Tuesday, May 20, 2025 SCAN
EYES IN THE SKY
Central Indiana Skywarn volunteers provide real-time updates during severe weather / P10
North Central coach brings experience / P6
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE Sir Grout expands to Indianapolis / P8
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Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 31
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Dwellane: Revolutionizing Indianapolis real estate through hyperlocal focus
news@youarecurrent.com
PROPERTY
Dwellane, a new real estate platform, aims to reimagine the traditional home buying and selling experience by prioritizing the consumer and emphasizing neighborhood exploration.
Founded by Sam Hawkins, an Indianapolis real estate agent with decades of experience, Dwellane seeks to provide a more community-centered approach to real estate transactions.
“If I started a real estate platform that was completely focused on the best outcome for the consumer, what would it look like?” Hawkins said of the inspiration behind Dwellane.
Hawkins grew up around real estate, witnessing his father, Tucker Hawkins, who was the longest-serving manager for F.C. Tucker Co., practice real estate with what he describes as integrity and trustworthiness. The experience shaped his view that real estate success is “not transactional, but relational.”
Dwellane differentiates itself from national real estate platforms by focusing on a “hyper-local exploration of neighborhoods curated by our team,” according to Hawkins. Unlike platforms that Hawkins said are “built to sell leads -- they’re B2B
Dwellane real estate platform emphasizes hyperlocal neighborhood information and community details for home buyers and sellers.
(Screenshot / Dwellane.com)
companies where the customer is the agent, not the buyer,” Dwellane aims to “empower people to make better decisions” by integrating neighborhood knowledge, community details and lifestyle tags like “foodie favorites.”
“Most platforms start with a map and a price filter. We start with a place,” Hawkins said. “At Dwellane, you can explore from metro area to region to neighborhood.”
Hawkins said each neighborhood page is “handcrafted” with boundaries drawn, photos taken, copy written and tags added for things like parks, arts and culture, or local eateries.
“You’re not just buying a house. You’re learning how you might live there,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said community involvement is a cornerstone of Dwellane’s mission.
“We support the community in ways that go beyond real estate,” Hawkins said.
Dwellane integrates “Things to Do” into its map, featuring local restaurants and attractions. The platform sponsors local organizations and events, such as the Holliday Park Ice Rink, First Baptist Athletics’ opening day for youth baseball and softball, and Conner Prairie, where it serves as the Official Membership Sponsor.
“Community is at the center of both the homebuying process and what we do as a company,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said Dwellane’s approach is unique.
“We start with neighborhoods,” he said. “And then how do we go through and provide that insight of the neighborhoods … to provide excellent service, or we won’t have them on our platform. These big companies just have (agents) go everywhere to take anything they can take. And what we said to the (agents) that we pick … they have to be, you know, successful for a period of time ...and they have to have a lot of local knowledge.”
Hawkins shared an example of its approach in assisting a family relocating from Germany to Carmel.
“They could see real photos, read about local schools and understand the character of each neighborhood before they even booked a flight,” Hawkins said.
NC grad treasures Princess experience
By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourarecurrent.com
Emily Campagna has been around the Indianapolis 500 her entire life.
500 FESTIVAL
“I grew up going to all the events, such as the 500 Festival kickoff to May, the parade and the race every year,” the 2022 North Central High School graduate said. “I learned about the (Princess) program initially through those events, but also through my family.”
tion skills, leadership and commitment to service. Applicants must attend an accredited Indiana college or university Campagna said there are many generations of Indianapolis 500 fans in her family.
“So, it’s in my blood,” she said. “Growing up around the Princesses, I got to see how they represented leadership in their communities and in the Indianapolis community, and that’s my goal as a Princess this year, to do the same just as the Princesses that have touched me.”
mother.
“I’m excited for the race day (May 25), the opportunity to do a lap around the track, let alone being with the drivers and my mentor along my side,” she said. “I’m very excited to be part of such a historical event.”
Campagna’s mentor is Ellen Saul, the senior vice president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Saul led the Princesses through a tour of IMS in late April.
Campagna, a junior majoring in political science at Indiana University, plans to attend law school.
So, it’s fitting Campagna was selected as one of the 33 500 Festival Princesses, whose selection is based on communica-
Campagna said her St. Luke Catholic School fifth-grade teacher, Heather GrayJones, was a former Princess. Gray-Jones attended high school with Campagna’s
“My focus would be corporate law, but I have a minor in criminal justice, so I would love to advocate for those who can’t,” she said.
