February 7, 2023 – Lawrence/Geist

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All you need is love. Event to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Black history

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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Lawrence North High School junior Kye Benford will lend his voice to a special night celebrating poetry, love and art.

Benford said. “I do respect poets who are able to craft very meaningful stories in their poems while being open to interpretation at the same time.”

POETRY

Benford will read two of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poems, “Invitation to Love” and “A Negro Love Song,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at an event called Hoosier (H)Arts at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. The event is designed to be a night of love, poetry, art and music celebrating Valentine’s Day, Black History Month and a few of Indiana’s upand-coming poets.

Benford Ndiaye

The evening will begin in the welcome center, where wine and nonalcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres and live music will be provided. Those in attendance will then move into the residence, where they will hear a live reading of a selection of moving Civil War love letters between Benjamin and Caroline Scott Harrison, poetry written by some of the nation’s most prominent Black poets, and readings by Indiana’s top poets.

Jayna Ndiaye, a Lawrence resident, also will read two poems from another poet.

“While I am fond of poetry, I don’t consider it to be the biggest thing in my life,”

Laura E. Scheele, a Fishers resident, will be reading her own poems.

“I am a poet disguised as a stay-at-home mom in the suburbs,” Scheele said. “I will be reading one piece from my collaborative poetry anthology ‘Bouquet of Stars.’ I will also be reading four other pieces I have written over the past few years on the theme of romance, since it is Valentine’s weekend. I am excited that this event is putting the spotlight on poetry, since Benjamin Harrison was a big fan and a writer himself, but I also think this will be a unique experience to hear local poets showcase their work in spoken form. It is one thing to read a poem to yourself, but a completely different experience to hear a poet read their work the way they meant for it to be read. It takes on a new potency.” For more, visit bhpsite.org/visit/ candlelight-theatre/tickets.

HSE band members set for Pearl Harbor trip

By Chris Bavender editorial@youarecurrent.com

Nearly 100 Hamilton Southeastern High School band students are set to depart Feb. 16 for Hawaii to perform at the U.S.S. Missouri at Pearl Harbor for President’s Day weekend.

“We will perform a concert of approximately 30 to 45 minutes of music,” Torres said. “People touring the U.S.S. Missouri or the national monuments at Pearl Harbor that weekend will get to experience our performance.”

MUSIC

“We are connected with a travel company, Music Travel, and they have a ton of amazing performance opportunities worldwide,” said Audrey Torres, HSE director of bands.

“We had to cancel our last trip due to COVID and have been waiting for the right time to start traveling again. Some of my favorite memories as a high school student are from traveling with my high school band and I wanted to bring that same experience and camaraderie to my students.”

Torres said it’s important to create opportunities and positive experiences for students.

“To encourage them to see the world and to bring the universal language of music to

From left, Hamilton Southeastern band directors Ed Roush, associate director of bands; Jake Coon, and percussion director; Audrey Torres, director of bands, are preparing a group for visit to Hawaii. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Torres)

audiences everywhere (is important),” she said.

The group’s Feb. 19 program will include patriotic tunes, some Hawaiian-themed music, a medley to honor those who serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and the classic Hoosier tune, “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

Students and their families found out about the opportunity a year ago and have worked since then to save for the trip and have fundraised through the band program.

“Family members could work concerts and events at Ruoff (Music Center) over the summer or even sell car wash tickets to earn money toward this trip,” Torres said.

Torres said she is excited for the students to create memories through what she calls a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“Experiencing Pearl Harbor, on President’s Day weekend, no less, will be incredibly meaningful, and I hope that seeing the beauty and wonder that is Hawaii will leave our students breathless and in awe,” she said. “I think it will be educational, emotional and awe-inspiring all at once.”

Scheele

Horror book fair set at Scarlet Lane Brewing

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

KimAnn Schultz is eager to share her love of horror writing.

Prose & Poetry from the Neither,” which she describes as a collection of “elegantly transgressive horror and sci-fi short stories and poems.” She will sign books and sell them for $10 each.

