OnStage LIVE Cabaret is gearing up for its fall and holiday show season, with new takes on Vegas-styled musical revues for every kind of audience.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization’s board of directors, and Executive Director Chris Tompkins, are looking ahead to an eventful season, and invite groups and families to check out their beautiful theater and new lineup.
“All shows are family friendly,” says Tompkins. “We generally request kids be at least 6 years of age, but children of any age are welcome if they can sit through a show. We strive to minimize disrupting other patrons and want it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.” The theater also offers group pricing for special occasions or gatherings of 10 or more.
Performances range from improv and comedy to full-scale musical revues, along with holiday shows and musical pieces that span from Motown to country music and everything in between. “It’s a process coming up with theme, song, look, feel, flow, cast and final delivery for audiences, but it makes them so unique because they are one of a kind and fresh,” says Tompkins. “We create all of our shows from scratch, with the exception of ‘Gypsy’ in November.”
Tompkins stresses the importance of the theater’s presence in an area lacking other performing arts centers, hoping to serve as an artistic haven for both community artists and patrons. “We use all local talent,” he says. “There is just so much talent in the greater Indianapolis area and it’s important they have an opportunity to share it on stage. Performing arts provides a getaway, a respite, an opportunity to escape the world for even a few hours.” Tompkins wants to support the next generation of local artists and create a more vibrant art scene on the south side of Indianapolis.
Audiences can expect run times of approximately two and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission, and intimate seating with tables limited to four seats. “What people are most taken aback by when they come here is the ease and accessibility of the theater,” says Tompkins. “It’s an upscale yet welcoming and approachable environment. People end up singing along at different parts with the cast. It’s nontraditional theater in a beautiful venue.” A bar in the lobby has drinks and snacks available for purchase.
Tompkins diversifies show content to resonate with local audiences. He selects content based on input from the cast, board members and patrons. You can check out their full lineup on their website at onstagelivecabaret.com. “We don’t spare any expense for any of our shows, not when it comes to stage design, our artists and costuming; they are all truly top notch,” says Tompkins. “Every show we produce has a Las Vegas flavor, look and flair. They all sparkle and dazzle. Patrons are always in awe of how beautiful it is and how much talent is on stage.”
The cast is currently working on multiple shows including an action-packed Halloween show, “Witches Brew.”
“We presented that show last year to much success,” says Tompkins. “People compared it to a Broadway show.” Although the show is a repeat production in title, he assures viewers that this year’s production will feature plenty of fresh content. “We’ll be adding more witches and will turn the devil into a cat,” he says. “It’s completely revamped and going to be very exciting.”
Additionally, this year’s “Holiday Magic” show promises original musical numbers as well as everyone’s holiday favorites, scores of glitter, and an imaginative storyline, courtesy of Director Paul Parnell. “That show is literally magic,” says Tompkins. “It’s a beautiful production and will certainly put you in the holiday spirit.” Parnell has composed 10 new songs, which he plans to blend into the production.
OnStage LIVE Cabaret uses all proceeds for theater and educational initiatives. Ticket, sponsor and donor revenue goes back into the theater to pay for production development, cast members, operations teams, tech crews, costuming, advertising efforts and education.
“It’s quite expensive to operate a performing arts center,” says Tompkins. “In addition to our shows, we also acquired our charity gaming license and now present bingo every Tuesday at 7 p.m., plus 50/50 raffles and pull tabs at each show to help support the theater.”
In addition to their running shows, two key initiatives lie ahead for the theater group. Performance Academy, a semester-based program that targets performers ranging in age from 8 to 19, is set to launch August 12. The program’s primary goal is to support homeschooled students or others looking to expand their performing arts education, culminating in a performance at the program’s end. “There’s a big difference between being a performer and an artist,” says Tompkins. “A performer does what they’re told to do, and an artist performs from within. We’re all about expression and we want to give every single student the opportunity to be on stage and shine as an individual.”
The second goal involves moving from their current space into a new 500-seat theater. While it’s a lofty goal, the organization team members are confident they can make their dream a reality for all to enjoy.
The theater accepts monetary donations and costume contributions. “We accept anything that’s glittery: sparkly gowns, ball gowns, tuxedos, hats – anything that sparkles,” says Tompkins.
OnStage LIVE Cabaret is located at 916 East Main Street in Greenwood. You can support them by donating on their Donate page, or by making a clothing contribution. Call 317-300-0603 to schedule a drop-off time.