Hawkins
Campagna
Meridian Audiology and its founding Audiologists, Ali Wyss and Kira VonBlon are all having birthday’s this spring/ summer and we’re planning a party to celebrate! You are invited to come tour the office and enjoy cake and cookies with us on July 27, 2025 1-3pm as we celebrate our 40th, 50th and 4th birthdays! Those who attend can be entered into a drawing for a free set of hearing aids.
and we are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are variable Monday-Friday and patients are seen by appointment only.
Meridian Audiology performs comprehensive audiograms, tinnitus consults, auditory processing disorder evaluations and sells and services a variety of hearing aids and accessories. Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email or online
We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss. Give us a call at 317-731-5386 to schedule a speaking date.
We look forward to meeting you and seeing how we can help you with your hearing healthcare needs – see you July 27, 2025 1-3pm!
VonBlon
Wyss
IMPD kicks off strategic plan
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has kicked off a strategic planning process to create a vision, goals and roadmap for the agency for the next five years.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
During a mid-April presentation launching the process, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said that even law enforcement agencies need a strategic plan to stay focused, accountable and effective.
“Nearly two years ago, we began the conversation about having a strategic plan and I spoke about it at my confirmation, talked about it in the budget hearings — we wanted to have a plan that would help shape the future of IMPD, to tell the story about who we are,” he said. “We sought out a local partner to help us create a meaningful living document that would guide our department over the next five years, one that allows us to adapt, grow and better meet the ever-changing and evolving needs of our community and our workforce.”
are the backbone of our agency. You keep this department running. Your insight, your challenges and your ideas are vital to our success and the success of this plan. And to our community, you are the reason why we do this work. You are our ‘why’ — your feedback is critical. We want to know what you expect from your police department in the years ahead, how we can earn and keep your trust.”
Marla Taylor of Indianapolis-based Taylor Advising is helping the city with the strategic planning process. She said during the presentation that her company will facilitate conversations and help IMPD use feedback to create the plan. Input will be gathered through surveys, focus groups and listening sessions.
Bailey said development of an effective plan will require input from the public and from IMPD officers and professional staff.
“I’ve heard (officers) say you feel unheard by your leadership, by the public, by elected officials. This is your opportunity to speak up and have a voice,” he said. “Your experience, ideas and frontline perspective are essential to shaping the department. To our professional staff, you
“Finally, we’ll be reviewing the practices of the department locally and looking at promising practices from other communities so the IMPD can learn from and build on the most effective strategies,” she said. “By having all of these voices involved, we will ensure that the final vision and strategy for our city’s police department is both employee and community driven and is tailored to the needs of both IMPD and everyone who calls Indianapolis home.”
Bailey said IMPD officers and staff have been contacted via email about how to participate in the planning process. Members of the public are invited to fill out a survey online at indy.gov/activity/impd-strategic-plan. That website also has additional information and will be updated as the process moves forward.
The plan is due for completion in 2026.
DISPATCH
State chamber names Best Places to Work — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently announced the companies ranked as the Best Places to Work in Indiana, based on employer reports and anonymous employee surveys. The top companies in five categories were: Safety Resources, Inc., Indianapolis, won the small-business category; Ultimate Technologies Group, Fishers, won the small-medium category; United Consulting, Indianapolis, won the medium category; McGohan Brabender, Indianapolis, won the large category; and ARCO Design/Build, a national firm with a location in Indianapolis, won the major category. For more, visit indianachamber. com/news-resources/ press-releases.
Bailey
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
FahKara Hawkins brings a wide range of experience to her new position as North Central High School’s girls basketball coach. Hawkins, whose maiden name is Malone, was a standout player for Purdue University before becoming an assistant coach at three universities and head coach at Oakland City (Ind.) University. She had a 97-58 record in five seasons with Oakland City, including two NAIA national tournament appearances. Oakland City had a 23-11 record in the 202425 season.
BASKETBALL
“My hope is to give them an inside look on what it takes to get there and be successful as well,” Hawkins said of sharing her experiences as a player and coach.
Hawkins replaces DeeAnn Ramey, whose coaching contract was not renewed after 14 seasons. Hawkins said the job was attractive because of the people in the athletic department and in the community.
“The rich history was a huge bonus to this opportunity because it meant I could put my own twist on a program that is no stranger to winning,” she said.
North Central finished 5-17 last season, its third consecutive losing season. The Panthers won a Class 4A state title in 2012 in Ramey’s first year. The Panthers also won Class 4A state titles in 2004 and 2005.