EVENT

“I’m most looking forward to being surrounded by like-minded creative contributors for the day and being part of an event that will draw local fans of the genres,” said Schultz, who lives in Lawrence Township. “The horror and sci-fi communities are a great and diverse confluence of general smarts, good naturedness and edgy-illustrative style statements.”

“A Scarelastic Book Fair” will be held Feb. 18 at Scarlet Lane Brewing Co., 7724 Depot St., McCordsville. The VIP session is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The event, which is a joint venture with Scarlet Lane Brewing and Grindhouse Press, then runs from noon to 6 p.m.

Schultz, whose author name is K.A. Schultz, will sell her book “Neitherium:

“Neitherium” was published in November 2022. Her other books still in circulation are “Jacob, a Denouement in One Act” and “Rugs on Puddles Coats Over Oceans,” a collection of poems and lyric poetry.

“‘Jacob’ is a Dickensian rest-ofthe-story centered on Scrooge’s deceased partner and ghostly visitor, Jacob Marley,” Schultz said.

Schultz attended a Horror Writers Association event in Denver last year.

“It included a pre-event at none other than the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park where ‘The Shining’ was filmed,” Schultz said.

Some of Scarlet Lane’s beers include Sammy Terry Kolsch, Slasher and HorrorHound Ale.

For more, visit linktr.ee/K.A.Schultz. The book is available on Amazon.com.

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Schultz

Ambrogi to join Hall of Fame

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Mark Ambrogi, an editor and reporter for Current Publishing, is among six inductees selected for the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

Before joining Current, Ambrogi worked for the Indianapolis Star for nearly 30 years, covering beats that included Purdue University, bowling, tennis and high school sports. He also contributed to coverage of the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Colts, NCAA Final Four and many other historic events.

“I’ve never been overly concerned with awards, but this one is special because of how many of my former Indianapolis Star colleagues and friends from newspapers around the state are in the Hall of Fame,” said Ambrogi, a Carmel resident. A Cincinnati native, Ambrogi — known to his friends and colleagues as Ambro — grew up with a love of newspapers and sports. He knew he wanted to be a writer by the

time he was in junior high and pursued that dream by studying journalism at Indiana University.

Among his most memorable moments professionally was watching quarterback Drew Brees lead the Purdue Boilermakers to a last-minute 37-34 victory over Kansas State in the 1998 Alamo Bowl.

Other career highlights include 1-on-1 interviews with legends such as Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Mario Andretti, Tony Stewart and many others, he said.

Ambrogi joined Current Publishing in 2014. His work can be found in all six editions, including in the Night & Day section, which he manages.

“Mark has been an extremely noteworthy veteran presence and contributor at Current since joining our team,” said Steve Greenberg, Current co-owner. “He is a ‘pro’s pro,’ and we value him and his body of work.”

Ambrogi will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during an annual awards banquet set for April 16 at the Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood.

Getting to know Michael Corlew

Michael Corlew is a junior at Noblesville High School. He owns his own junk hauling business, MB Junk Removal, that picks up items that people no longer want or need. What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

My best habit would be I don’t give up easy at all. I will always try and find some kind of way to make something work. My worst habit would be is I can spend way too much time on something and instead of taking a break and thinking over it I will keep at it until I can get whatever it is finished.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I am a black belt in karate.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

When I get creatively stuck I like to go back and redefine the problem and look at all my possible solutions and take different ideas from each of the solutions and see if I can combine the best parts of each solution.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki Is there a businessperson you admire? Why?

Ben Mallah, he grew up in the slums of New York with nothing and built himself up to be a huge real estate tycoon. He’s the underdog story and shows you, you don’t need to be born wealthy to be wealthy.

Do you have a favorite podcast?

Ben Mallah has a podcast he does and he talks everything real estate and business. What is your biggest indulgence?

I like to hangout with buddies and go out to eat at nicer restaurants.

How do you relieve stress?

I work great under pressure and stressful times, but when I need to relieve stress fast, I will do as many push-ups as I can on my knuckles. That tends to bring my stress level down.

Favorite drink?

Mountain Dew

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Lawrence North sophomore develops all-around basketball game

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Lawrence North High School sophomore Azavier Robinson has shown his versatility this basketball season.

