entertain audiences of all ages. GHDT presents four repertoire concerts each season. It is a resident company at the Tarkington Theater and will begin its 13th season performing at the new venue in October.
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures film screening (July 26)
7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit arts organization, seeks to promote positive change in people’s lives through the transformative power of film. Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films from around the world. Heartland is also dedicated to cultivating youth and providing innovative educational programs to enrich the minds and lives of aspiring filmmakers.
International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (July 28)
7 p.m. / Free / Reservations required
The mission of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis is to recognize, reward and promote the world’s finest young classical violinists and encourage understanding, appreciation and support of the violin repertoire by a large and diverse audience. The IVCI utilizes its world prominence to bring international attention to Indianapolis, and maintains its efforts to be a visible and collaborative member of the arts communities in Indianapolis and Indiana.
Kids Day (July 30)
FREE / No reservations
1 to 6 p.m. – Family-friendly events and performances on the Tarkington Theater stage by Radio Disney, Iibada Dance Company, International Talent Academy, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and CYT.
Open House (July 31)
FREE / No reservations
1 p.m. – Ribbon cutting. Remarks by Steven B. Libman, Mayor Jim Brainard and architect Stephen Sturtz.
2 – 5 p.m. – Open House featuring performances by Duke Tumatoe (2 p.m.), Carmel Repertory Theatre (2:30 p.m.), Indy Irish Dancers (3 p.m.), Indiana University Summer Concert Band (4 p.m.), Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre (5 p.m.) and Actors Theatre of Indiana (5:30 p.m.)
Red Carpet Curtain Raising (August 6)
PAID / Tickets required
5:30 p.m. – The opening night will feature artistic director Michael Feinstein performing Frank Sinatra hits. Feinstein will be joined by Tony Award-winning Broadway and television star David Hyde Pierce. Additional entertainment includes dancers from American Ballet Theatre and Carmel native Julia Bonnett, winner of the 2009 Great American Songbook competition. Guests will be greeted with a cocktail reception with food stations throughout the evening. Plans include an after party entertainment lineup and dancing. Limited seating is available via advanced paid reservations. For details, call the box office at 317-843-3800 or purchase online at www.TheCenterForThePerformingArts.org.
The Center for the Performing Arts, which is currently under construction in Carmel City Center, will include the Palladium concert hall, the Tarkington proscenium theater and the 200-seat Studio Theater. The Palladium will also be home to Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Collection, acting as a museum and education center by day and a concert venue by night.