I've always loved the Artsgarden. Not only is it cool to look at, but it always brightens my day to walk through there on my way to the mall. I've heard symphonies, school bands and seen a lot of local art. Regardless of the quality, it lifts my spirits and, since everything is free, is really SUCH a great arts resource in our town, and exposes lots of people (mall patrons) to art that they might not otherwise have been exposed to if not for walking through that space.

Well, now there's going to be a full-blown theater production in this space next month. The world premiere of "MIDWESTERN HEMISPHERE," written by Lou Harry and Eric Pfeffinger and performed by Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre, will be staged at 8 p.m. on March 28, April 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Ticket information: $18 - available at www.heartlandactors.org or by calling the box office at 317-796-2222.

Indianapolis, IN -- Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of Midwestern Hemisphere: a suburban metaphysical comedy by Lou Harry and Eric Pfeffinger at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. This is the first time a full theatre production will be staged in this unique venue (please note, this is a ticketed event).

Midwestern Hemisphere asks: What happens when people who live next door to each other suddenly have to become, well, neighbors? The result can be described as Desperate Housewives meets The Truman Show by way of Our Town. (We're not saying that's what it is, but we imagine someone might describe it that way.) It's a laugh-out-loud comedy with a beating heart and (but please don't tell anyone) an important message about the connections between people--even the guy next door whose name you don't remember.

Lou Harry is the author of more than 15 books, has written for over 50 publications (including Variety, TheatreWeek and Dramatics) and was the founding Artistic Director of the Philadelphia-based Comedy for Kids theater company. Eric Pfeffinger's plays have been produced by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Geva Theatre Center (Rochester, NY), Visions and Voices (Chicago), Vox Humana (L.A.), the Noble Fool (Chicago), and the Bloomington Playwrights Project.

Heartland Actors' Repertory Theatre, a fully professional company, is a powerful new force in the Indianapolis theatre community. Past productions include the critically acclaimed Death and the Maiden at the Wheeler Arts Center and readings of Happy Birthday, Wanda June (part of the Year of Vonnegut celebration) and An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe both at Easley Winery. Exciting announcements will be forthcoming about future HART projects.

Production: MIDWESTERN HEMISPHERE: a suburban metaphysical comedy

By: Lou Harry and Eric Pfeffinger

Location: The Indianapolis Artsgarden, located above Washington and Illinois Streets.

Dates: March 28, April 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Time: All showtimes at 8 pm

Ticket information: $18 - available at www.heartlandactors.org or by calling the box office at 317-796-2222. "Bring your neighborhood" group discounts available.