January 1, 2006 The Star's Arts & Entertainment staffers each pick three to watch in 2006 Indianapolis' arts and entertainment scene is filled with everything from pop, classical and jazz music to movies, dance, theater, visual arts and museums. But with so much on the table, who or what is destined to stand out in 2006? Still thinking? Well, stop wracking your brain. The Star's Arts & Entertainment staff has done the work for you. Who and what did they choose? Here's a look at their top picks. Then turn to page 16 for more about the other two. THEATER / NICK CREWS 1. Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival 2. American Cabaret Theatre 3. Actors Theatre of Indiana Actors Theatre of Indiana Don Farrell, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins - three seasoned New York City - based theater professionals - dropped active and lucrative careers to come to Indianaapolis to start an Equity theater. As for any new transplant, the move was stressful: homes to find, cars to to buy and, for Farrell and Fitzgerald, a new baby to walk the floor at night. And yet, for all the many demands of this crazed year, the Actors Theatre of Indiana staged three outstanding musical productions in 2005 - "My Way," "Cole" and "Forever Plaid" - shows marked by great arrangements and harmonies, innovative dancing and stellar production values. If Farrell, Fitzgerald and Collins can deliver work of this caliber during a busy transitional year, it follows that ATI's upcoming season will shine with even more sparkle and style.
December 18, 2005
By Nick Crews
nick.crews@indystar.com 
(Learning curve: Actors Theatre of Indiana's Judy Fitzgerald (from left), Don Farrell and Cynthia Collins have learned a lot their first year. - FRANK ESPICH / The Star)
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A closer look at Actors Theatre founders:
Don Farrell
• Hometown: Roswell, GA
• Education: BFA in music theater, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
• Theater experience: Farrell, an actor, singer, director and choreographer, was a drama faculty member for New York University's Collaborative Arts Project 21, and taught and performed at Springer Opera House and the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Conservatory. He has appeared as guest soloist with many national orchestras, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.
Judy Fitzgerald
• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
• Education: Graduate of North Central High School; BFA in music theater from Millikin University.
• Theater experience: Fitzgerald, an actress, singer and choreographer, has performed extensively in New York and on the road, working with stars such as Glen Close, Liza Minnelli, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley Jones, Bob Newhart, Omar Sharif, Hal Holbrook and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Cynthia Collins
• Hometown: Livingston, NJ
• Education: BFA in theater from Ohio University.
• Theater experience: Collins, a choreographer, singer and actress, has performed off-Broadway, in national and international tours and at regional theaters throughout the United States. She has shared the stage with Ben Vereen, Sandy Duncan, Cy Coleman, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, among others.
Forever Plaid
• When: Through Dec. 30.
• Where: Zionsville Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville.
• Tickets: $27-$30. (Those holding tickets to Ballet Internationale's "Nutcracker" can exchange them for discounted tickets to the 2:30 p.m. Dec. 21 performance: $15 adult, free for children 12 and younger.)
• Info: (317) 669-7983 or visit www.actorstheatreofindiana.org.
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'Forever Plaid," a musical comedy about a 1950s all-male singing group, closes out Actors Theatre of Indiana's inaugural season when it opens Wednesday at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center. And to hear ATI principals Don Farrell, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins tell it, if a show ever were created about Indianapolis' newest Equity theater company's first year, it might well be called "Forever Busy." Farrell and Fitzgerald (who are married, with a new baby) and Collins moved from New York to Westfield in May. Their luggage sat unpacked while the group rushed into rehearsals for the company's Indianapolis debut, the Frank Sinatra tribute "My Way." "Cole," a revue of the music of Cole Porter, quickly followed at the Indiana History Center in September. With rehearsals for "Forever Plaid" under way, Farrell, Fitzgerald and Collins took a break to talk to Star reporter Nick Crews about setting up an Equity theater in the Heartland, ATI's first season and what lies ahead for the theater. Why did the three of you -- established New York-based performers -- pick up and move to Indianapolis to start a theater company? Fitzgerald: Growing up in Indianapolis, I was involved in many theatrical productions while attending North Central High School, so I knew this was the perfect environment for the type of productions we present. When we thought it was time to take our experience and start a professional theater company, Indiana seemed the perfect choice. What are your thoughts about setting up an Equity theater company in Indianapolis? ("Equity" refers to Actors' Equity Association, the union that represents professional stage actors and stage managers.) Collins: The arts in Indianapolis are growing, but there's still not an oversaturation of Equity theater companies. We feel that this city deserves the highest quality of theater available. Being Equity members and having worked in some of the finest Equity houses in the country, we believe that we can offer Indianapolis just that. What is the value an Equity theater group brings to cities such as Indianapolis? What does the "Equity" label mean? Collins: Being a member of Equity means striving to bring the best theater to audiences. There's no better education as an actor than learning your craft from other Equity actors in an Equity theater. The experiences I value the most came from working with seasoned Equity performers. Farrell: Adding another Equity theater company to the Indianapolis cultural scene gives Central Indiana national exposure, and in time it will also help bring economic growth through corporate development. Looking back on your first season, what have you learned? Fitzgerald: I've learned how much three people can do; it is amazing what you can accomplish when you put your whole heart into something. We've had a ton of support from family, friends and all of the wonderful people we have employed this year. What's in store for Actors Theatre of Indianapolis and its audience next season? Fitzgerald: We have our shows lined up. Now we're waiting to find out about the availability of future venues. We're also inviting potential individual and corporate sponsors to consider ATI as a group they might want to support, and hoping to reach into other areas of Indiana. And we're excited to be able to sell season tickets and start a subscriber base for 2006. Farrell: Our 2006 season will present an Indiana premiere, a highly entertaining revue, a remount of a 2005 production (by popular demand), and a new work. You don't have a permanent home. Are you looking for a performing space of your own? Farrell: We've enjoyed presenting in a variety of communities this past year, but it's been difficult. Not having a permanent home means people have to work to find us, and it forces us to spend a lot on theater rental, so, yes. Judy and Don, you went through a very busy year while also being parents to your new daughter. What's that been like? Fitzgerald: Nonstop. In less than a year, we have moved from New York City, bought a house, a car, started a new company, produced two productions and are now on our third, and -- most importantly -- had our beautiful daughter Elizabeth. It has been a whirlwind, but fantastic. Farrell: It's been extremely exhausting, and a constant learning process, but this life change has also been a blessing. It's allowed Judy and me to be involved with raising our daughter; it's been a true joy.
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