GO! July 24, 2014 by The Times of NWI

07.24.2014-07.30.2014

The Wayans Brothers BOZ SCAGGS ENTERTAINING IN HAMMOND FRIDAY N W I .CO M /G O

‘CHARLOTTE’S WEB’ WEAVES MAGICAL TALE ON STAGE

THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

SIBLINGS OF COMEDY BRINGING HUMOR TO STAR PLAZA THEATRE

DANTE’S HOUSE OF PIZZA FEATURES LUNCH BUFFET AND SPECIALS 1

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07.24.2014-07.30.2014

ON THE COVER:

The Wayans Brothers host a night of comedy at Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre.

THE BIG SCREEN 10 / CAPSULES The lowdown on all the latest films at a multiplex near you. 12 / 24/7 Your guide to the latest events and happenings in Northwest Indiana and surrounding regions. 15 / FUEL Line up for lunch at Dante’s buffet

COVER STORY 4 / SEE AND DO Tom Lounges interviews the endlessly funny Wayans Brothers.

MUSIC+CLUBS 3 / LOCAL SCENE Spotlight on music performances and happenings in the area 7 / THEATER The latest local theater productions and shows. 8/ SEE AND DO “Charlotte’s Web” a family favorite at Broadway Playhouse in Chicago

P H O T O B Y E L O I S E M A R I E VA L A D E Z

ABOVE: Baked Potato Soup is one of the features on the Dante’s luncheon buffet. P H O T O C R E D I T: T O M M C G R AT H

LEFT: The cast of Emerald City Theatre’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.” Copyright 2014 Go! is published Thursdays by The Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. No part of Go! may be reproduced without prior written consent. For permissions requests, reprints, back issues and more information, call 219-933-3200 or visit nwi.com/pages/contact-us

CARE TO COMMENT? WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GET LEMON-RICE SOUP IN THE REGION?

THE FOLLOWING ANSWERS ARE VIA FACEBOOK. NIKKI M. GUEVARA: “Akropolis, Petros and The Wheel. VERONICA CABRALES: Indiana Restaurant in East Chicago

Follow us on social media to join the conversation. For next week, Where’s your favorite place to enjoy an ice cream sundae around the region? LET US KNOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL ELOISE.VALADEZ@NWI.COM TO BE FEATURED IN NEXT WEEK’S FEEDBACK! facebook.com/gonwitimes

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Operators, 8pm. Aug. 30 (21 and older). $12

Top songs on iTunes ➙ 1. Everything I Didn’t Say, 5 Seconds of Summer • 2. Rude, MAGIC! • . Stay With Me, Sam Smith • 4. Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea), Ariana Grande • 5. Maps, Maroon 5 • 6. Dirt, Florida Georgia Line • 7. Am I Wrong, Nico & Vinz • 8. Boom Clap, Charli XCX • 9. Chandelier, Sia • 10. Love Runs Out, One Republic

Russian Red, 9pm Oct. 23 (21 and older). $12 THE VENUE AT HORSESHOE CASINO Horseshoehammond. com

Local scene

Kanisha K. grooves to the Region

‌S

‌Tom Lounges / beatboss@aol.com

everal months ago a radio promotion friend Tom Mazzetta suggested this 21-year-old R&B/pop singer from Holland, Mich. named Kanisha K. might be a good guest for my weekly Lakeshore Public Radio show, “Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges.” It only took a couple of tracks from her 8-song, self-titled debut CD to convince me Mazetta was right. Kanisha K. – the K. is for her surname Kasten – proved to be a wonderful guest. She was poised, confident, well-spoken, humorous, and a gifted vocalist. Northwest Indiana music lovers can catch her live Aug. 1 for a 7:10pm mini-concert at Gary’s U.S. Steelyard prior to a Railcats vs. Kansas City T-Bones home game then again for a 90-minute concert Aug. 7 in the Lakeshore Public Radio Free Entertainment Tent at the Lake County Fair. Those unable to attend the shows can hear Kanisha on 89.1FM-The Lakeshore at 6pm Tuesday, July 29 as in-studio guest performing live on air and spinning new recordings, including an amped up dance re-mix of her snappy “girl power” song, “Stupid Boyfriend.” Kanisha will likely chat about her love of animals

Journey, 8pm Sept. 4 (21 and older). $98.50-$144 METRO Metrochicago.com JD McPherson, 8:30pm Sept. 5 (18 and older). $19 Hercules and the Love Affair, 11pm Oct. 3 (18 and older). $17 Kongos, 8pm Sept. 20 (18 and older). $18

as well as her music. She has two dogs, two cats, a bird and a rabbit as pets. “I will be performing 3 songs to tracks at the Railcats game,” said Kanisha, who will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The free concert begins at 6:30pm. “My first radio song to chart was ‘I Found Love’, recorded at Capitol Records in L.A., but it wasn’t on the debut album,” reflected Kanisha. “The first song to be played worldwide was

‘My Another Day’ from the album. My new single, ‘Bring Me Home,’ produced and written by Larry King from Chicago, is getting me a lot of attention.” The track was engineered and mixed by Grammy Award winner Craig Bauer, whose credits include Kanye West, Richard Marx, Styx, and Straight No Chaser, among others. “I love being able to do what I love and to inspire people who think that their dreams can’t come true,” she said. More: www.kanishakmusic.com.

