This summer I had a most thrilling experience. I was treated to a grand tour of the Tarkington Theatre complex, which is the new home for the Civic Theatre at the Center For the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. The Tarkington and the Studio Theatre are in a separate building from the Palladium. My distinguished guide was none other than Mr. Robert Sorbera, the artistic director of the Civic. He took me and my wife all through the complex, a maze of offices, conference rooms, rehearsal halls, costume storage, educational facilities, and so much more. On the way we met some of his friendly hard working staff.
The actual 500 seat Tarkington Theatre is just a small but wonderful part of the huge complex. One aspect I thoroughly liked was the seat availability for the handicapped. The theatre itself is state of the art equipped and well designed. The schedule of presentations is really ambitious. On September 9th "The Drowsy Chaperone" will open the season. I have heard wonderful things about this musical. It is being directed by the talented Ron Morgan. The next show is the spectacular "Amadeus" directed by Robert J. Sorbera which opens October 28th. I must mention how gracious and polite Mr. Sorbera was as a tour guide. I was greatly impressed by this new home for the Civic Theatre. This theatre will be a welcome addition to the local arts scene.
