The District Theatre has unveiled a 2025 agenda which Managing Director Pauline Moffat described as “promising to be unforgettable, with eclectic productions that inspire, entertain, and connect us all. The District Theatre is more than a venue – it’s a community.”
As she unveiled the lineup, she has also asked supporters to help the District Theatre reach
$15K matching grant goal “and make 2025 our most impactful year yet.” To make a donation: https://indydistricttheatre.vbotickets.com/donations/8217.
For tickets to any of the productions listed below, go to https://indydistricttheatre.vbotickets.com/events.
The lineup, with descriptions provided by the District Theatre:
MUSICALS
* A Cabaret of Legends / Starring Tymisha Harris. March 6 – Annual Fundraiser; March 7-9 – Mainstage performances.
A captivating performance by Tymisha Harris, renowned for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the acclaimed production, Josephine. With her powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma, Tymisha Harris will pay homage to the greatest performers of all time. From the soulful rhythms of jazz to the electric energy of pop, this unforgettable cabaret promises to deliver a non-stop spectacle of music, dance, and pure entertainment.
* Hair: The Musical / July 18-28.
The revolutionary Hair returns to electrify audiences with its timeless themes of individuality, resistance, and love. Featuring iconic songs like Aquarius and Let the Sunshine In, this musical is as relevant today as ever, reflecting ongoing conversations about identity and justice.
* American Mariachi / by José Cruz González / Oct. 10-26.
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of mariachi music in this heartwarming tale of a young woman breaking norms to form an all-female mariachi band. With Indianapolis’ growing Latino community, this play is a tribute to the resilience and beauty of cultural heritage. Made possible through the generous support of Glick Philanthropies.
NEW PLAYS, PARTNERSHIPS AND FESIVALS
* Stufferage / by Jan White / May 23-June 1.
Dive into the cluttered chaos of “stufferage”, a laugh-out-loud exploration of a horder’s life, where possessions aren’t just objects – they’re cherished members of the family. Meet a cast of quirky, lovable characters whose towering stacks of treasures reveal their most fascinating (and absurd) traits.
* Lockefield on the Ave / by Robert Webster / March 24-31.
A white aspiring journalist, Tom Sucker, wants to write for a predominantly black newspaper, The Indianapolis Recorder. His father is a member of the KKK but Tom doesn’t agree with their beliefs and joins with a black business owner, Percy Davis, on Indiana Avenue to write a story about the power of unity between races and the historical and communal importance of Indiana Avenue. But dark secrets of both men’s father’s past and the racial segregation of the time threaten their ability to join together and make a difference.
* 20 Years of IndyFringe at The District / Aug. 16-25.
Celebrating two decades of the vibrant IndyFringe Festival, a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene. With experimental performances, diverse voices, and community engagement, this partnership is a testament to the power of creativity.
* New Works / Indianapolis Ballet / Oct. 31-Nov. 3.
Experience the transformative collaboration between Indianapolis Ballet’s School of Ballet and the dancers of the Indianapolis Ballet, where new choreographic voices bring fresh energy to the world of classical ballet.
IndyDrag Theatre
* Sweeney Todd: A Drag Parody Musical / Feb. 21-23, 27-28 and March 1-3.
In a twisted tale of love, revenge, and really meaty tuck-er-pies, this drag musical follows the demon barber of Fleet Street and a deranged baker as they team up to enact justice on the cruel and corrupt London elite.
* Legally Blonde: A Drag Parody Revival / May 9-11 and 15-18.
The Y2K favorite about sisterhood, finding your own voice, keeping it positive, and doing the bend and snap.
* Clue: A Drag Parody / Aug. 1-3 and 7-10.
When a mysterious benefactor death drops after blackmailing six strangers, chaos ensues in this drag farce inspired by the beloved board game and cult classic film.
* Frozen: A Drag Parody Musical / Nov. 14-16 and 20-23.
Inspired by the hit Disney musical, this frosty drag fairytale follows Princess Anna on a journey to save the kingdom from a perpetual winter caused by her sister, Elsa the ice queen.
Indianapolis Black Theatre Company
* Black Solos Fest / Jan. 24-26.
Twelve performances by four performers on the District Theatre’s two stages.
Discover the power of solo performances in this festival spotlighting contemporary Black narratives. These voices will inspire, provoke, and uplift, reflecting the depth and diversity of human experience. The productions:
– Bloodline: Paris Crayton III -The multi-generational love story of three men with the same name.
– BRINGME2B (Return To Me): Tasha Jones – A conversation between “the people, the poem, and the poet” traversing America’s trajectory of Black Me.
– The Kitchen Table: Curtis D. Shepard – Two things you need in life: Gray-haired friends to translate shit and an old kitchen table.
– The Real Black Swann Confessions of America‘s First Black Drag Queen: Les Kurkendaal – The true story of William Dorsey Swann. He was a former slave who became the Queen of Drag in the 1800s.
* Indiana Avenue Ten Minute Play Festival / Five plays by five playwrights / Jan. 31-Feb. 2
Indiana Avenue, known as “The Harlem of the Midwest,” is the inspiration and the shared memories and rich history bring these stories to life. Witness the brilliance of Black artistry and support emerging talents in our local theatre scene presented by Black Light Training and Development.