“I imagine the biggest transition will be the focus on our feeder program,” Hawkins said. “A great high school team can only come from attention and work in our entire district. I hope to use a style that is rooted in team success, built on changing defens-
Continued on Page 7
New North Central High School girls basketball coach FahKara Hawkins directs the Oakland City University women’s basketball team. (Photo courtesy of Oakland City)
COMMUNITY
es and quick transition offense.”
Hawkins said she will begin to assess the strengths of returning players in the coming weeks.
“Our JV team won a couple of games last season, leaving room for improvement similar to the varsity,” she said. “The freshman team did not play a full season, with most freshmen being a part of JV or varsity.”
Continued from Page 6 en’s basketball coach, starting in 2016. From 2014-16, she was an assistant coach at Butler University. She spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant at the University of Evansville, which followed two years as the Purple Aces’ director of basketball operations.
Hawkins said she was open to any high school or college position.
“I just wanted to stay around the game, whatever that looked like,” Hawkins said. “My husband (Justin) and I had two little boys in the last four years, so just being able to spend more time with him with this opportunity made that a little easier. We will take a little longer to settle and find new routines, but it will be wonderful.”
Hawkins said she will work with North Central students on the support side, possibly a social worker or success coach.
This is her first high school head coaching job. She was an assistant coach at Evansville Memorial after graduating from Purdue. She was a 2006 Indiana All-Star at Evansville Memorial.
Prior to Oakland City, Hawkins was the University of Indianapolis assistant wom-
Hawkins was a three-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection, a three-year team captain and was a recipient of the Big Ten’s Medal of Honor as a senior. She also was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team and was chosen as the Most Outstanding Player after leading Purdue to a Big Ten Tournament Championship as a sophomore. A four-year starter, Hawkins had 1,057 points, 513 assists and 351 steals as she helped the Boilermakers to two Elite Eight appearances.
Hawkins received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue in 2010. She earned her master’s degree in public health administration at the University of Evansville and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Indianapolis.
“Her passion for the game, commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court and her strong leadership make her an excellent fit for the Washington Township school community.” stated Andy Elkins, North Central’s director of athletics.
Remodeling Seminar
When sudden injuries happen, OrthoIndy Urgent Care is here to provide fast, specialized care with several advantages over an ER including:
• Shorter wait times
• On-site, highly trained orthopedic providers
• Specialized imaging for a faster diagnosis
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Sir Grout expands to Indianapolis market
By Samantha Kupiainen northindy@youarecurrent.com
In April 2025, Alec and Annalise Burtner opened the first Indianapolis franchise of Sir Grout, a company based in Cumming, Ga., that specializes in restoring worn stone, tile and grout.
NEW BUSINESS
The married couple said they wanted to open the Indianapolis franchise because of Alec Burtner’s interest in hands-on work.
Before they founded Sir Grout Indianapolis, he served in the U.S. Army and worked in the private industry.
“He’s been out of the Army for nine years now,” said Annalise Burtner, who previously worked as an actor and is now training to become a licensed mental health therapist. “We moved to Indiana originally because he started working for Eli Lilly and then shifted to being a business consultant for Deloitte. He’s been very pas-
Continued on Page 9
Sir Grout Indianapolis owners Annalise Burtner, left, and Alec Burtner and hard surface restoration technician Trevor Billings. (Photo courtesy of Annalise Burtner)
Continued from Page 8
sionate for years upon years upon years about getting into a business that’s more hands-on and more applicable to helping everyday people, and that’s how we came upon this.”
As a military family that has been frequently on the move, the Burtners said they are passionate about homeownership and maintaining a household. Poorly maintained tiles and grout can lead to problems, such as water absorption, which can harbor mold and mildew that can cause damage and potentially lead to health concerns.
“We have a deep passion for homeowners, especially when you have young children or you’re getting old — It’s hard to maintain,” Annalise Burtner said. “We have products that can actually make grout stain-, water- and mildew-resistant, and much, much easier to clean. Not only will it beautify your floors, but it makes your life even easier than it was before. That’s the part that we are the most passionate about.”
The Burtners said grout work is “not something that anybody can do” and the service can help customers keep their existing floors.
“We’re not coming into your home and cleaning it the way that you can clean it yourself,” Annalise Burtner said. “We’re doing something that the owner is not going to be able to accomplish on their own and it’s also saving them from having to completely re-do a floor, which costs so much money, takes so much time, and is ultimately not that great for the environment. For us, we’re solving a problem that people cannot solve on their own without intense amounts of money and effort.”