“I think I’ve become more of an all-around player and being a leader,” said Robinson, who leads by example.

In this case, the stats don’t lie about Robinson’s all-around play.

As of Feb. 1, the 6-foot-1 Robinson was averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game for the Wildcats (13-3).

“He’s had a tremendous sophomore year thus far,” Lawrence North coach Chris Giffin said. “He’s gotten a lot better in terms of picking his spots and understanding shot selection. He has a very uncanny instinct about him to always be around the ball, and he combines that with relentless pursuit. Right now, I would say 70 percent of his scoring has come from drives to the basket,

Favorite subject: Algebra

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite TV show: “Narcos”

Favorite musical genre: Hip-hop or R&B.

pull-up jumpers, post-ups, offensive rebound put-backs and free throws. The other 30 percent would be 3-pointers.

“He has good range. His shot selection on his 3-point shot is what needs to improve the most. He’s streaky.”

Robinson, who can play point guard and shooting guard, uses his quickness to his

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advantage.

“Most of my points come on the inside because I feel I’m hard to stay in front of,” he said.

Giffin said Robinson has gone by the

nickname “Stink” since he was a baby.

Giffin said smaller NCAA Division I schools have been interested since his freshman year. He had an offer from IUPUI before his freshman year and recently received offers from Indiana State University and East Carolina University. Giffin said half of the Big Ten schools and some other major programs are showing interest.

Giffin, who had been Lawrence North girls basketball coach, replaced Jack Keefer, who retired after 46 years as coach after last season.

Robinson said the adjustment has been smooth.

“I want us to be able to make it out of sectional and possibly go to (the) state (finals),” Robinson said.

Basketball is the only sport Robinson has played.

“My dad, Augustus, also played basketball at Warren Central,” said Robinson, who plays AAU basketball for George Hill All Indy. “I had two older brothers (Avante and Augustus) who ended up playing for a private school (Irvington Preparatory Academy). They definitely helped me because I played with them.”

Campbell

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MEET AZAVIER ROBINSON

Lawrence North High School sophomore Azavier Robinson is drawing more attention from major college programs this season. (Photo courtesy of Lawrence North Athletics)

Robinson

Geist area resident Wolf returns to acting roots in a major way

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ashton Wolf has nabbed a role in the most high-profile movie of his career.

Only trouble is, Wolf can’t say too much about it until more information about the film becomes public.

The Geist-area actor has a speaking role in “The Wise Guys,” which stars Robert De Niro playing the two roles of real-life Mafia bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Debra Messing, who played Grace in “Will and Grace,” also is in the film, directed by Barry Levinson.

Wolf, who can’t reveal his character’s name, went to Cincinnati to film his role. Cincinnati was transformed into New York in the 1950s.

“One of the cool things is the fact I can audition from home and send these auditions to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and I’m getting cast,” said Wolf, who received the audition through Helen Wells Agency Indy.

Wolf graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

“I then taught myself to play piano, and for the last 15plus years I’ve been making my living,” he said. “In 2020, it’s really kind of amazing to be circling back to acting. My focus is booking in more feature films (lower budget films) and major motion pictures. I just auditioned for two feature films.”

In 2020, he launched his own television show, “Indy — On the Town!” on WHMB-TV 40. It ran for six episodes.

“I’d love to bring it back but it’s a complicated effort getting the show on TV,” he said.

In 2021, he played the role of a hotshot Beverly Hills attorney in “Mayberry Man.” The executive producer was Andy Griffith’s daughter, Dixie Griffith.

“That was the first feature film I had done in quite a while,” he said. “I did one feature film (‘Dead Silence’) in Hollywood (in 1991), but I pretty much threw myself into live performances after teaching myself how to play piano.”

Last year, Wolf played the role of Dr. Lantman in “Puppet Man: Doktor Death,” which is part of the “Puppet Man” movie series. He spent eight days filming in Cleveland.

Wolf performs in dinner theaters across the U.S. He owns the Dueling Pianos Co., where he works with a few partners in different areas.

In 2020, Wolf was commissioned by Brown County Playhouse’s Lisa Hall to write a musical called “2020 — The Musical,” and it debuted in November 2021. He recently reached a new publishing deal with Glory Girl Productions. Hall is the founder of Glory Girl Productions.