J.J. Kelleys 2455 Bernice, Lansing, IL 60438; 708.474.9977; jjkelleyslansing. com

White Rhino 101 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311; 219.864.9200; whiterhinoonline. com

Woodhollow After Dark 200 U.S. Hwy 41, Schererville, IN 46375; 219.864.8862

Social 219 2350 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375: 219.322.3060: socialtwoonenine.com

Buddy and Pal’s Place Schererville 340 U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375; 219.865.8377; buddyandpals.com

Meyers Castle Lounge 1370 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311; 219.865.8452; meyerscastlelounge.com

Stadium 1480 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311

Bullpen Bar & Grill 1013 W. U.S Hwy 30, Schererville, IN 46375; 219.322.7788; gotobullpenbar.com

Danny Z’s 1860 45th St., Munster, IN 46321; 219.924.3500: dzpubngrub.com

Longshots Sports Bar 2251 US HWY 41, Schererville, IN 46375; 219.322.0080

Zodiac 113 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307; 219.663.0303; zodiaccafelounge.com

Goodfellas 11200 W. 129th Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303; 219.374.6700; Goodfellascedarlake.com

Beer Geeks 3030 45th St., Highland, IN 46322: 219.513.9795: Beergeekspub.com

Jackson Browne, 7:30pm Oct. 14. $44.50-$99.50 Jason Mraz, 8pm Nov. 7-8. $38.27$90.23 PARK WEST Jamusa.com Bombay Bicycle Club, 7:30pm Oct. 14 (18 and older). $25

Sarah Jarosz, 7pm and 10pm Sept. 27. $25

My Brightest Diamond, 9pm Nov. 13 (21 and older). $15

Marketa Irglova, 8pm Oct. 16. $25

Noah Gundersen, 9pm Oct. 24 (18 and older). $18

Loudon Wainwright III, 7pm Oct. 5. $36 Head for the Hills, 8pm Sept. 25. $20 REGGIE’S ROCK CLUB Reggieslive.com Onslaught, 7:30pm Oct. 28 (17 and older). $15-$20 “Progtoberfest,” featuring Spock’s Beard, Richard Sinclair, Stick Men and Bigelf, 1pm Oct. 25-26 (21 and older). $55-$180 Suffocation, 6pm Oct. 7 (18 and older). $27

Buddy and Pal’s Place Crown Point 1206 E. Summit St., Crown Point, IN 46307; 219.662.0088

THE CHICAGO THEATRE Thechicagotheare. com

LINCOLN HALL Lincolnhallchicago. com

Adrian Belew Power Trio, 8pm Nov. 1. $35

Kanisha K.

EDJ, 8pm Spt. 23 (21 and older). $12

Antje Duvekot, 7pm and 10pm Oct. 4. $22

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK Oldtownschool.org

Go! OUT Live Music VENUES

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Michael Chorvat, 7pm Sept. 16. $8

MCANINCH ARTS CENTER AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE Atthemac.org Cobie Caillat, 8pm Aug. 29. $65-$70

Carmen Esposito, 7pm Oct. 14 (21 and older). $15 Bambi Raptor, 8pm Sept. 6 (21 and older). $10 CITY WINERY Citywinery.com Macy Gray, 8pm Sept. 28-29. $48-$68 Crystal Bowersox, 8pm Sept. 25. $25$45 NTH Power, Van Ghost, 10pm Aug. 31. $14 VIC THEATRE Jamusa.com Slowdive, 8pm Oct. 30 (18 and older). $29 SUBTERRANEAN Subt.net Velvet Teen, 10pm Sept. 14 (17 and older). $10-$12 Sir Sly, 9:30pm Sept. 19 (17 and older). $12 MC Frontalot, 8pm Aug. 21 (21 and older). $12-$15

SCHUBAS Scubas.com Send information on upcoming concerts to nwitickets@gmail.com.

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CELEB BIRTHDAYS ‌➙ JULY 25: Actress Barbara Harris is 79. Drummer Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds is 71. Bassist Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire is 63. Supermodel Iman is 59. Cartoonist Ray Billingsley (“Curtis”) is 57. Actress Illeana Douglas is 49. Actor Matt LeBlanc is 47. Actress Miriam Shor (“Swingtown,” ‘’Hedwig and the Angry Inch”) is 43. Actor David Denman (“Parenthood,” ‘’The Office”) is 41. July 26: Actor James Best (“The Dukes of Hazzard”) is 88. Singer Darlene Love is 73. Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is 71. Actress Helen Mirren is 69. Drummer Roger Taylor of Queen is 65. Actor Kevin Spacey is 55. Singer Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen) is 53. Actress Sandra Bullock is 50. Actor Jeremy Piven is 49. Host Chris Harrison of “The Bachelor” is 43. Actress Kate Beckinsale is 41. Drummer Dan Konopka of OK Go is 40.

COVER STORY

Weighing in with the Wayans Brothers ‌TOM LOUNGES / TIMES CORRESPONDENT‌

aving come a long way from the Manhattan apartment they once called home with their loving parents Howell and Elvira Wayans and six other siblings – brothers Keenen, Damon, Shawn and Marlon – are as much an entertainment empire these days as they are a family. The four have become successful writers, directors, screenwriters, comedians and actors as have some of their other siblings, along with their collective children and in some cases grandchildren. It all started when eldest brother Keenen Ivory Wayans dropped out of college his senior year forsaking the electrical engineering degree he had invested three years into, to chase his dream of doing stand-up comedy. “It was while in college I discovered improvisation and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said Keenen. “Leaving college to do comedy is risky from the standpoint of if you really wanted to be an electrical engineer, but for me I really wanted to be a comedian. College was just the part of my journey to open those doors and show me where I wanted to go.” Keenen knew he had made the right decision in leaving college when a call came to appear on “The Tonight Show.” The four Wayans talked with The Times last week about their careers and the summer comedy tour bringing them to Star Plaza Theatre on Friday. Here are some of the highlights. For the full interview, visit: www.nwitimes. com. The Times: Tell me about the Star