Sir Grout Indianapolis services include commercial and residential grout recoloring and sealing, caulking, slip-resistant application, stone cleaning and color enhancement, stone countertop sealing and more.
For more, visit sirgroutindianapolis.com/.
DISPATCH
Walk 4 Hearing set — The Hearing Loss Association of America, which has an Indianapolis chapter, is hosting its annual Walk 4 Hearing fundraiser, set for June 14 at the JW Marriott, 10 S. West St. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:45 a.m. For more, visit walk4hearing. org. For more about the HLAA Indianapolis chapter, visit hlaa-indianapolis.org.
EYES IN THE SKIES
Central Indiana Skywarn volunteers provide real-time updates during severe weather
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
When big storms approach, central Indiana residents rely on the National Weather Service in Indianapolis — which covers 39 counties — for regular updates and warnings. And the NWS relies, in part, on trained volunteers who watch the sky and give real-time reports to supplement data gathered by radar and other means.
Indianapolis resident Matthew Bechdol has been a NWS Skywarn program volunteer for about a decade and is a licensed amateur radio operator — also called ham radio. He coordinates the Marion County Amateur Radio Emergency Service team.
Bechdol said amateur radio came first, but was closely followed by weather watching
“(Radio operators) like to figure out what can we do with our radios and some of that is emergency communications,” he said, and that led him to Skywarn — severe weather spotter training. “How I got involved was … I got my (radio) license. I liked technology … and I’m the kind of guy — like a lot of us are — that wants to give back a little bit, and being a weather spotter is one of them.”
He added that he was a little bit of a weather geek, which made the Skywarn program that much more appealing.
Skywarn volunteers don’t have to be amateur radio operators, especially now that cellphones are widely used, but Bechdol said there was a time when amateur radio was the fastest and easiest way to provide “ground truth” weather information — data provided directly from a witness.
Sam Lashley is the warning coordination meteorologist with NWS Indianapolis. He said the Skywarn program started after a deadly super outbreak of tornadoes in spring of 1974.
“Basically, they identified the need to have trained weather spotters out there to get information back to the National Weather Service more quickly,” he said. “Of course, back then — no cellphones, everything was landlines. So, when storms went through and the landlines went down, then it was left up to amateur radio operators to communicate back. So, the idea really initiated with training just amateur
radio operators.”
The program evolved as more communication options became available, he said, and now anyone can be a weather spotter.
“We have kids as young as 10 or 12 years old who have a fascination or interest with weather all the way up to … senior citizens who love weather and want to help out the community,” Lashley said. “It’s a very large, expansive group.”
Lashley said Skywarn volunteers aren’t storm chasers and the NWS doesn’t encourage anyone to go out in severe weather. Training generally is a two-hour event during which volunteers learn about
weather and how to report.
“We’re really training people for wherever they’re at,” he said. “If they’re at home, if they’re in the car, if they’re at work — and we train them to be our eyes and ears out there in the field and to report back to us. So, there’s not a lot of expectations, other than just teaching them what are precursors to severe weather, what to look for and then how to report back to us.”
He said about 1,500 people participate in the training annually for a region that covers 39 Indiana counties, including Hamilton, Marion and Boone. Those volunteers
recently were helpful during severe weather that included confirmed tornado sightings in Hamilton and Hendricks counties. Bechdol noted that even when radar has indicated a tornado, it isn’t confirmed until someone has seen it touch down.
“Four years ago, there was a tornado that went between Avon and Plainfield, near the rail yard. And we had one of our operators get a couple good pictures of a funnel cloud over that direction,” Bechdol recalled. “He was able to relay the information. We got that to the National Weather Service and it confirmed what they saw on radar. Sometimes when you listen to the news, they’ll say ‘radar indicated.’ It’s what it looks like on radar — but is it actually on the ground? What’s actually going on? That’s where a spotter really helps.”
In 1974, the central and eastern United States and parts of Canada experienced a “super outbreak” of tornadoes April 3 and 4, a period that continues to hold tornado records, including the largest number of F5 tornadoes in a single outbreak and the second-highest number of tornadoes in a single day. The highest was in 2011.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, those two
days in 1974 resulted in 335 direct fatalities and more than 6,000 injuries over 13 states from 148 confirmed tornadoes. Thirty of those were F4 or F5 tornadoes, and the total tornado path was about 2,600 miles.
