HOOSIER HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS: Horace Greeley "Goes West" to the Indiana State Fair

*** Recommended *** “King Hedley II”, the ninth play (1985) in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle.  You know that quote about “…the worst of times” – I think it applies to “King Hedley II”.  Supply side economics and the trickle down theory didn't work very well in Pittsburgh's black community. This bleak story, a true tragedy, is the probably the darkest in the series.   Although it’s beautifully acted, I was in no mood for cheerful chatter when I walked out of the Court Theatre.  3 Spotlights

***RECOMMENDED*** Arthur Schnitzler would probably be truly shocked to learn that his 1897 play "La Ronde" has influenced multiple generations of artists who have created a nearly countless amount of theatrical and cinematic output which are based upon it. The simple concept of his legendary work documents 10 random individuals who meet and physically connect, starting with a whore and a soldier, for a casual sexual experience and then depart to engage with their next conquest. The soldier moves on to hook-up with a nurse, who in turn encounters a college boy and tends to his carnal desires and so on until we circle back to the whore at the conclusion. The idea has been utilized in nearly twenty films (the most famous being made in France and Germany in the 1950s and early '60s), a chamber opera as well as being the inspiration of Susan Stroman's Tony Award-winning 2000 musical "Contact." Four gay versions exist for the stage, with all of the characters played by male actors -- one of which, with a profanity-laced title -- played at Pride Films and Plays in 2018. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre is carrying on the tradition by presenting Michael John LaChiusa's take on the subject with his 1993 musical version "Hello Again." 3 SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** “The King’s Speech” is a wonderful play.  It’s a gripping but very human story of a man whose public persona – King of England – was larger than life.  In his private life, he was an intensely proud and private man called Bertie, who never wanted to be king.  Whatever you do, don’t skip this play because you saw the movie.  The story is pretty much the same, but pared down to just a few characters, who are superbly portrayed by a terrific cast.  4 Spotlights

Staged readings of full-length plays to be performed in The Broadway, Pride Arts Center on four nights from October 29 to November 13

0Underscore Theatre Company Presents the Non-Equity World Premiere of PROXY | By Alexander Sage Oyen, Rachel Franco and Austin Regan | Directed by Stephanie Rohr | Music Direction by T.J. Anderson | October 18 – November 24, 2019 at The Understudy

Three Stories Up/Theatre in the Dark by Mackenzie Gordon | Directed by Corey Bradberry | An immersive experience performed completely in the dark | 1244 W. Thorndale, Chicago

25-year-old midfielder joins the Fire after playing five seasons in La Liga

Schweinsteiger retires as one of the most decorated players in history

On Thursday, October 24, 7:30 PM, South Bend Civic Theatre will present a Symposium:  Access and Ability in the Arts.