7-9-26-Lea Salonga INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Get ready to dive into an exciting summer of live performances in Indianapolis, with energetic theater and music events showcasing youth talent and compelling stories. Tom Alvarez, an arts critic and broadcaster, brings you his top picks that you wo n’t want to miss in the coming weeks. From high school musicals to star-studded music tributes, here is what is on Tom’s radar. “Newsies” at Summer Stock Stage (July 15-19) Catch the energetic and inspiring musical “Newsies” at the Summer Stock Stage. This production brings to life the historic newsboy strike of 1899, performed by a cast of high school students from more than 40 area schools. The youthful energy and powerful storytelling make this show a tribute to courage and collective action. Website: summerstockstage.com Tom says: “I can’t say enough about how talented these kids are. I saw ‘Ragtime’ recently, and these kids matched what I saw on Broadway. They are just really talented and do a really professional job.” “They Call Me Genet” at The District Theatre (July 16-26) Step into the world of Janet Flanner, a remarkable journalist who left Indianapolis in the 1920s to become a renowned correspondent for The New Yorker in Paris. “They Call Me Genet” is a one-woman show starring Jen Johansson, delivering an intimate performance that highlights this figure from Indianapolis’ own history. Website: indydistricttheatre.org Tom says: “This is a very Indianapolis historic story. Janet Flanner comes from the Flanner-Buchanan family and covered the arts and famous people in Paris during the 1920s under her nom de plume, Genet.” Songbook Academy at The Palladium (July 13-18) Experience the magic of the Great American Songbook with 40 high school students from across the country performing at The Palladium. Songbook Academy offers a showcase of classic melodies and youthful passion, celebrating musical roots through dynamic performances. Public events include a master class and a final showcase featuring 10 students chosen by music directors. Website: thecenterpresents.org Tom says: “Show business is going to have a great future because of the kinds of kids that are represented here. This is a really great group of kids singing the Great American Songbook from the ’20s to the present day.” Symphony on the Prairie’s Music Extravaganza “The Music of Star Wars” (July 10) Feel the thrill with iconic themes from the “Star Wars” saga performed live under the stars. Website: indianapolissymphony.org “The Music of Earth, Wind Fire” (July 11) Celebrate timeless hits from the legendary band with energetic and soulful renditions. Website: indianapolissymphony.org “Decades: Back to the ’80s” (July 17) Take a nostalgic trip with a diverse lineup of ’80s hits bringing the decade’s vibrant spirit to life. Website: indianapolissymphony.org Lea Salonga Tony Award-winning Broadway star Lea Salonga will join five-time Grammy Award nominee Michael Feinstein for a master class at the Payne Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, July 13, at 3 p.m. EDT. The event, part of the Songbook Academy, offers an opportunity for 10 aspiring students to engage with two icons of the musical theater world. Admission is free, but tickets are required via thecenterpresents.org. Salonga’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a history of honors. She earned Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards. Notably, she was the first Asian actress to take on the role of Eponine in “Les Miserables” on Broadway and later portrayed Fantine, cementing her legacy in the musical theater canon. Her starring roles extend to productions like the revival of “Once on This Island,” “Here Lies Love,” “Allegiance” and “Flower Drum Song.” The master class highlights both Salonga’s dedication to nurturing new talent and her deep connection to the Great American Songbook, a repertoire she frequently revisits in her concerts. Salonga values her mentorship role. “Meeting Michael Feinstein was a pivotal moment for me,” she said in a recent interview. “His passion for the Great American Songbook is contagious. I see this master class as a way to pass along nuggets of advice that I hope resonate with young interpreters, encouraging them to embrace the arts as a vital part of life.” Salonga’s collaboration with Feinstein is rooted in mutual admiration for the Songbook and a shared commitment to fostering artistic growth in young performers. She reflected on the importance of mentorship, noting that giving back to the next generation is one of the most fulfilling parts of her career. The free public master class represents a valuable occasion for local arts enthusiasts and students alike to witness firsthand the insights of two masters of American musical theater, underscoring the continued relevance and inspiration of the art form. Alvarez publishes reviews, interviews, and previews through his “On the Aisle with Alvarez” column at tomalvarez.studio. He also hosts the “On the Aisle with Alvarez” podcast, available on major podcast platforms. ...read more read less