You can get your tickets now for next production in GHDT’s Mélange Series

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Mélange: concoction, mixture, combination.

In this new series of performances brough to you by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (GHDT), audiences experience art coming to life in front of their eyes in an intimate theatrical setting. Each series features three unique and talented artists of different genres. Together they create art at The Florence (Carmel’s newest black-box theatre space), in a collaborative and organic manner.

This Mélange Series features a vocalist, dancer and visual artist. The dancer creates spontaneous movement inspired by the singer, as the visual artist creates spontaneous art inspired by the dancer and the music. Audiences will experience live art in a new manner, bringing groundbreaking and creative art to central Indiana.

Audiences love the interactive nature of the Mélange performances in The Florence, located at 329 Gradle Drive. The artwork created during the performances is auctioned to audience members at the end of the performance.

The next production of the Mélange series features vocalist Tim Hunt, dancer Abigail Lessaris, and visual artist Lily Kessler, and will take place at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16. Tickets are $20 for general admission seating and can be purchased at this link.

Vocalist: Tim Hunt

Tim Hunt was twice named Broadway World Indianapolis’ “Best Performer” for his work as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Frank in The Rocky Horror Show. Other favorite credits include Chicago (Fred Casely); Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter); Forever Plaid (Sparky); A Year With Frog and Toad (Snail); A Chorus Line (Paul); La Cage Aux Folles (Chantal) and J. Eyre (Rochester).

Locally, his has performed with Actors Theatre of Indiana, Beef and Boards, IndyFringe, Q Artistry, Zach & Zack, and GHDT in both the concert and filmed versions of the Emmy-winning La Casa Azul. He has recorded with Hal Leonard Publishing, Music Theatre International, and Broadway Jr. He is also an Indianapolis Encore award-winner and theatre wig designer.

Dancer: Abigail Lessaris

Abigail Lessaris was born and raised in Greenwood, Ind. She started taking dance lessons at the age of three. After falling in love with performing, she joined the pre-professional student company of GHDT in 2008. She remained a part of this program for six years, which was filled with incredible opportunities and intensive training. In addition, she was a student at The Academy of GHDT since its opening in 2009, where she received her most valuable training under the instruction of Mr. Hancock and the wonderful AGHDT faculty.

Upon graduating in 2014, Lessaris was hired as a full-time dancer with GHDT. She has danced with the company for 10 seasons. Her time with GHDT has brought many unique experiences such as touring to India, performing with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and collaborating with Michael Feinstein.

She has performed numerous memorable roles with GHDT including, La Muerte in La Casa Azul, Octavia in Antony and Cleopatra, and the Cross in Superhero: The Story of a Man Called Jesus. In 2017, she stepped into the role of Rehearsal Director taking on a leadership role with the dancers. In August 2021, she became the Assistant Director, where she continues to help the company thrive and grow. She is honored to work alongside so many talented artists and is excited to see what her 11^th season with GHDT brings.

Visual Artist: Lily Kessler

Christine Lily Kessler is an artist, author, and teacher. She is currently an adjunct professor at Butler University, where she teaches yoga philosophy and methodology. Her abstract paintings transform philosophical ideas into visual narratives, offering a creative lens to explore the profound wisdom of yoga. Her artistry reflects her passion for culture, history, and the dynamic process of self-discovery, illustrating the deep connection between creativity and personal growth.

As the creator of The Art of Living Yoga, a four-book series, Kessler integrates her artistic perspective with a commitment to honoring yoga’s rich heritage. This collection – Honoring Yoga’s Roots, Embracing Yoga’s Heritage, Crafting and Teaching Holistic Classes, and Embodying Mindfulness Practices – provides a thoughtful approach to understanding Yoga’s roots while encouraging its meaningful application in modern life. Her work inspires readers to engage deeply with these traditions, fostering both awareness and innovation.

Kessler currently leads spiritually based global retreats as a peace effort, curating transformative experiences that encourage introspection and cultural connection. These journeys, most recently to Peru and Spain, offer participants the chance to rediscover shared humanity and deepen their understanding of themselves and others. Through her painting, writing, and teaching, she bridges the realms of art, philosophy, and yoga, guiding others toward lives enriched with clarity, wisdom, and interconnectedness.