The old-school Vegas vibes radiate throughout Greenwood’s revamped performance space.
Inside the newly remodeled On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret, crystalline chandeliers and wall sconces create a warm ambiance throughout the theater area. Plush pastel seating in baby blue, pink and mauve populates the midnight blue and gold lobby.
The golden glow of the marquee beckons art fans to one of the area’s most unique theaters.
“For any past guests, it will be like walking into an entirely new experience. For any new guests, it’s going to be one of the most beautiful theaters in the greatest Indianapolis area,” said Chris Tompkins, executive director of On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment. “It’s stunning.”
The newly remodeled On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret opens its doors to the public on Saturday, with a grand opening gala offering a swanky peek at the non-profit theater’s new look. Attendees will get to explore the new space while enjoying a curated selection of performances. People can enjoy some of past On-Stage LIVE! shows’ greatest hits, while catching a glimpse of what to expect for the upcoming season.
While the space and the show will take center stage, the gala also serves as a fundraiser for On-Stage LIVE! after experiencing higher costs than expected during renovation.
“The gala will be an opportunity to acknowledge and demonstrate to everyone in attendance how many players it has taken to make this happen,” Tompkins said. “If you’ve been with us before, come, take a look. If you’ve never been with us before, you’re going to experience something completely unique.”
The reopening marks the close of a tumultuous year for On-Stage LIVE!, which for much of 2023 had been partnering with the Luxe Event Center to put on unique cabaret-style musical shows. Tompkins had previously offered entertainment in the space through his previous endeavor, Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret, which was forced to close its doors during the pandemic. Luxe Event Center opened in its place.
Audience members had come from all over central Indiana to see shows dedicated to Elvis Presley, legendary female singers and Barbra Streisand. A special Halloween show, “Witches BREW,” drew sold-out crowds and rave feedback from people in attendance.
But in late 2023, Tompkins and the On-Stage LIVE! board were informed that they would no longer have access to the Luxe space following its Christmas show, “Holiday Magic,” on Dec. 16.
A whirlwind fundraising effort ensued, as leaders searched for a new performing space. Though it appeared the theater would be moving elsewhere, a last-minute meeting with the owners of Vista Run Plaza changed those plans. The two sides talked about staying in their existing space, with Vista Run owners pledging to support renovations and improvements around the area.
The discussions led to a three-year lease for On-Stage LIVE!
Since January, workers have been busy recreating the theater and adjoining areas. The interior theater got new seating and lighting, and a new stage floor was installed to improve the performance space.
As of Jan. 1, the space became On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret. Between now and a planned opening in mid-March, workers will be revitalizing and renovating nearly all aspects of the theater. Restrooms were redone, and the lobby received new lighting, flooring, furnishings and decor.
A marquee with the theater’s new name — visible as people pass down Greenwood’s Main Street — was also installed.
Businesses and patrons offered funding and in-kind services, which helped get the project done.
“This has really been a collective experience, and it’s been driven by multiple, multiple people,” Tompkins said. “It’s really wonderful when you’re surrounded by such an amazing group of individuals to help bring this together. It’s a very large, expansive operation now, compared to what it was in the past.”
But unexpected costs in redoing the space pushed the price tag for the work more than $50,000 more than initially estimated, Tompkins said. Saturday’s gala fundraiser will go towards those costs.
A ticket donation of $75 — tax deductible, as On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit — gets people into the black-tie gala and “first look” at the upcoming season.
Open-bar cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served from 5:30 p.m. up until the dedication ceremony at 7. A two-hour show will follow, featuring a 14-person cast doing hits from previous On-Stage LIVE! shows and showcasing the new season.
Theater organizers have planned a 14-show season in 2024, starting out with “He Is Risen,” an Easter-themed gospel show featuring an all-Black cast.
On-Stage LIVE! will stage two Broadway musicals during the year, “A Chorus Line” in July and “Gypsy” in November.
Future shows will include tributes to the divas of country music, the greatest female songwriters, legendary Black male performers and, to Tina Turner, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, George Michael and more.
“That’s Dancin’!” brings together some of the greatest dance tunes, from Broadway to MTV. Production director Christa Marie will be joined by her son, Marcus, for a special Mother’s Day production, while husband-and-wife duo Kory Bickel and Alison Bates perform an ode to marriage in “One Enchanted Evening.”
And once again, the theater will feature their Halloween-themed show, “Witches BREW,” and the end-of-the-year “HOLIDAY MAGIC.”
“We’ll be doing teaser numbers from our upcoming season, and it’s going to be a wild ride. We’re doing so many different things this year, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I think people are going to love it,” Tompkins said.
IF YOU GO
On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret Grand Opening Gala
What: A fundraising gala celebrating the renovation and new season of On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret, featuring open bar, heavy hors d-oeuvres and a two-hour performance.
When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: 916 E. Main St., Greenwood
Schedule: Open bar cocktails will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres served until 7. The theater’s dedication ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7:30.
Cost: $75 donation
Information: onstagelivecabaret.com
AT A GLANCE
On-Stage LIVE! Cabaret 2024 season
March 28-30: “He Is Risen,” an Easter-themed gospel show featuring an all-Black cast.
April 5-20: “Country Divas,” with the music of Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, The Judds and more.
April 26-May 4: “A Tribute to the King & Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” featuring the music of Tina Turner and Elvis Presley.
May 10-11: “Just for Mama,” a Mother’s Day program with Christa Marie and her son, Marcus.
June 13-22: “That’s Dancin’!” bringing together some of the greatest dance numbers of all time.
July 12-27: “A Chorus Line,” the first of two Broadway shows this year.
Aug. 2-10: “Benny & the Jets,” an homage to Elton John, Billy Joel and George Michael.
Aug. 16-24: “Songbirds,” featuring the music of Carly Simon, Madonna, Alicia Keys and other superstar female vocal artists.
Sept. 16-14: “LEGENDS: The Men,” with greatest hits from Bruno Mars, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more.
Sept. 20-28: “One Enchanted Evening,” love songs by husband-and-wife duo Kory Bickel and Alison Bates.
Oct. 4-5: “If You Believe,” an inspirational musical journey about life.
Oct. 11-26: “Witches BREW,” a Halloween-themed musical revue.
Nov. 8-23: “Gypsy,” the second Broadway show of the season.
Dec. 6-21: “Holiday Magic,” an expanded version of last year’s holiday show.
Information: onstagelivecabaret.com