Wolf also recently signed a publishing deal with Summer Wind Productions called “Ten Pin Alli.” His wife, Sandy Thorne, works in the health care industry and previously performed.

“I wrote ‘Ten Pin Alli’ for her,” Wolf said of his wife. “It’s a takeoff on the phrase ‘Tin Pan Alley.’ It’s about a girl who is

an amazing bowler. It’s been performed three times.” For more, visit ashtonwolf.com and awdueling.com.

PROCESSING THE PANDEMIC

Ashton Wolf connected with Lisa Hall through Amy Pauszek, who creates the “Where’s Amy?” photo column in Current newspapers. Pauszek was an executive producer on “The Addict’s Wake,” a documentary about the opioid epidemic in Brown County.

Hall, a former Fishers resident who now lives in Brown County, is a producer and executive producer of the documentary. Hall is on the board of directors for Brown County Playhouse. Wolf did a segment on filming “The Addict’s Wake” for his TV show in 2020.

“I half-jokingly said, ‘Well, if you need any musicals, let me know,’” Wolf said. “Three days later, she wrote that she would like to take a look at what I’ve got. She said these look terrific but, ‘I have a better idea. How about we commission you to write a musical just for us?’ I wrote the musical ‘2020’ about the emotional fallout

people were feeling during the course of the pandemic.” Hall was thrilled by “2020 — The Musical,” about life during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing at Brown County Playhouse.

“I think Ashton is a musical genius, I really do,” Hall said. “It’s an incredible body of work. There’s like 21 different songs with all types of musical genres. We launched it during the Delta variant (of COVID-19), which hurt us a little bit with attendance. We had more than 100 people for each of the six performances. It ended with a standing ovation every night. I knew people were going to need to process the pandemic, and where do we need to be better as communities. I knew there were all kinds of changes going on with people, because they were going on with me. I knew I wasn’t alone. Music and theater have always been tools to process current social culture.”

ON THE COVER: Geist resident Ashton Wolf is a pianist as well as actor. (Photo courtesy of Ashton Wolf)

Ashton Wolf, above and top right, owns a Dueling Pianos. Right, wolf on site with filming his TV show. (Photo courtesy of Ashton Wolf)

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HEALTH CARE

Riverview Health has named Keith Jewell as its interim president and CEO. Jewell, who took over the role Jan. 18, comes to Riverview Health with more than 30 years of health care experience and most recently served as chief operating officer at OnPoint Real Estate Solutions in Fishers. He previously worked at St. Vincent Health in Evansville as president and oversaw a multi-hospital region of St. Vincent Health, according to a news release.

Jewell also spent 20 years at Franciscan Health, serving as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Franciscan’s central Indiana region, the release said.

“I am honored to serve as the interim president and CEO of Riverview Health,” Jewell said. “I look forward to working together with the dedicated Riverview Health team to continue the remarkable work they are doing to redefine the health care experience by becoming the best place to work, practice medicine and receive care.”

Riverview Health officials said as president and CEO, Jewell will continue to advance the organization’s growth strategy. He will work closely with the hospital’s board of trustees and leadership team to further shape the future of healthcare in Hamilton County, officials said.

“We’re excited to welcome Keith to lead Riverview Health,” said Greg Murray, chairman of the Riverview Health Board of Trustees. “He brings a wealth of experience in healthcare and is committed to continuing the mission of providing high-quality care to our patients and our community.”

Jewell succeeds Seth Warren, who resigned from his role as president and CEO in December. The Riverview Health Board of Trustees has begun the search for a permanent replacement, officials said.

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Two Sister City performance will feature Italian classical pianist Attesti

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Francesco Attesti is not only an internationally acclaimed classical pianist, but he also is the deputy mayor of Cortona, Italy.

CONCERTS

So, that gives two purposes for his visit to Carmel to appear at two Carmel/Cortona Sister City Fellowship events.

“This is important to my city of Cortona to extend our friendship with the City of Carmel because I think we can explore business activities and cultural activities,” Attesti said. “We hope to start a good collaboration and a lot of exchanges in our businesses in Carmel and in Cortona.”

