Top 5 Performances to see this fall

The Rockae
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27-29 and 2 p.m. Aug. 30
WHERE: Wells-Metz Theatre
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Adapted from “The Bacchae” by Euripedes, “The Rockae” gives the classic story of Dionysus and King Pentheus an edgy ’80s feel. Filled with glamour, groupies and gods, this rock musical is sure to be different from anything you’ve seen.
TICKETS: $10 for students

Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 5
WHERE: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: This Indianapolis-based band was a recent discovery of mine. Rummaging through the stacks of CD’s in my public library this summer, I saw an album entitled “Not Animal” by a band with an attention-grabbing name, and I decided to check it out.
After the first three songs, I was hooked. The lyrics are true, the instrumentals are expertly mixed and the melodies are moving. Their sound is similar to Arcade Fire and The Decemberists. Needless to say, it should be a great show.
TICKETS: $14 in advance and $16 day of show

The Temptations
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 10
WHERE: Buskirk-Chumley Theater
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: As one of the most influential groups in soul music, Motown group The Temptations have earned their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in music lovers’ hearts.
From “My Girl” to “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” The Temptations’ works have always been on my list of favorite rock ’n’ roll songs. With their fun choreography and tight harmonies, this legendary band is sure to provide audiences with a fun and entertaining performance.
TICKETS: $40 to $45

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
WHEN:7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-16 and 2 p.m. Oct 10
WHERE: John Waldron Arts Center
WHY YOU SHOULD GO; As an avid fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” I recognized Joss Whedon’s talent when he aired a musical episode of the show. Therefore, I eagerly anticipated his online musical, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and was not disappointed.
Dr. Horrible is a story about a super-villain attempting to build a freeze ray. He documents his exploits, as well as his crush on the girl at the laundromat on an online blog. A hilarious musical score provides many laughs as well.
Director and IU student Josh Cohen said he immediately fell in love with Dr. Horrible. Cohen said he developed the idea of a stage production while watching the show and then submitted a stage adaptation to Joss Whedon, which was approved and received licensing.
Along with having a dedicated cast and crew, Cohen said the show will have elements of both film and theater.
“This really is a fusion of film and stage,” he said. “Mixing all types of filmmaking and theater, audiences will get a sense of uniqueness.”
TICKETS: $10 for students

Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles
WHEN: 8 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16
WHERE: IU Auditorium
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: As a die-hard Beatles fan, it has been my dream to see the Fab Four live in concert. Oh wait ... hey, it’s 2009. Can somebody please build a time machine to take me back to Feb. 9, 1964?
Or I can just go to this show that promises to give audiences a realistic portrayal of John, Paul, George and Ringo and their music. Rain depicts The Beatles’ reign from their 1964 performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” to their Abbey Road album, complete with costumes and historical video footage.
IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher said he is most excited for the song “Rain.”
“It marks Homecoming Weekend and pays honor to what is undeniably one of the best rock bands ever,” he said.
TICKETS: $18 to $40 for students

Please see Wednesday’s edition of the IDS for another one of Caitlin’s columns.