Tim’s Picks: Civic, Convos, LSO and a bunch of other Operators
Here’s what’s up this weekend.
Thanks for ongoing support from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets and details on all the shows and events, go to longpac.org.
Support for Based in Lafayette also comes from Purdue Convocations, presenting “Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’” on Saturday, April 25. Reuniting four unforgettable friends on a cruise ship adventure, the show celebrates friendship while tackling hot flashes, mood swings, memory lapses and more — set to a soundtrack of clever parodies of hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Catch the laughter and heart in both a MATINEE and EVENING performance!
With no further ado, it’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
“Beetlejuice,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Elliott Hall of Music, Purdue University — The hit Broadway musical “Beetlejuice” creeps into town on the tails of a strong New York run from 2019-2023 (with a couple-year COVID-19 break), the success of the hit 2024 movie sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and an October “Beetlejuice Jr.” run at Civic Theatre. “The ghost with the most” is hotter than ever. While the classic characters — Lydia, Adam, Barbara and Delia (RIP the great Catherine O’Hara) — all shine, the set, songs and script developed by Anthony King and Scott Brown impress as well. And if your date is Lauren Boebert, please stay home. $42-$96. Tickets.
“Birthday Candles,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12; 7:30 p.m. April 16-18 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — Go, Ernestine (played by Caty Natt), it’s your birthday, again and again. A 2022 play by Noah Haidle, “Birthday Candles” centers around Ernestine’s 17th, 18th, 41st, 70th and 101st birthdays. While the actress doesn’t age, Ernestine reflects on family, love and dreams as the years pass. Directed by Purdue University Theatre associate professor Kristine Holtvedt, the show has some unique features. First, this may be the best smelling show in Civic Theatre history because a real birthday cake gets baked on-stage for every performance. Second, the structure is interesting. There is no intermission and there are no scene breaks. Characters come in and out of Ernestine’s life during a span of 90 years. Kyle Brown, who plays Kenneth, said time passes naturally on stage. “Without makeup or wigs, we see teenagers turn into young adults and middle-aged people shift into being elderly,” he explained. “It’s a funny show. It’s a heavy show. It’s a relatable show. So many characters are dealing with so many things that we all do at some point from love to loss. There’s also a live goldfish in the show and he’s the best actor I’ve ever worked with.” $17.50-$26.50. Tickets.
Lafayette Vintage Market, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 11, MatchBOX, 17 S. Sixth St., Lafayette — For years, you’ve seen small vintage clothing and accessory shops pop up in storefronts and community events. Now, see them all under one roof at the Lafayette Vintage Market in downtown Lafayette. MatchBOX co-working studios will host sellers from around Greater Lafayette. Expect funky threads and vibes as there will be coffee and food trucks along with giveaways for attendees.
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra returns to the historic Long Center stage for a springtime program “From Bohemia to America.” This concert will feature the world premiere of “Cabaret Brawl” by composer Edmund Thornton Jenkins, an early 20th century African American composer who found most of his success in London and Paris before dying of “causes unknown” at the age of 30. This concert will also serve as LSO’s “High School Appreciation Night,” and it will showcase the winners of the annual Keller Concerto Competition: Finnan White, a senior at West Lafayette High School, and Aria Bakhit, a junior at Lafayette Jefferson High School. Patrons are invited to arrive early for pre-concert music beginning at 6:35 p.m. and featuring a string quartet from the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony. “This concert is a powerful reflection of who we are as an orchestra, honoring important voices in music history while creating space for new ones to be heard,” said Janette Brown, LSO CEO. “We’re especially proud to spotlight these outstanding student musicians and to welcome hundreds of local high school students into the hall for what we hope is a meaningful and inspiring experience.” Following the performance, guests can continue the evening at a post-concert gathering at the Lobby by Greyhouse with live jazz provided by students from Jefferson High School. $12-$43. Tickets.
The Operators with Pilots and The Remote Controls, 9 p.m. Saturday, April 11, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — A trio of Indianapolis acts will invade The Spot this weekend. While The Spot has hosted The Operators, one of Indiana’s top ska bands, and Pilots, a Devo-esque power pop duo that dress as airline pilots, several times in recent years, it’s sweet to see The Remote Controls come back to town. I caught this trio years ago opening for the Descendents at The Egyptian Room in Indy, and they were twice as good as the touring opening act, Get Dead, that tagged along with Milo and company. The Remote Controls’ tight pop-punk sound went over well with the hundreds in attendance then and should gain them dozens of new fans in Lafayette this weekend. $10.
And please check out the podcast “Spaghetti Talk,” which focuses on local Lafayette businesses. A recent episode featured Brian Ropes of Black Wax Records, the only true record store on the Lafayette side of the Wabash River. Check out his story and better yet, buy some records from him
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BONUS CUTS …
Carrie Newcomer, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Delphi Opera House, 109 S. Washington St., Delphi — Tickets are still available for Indiana (and former Greater Lafayette) singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer at the Delphi Opera House. Details and tickets here.
Soul Asylum will be at Loeb Playhouse Friday night for an acoustic show, featuring Corey Glover of Living Colour opening. Here’s a Q&A, along with ticket information, from a Wednesday edition of BiL …
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, for ongoing support from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets and details on all the shows and events, go to longpac.org.
Thanks, also, for support from Purdue Convocations, presenting “Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’” on Saturday, April 25.
Thank you for supporting Based in Lafayette, an independent, local reporting project. Free and full-ride subscription options are ready for you here.
Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.