Deserving recognition

Picking top performances from this past year was difficult. There were no Hedwigs or Side Shows. That’s not to say that there weren’t high-quality performances, but nothing that, let us say, made Indianapolis theater history.

So, in choosing my top picks from 2003, I am not going to rank them in any order, save alphabetical, as all deserve recognition.

Director/actor Rob Johansen

• And Baby Makes Seven, performed by Jennifer Bohler, Constance Macy and Bill Simmons, directed by Rob Johansen; September/October 2003 (performed at but not produced by Theatre on the Square). The talents of these four thespians made the schizophrenic play a laugh-out-loud production for me — quite a trick when you are performing for a critic.

• Master Class at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre; starring Miki Mathioudakis, directed by Rose Kleiman; November 2003. The musings of over-the-hill diva Maria Callas. Mathioudakis was amazingly strong in this show that centered on her, and her alone.

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Artists Studio; starring Brent Marty as Frank N. Furter, directed by Brian Noffke; October 2003. The new theater in Fishers came together for a raucous performance of the cult classic, and Marty was a riot.

• The Turn of the Screw at the Indiana Repertory Theatre; performed by Jenny McKnight and Rob Johansen, directed by John Green; October/November 2003. Set, direction and acting came together in a lyrical, otherworldly production of this classic tale.

• Best touring production: Mamma Mia! in January 2003, as part of the Broadway in Indianapolis series. Exceptional ’70s fun!