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Plaza Theatre show this Friday. Shawn: It’s a night of straight up stand-up comedy. We go up one by one, in sort of a tag team style. The tour goes through summer and at the end we’ll be filming it. Then there are plans to go back out together again next year sometime. Marlon: You get four Wayans brothers for the price of one. You get all kinds of comedy because we’re all so different. Times: Let’s hear more about the filming. Keenen: We’re definitely going to film it, but haven’t settled on a venue yet. Damon: Probably New York. Keenen: I’m directing it. The vision for it is really pretty straight forward – each of us performing individually, then collectively at the very end doing some playing with the audience. We haven’t decided on everything yet like if we’ll be doing something on how the tour came together or behind-thescenes stuff. It’ll probably be a mix of both. Times: Keenen, is it hard to direct family? To separate being their big brother and being their director? Keenen: Part of being a director is having the trust of your actors. That is the role of a big brother too, being someone they trust and look to, so being both works in my favor when working with family. Times: Each of you has an individual style of comedy and writes his own material – describe them? Keenen: I draw mostly from my own life. I don’t talk about topical things or observations. Damon is like

AP PHOTOS

Brothers Marlon, Shawn, Damon and Keenen Ivory Wayans, from left to right, are pictured during arrivals for a screening of “White Chicks” in Los Angeles, June 16, 2004.

Actors Marlon Wayans, left, and his brother, Shawn, pose Friday, July 7, 2006, at Sony Studios in Culver City, Calif.

me in that he talks mostly about his personal life. Marlon and Shawn are much more focused on pop culture. Damon: Marlon is the ultimate performer of the bunch, amazing physically with an ability to act out and present material that’s just incredible. Shawn’s a good performer and really funny with a quick wit. Keenen has become a master comedian. He has the ability to structure stuff like Seinfeld. He’s got the rhythm and timing of Chris Rock and the ability to call back stuff like Louie Anderson. I am a storyteller and I do characters.

Damon Wayans opens the 6th annual BET Awards in this June 27, 2006, file photo in Los Angeles.

Times: What was it like growing up in a family of performers and future comedy stars? Shawn: We didn’t know we were performers. We were just brothers and sisters. We were just kids who grew up very poor in New York City, who used our imaginations to get us through some tough times. Especially at the dinner table, that’s where it’d all go down. One of us would get in trouble and the rest of us would make a bit out of it. Times: Entertainment families so often implode with in-fighting, but

the Wayans have been cranking out successful projects for over 30 years now. What’s the secret to working for so long and so close with family members? Marlon: Knowing your daddy and your mama will still whip your butt if they hear us argue. My dad is 76 and he’s still quick to pull that old nasty belt out of his loops and tell us that’s not how we were raised. Ours was a very, very loving household so no matter what we’re doing, we always bring ‘family’ into it. Shawn: We were raised — family first. We work together on things and this is business, so there are disagreements. But at the end of the day we all walk out as brothers and leave work behind. Damon: We work together on things, but we also all do our own projects. I do my mobile apps, Shawn does animation, Marlon does a thousand different things and Keenen has his own outlets. But we are there for each other. We know we can go to each other to get a fresh perspective, an idea, and get the support we need. Times: Keenen, you struck gold with your 1988 movie, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucker,” and although it proved to be a wise career move, it seemed crazy for you to jump from doing films to doing a TV project like “In Living Color.” Keenen: Initially, that was my point of view as well. But Fox came to me with an offer, with a situation giving me creative freedom. Having that opportunity outweighed the idea of TV versus movie. Fox was a young network then and was looking for someone to help brand the network, which is why they allowed me that kind of creative freedom. Times: “In Living Color” was very edgy for the era and broke down barriers. Damon, you helped create that show with Keenen. Share a memory or two about it. Damon: Before Fox would put it on air they went and checked with everybody – the NAACP, the Rainbow Coalition, GLAD…you name the organization and they probably went and got their blessing. We never thought the show would ever get on the air, so we certainly never thought it’d still have the kind of popularity and impact it has. Times: What was the secret to the success of “In Living Color?”

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PROVIDED

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Damon: The cast, the direction and the freedom we had. Keenen encouraged everyone to have fun. One time we all started laughing during a sketch and we stopped. Keenen said — ‘What are you doing? Keep going if that happens. It’s okay if you laugh.’ He was adamant that we have fun because if we were having fun people would pick up on that. Everybody really loved each other and loved working together. I loved Jim Carrey, loved Jamie Foxx, loved David and Tommy. It was easy to have fun and be funny with all those amazing people there. We would just roll camera and let things happen. Times: Outside of your own family, what comedians most influenced you? Shawn: I love, love, love Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Jerry Seinfeld. But I also love ‘The Honeymooners’ with Jackie Gleason and Art Carney, the stuff that Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin did together, Abbott and Costello, and “I Love Lucy.” I think Lucille Ball was brilliant. Marlon: There’s so many. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Monty Python, George Carlin, Robert Townsend, Dave Chappell, Kevin Hart… the pioneers and my contemporaries… because I’m just a fan of comedy and they are some of the best. Times: You mentioned Chicago comedian/filmmaker Robert Townsend. Keenen, you and Robert have worked on many projects including “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Eddie Murphy: Raw” and “The Five Heartbeats.” How did you two team up?

