How to See a Play at the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis

The Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis is housed in a converted church, but you won’t find much reverence here. The Phoenix is your best bet in the city for off-beat, contemporary plays and musicals, such as recent performances of “Urinetown: The Musical” and “Naked Boys Singing.” Located at 749 N. Park Ave. in the Massachusetts Avenue Arts District – known to locals simply as “Mass Ave” – the Phoenix Theatre is a good choice for a date or a night out with friends.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate theatre attire
• Your own automobile or a rental car

1. Visit the Phoenix Theatre Web site (see Resources below) to view a schedule of upcoming performances, which will include offbeat, irreverent musicals and award-winning off-Broadway plays. The theatre’s annual Christmas show has become a tradition for many Indianapolis residents, but you won’t find anything as tame or traditional as “A Christmas Carol” here.

2. Purchase tickets online or call the box office. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for people age 24 and younger, and discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Shows usually begin at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

3. Allow time before the show to enjoy dinner at one of the excellent restaurants on Mass Ave. Our favorite is R Bistro, where the menu changes weekly to reflect local, in-season produce. Need a cheaper option? Try Yats, where a heaping plate of a Cajun or Creole specialty will set you back just $5.50 (not counting the wonderful peanut-butter pie).

4. Allow time to find a parking space. On weekend evenings, street parking in the Mass Ave area can be hard to come by, and you may need to park several blocks away.

Tips & Warnings

• The Phoenix Theatre relies heavily on word-of-mouth advertising, so tickets are just $15 during the first week of any production.
• On the Wednesday after opening weekend of a production, the Phoenix offers a “pay what you can” performance. You can donate a canned good or other non-perishable food item to pay for your admission, or you can make a cash donation of your choice.
• Phoenix Theatre productions are not always appropriate for children. Call the box office if you have questions or concerns about a particular show.

Resources

• The Phoenix Theatre
• Mass Ave Arts District