In Indiana, the super outbreak included 21 tornadoes that hit 46 counties, including an F5 near DePauw. Throughout Indiana, 47 people died during that storm system and 900 were injured.
For more about the NWS Skywarn program, including how to volunteer, visit weather.gov/ind/spotter. For more about amateur radio, visit the National Association for Amateur Radio website at arrl.org.
ON THE COVER: Matthew Bechdol, a Skywarn volunteer, uses his amateur radio to communicate with other volunteers and National Weather Service officials during storm events.
(Photo courtesy of Matthew Bechdol)
Skywarn program volunteers report damage after a storm passes and provide real-time reports during severe weather. (Photo courtesy of NWS Indianapolis)
Skywarn program volunteers with the National Weather Service in central Indiana help document real-time severe weather in the region, such as strong storms and tornadoes.
THE SUPER OUTBREAK
Leno, Newton among newcomers to Center Presents schedule
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The 2025-26 Center Presents schedule includes popular returnees and legendary newcomers.
PERFORMANCES
There are 59 Center Presents performances at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Most are at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.
“We’ve left room to add 10 to 12 more through the season, which we always do because there are always some artists who haven’t announced they are touring,” said Jeff McDermott, the Allied Solutions Center president and CEO. “We don’t want to close the opportunity to book additional artists. It’s always interesting who becomes available. In years past, we’ve had people like Sting and John Legend who get announced midseason because they weren’t available when we were booking. Each year we have great headliners, some who have been here before and some that are new. Some are traditions for us.”
Two performers set to appear in the special events portion at the Palladium for the first time are Jay Leno (Sept. 27) and Wayne Newton (Feb. 14).
The 2026 jazz series portion features returnees Chris Botti (March 6) and the Branford Marsalis Quartet (March 20)
The pop/rock series includes Burton Cummings of the Guess Who Aug. 10 and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Sept. 13. McGuinn will perform in The Tarkington.
Others in 2026 include Chris Thile (April 10), The Electric Orchestra Experience (May 2) and Jake Shimabukuro (May 8)
“Jay is one we’ve wanted for a long time and never had the opportunity to have,” McDermott said. “Wayne Newton has a unique following. He’s had a very long career as a singer, as a Las Vegas performer, as an actor. He’s iconic and synonymous with Las Vegas.”
McDermott said two popular returnees are Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass Aug. 7, and David Foster and Katharine McPhee Dec. 2. Both shows sold out on previous visits.
Samara Joy will make first Palladium appearance Nov. 14.
“She’s probably one of the hottest young jazz singers around,” McDermott said. “She could be winning Grammys for pretty much everything she does.”
‘I’m a big fan of Jake Shimabukuro, who can do things with the ukulele that no one else in the world can do,” McDermott said. “He’s just an amazing talent.”
David Foster and Katharine McPhee will perform Dec. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
could go out and play harmonica on the stage and we’d sell tickets. People just love going to shows during the holidays. We’re bringing in far better talent than I could provide.”
In addition to Foster and McPhee, the series includes Jon McLaughlin & Friends, Dec. 5, Dave Koz & Friends, Dec. 12 and Chris Isaak, Dec. 13.
The Songbook series includes Michael Morrison (Oct. 17); Joshua Henry (March 13); Mandy Patinkin (April 9); and Michael Feinstein (April 17). As the artistic director for the Allied Solutions Center and Songbook Foundation founder, Feinstein performs his annual concert April 17.
“We’re bringing back the Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen (Jan. 30), which is remarkable,” McDermott said. “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is probably as well-known, popular and respected an orchestra as there is anywhere in the world.
There are several returnees in the holiday series. The holiday series is always a special one for us. I always joke that I
“Jon McLaughlin and Dave Koz are becoming traditions for us. We have them back every year,” McDermott said.
McDermott said “Choir! Choir! Choir!” will be a unique show Oct. 2
“It’s literally a sing-along with the audience,” McDermott said. “We’ve never done anything quite like that and I think it will be really interesting. `Bugs Bunny at the Symphony’ (Nov. 1-2) will be a fun, unique show. The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 26) have been with us before and (are) always a crowd pleaser.”
The Live at the Center series will be renamed Local Mix Music Series and will be available live and livestreamed.
“We’re really excited top to bottom on this one,” McDermott said. “It’s our 15th anniversary season. We’ll have some other surprises during the season to mark our crystal anniversary.”