Keenen: Robert and I met when we both auditioned at The Improv in New York. We stood in line, struck up a conversation and became friends. We’ve been friends ever since. We may be doing ‘Five Heartbeats’ as a Broadway play (a la ‘The Jersey Boys’). That’s something we talked about a few months ago before this comedy tour started coming together. Shawn: Robert was Keenen’s best friend, so for Marlon and me he was like another big brother. When we were little kids, Robert was the one who actually brought Marlon and me on stage for the first time ever at The Improv in Los Angeles. That’s how we both got our feet wet doing stand-up. Times: All of you have been successful at directing, producing, TV and film, acting, writing, standup comedy, ensemble comedy, etc. Which medium do you most enjoy? Shawn: I love them all, but I really love writing, because writing is what allows us to do all the other things we do. I love the creative process. I love starting with just an idea, building on it and making something out of nothing. Damon: For me, it’s stand-up because you know right away what’s not funny. You can’t cheat the process. Doing stand-up is like hitting the gym, it’s how you keep your rhythm, your timing and your connection to an audience. It’s where a comedian goes to get their swagger back. Stand-up is invigorating and challenges you to always be your best. Keenen: I’d say doing ensemble comedy you have to bring together and manage all the different personalities. Making it all cohesive in an ensemble is challenging, but when it happens it’s magical. Marlon: If I have to pick, it’s stand-up because I feed off the energy of a live audience. No matter how bad my day is, when I hit that stage it all goes away. Times: What’s next for each of you? Keenen: Right now, it’s ‘Last Comic Standing’. We’re doing a reinvention of the old show. It’s airing now on NBC Thursday nights at 9pm Central. (Author’s Note: a live touring version of the program featuring star contestants visits Star Plaza Theatre Oct. 9).

Damon: I’m thinking about going back to TV. I have an idea for a show but it’s more of a cable kind of thing instead of a network thing. It’s not a sitcom, but I don’t want to say too much else about it. Shawn: I’m always working on my stand-up. Me and Keenen are working on a pilot and have a few other things cooking in the kitchen I can’t really talk much about just yet. A couple of movies, a couple of TV shows…still writing, still creating. In other words, I’m keeping very, very busy. Marlon: I’m always writing and I have some ideas for things, but right now I’m focusing on ‘Funniest Wins!” and doing this live tour and film with my brothers. Times: “Funniest Wins” is your new TV comedy talent competition airing Fridays at 9pm Central on TBS-TV. Tell us about it. Marlon: Right now it’s just a summer series but it keeps gaining in the ratings. People seem to really, really like this show. If they pick it up, we may go right into the regular season. We find contestants in a combination of ways — YouTube, Vibe, the comedy clubs, and doing auditions. It’s not scripted. It’s about thinking on the spot, coming up with brand new stuff. It not about the drama, it’s about the funny.” Times: What’s your best advice to a rising young comedian dreaming the dream? Damon: There is no such thing as a classic joke; there are just old jokes. A singer can be a one-hit wonder and have a career for a lifetime, but a comic has to keep creating new jokes or their career is over. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Don’t be afraid to suck. Just go on stage and keep bombing until you get funny again. Comedy is like jazz music, it’s what you play between the notes that makes it special. Keenen: Believe in yourself and live in the confidence that life is going to take you where you need to go and be willing to do the work. Shawn: Enjoy the whole journey and stay focused on the art. Don’t get caught up in the party. FYI: The Wayans Brothers Live! starring Damon Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday at Star Plaza Theatre, Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, Merrillvillle. Tickets are $55 and $75. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit starplazatheatre.com.

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Footlight Players mark year 65 with ‘Carnage’ Tim Shellberg / Times Correspondent‌

aulton Dickey, director of Michigan City’s Footlight Players production of “God of Carnage,” sees his production of the acclaimed dark comedy as a balancing act of sorts for his four-member cast. “It’s mainly conversations, and some action happens, but you don’t want it to be static and boring,” he said. “But at the same time, you don’t want to be too big and grandiose. I want to try and stick with what the writer wanted it to be.” Opening Aug. 1 and running through Aug. 10, “Carnage” chronicles a meeting between two sets of parents, Alex and Annette and Michael and Veronica, who come together after a violent altercation between the couples’ sons at a park. What is intended as a meeting to resolve the matter between the two boys escalates into the couples viciously taking each other to task as well as sparking conflicts between both husbands and wives that could threaten their marriages. “Carnage” was penned by French playwright Yasmina Reza and made its debut in her homeland in 2006. It made its way to these shores three years later, with James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis as the feuding parents, each receiving a Tony nomination for their roles. Roman Polanski adapted “Carnage” for the big screen in

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2011, starring Christoph Waltz, Kate Winslet, John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster. Dickey says he rallied for two years for Footlight to greenlight a production of Reza’s play. “It’s a dark show,” he said. “I appreciate it because it’s kind of a dark commentary on human nature and about the masks we wear.” Alex Bonner plays Alex and Emily Chidalek plays his wife, Annette, in Footlight Players’ production of“Carnage.” Aram Arden portrays Michael and Alice Dickey plays Veronica. “All four of them are great,” Dickey said. “They get it. We’re trying not to go too big and over the top with it, and they all do really well with playing it smaller.” “God of Carnage” is the kickoff production for Footlight Players’ 65th season. Their next production, the musical “Oliver,” is slated to open Oct. 3. FYI: “God of Carnage” runs at 7:30 pm Aug. 1-2, Aug. 7-9 and 2 pm Aug. 3 and 10 at Footlight Theatre, 1705 Franklin St., Michigan City. Cost is $12 and $10 for Aug. 7 performance. Call (219) 874-4035 or visit FOOTLIGHTPLAYERS.ORG.

