State of the Arts: 'Evening with the Stars' Poised for Change

The tutus will be spinning in November instead of September this year, and at Clowes Hall instead of the Murat Theatre. But expect the typical excitement from “Evening with the Stars,” the annual Indianapolis City Ballet production that has become arguably the city’s marquee arts event.
“We love the Murat,” says executive director Kevin Hesse. “We decided to try Clowes Hall to see how that works. Clowes called us and said that Indianapolis Opera canceled on November 22nd, and that we could have the slot.”
The move to Clowes opens up several possibilities. The stage is significantly bigger, and the lighting capabilities are much more advanced. The company also wants to do more with film—this year, it plans to introduce the acts with a short video rather than through an emcee. Since the stage is so much larger, ICB has decided to include two ensembles along with the 12 other acts.
This year, the audience can also look forward to some of the biggest current names in ballet, as well as some who haven’t graced the performance stage in a while.
“We’ve got Alessandra Ferri, who retired from the Royal Ballet,” says Hesse. “She just did a Broadway show, and she is coming back to ballet. She is going to dance with Herman Cornejo. It will be a world-premiere performance. Two incredible dancers will be creating a new work that will debut in Indianapolis.”
Hesse and his team are devoted to making ballet part of the signature of the city. “You’re constantly looking for what’s new and what’s interesting,” he says. “We are bringing the
biggest stars from the biggest companies. You won’t get this anywhere else.”
November 22, 7:30 p.m., at Clowes Hall. Tickets: $35; patron seating $300–$1500.
This article appeared in The Ticket, a 2014 special publication.