For a full schedule, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
Sadie Johnson performs in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concerts features Marina City with Starlite Lounge and Chris Carney at 7 p.m. May 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’
The Indianapolis Ballet Conservatory presents “The Phantom of the Opera” at 7 p.m. May 23, and at 4 and 7 p.m. May 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” is at 7:30 p.m. May 23 and 2 p.m. May 24 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit my.at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit my-ballet.org.
DISPATCH
Fishers Community Chorus concert set — The Fishers Community Chorus will conclude its ninth season with a free pops concert at 7:30 p.m. May 20, featuring the Mudsock Jazz Combo. The concert will be in the new Fishers City Hall & Art Center Theater and will focus on songs from Broadway musicals. Lobby doors open at 7 p.m. for the concert, “Curtain Up!! A Tribute to Modern Musical Theater.” The concert blends familiar favorites with fresh surprises. “Curtain Up!!” celebrates the stories, sounds and characters that have shaped a new generation of theater. For more, visit fisherschorus.org.
Leno
Newton
‘Mermaid’ role suits HSE grad
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Craig Underwood figures he was made for this
The 2000 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate plays Chef Louis in “The Little Mermaid” May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
“Chef Louis is an over-the-top, larger-than-life foodie,” Underwood said. “I’m basically playing myself with a French accent. The role is incredibly fun to play. Chef Louis has a great little song in Act 2 and creates a bit of chaos due to his extreme passion for seafood. I’ll be getting quite the workout during the run of the show.”
Underwood has portrayed many different characters at Beef & Boards. He said some of his favorites are Gangster No. 1 in “The Drowsy Chaperone;” Ghost of Christmas Present in “A Christmas Carol;” Murray in “The Odd Couple;” and Tito Merelli in “Lend Me A Tenor.”
“I now live in New York City, which has opened up a lot of opportunities in performing,” he said.
“My parents and sister are still living on the north side of Indianapolis, so they love when I get to perform at Beef & Boards. Acting is my full-time gig, and I have been lucky to have some consistent work regionally. I spent most of last year performing in Wisconsin. I also teach theater classes, work as a model and serve at a restaurant between productions.”
Underwood had the opportunity to direct and choreograph a production of “The Little Mermaid” in 2023.
“I was also in a different hourlong adaptation with the Pyramid Players at Beef & Boards back in 2016,” he said.
At HSE, Underwood performed in musicals and show choir. A cello player, he also participated in the wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band and winter guard.
For more, visit beefandboards.com
‘Phantom’ returns to IBC
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s presentation of “The Phantom of the Opera” was an resounding success in 2024
PERFORMANCES
“Last year, it was nearly sold out, but not like two months in advance like this year,” IBC founding Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva said. “It’s great even though our parents couldn’t buy enough tickets soon enough.”
The three sold-out performances are set for May 23-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Tarkington has 500 seats.
Morgan Rust, who grew up in Noblesville, returns in the role of Christine. She will join the Finish National Ballet for the 2025-26 season.
Carmel resident Luke Derksen, who attends Indiana University, returns as Raoul, and Justin Hamilton, a former Carmel resident now at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, portrays the Phantom. All three are former IBC students.
IBC will take the show on the road at 7 p.m. June 7 at Eagles Theatre at the Honeywell Arts and Entertainment Center in
Wabash. Derksen and Hamilton will reprise their roles, and Indianapolis resident Ashlie Rohan will be featured as Christine.
IBC’s Summer Intensive for ages 9 and older is set for June 23 to July 25, and participants have options of two, three or five weeks. The Young Dancer Summer Intensive for ages 6 and older is set for 9 a.m. to noon June 2-20. The Fairytale Days Summer Camp for ages 3-5 is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon June 2-20.
The IBC school year starts Aug. 11.
For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
Underwood
From left, Justin Hamilton, Morgan Rust and Luke Derksen appear in the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” (Photo courtesy of IBC)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This north Carmel basement bar underwent a striking transformation, evolving from a cluttered, traditional setup into a sleek and moody entertainment hub. The goal was to create a more refined and functional space for hosting with a bold yet timeless aesthetic.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Rich navy cabinetry replaced the dated cherry wood, introducing depth and modern elegance.
• Brushed nickel hardware and globe pendant lights bring in contemporary contrast.
• White quartz countertops and a subtle tile backsplash offer a clean, sophisticated foundation.
• Integrated wine storage, open shelving, double drawer fridge and upgraded finishes make this bar both handsome and highly functional.
• A deep navy accent wall and layered lighting design create an inviting, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for evening gatherings.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