William Wild Photography

“God of Carnage” opens Aug. 1 at Footlight Theatre in Michigan City.

“All four of them are great,” Dickey said. “They get it. We’re trying not to go too big and over the top with it, and they all do really well with playing it smaller.” daulton dickey, Director

THEATER THROUGH JUL 26 ROMEO AND JULIET, Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. chicagostreet.org Shakespeare’s iconic story of young love cast against the turmoil of an ages-long family feud is brought to life on the Chicago Street Theatre stage.

THROUGH AUG 10 THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com TV favorites Granny, Jed, Jethro, Elly May, Mr. Drysdale and Jane Hathaway are back and singing in this musical version of the ‘60s TV comedy. This world premiere musical follows the Clampett family as Jed strikes oil, becomes a millionaire and moves the whole clan to Beverly Hills.

JUL 25-26 HAMLET, 8pm, Crown Point Community Theatre, 1125 Merrillville Rd, Crown Point. 219.805.4255. cpct.biz This classic play of madness, ambition and revenge gets a modern twist with current dress and set in “Denmark,” which looks a lot like 21st century America. With the help of his friends, his girlfriend, and the ghost of his father, a brooding 20-something Hamlet vows to find the truth about his father’s murder and punish the

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Theatre in association with M & M Productions puts on a two musical show season every year with an occasional third musical.

guilty—starting a chain of events that could mean not only his own undoing, but possibly the destruction of everyone around him.

STAR PLAZA THEATRE, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theater consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of Northwest Indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson Hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatergoers.

JUL 25-27 FROM UP HERE, Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org High above the bustle of the city, five strangers find solace on the Brooklyn Bridge, suspended between who they were and what they might become. This play explores time, change and the choices that shape the lives of five very different people whose paths cross in the most unlikely of ways. From Up Here asks the question: what makes life worth living?

JUL 25-27 MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, Merrillville High School’s Reinhart Auditorium, 276 E 68th Pl, Merrillville. m-mproductions.com Based on the popular movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this outrageously funny musical tells the story of King Arthur and his gathering of knights as they travel in search of the Holy Grail.

JUL 25-27, AUG 1-3, 8-10 DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso.

PROVIDED

“Hamlet” is being performed by Crown Point Community Theatre. 219.548.9137. mohlive.com Stylish, sexy and irreverent, this show centers on two conmen who realize that one small French town isn’t big enough for the both of them. They agree the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target wins and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of cons ensues that will keep audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the end.

VENUES INDIANA FOOTLIGHT PLAYERS, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.874.4035. footlightplayers.org This community theater group has been entertaining audiences in

Michigan City for more than 50 years with its productions of dramas, comedies and musicals. FOURTH STREET THEATER, 125 N 4th St, Chesterton. 219.926.7875. 4thstreetncca.org Originally founded in 1990 as the North Coast Cultural Association and was located in the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church until a fire burned the church down in 1998. The second location, now the Fourth Street Theater, opened its doors in the fall of 1999. In the summer of 2002, Fourth Street Theater joined the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation, or NIETF, from whom they have since received over 120 nominations and 40 awards for excellence in

all aspects of theatrical production. MARIAN THEATRE AUDITORIUM, 119th and Lincoln Avenue, Whiting. 219.659.3776. The Marian Theatre Guild, founded in 1928, is the oldest continuous community theatre group in Indiana. The guild is committed to providing audiences with riveting dramas, lighthearted comedies and wonderful musicals with local Northwest Indiana premieres. Productions are shows in April and November with dinner shows on Saturdays. Season ticket plans are available.

THE MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. mohlive.com This renovated, 364-seat building—with red, white and blue stained-glass windows—was built as a living memorial to the Civil War veterans of Porter County. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. ROSS MUSIC THEATER, 227 Center Street, Hobart. m-mproductions.com Ross Music Theatre is a community theater group whose goal is to involve everyone who wants to in the magic known as theater. Ross Music

THE THEATRE AT THE CENTER, CENTER FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest.

ILLINOIS AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, 50 E Parkway, Chicago. 312.902.1500. auditoriumtheatre.org A National Historic Landmark and a mainstay of Chicago architecture and theatre since 1889, the Auditorium continues

to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions. BROADWAY IN CHICAGO, VARIOUS VENUES, Chicago. 800.775.2000. broadwayinchicago. com A joint venture between the two largest commercial theater producers and owner/ operators in the U.S., Broadway in Chicago offers the finest of professional stage productions in multiple theaters, all residing in Chicago’s lively Loop. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe St. Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St. Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St. CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER, Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.5600. chicagoshakes.com Prominently located on Navy Pier in Chicago, this venue mounts renowned productions of the plays of William Shakespeare, as well as works from distinguished American and international playwrights and directors. The theater’s mission to reach out to younger audiences is well accomplished with its offerings of children’s productions and student matinees. The architecturally dynamic structure houses both an engaging, 500-seat courtyard theater and a 200-seat black box theater.

