Indianapolis Civic Theatre

Enchantment awaits in Enchanted April

by Lindsay Eichelman

During a week when Indianapolis was slammed with nasty winter weather, April seems like a welcome spot that is still too far away. However, by stepping into the friendly atmosphere of the Indianapolis Civic Theatre for a Sunday afternoon, the audience was taken on a beautiful journey to Italy that was full of friendship, revelations, life lessons, laughter and love that was indeed enchanted.

Enchanted April is a story of two women, Lotty and Rose, who are tired of rainy post-World-War-I London and their husbands. Feeling restless and unsatisfied, the women conspire to rent a castle on the Mediterranean in Italy, where they are promised “wisteria and sunshine.” Lotty and Rose set off, along with two other women, for the holiday of a lifetime. While in Italy, the characters have a chance to take a step back from their convoluted lives and see things for what they really are, gaining a new appreciation for their lives — complete with its “befores and afters.”

As I was transported to Italy in April, spring came to life. A renewed appreciation for my own life emerged along with the characters as I was reminded that sometimes we need to take a step back to appreciate things for what they really are. I found myself identifying with each character in some way: Lotty as the energetic, spontaneous, life lover; Rose as the cautious rule follower; Mrs. Graves as the person who just needs a little attention and Caroline who just wants to be understood. As the friendships grow and flourish between these four women, the audience is drawn into this fun-loving story full of laughter.

Enchanted April, a truly beautiful story of friendship, life and love that any woman can identify with in some way, continues through Jan. 15 at Indianapolis Civic Theatre on the campus of Marian College. Show times vary. Tickets are $21 and $28. Call (317) 923-4597 or log on www.civictheatre.org.