The events are presented by the Rotary Club of Carmel for the Sister City Fellowship. Cortona became a Sister City in 2022.

The Feb. 19 event will feature Attesti with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Attesti will appear at a celebration fundraiser Feb. 17 with the AB&C Trio, which includes double bass player Maurizio Bozzi and percussionist and drummer Maicol Cucchi.

“It’s to present classical music in a jazz-progressive style,” Attesti said.

Attesti said the trio performs pieces by Wolfgang Mozart and Johann Sebastian Bach.

“We find a new way of expression, but we don’t go too far from the principal idea,” Attesti said of the jazz style.

The Feb. 17 event at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael begins with a blacktie, Cortona-inspired dinner, followed by the 7 p.m. concert.

The Palladium concert includes compositions by Gioachino Rossini, Aaron Copland and Edvard Grieg.

“It is full of Nordic and Scandinavian music,” Attesti said. “There are a lot of popular tunes blended together. It’s very beautiful.”

There is a “Elegantly Italian” VIP dessert

reception at 8:30 p.m., featuring Italian-inspired desserts, coffees and liqueurs in the Cole Porter Ballroom at Hotel Carmichael.

This will be Attesti’s first appearance in the Indianapolis area.

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Attesti said he visited the U.S. three or four times per year to perform since 2000. He finally was able to return to visit Florida for a series of concerts in June 2022.

“I’ve performed in most of the states, especially the East Coast and West Coast, and the Midwest with Detroit, Chicago and many other cities,” Attesti said. “This will be our first step. I am pleased to know better and deeper your city, the people and the business that is going on there. I can’t wait to be there.”

Attesti occasionally performs with an organist.

“That was quite common in the 19th century to have a pianist and organist

together,” he said.

The 47-year-old Attesti, who was born in Cortona, has lived in various cities and nations, including London, Paris and Germany.

“I speak several languages and I have an international career because most of my contacts are abroad,” he said.

Attesti moved back to Cortona in 2009 and got involved with the government because a close friend asked for his help. He became deputy mayor in June 2019.

“We have a bunch of different (political) parties,” he said. “We didn’t want to be linked to any of those and we created our list with the key people of the community. Each person has a duty. My duty is to take care of cultural events and tourism.”

Attesti’s most recent album is “Deeply Mozart.” He specializes in Romantic and early 20th Century repertoire.

For more on his work, visit attesti.com. For tickets, visit arteditalia.org or thecenterpresents.org.

‘FOOTLOOSE’

“Footloose” is set for Feb. 9 to March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

’THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK’

Civic Theatre will present “The Diary of Anne Frank” from Feb. 10 to 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

’NEW WORLD DANCES’

The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “New World Dances” Feb. 11-26 at The Florence at the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘NIGHT

MUST FALL’

Main Street Productions of “Night Must Fall” will be presented Feb. 9 to 19 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘PROOF’

Mud Creek Players will present “Proof” Feb. 10-25 at the Mud Creek Barn Theater in Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers. org.

‘FIVE POINTS’

Discovering Broadway will present the “Five Points” concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Madame Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.

‘AROUND

THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS’

The Belfry Theatre’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” is set for Feb. 10-19 at Arts for Lawrence Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

MASTERWORKS 3

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Harlem Quartet at the Masterworks 3 concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘SLEIGHT OF HAND’

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “Sleight of Hand” at 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

Pianist Francesco Attesti will perform at two events in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of the City of Carmel)

‘Women Talking’: A powerful film

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Plenty of movies confront the subject of abuse. Occasionally, one of them gets it right. A talented director and a masterful screenplay can illustrate sexual assault without actually showing it. “Women Talking” is an example of this approach, effectively highlighting the aftermath of sexual violence through flashbacks and performance rather than the typical gratuitous assault scenes, a method we’ve accepted too readily as “entertainment.”