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Searching the ‘Web’ Lessons and laughter intertwine in Emerald City’s new production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ ‌ hilip Potempa / philip.potempa@nwi. P com,

‌A

ctress Tosha Fowler, who has lived in Chicago for eight years, but still has a hint of an accent from her Savannah, Ga. family roots, was considered for a couple roles in the new stage production of “Charlotte’s Web” produced by Broadway In Chicago and Emerald City Theatre. “I could have been either The Goose or Charlotte the Spider,” said Fowler, who snared the title role for the 75-minute family theater production, now playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut in Chicago, running until Aug. 17. “But I really wanted to play the role of Charlotte.” For Fowler, it’s still the soft, alluring and familiar voice of actress Debbie Reynolds, 82, who provided the spider’s voice for the 1972 animated feature film telling of the story she always associates with this spun yarn. “After I was cast for this role early last spring, the first thing I did was order a copy of the book and the film,” Folwer said. “I wanted the original animated version featuring Debbie Reynolds, and that’s what I thought I selected. Instead, when it arrived, I discovered I had accidentally ordered the 2006 remake, so I had to re-order the right one.” Long before there was “Babe the Pig,” Wilbur was the swine that young fans of books and movies knew and loved. It was more than six decades ago when “Charlotte’s Web” was published. Children became enthralled with the story of the little pig who survived life’s ups and downs — and even death from

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P h o t o c r e d i t : T o m Mc G r a t h

The cast of Emerald City Theatre’s production of “Charlotte’s Web,” presented by Broadway in Chicago until Aug. 17 at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago includes a talented human cast with animal instincts.

pork-loving county fair visitors — with the help of a caring spider. The classic was written in 1952 by author E.B. White, who also wrote “Stuart Little.” In 1960, when White was first asked for permission to turn his beloved book into a cartoon movie, he declined. He was worried a movie studio would change how the characters looked. He also feared a studio would turn the story’s ending into a happier one. White also was angry with his book’s illustrator, Garth Williams, who wanted to put a “woman’s head” on his title character Charlotte, even though White had given the artist numerous photographs of real spiders. Williams argued that real spiders looked too scary. The

two men finally agreed on giving the spider a simple little face. (Williams’ distinct artistic talents are also seen in the entire original Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” book series.) Fowler said she feels honored to be able to bring to life the remarkable spider Charlotte on stage, joined by Wilbur the Pig, Templeton the Rat and all the other farmyard friends, swirled around the excitement at the State Fair. Liam Dahlborn, 12, who plays Wilbur, was last seen during the holidays starring as Hermey the Elf in Emerald City’s stage adaptation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Avery Moss plays Fern, the young girl so attached to her piglet friend and Erik Strebig is featured as Templeton the

Review See Phil Potempa’s review of “Charlotte’s Web” on today’s Feature Focus page A12

Rat. This new run of “Charlotte’s Web,” recommended for all ages, features live music, performed by musicians in the cast, creating an American folk band. They take the audience from dawn at the farm all the way to the state fair with banjo, guitar, cello, violin, percussion and even a kazoo or two. Young audience members are invited to arrive early with family to enjoy a “pre-show” that includes live music on stage, games and interaction with the characters from the story and even coloring and crafts in the theater lobby.

Founded in 1996, Emerald City Theatre serves a mission to create theater experiences to inspire early learners through the play. Billed as one of Chicago’s most attended non-profit theaters, it has annual programing that reaches more than 80,000 patrons. Through a rigorous collaboration between innovative artists and leading educators, Emerald City develops new work for young audiences and has had more than 29 world premieres. Fowler last appeared in Emerald City’s production of “Snow White” as The Evil Queen for the 2012 production at Apollo Theater in Chicago. “I loved doing the role in ‘Snow White,’” Fowler said. “But doing this story on stage has an even more special meaning for so many young audience members. ‘Charlotte’s Web’ helps to share the lessons of life and death with children in a beautiful way. I still find myself moved to crying at the telling of this tale. And there are so many bits of wisdom delivered during the story. I love in the story when the farmer runs in to the kitchen to tell his wife about this amazing pig and the messages in the

P h o t o c r e d i t : T o m Mc G r a t h

Liam Dahlborn, 12, plays Wilbur and Tosha Fowler stars as the title character in Emerald City Theatre’s “Charlotte’s Web” presented by Broadway in Chicago.

spider web that are appearing. The wife replies that it sounds more like it’s the spider that’s amazing, rather than the pig.” WHAT: Emerald City Theatre’s “Charlotte’s Web” presented by Broadway in Chicago • WHERE: The Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut, Chicago • WHEN: Now until Aug.

17, with 10 a.m. performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday and some scattered 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday shows. • HOW MUCH: $16-$24 with a select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. • FYI: Call (800) 775-2000 or visit broadwayinchicago.com or emeraldcitytheatre.com. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.

P h o t o c r e d i t : T o m Mc G r a t h

Featured is the cast of Emerald City Theatre’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.” The play runs until Aug. 17 at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago and includes a talented human cast with animal instincts.

HURRY ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT!

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Other Summer Memberships Available. *Certain restrictions apply.

221 US Hwy 41 • Suite A • Schererville, IN 219-865-6969 OPEN 24 HOURS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

810 Michael Drive • Chesterton, IN 219-983-9832 Mon-Fri: 5am -10pm; Sat & Sun: 7am-7pm

Visit us on the web: FranciscanAlliance.org/Omni n w i .co m /g o

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Fandango’s Top 10 ticket best sellers‌‌: ‌‌‌1. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 2. The Purge: Anarchy 3. Planes: Fire and Rescue 4. Sex Tape 5. Transformers: Age of Extinction 6. Tammy 7. 22 Jump Street 8. How to Train Your Dragon 2 9. Maleficent 10. Earth to Echo

IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND

PROVIDED

‌AND SO IT GOES

1 hr 34 min| PG-13 | Released July 25 There are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and that’s just the way he likes it. Willfully obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet. His wife Sarah Beth passed away years ago, so while awaiting his big real estate break, he’s biding his time in the waterfront four-plex building he owns – “Little Shangri-La” – surrounded by neighbors who have formed a close-knit community that he mostly avoids. Even kindly Leah (Diane Keaton), who persists in inviting Oren to participate in mojito happy hour despite his cranky demeanor, gets rebuffed. His only real friend, fellow realtor Claire (Frances Sternhagen), gets a pass because of their decades-long history and the fact that she can dish out snark and sarcasm as well as he can even when he’s at his eye-rolling worst. Oren’s life gets turned upside-down when his estranged son Luke (Scott Shepherd) appears out of the blue, asking him to temporarily care for the nine-year-old granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) Oren never knew existed.

