Indianapolis is home to a wealth of venues for the performing arts. The following theatres offer plays, Broadway hits, musicals, concerts, and other live performances to Indy theater goers. Check the theatres' Web sites for the latest info on upcoming performances in Indianapolis, showtimes, and tickets.
The Murat Theatre at the Murat Centre
Address: 502 North New Jersey Street, Indianapolis 46204Phone: (317) 231-0000
The Murat Theatre is one of Indy’s greatest architectural and cultural treasures. The Murat Shrine Temple was constructed in 1909 and the building’s architecture reflects distinct Egyptian and Arabian influences in the arched hallways, copper roofs, and detailed brick patterns, and stunning stained glass windows. In 1911, the Murat had the distinction of showing the first real color film to the public. The stunning Egyptian Room, decorated with elaborate chandeliers and columns covered in hieroglyphics, was added to the building in 1922 to accommodate live performances. The Murat hosted a wide variety of events through the 1950s and 60s, but faced abandonment by the 1990s, when it failed to meet building codes and regulations. A massive renovation in 1995 brought the Murat back to life, and an impressive 85% of the original building was kept intact. Today, the Murat continues to host concerts, musicals, and comedy shows.
The Murat is hosting Riverdance at the end of April, 2009, followed by one of the most anticipated shows to grace Indianapolis this year – Wicked, coming in June 2009. 2009 musical acts include The Killers and James Taylor, and comedians Jim Gaffigan and Kathy Griffin will also perform at the Murat this year. In December, the Murat will host Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. For show times and to buy tickets, visit Live Nation.[/p
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University
Address:4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis 46208
Phone: (317) 940-6444
Email: General Info, info@cloweshall.org; Tickets, boxoffice@cloweshall.org
Clowes Memorial Hall, which opened in 1963, serves as a multi-purpose hall for the Indianapolis community and a center for performing arts. The hall is located on the Butler University campus and hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year. Tours of Clowes Memorial Hall are offered Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is free of charge and lasts 45 minutes. Tours must be scheduled at least 14 days in advance by calling (317) 940-9697.
Upcoming events in 2009 include Cinderella presented by the Jordan College of Fine Arts, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang presented by Broadway Across America, and Das Rheingold: In Concert presented by the Indianapolis Opera.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre
Address: 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis 46204
Phone: Ticket Office, (317) 635-5252; Admin Office, (317) 635-5277
Email: Ticket Office, Pat Bebee, pbebee@irtlive.com; Admin Office, Kara Moreland, kmoreland@irtlive.com
The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), founded in 1972, is one of the leading regional theatres in the United States. IRT’s 2009 offerings include Crowns, Rabbit Hole, Interpreting William, The Heavens are Hung in Black, Love Letters, The Giver, and A Christmas Carol. 2010 shows will include Romeo and Juliet, Going Solo, Becky’s New Car, and Around the World in 80 Days.
The IRT was designated as Indiana’s “Theatre Laureate” in 1991 by Indiana’s General Assembly and is the only professional resident not-for-profit theatre in Indiana. In addition to their annual schedule of ten shows, the IRT also hosts “Meet the Artists” talks, both as a prologue to various shows and as a Sunday Tea Talk, as well as guided tours of the facility, and various classes on acting and theatre. The IRT also encourages new play development by hosting the biennial Bonderman Symposium for adult playwrights and the annual Young Playwrights in Progress workshop for Central Indiana students.
Indianapolis Civic Theatre
Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, 46222
Phone: Box Office, (317) 923-4597; Admin Office, (317) 924-6770
Email: General Info, civic@civictheatre.org; Box Office, tickets@civictheatre.org
The Indianapolis Civic Theatre is one of the ten largest community theaters in the United States and has been continuously operating longer than any other community theater in the country. The Indianapolis Civic Theatre is dedicated to fostering a “love of theatre through imagination, education, and participation.” In addition to their Mainstage Season, the theater also provides several education programs. Regular tickets for Mainstage Productions typically run from $21 to $34.
