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PLAY BY IUPUI'S L.E. MCCULLOUGH CAPTURES JAZZ AGE IN INDIANA, SET AGAINST BACKDROP OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CHANGE

INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI Humanities Theatre Group and Indiana Historical Society Theatre this month will host the world premiere of "That Band from Indiana!" - a musical play that captures the exuberance of the Jazz Age in Indiana against the backdrop of the political and social flux of the time.

The first of five performances of the play written by L. E. McCullough, creative writing instructor in the School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, takes place at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Indiana Historical Society Theatre, 450 W. Ohio.

"That Band from Indiana!" traces the rise of the Charlie Davis Orchestra from its 1923 beginnings at Casino Gardens, now known as Municipal Gardens, to the band's 1930 -1932 headlining performances at Paramount Theatre in New York. During the two-year tour, the band shared stages with Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Bob Hope and Ethel Merman.

Through reenactment of the band's personal and private life, McCullough's play brings to life the history of jazz's phenomenon popularity amidst the waves of social, political and economic change fostered by the onset of Prohibition, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, changing roles for women, and the evolution of motion picture and radio.

"The hot jazz of the 1920s was the first American popular music that truly thrived among a 'youth market' and successfully drew musicians and fans across racial, religious and class borders," McCullough said. "Indiana was a major meeting point for this new musical style."

His original play weaves real events into the plot with music and songs, the playwright said.

Indiana Historical Society commissioned McCullough's play as part of its expanded educational programming.

"It blends history and music to spotlight a vibrant decade in American history, when Indiana was known as the dancingest, swingingest state in the union," IHS Development Officer Eadie Barrie said.

Repeat performances of "That Band from Indiana!" will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5; 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6; 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12; and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

The all-star case includes professional actors Richard Merriman, Shelley Johnston, Ryan Metzger, Amanda Smith and Tony Fese. Pianist John Austin Butsch, alto saxist Phil Hampton and trumpeter Darlies Jones will perform.

Reserve ticket prices range from $10 for students to $20 for general admission. For tickets, call (317) 234-1313 or (317) 232 -1882.

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