MOVIE REVIEW

“Woman Talking” is based on the 2018 novel by Miriam Toews about the horrifying actual events in Bolivia from 2005-09, where 150 women and girls were drugged and raped by men in a secluded Mennonite community. Eventually, the elders found out the attacks were happening, reported the crimes, and the eight men were tried and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Toews, who grew up in a Mennonite society, tells the events through fictionalized conversations of women using nothing more than their voices and imagination to initiate their freedom.

The film centers on an agrarian religious

community where the animals are safer in their homes than the women and children. Only the boys are allowed to attend school and the women do not read or write. After another violent attack, the women secretly gather in a barn to vote on their options: Stay and do nothing; stay and fight; or leave the community. These women don’t seek sympathy or retribution. They just want a safer world to raise their children and reestablish their beliefs on a moral basis.

The film’s director and writer, Sarah Polley, who will undoubtedly earn an Oscar nomination, gracefully trusts the actors in this conversation-forward film as they engage in sophisticated debates. Polley fends for the character’s religious life, never trivializing the women’s faith and principles.

With solidarity and conviction, “Woman Talking” reawakens our stories’ power and the universal idea of freedom.

BEHIND BARS: SAVAGE QUEEN COCKTAIL

The Savage Queen cocktail is a balancing act between Savage & Cooke Burning Chair bourbon and a red wine float, with Cardamaro, lemon and simple syrup, created by Harry & Izzy’s bartender, Jen P.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photos courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Actor steps into ‘Footloose’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ian Cruz’s mother always encouraged him to be a well-rounded person.

“So, even though I was adept with math and the sciences, I’ve always hung out with my theater and bohemian friends and learned so much from them as it pertains to performing on stage,” Cruz said.

“When we moved to the Indy (area) 20plus years ago, I put it as a bucket list item to be able to work on stage with all the major equity theaters in town,” Cruz said.

“I was able to work at the Phoenix in 2007, but not until last year was I also able to work with (Indiana Repertory Theatre) and (Actors Theatre of Indiana). And now to start the new year, I’m thrilled to have been given the chance to work on stage at B&B.”

The 50-year-old Carmel resident will appear as Principal Clark in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Footloose” from Feb. 9 to March 26 at the Indianapolis venue. It will be his second performance in a production of “Footloose.” He appeared as Coach Dunbar at Footlite Musicals in 2006.

“The role of Principal Clark is actually smaller than Coach Dunbar and his character is very strait-laced and serious,” Cruz said. “The challenge would be to not move my hips with all the great music playing during the course of the show, ha-ha.”

This is Cruz’s first time performing at Beef & Boards.

Cruz saw “Footloose” when the movie came out in 1984.

“It had such a fun soundtrack, which I used to listen to on a cassette tape over and over,” Cruz said. “It translates well from film to stage, not only because of the music, but it also stayed true to the original story of an outsider who struggled fitting in with a community, who made dancing illegal, but was able to change things by the end of the movie, with a little help from his friends.”

Cruz moved to the Indianapolis area from Philippines in 2000. He and his wife, Nathalie, have three children, Zach, Jose and Lupe. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

GHDT stages ‘New

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gregory Hancock had plenty of time to create during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

Hancock, executive artistic director of the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, will feature that work in “New World Dances” Feb. 11-26 at The Florence at the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. There are six weekend performances.

“The collection of dances in this program were all created during the pandemic and were presented in nonconventional ways in the theater, virtually, and on film, so most have never been performed live for audiences,” Hancock said. “During the pandemic, I created a large amount of new work and experienced a great deal of creativity. When we returned to work with masks and social distancing for some time, I talked to the dancers about what they were feeling and experiencing during this unusual time. I wanted the dances to have personal connections and reflect our collective fears and

World Dances’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s Olivia Payton will be performing in “New World Dances.” (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody) hopes.”

Hancock said dancers expressed a range of emotions.

“Our feelings and emotions were across the board with much diversity,” he said. “At times, we were scared, confused, nervous, depressed and withdrawn. And at other times, we were encouraged, empowered and hopeful. I feel the variety of dances, and the personal emotions imbued into them in ’New World Dances,’ represent all of this.”

