Registration now closed

An Evening with James Whitcomb Riley: Play Reading

Actors Theatre of Indiana LAB Series

This new play by Keith Miller explores how a simple country poet, born in Greenfield, Indiana, became one of the bestselling authors of his time. Registration is recommended.

Most Indiana natives have heard of James Whitcomb Riley. His poems have remained part of early childhood reading classes for decades. But how did this Hoosier poet go from passing a hat after his lectures in little towns across Indiana to sold-out performances in Madison Square Garden in New York City? You may know his name, but you don’t know his story. Keith Miller's new play An Evening with James Whitcomb Riley is based on a real event that happened 132 years ago when Mark Twain and James Whitcomb Riley appeared at Madison Square Garden for a sold-out performance entitled A Night with the Gods. In this special ATI LAB Series presentation, enjoy a reading and a talk-back session with cast members and the playwright.

Following this LAB Series reading, the play will be presented in February 2026 by Actors Theatre of Indiana in a fully staged production as a benefit for Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation and the James Whitcomb Riley House.

This event is presented in partnership with Actors Theatre of Indiana and the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation. Registration is recommended.

Upcoming events