Tim’s Picks: 'The Prom,' LSO, roller derby … what more?
Civic dresses for ‘The Prom.’ LSO spotlights its final director candidate. A ‘Round the Fountain collection on exhibition now. Roller derby’s back. And more.
This edition is sponsored by Lafayette Chamber Singers, which will present its final concert 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, after 50 years in the community. The free concert, with donations accepted at the door for Lafayette Urban Ministry programs, will be at Unitarian Universalist Church, 333 Meridian St. in West Lafayette. For more details, see the flyer below.
Here, again, with five suggestions for your Greater Lafayette week …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
’Round the Fountain Art Fair permanent collection exhibition, today through May 31, The Arts Federation, 638 North St., Lafayette — Before ’Round the Fountain’s huge 50th event May 25 in downtown Lafayette, check out award-winning artworks from the past half-century in a proper gallery setting courtesy of The Arts Federation. Some of these works from the permanent collection could be viewed previously inside the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, but now you can view them in a relaxed atmosphere and not after pulling jury duty or filing for divorce.
“The Prom,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, May 9-11, and May 16-18, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, and May 18 (sensory-friendly show), Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 313 N. Fifth St., Lafayette — Closing out another strong season, Civic Theatre will present a show that concentrates on a rite of passage for most high school students — “The Prom.” Directed by the great Laurie Russel, the musical debuted in 2016 and centers around a high school prom in smalltown Indiana and four has-been Broadway actors on their way to said town to help a young lesbian couple navigate acceptance in order to attend the event. Along the way, the performers reminisce about their careers and youth. “The Prom” was inspired by true events. In 2010, a young lesbian couple attempted to attend their prom in Fulton, Mississippi, but were met with initial homophobic backlash from the local government and parents of their classmates. Kyle Brown plays Sheldon, the Broadway performers’ publicist. He confirmed that the show is a big one, an ideal season finale. “I’m always amazed at the talent this area has from actors, singers, dancers, creative teams, musicians and artists,” Brown said. “People that fit every village needed to bring a show of this magnitude together. This is truly one of the biggest spectacles Civic Theatre has ever put on, and it’ll be a show that people talk about for a long time.” The show stars TJ Rosa, Kyla Moffit, Martin Fernandez, Esther Kirgiss, Cordell Ford and Allison Russell with fine choreography by Brian Kocher. $14-$26. Tickets.
Looking for a bargain on a Based in Lafayette upgrade? First-time subscribers can get 15% off the initial year of full access to the reporting project, marking its third anniversary. Now through May 15, here’s the Third Anniversary Sale …
Makers Market Spring Pop-Up, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Fifth and Ferry streets, downtown Lafayette — Only one week after the spring rejuvenation of downtown Lafayette thanks to the reopening of the Lafayette Farmers Market, another market will make its welcome return. The Indiana Makers Market will connect to the north end of the Farmer’s Market with numerous booths showcasing area artisans’ latest pieces in the form of jewelry, leather works, candles, pottery, glass items and much more. More artworks will be available in the Bindery Artist Studio during the event.
Lafayette Roller Derby Supernovas vs. Ann Arbor Roller Derby Team, 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette — The hard-hitting, fast-skating action of roller derby is finally back. After a successful road bout, the Lafayette Roller Derby (LRD) Supernovas are home to jam tons of points and distribute just as many bruises to the competition — the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Roller Derby Team. A rare opponent from the Great Lake State, could a rivalry like that of Purdue and University of Michigan’s be established? On-site vendors will include People’s Brewery, Generation NA, Gibson’s Shaved Ice and Black Dog BBQ. Flourish Studio will present a kids’ activity space, and a percentage of ticket sales will be donated to LRD’s 2024 charity, Lafayette Transitional Housing. “We came off a real high at the end of last season with some tough opponents,” LRD’s Susan B. Slamthony said. “We've already outperformed the projections for our first away game of the season, so I can't wait to show the hometown crowd what we’re made of. And on a personal level for me, Ann Arbor is the team that trained me in roller derby. I skated with them for five years before I moved away. I'm looking forward to showing them how much I've learned since I left.” $12. Tickets.
“That’s All, Folk!” with Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra’s search for its new music director and conductor comes to its final crescendo as candidate Kalena Bovell leads “That’s All, Folk!”, a concert that will feature music influenced by folk songs and spirituals. The program includes the overture to “The Song of Hiawatha” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, selections from “Norwegian Dances” by Edvard Grieg and Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 6.” Keller Concerto Contest winner Madison Cantey will perform vocal selections from Gounod and Handel as well. Based out of Memphis, Tennessee, Bovell has earned international accolades for her classical music prowess and groundbreaking performances: She was the first Black woman to conduct an opera in Canada, conducting a world premiere reimagination of Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha.” The LSO did an excellent job so far in showcasing talent for its (for now) empty conductor’s podium. While it will be a difficult decision for the board of directors, LSO audiences have thoroughly enjoyed the search process. $8-$39. Tickets.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks again to this edition’s sponsor, the Lafayette Chamber Singers, which will present its final concert 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, after 50 years in the community. The free concert, with donations accepted at the door for Lafayette Urban Ministry programs, will be at Unitarian Universalist Church, 333 Meridian St. in West Lafayette. For more details, here’s your link.
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.
"...but now you can view them in a relaxed atmosphere and not after pulling jury duty or filing for divorce." LOL! Brilliant!