The production is the first full program at The Florence, which is named for Hancock’s late mother, Florence Marie Hancock. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Painless

Discerning ‘good advice’

Commentary by Terry Anker

We’re all looking for a little good advice. What’s the right way to lose those extra pounds packed on from too much holiday candy? How worried should we be about the war in Europe? Will we ever be able to retire since the stock market cannot seem to stop falling? These are all tough issues. Each one has come to us, in some form, over the journey of a lifetime. As with many complications, more questions simply beg more answers. We spin around like a dog chasing its tail.

ESSAY

So, how do we break the circle? If we seek insight, if we hope to boost our understanding through the learning and experience of others, where do we go to find our

experts? Advice, it seems, is only as good as the mouth from which it flows. We might ask those around us, whom we respect, for their thoughts. Do we restrict ourselves to those we know personally? Who are the national experts? Aren’t they superior? Some people call it the 50-mile rule, this fiction that know-how only exists somewhere over the rainbow. Still, we don’t want to limit our knowledge base to those living next door. In a multiplicity of perspectives, we must come to rely on ourselves to discern.

Just another manic Friday

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Do you ever have days when you’re fairly certain the universe is messing with you? When a series of small annoyances has you contemplating a noon bottle of Scotch? That’s what a recent Friday felt like for me. Please enjoy at my expense!

HUMOR

It all started when I foolishly agreed to join our youngest at a 5 a.m. Eat the Frog workout. This coached fitness session held in a mysteriously green-lit space where your heart rate is displayed for everyone to judge. Naturally, I did not sleep well the night before, knowing I’d have to get up at 4:30, avoid a public cardiac event for 60 minutes, and then be in my classroom by 6:30, showered and pretty.

So, I was grumpy and nauseous while I

tried not to embarrass myself on the TRX bands and feeling only slightly better when I got to work and finally checked my text messages. “Two Hour Delay!” What the what? With my blood caffeine and irritability levels off the charts, I decided to stay put and grade poorly written essays. Blech.

Next up, tech issues with my karaoke setup.

I called it at 7 p.m., grateful to end this Friday with an early bedtime and a middle finger to the universe. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Have meds, will travel

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

POLICIES

I’ll be honest. I don’t like to travel. I like being there; I don’t like getting there. In one airport, I made the huge mistake of buying a magazine containing an article called, “Your Feel-Good Vacation,” which detailed all the potential woes of reaching your destination. Here were a few:

HUMOR

• Traveler’s diarrhea: Apparently, 7 out of 10 vacationers experience this, which is why aisle seats on a plane are requested more than window seats, especially on overseas flights. One infectious disease specialist says, “Many people are de-railed by this problem.” My guess is that even more have been de-planed and de-boated. But maybe it happens on trains, too. This doctor suggests taking a drug called bismuth subsalicylate with you on the trip. In an emergency, just say Pepto Bismol to the druggist in a foreign country. You might not have a great deal of time to mess with pronunciation. The doctor also suggests you do not drink tap water or eat local fruits and veggies that may be contaminated, but he obviously did not read the warning in the next paragraph.

• Constipation: This is a different doctor (I know, medicine is so specialized). He says that 4 out of 10 people suffer from this on a trip. Hold on! If 7 out of 10 people have the first problem and 4 out of 10 have the second problem, that means one person has both problems. Or does that mean he doesn’t have any problem? It does mean that 4 out of 10 people do not need an aisle seat. This guy also suggests eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Do these doctors ever talk to each other?

• Blood clots: Here’s another cheery paragraph in the article. It begins by telling readers who travel by plane to stand often

and stretch — so always take an aisle seat. Sadly, most of those seats are taken by people who have you-know-what. If you end up in the middle seat, you should be OK, since the guy on the aisle won’t be there much of the time. Are you following this?

• Motion sickness: Once again, an aisle seat is recommended. But if travelling by car, sit by a window. If you drank heavily in college, you already know this.

Finally, the article includes a photo of how your travel meds will appear if you pack them neatly into a designer bag that they are offering for $39.95. There’s Miralax, Ricola, Dramamine, Lomotil, Benadryl and Metamucil, to name a few. The magazine warns you not to buy these in a foreign country, because they may be counterfeit, but if you have been buying health and beauty products from a dollar store your whole life, you have probably built up a pretty good tolerance.