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HERCULES

‌BOYHOOD

BEGIN AGAIN

Haunted by a sin from his past, Hercules has become a mercenary. Along with five faithful companions, he travels ancient Greece selling his services for gold and using his legendary reputation to intimidate enemies. But when the benevolent ruler of Thrace and his daughter seek Hercules’ help to defeat a savage and terrifying warlord, Hercules finds that in order for good to triumph and justice to prevail... he must again become the hero he once was... he must embrace his own myth... he must be Hercules.

“Boyhood” is something different entirely. Filmed over 12 years, for a few days each year, the movie follows one family — two parents, two kids — as they navigate love, marriage, divorce, school, work, pain, pleasure and everything else a family can go through.

This is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together. Gretta and her long-time boyfriend Dave part ways when the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray.

Yet the story isn’t particularly dramatic — certainly not by the standards of typical Hollywood storytelling. Indeed, its utter simplicity — some might say even banality — is its strength. What happens to this family, and specifically to Mason, the main character, over 12 years? Life. That’s what happens.

Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan, a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent.

2 hrs |PG-13 | Released July 25

2 hrs 44 min | R| Released July 11

1 hr 45 min |R | Released June 27

Go! TO THE MOVIES ‌ MC Showplace 16 A 875 Deer Creek Drive Schererville, IN 219.322.9762 amctheatres.com

‌ awn of the Planet D of the Apes 2 hrs 10 min | PG-13| Released July 11

In “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes a growing nation of genetically evolved apes, led by Caesar, are threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Earth to Echo

Tammy

The lives of a trio of inseparable friends are about to change. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys begin receiving a strange series of signals on their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they team up with another school friend, Emma, and set out to look for the source of their phone signals. What they discover is something beyond their wildest imaginations: a small alien who has become stranded on Earth.

Tammy (Melissa McCarthy) is having a bad day. She’s totaled her clunker car, gotten fired from her thankless job at a greasy burger joint, and instead of finding comfort at home, finds her husband getting comfortable with the neighbor in her own house. It’s time to take her boom box and book it. The bad news is she’s broke and without wheels. The worse news is her grandma, Pearl (Susan Sarandon), is her only option—with a car, cash, and a desire to see Niagara Falls. On the road, with grandma riding shot gun, it may be just what Tammy needs.

1 hr 29 min | PG | Released July 2

1 hr 36 min | R | Released July 2

AMC Showplace 12 1400 Eagleridge Schererville, IN 219.322.9264 amctheatres.com AMC Showplace Hobart 12 2590 Southlake Mall Merrillville, IN 219.755.0377 amctheatres.com

Kennedy Theatre 6735 Kennedy Ave. Hammond, IN 219.845.5336 Crown Theatre 19 N Court St. Crown Point, IN 219.663.1616 Hoosier Theatre 1335 119th St Whiting, IN 219.659.0567 Cinemark Theater 700 Porter’s Vale Blvd Valparaiso, IN 800.326.3264 Lansing Cinema 8 16621 Torrence Ave Lansing, IL 708.418.0300

Portage 16 & IMAX 6550 U.S. Highway 6 Portage, IN 46368 219.764.7469 imax. com/theatres/t/ portage-16-imax/ Art Theater 230 Main St. Hobart, IN 219.942.1670 hobartarttheater.com

‌Transformers: Age of Extinction

‌Jersey Boys

Think Like a Man Too

Transformers: Age of Extinction begins after an epic battle left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history…while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

The film tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. Clint Eastwood’s big screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of the foursome, whose hit songs influenced a generation, and are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which still plays to packed houses across the globe.

In the ingenious adaptation of comedian and nationally syndicated radio host Steve Harvey’s New York Times best-selling book Act Like A Lady, Think Like a Man, we meet a group whose romantic entanglements with the women they pursued made for plenty of sharp comedy and heartfelt reflection. Leave it to a big wedding in Las Vegas to make the next stage in these couple’s lives fraught confluence of fears, desires and good intentions gone wrong.

‌How to Train Your Dragon 2

‌The Fault in our Stars

22 Jump Street

In the thrilling second chapter of the epic trilogy, five years have passed since the heroic young Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriended an injured dragon and forever changed the way the residents of Berk interact with the fire-breathers. Now, Vikings and dragons live sideby-side in peace on the fantastical isle that has been transformed into a dragon’s paradise. But when grownup responsibilities loom on the horizon, Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless take to the skies in search of answers.

Hazel and Gus are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. The Fault In Our Stars, based upon the number-one bestselling novel by John Green, explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.

After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don’t have to just crack the case — they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship.

