First show at the Fonseca, return of ‘The Lion King,’ and a very special benefit this week.

A big week in Indy.

Here are some potential highlights.

 

“Breaking the Wall”

In a remarkable burst of creative energy and community support, Bryan Fonseca Theatre is already launching its first production. Even more remarkable: There’s a whole season planned. The kickoff–which, appropriately enough, was also created at a breakneck pace on the eve of the 2016 election–is Robert Schenkkan’s drama set during an America recovering from a post-Trump regime.

Sept. 14-Oct. 7 at Indy Convergence

 

“The Lion King”

When a show is a megahit, it’s sometimes easy to write it’s success off as a given. But let’s give credit to Disney for not following the “Beauty and the Beast” formula on this one. Rather than try to copy what was onscreen,  Disney hired a theater artist with a distinct vision to bring the animated film to theatrical life. While such gambles don’t always pay off, here, it created an unprecedented and still magical fusion of art and commerce. I’m looking forward to seeing it again. And looking forward to working with its cast members on both the Sept. 17 benefit reading of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” and the Sept 24 “The Lion Sings Tonight” benefit at the Cabaret.

Sept. 12-29 at the Murat

Indy Jazz Fest

It opens Sept. 13 with a tribute to Freddie Hubbard featuring Pharez Whitted. It ends Sept. 22 with a block party outside of The Jazz Kitchen. And in between there’s music from Billy Childs Quartet, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Rayford Griffin, Larry Carlton, Anat Cohen & Trio Brasileiro, Amanda Gardier, and much more.

Sept. 13-22 at Various locations

Stephanie J. Block

On the brink of returning to Broadway as the star of “The Cher Show,” the star of “Falsettos,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and more returns to the Cabaret. Here’s what I wrote about her last visit.

Sept 14-15 at the Cabaret

“La Boheme”

Indianapolis Opera heads to the Center for the Performing Arts this time for its season-opening production of one of opera’s most familiar tales.

Sept. 14-16 at the Tarkington

“Songbook Celebration”

Meanwhile, across the Center’s greenspace (and past the embarrassing jazz sculptures), the Great American Songbook Foundation pays tribute to Rosemary Clooney, composer Jimmy Van Heusen, and cabaret star Marilyn Maye. Headlining the benefit event: Chris Isaak.

Sept. 15 at the Palladium