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WOLFSIE

Commentary by Larry Greene

From dark and dated to stylish and sleek, the kitchen in this Normandy Farms subdivision home hadn’t been updated since being built in 1989. The new owners wanted a more open space to amp up the room’s functionality and improve the overall aesthetic.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Bright white custom cabinets add light to the space, while indigo shades on the island and backsplash provide a touch of depth and modern style.

• A wall dividing the kitchen and dining room was removed, opening the space and improving the room’s flow and function.

• The original bar-height island that interrupted the line of sight was replaced with a counter-height island, making entertaining and serving a breeze.

• Honey bronze finishes and wood shelving bring warmth and classic style with a pristine modern touch.

Making better grammar worse?

Commentary by

Curtis Honeycutt

We hear this one all the time: “I feel badly because Randolph lost his job at the pro shop.” In an effort to have better grammar, we can often make it worse. So, let’s figure out why the correct phrase in the above instance should be “I feel bad.”

GRAMMAR GUY

The key here is knowing the difference between action verbs and linking verbs. It seems rather obvious how to identify an action verb: It does something active. Active verbs like gobble, decide, shimmy, impeach and frolic tell us the action being performed in a sentence. Linking verbs, on the other hand, connect the subject of a sentence to information about that subject. Linking verbs do not describe an action. Therefore, use adverbs to describe action verbs and adjectives to describe linking verbs.

Sensory-related verbs like feel, look, smell, taste and sound can either be used as linking verbs or active verbs, depending on the context of the sentence. Kind of confusing if you ask me.

In our example where poor Randy got the heave-ho from the pro shop, “feel” is used as a linking verb. “I feel bad” describes the state of my emotions because Randolph was let go. The only way “I feel badly” is correct is if, after being fired, Randolph got in his souped-up golf cart, put the pedal to the metal and — in an act of blind rage — he ran over all 10 of my fingers as I carefully attempted to replace one of my several divots, rendering my sense of touch useless. In this case, “I feel badly because Randolph lost his job at the pro shop,” would be correct. With sensory verbs, it’s important to identify whether the verb is an active verb or a linking verb. The way I always remember this takes me back to my tremendous AP English teacher, Dr. Ballard, who used this example: “Only Captain Hook feels badly.” Get it? Because he has a hook for a hand.

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

OUR PROMISE

Visiting the ruins of Megiddo

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we visit the excavated ruins of Megiddo, above the Jezreel Valley about 15 miles southwest of Nazareth in Israel.

TRAVEL

The Jezreel Valley, an inland valley south of the Sea of Galilee, has been part of an important trade route between Egypt and the empires of southwest Asia for thousands of years. The Romans called it the “way of the sea.” Empires trying to control intercontinental trade have fought at least 34 battles in the Jezreel Valley, the first one in the 15th century B.C., when Pharaoh Thutmose III fought the King of Kadesh.

Since about 7,000 B.C., Megiddo has controlled access to the Jezreel Valley. The Bible reports that King Solomon fortified Megiddo, along with the cities of Gezer and Hazor. Excavations at Megiddo have uncovered a 10th-century B.C. chambered gate very similar to those found at Hazor and Gezer, lending support to that account. Archaeologists, digging through 26 layers of ruins, have also found evidence of admin-

istrative buildings and storehouses from the time of Solomon and a concealed tunnel built in the ninth century B.C. that gave Megiddo residents access to their water supply during sieges. Megiddo was permanently abandoned after 586 B.C. when the Babylonians captured Jerusalem.

The Book of Revelation reports that unnamed kings will be gathered together at “Armageddon” before the return of Jesus, presumably to prepare for battle. The word Armageddon is a transliteration of the Hebrew “har megiddo,” or “mountain of Megiddo,” an apparent reference to the large tell that eventually formed over the abandoned Megiddo ruins. Relying on this passage, Christians since the first century have predicted one final battle between good and evil in the Jezreel Valley, almost

always involving the most hated regimes of their eras, from the Romans to ISIS. The wait continues.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

The gates at Megiddo.

An excavation site at Megiddo.

A view of the Jezreel Valley from Megiddo.

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