Vessels performed in “The Big Bang” 19 years ago in South Florida.

“Much to my terror, I played the other guy, so now I have to learn the entire show over again,” he said, laughing.

Vessels, a Lawrence resident, plays lyricist Boyd Graham in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of the comedy musical set to run Jan. 28 to Feb. 20 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He previously played composer Jed Feuer in the musical.

The musical is about Jed and Boyd, along with their pal Albert on the piano, staging a backers’ audition for an $83.5 million, 12-hour long musical depicting the history of the world from creation to the present.

The two writers portray everything from Adam and Eve, Julius Caesar to Woodstock to give potential investors a view of the production.

“It’s really a lot of fun,” Vessels said. “It’s breakneck speed, just crazy antics. You cover everything from the beginning of time to the end of time, it feels like. It’s really fun. It’s a great way to wreck an apartment because that is what we spend the show doing. I’ve been doing comedy for pretty much most of my career. I went to college for opera, so I joke they taught me to sing high, cry and die.

“I’ve been kind of a cut-up my whole life, so comedy is where I land and love them.”

This will be Vessels’ first performance since the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Vessels has taught at Ball State University the past 1 1/2 years.

The musical is directed by Michael Blatt.

“It’s a fun, happy piece, and right now we can use some fun,” Blatt said.

Darrin Murrell, who lives on a farm in Parker City, portrays Jed, and Brent E. Marty joins on stage as the piano player.

Unlike Vessels, Murrell had never heard of the musical.

“It’s always a thrill to find material that you haven’t done before. Having been in the business so long there is hardly a musical I haven’t done three or four times,” Murrell said. “Working with ATI is what always interests me. I’m a big fan of ATI and everything they’ve built and done here over the years. I’ve had the experience of working with them a few times and it’s always one of the greatest experiences that I’ve had.

“Any time there is an opportunity to come back, I know whatever the process is, (it’s) going to be quality, highly entertaining, and if they are calling me to be involved, it’s usually going to be something pretty funny. That’s what drove me.”

Murrell last appeared in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in 2018.

“I had the great opportunity to do one of the roles that I dreamed of doing since I was young, but I had never aged into it,” Murrell said. “But when they did ‘My Fair Lady,’ I got a chance to play Alfred Doolittle. He’s one of the great characters, not just in theater, but in literature. To get my teeth into that was a thrill of a lifetime.”

Murrell said he has played multiple roles in shows before.

“This is a great challenge to keep the mental acuity in tune to jump from character to character and all the way through history,” he said. “It’s a fun challenge. It’s very different than what I usually do. My lot in life in theater is a character actor.”

Murrell, 55, said he usually has one or two impactful scenes or a signature song.

“That’s my comfort zone,” Murrell said. “To be one of only two people carrying the entire show is a challenge. I started working out training for this. I’m a portly guy. I’ve set a training regime to get my stamina back up.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

The post Big Bang the Musical Is the Best Outing You Can Attend this Spring appeared first on Maple Knoll Apartments Blog.

Back home in Hamilton County for the holiday weekend or have guests coming in town to celebrate Thanksgiving? There’s plenty of things to do to keep friends and family entertained in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and beyond. Read the list below of the top things to do near Indianapolis during Thanksgiving Weekend 2021.

Visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

This authentic German holiday market is back with unique gifts like wooden toys, nutcrackers, music boxes, ornaments, and the collectible boot mug. While you’re shopping the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, sip a hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa, and come hungry to enjoy a Lebkuchen (German cookie), Raclette (melted cheese sandwich) or Stollen (dried fruit bread). The market also includes the Ice at Carter Green skating rink.

Drive through the Magic of Lights at Ruoff Music Center.

For the first time ever, Ruoff Music Center will celebrate the holiday season with a brand-new event. “Magic of Lights” is a family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival with twinkling and magical light displays to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

See "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at Civic Theatre.

The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Shop for holiday gifts in Carmel and ride the Carmel Holiday Trolley.

The holiday trolley is free and open to the public. It makes stops in the Arts & Design District, City Center, Indiana Design Center and Carter Green for the Christkindlmarkt and Ice at Carter Green skating rink.

Take a train ride on the Reindeer Ride Express.

All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a fun-filled ride on the Reindeer Ride Express featuring sing-alongs, a visit with Santa and more holiday cheer. The train departs from Forest Park in Noblesville.

Watch a performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Palladium.

Start your holiday season with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory as they perform "The Nutcracker" at the Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 27 and 28.

Visit with Santa at the Indiana Design Center.

See the big man in the red suit and tell him what's on your holiday wish list. He'll be at the Santa House in the Indiana Design Center parking lot on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 2 – 5 p.m for Santa Saturdays.

Experience A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.

A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie is a unique holiday experience. New for 2021, the William Conner House will feature a magical 3D projection mapping holiday show. Immerse yourself in the story as the house comes to life with the imaginative and heartwarming show. Don’t forget to take a ride on Kringle's Carousel or zoom down the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.

Skate around a local ice skating rink.

Choose from outdoor options like the Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza or indoor ice rinks like the Carmel Ice Skadium, The Arctic Zone or Fuel Tank at Fishers,

Pick out a Christmas tree.

Visit Spencer Farm in Noblesville and select your Christmas tree to bring home and deck the halls.

Support local businesses.

Shop small on Small Business Saturday to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Visit the downtown shopping and dining destinations like Carmel City Center, Carmel Arts & Design District, Historic Noblesville Square, Nickel Plate District and Fishers District.

The post Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Northern Indianapolis appeared first on Maple Knoll Apartments Blog.