2 hr 37 min | PG-13 | Released June 26

1 hr 45 min | PG | Released June 13

n w i .co m /g o

2 hr 14 min | R | Released June 20

2 hr 5 min | PG-13 | Released June 6

2 hr 2 min | PG-13 | Released June 20

1 hr 49 min.| R| Released June 13

Hercules [PG-13] 700 930 1210AM [REALD 3D] 700 930 1210AM lucy [R] 800 1030 1205AM Dawn of tHe Planet of tHe aPes [PG-13] 1135AM 245 605 915 [REALD 3D] 1000AM 110 420 730 1035 tHe Purge: anarcHy [R] 1100AM 140 420 700 940 Planes: fire & rescue [PG] 1005AM 1225 245 505 725 945 [REALD 3D] 130 345 615 sex taPe [R] 1000AM 1230 300 530 800 1030

transformers: age of extinction [PG-13] 1225 [REALD 3D] 400 tammy [R] 1100AM 140 425 710 955 eartH to ecHo [PG] 1010AM 1235 300 maleficent [PG] 145 430 22 JumP street [R] 1025AM 115 405 705 950 How to train your Dragon 2 [PG] 1130AM 210 450 730 1010 cHef [R] 1030AM 830 Deliver us from evil [R] 1045AM begin again [R] 1215AM

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EVENTS JUL 25-26

‌THROUGH JUL 26

Porter County Fair, noon-close, Porter County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 217 E Division Rd, Valparaiso. 219.462.0321. portercountyfair.com. This annual county fair offers a combination of fun rides, delicious food, 4-H exhibits and activities, and some great entertainment including a demolition derby and bull riding. Live entertainment includes Hunter Hayes, Willie Robertson and Justin Moore. THROUGH AUG 28

Arts in the Park, 6:30-8pm Wed, Thu, Fox Park’s Dennis Smith Amphitheater, Truesdell Ave, La Porte. 219.363.9317. artsintheparklaporte. com. Attendees to this weekly event can enjoy music, art and poetry on the beautiful hillside overlooking Clear Lake. July 24: Meet the Beetles!, Lee Bauman and Dr. Scott Simerlein; July 30: La Porte City Band, Youth Art Exhibit and Mayme Stump reading Connie Edwards’ poetry; July 31: Hobart Area Concert Band Youth Art Exhibit and Cathy Buckman for Poet Laureate Emeritus Yvonne Elshout. THROUGH SEPT 13

Tai Chi in the Park, 8:30am Sat, Meadows Park, 9400 Southmoor Ave, Highland. 219.838.9875. kjmalearning.com. Tai Chi is a type of moving meditation teaching balance for both mind and body. Today, The History of Rum, 6:30-7:30pm, Lansing Public Library Community Room, 2750 Indiana Ave, Lansing. 708.474.2447. lansingpl.org. Food historian Cynthia Clampitt shares the history of rum, as well as the pirate connection. Registration required.

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SUMMER PUBLIC SHOW, 7:30pm, Merrillville Community Planetarium, 199 E 70th Ave, Merrillville. 219.650.5486. mcpstars.org/public/ spring. Warm summer nights offer a great opportunity to explore the sky. Attendees can learn about the bright stars and constellations visible during the summer and how to find the planets Mars and Saturn in the sky just after sunset.

JUL 26 7TH ANNUAL OLD CAR SHOW, 9am-3pm, La Porte County Historical Society Museum, 2405 Indiana Ave, La Porte. 219.324.6767. laportecountyhistory.org. Nearly one hundred classic, muscle and collectible cars of all eras will be on display outside the museum during this annual show. Attendees will be charged per car and the cost includes admission to both the car show and museum.

‌JUL 25

PROVIDED

BOZ SCAGGS, Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs brings his unique voice and trademark sound showcasing his abiding respect for a wide

✔ spectrum of American roots music. Scaggs is currently touring in support of his 2013 release “Memphis.”

JUL 26 PIKK’S FOOD AND MUSIC FEST, noon-10pm, Central Park Plaza, 63 Lafayette St, Valparaiso. 219.476.7455. pikkstavern.com. This festival features food from Adobo Grill Indianapolis and Pikk’s Tavern, plus musical guests The Unit and The Crawpuppies.

EXHIBITS THROUGH JUL 26 AMERICAN, WHITE RIPPLE GALLERY & CO, 6725 Kennedy Ave, Hammond. 219.433.4072. whiteripple.com. Using a variety of styles, visual forms, symbols and metaphors, each work in this exhibit provides a wide-angle view into the bi-cultural

American experience. Some of the artists are first, second or third generation immigrants, while others can trace their heritage back to the Native American Indians.

THROUGH JUL 26 MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W Second St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. This intimate group showing features the work of five esteemed artists of the highest artistic practice in the field of contemporary fiber arts. These established and emerging artists incorporate a redemptive sensibility in the use of methods and materials in this innovative 2-D and

3-D exhibit.

THROUGH JUL 27 SUMMER OF ART, SOUTHERN SHORE ART ASSOCIATION, 724 Franklin St. ,Michigan City. 219.879.4980. southernartassociation.com. A favorite of regional residents as well as visitors, this exhibition showcases works of art in various mediums—traditional to contemporary painting, photography, glass and fiber art.

THROUGH AUG 6 FLORAL CONVERGENCE— WHERE FINE ART AND ILLUSTRATION MEET, Chesterton Art Center, 115 S 4th St, Chesterton. 219.926.4711.

lynwellsand.com. Artist Lyn Wellsand’s paintings, photographs and illustrations are on display.

THROUGH AUG 10 PARALLEL PURSUITS—TOM BRAND’S FINDING FORM AND CAROLE STODDER’S SHAPING SPACE, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, 1709 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso. 219.464.5365. valpo. edu/artmuseum. This exhibit offers an opportunity to compare and contrast the abstract works of two Michigan City, Ind. artists. Brand’s art features carefully composed shapes with an expressive or painterly surface, while Stodder’s paintings

feature geometric patterns with hard edges.

THROUGH AUG 15 FIFTY AND OVER ART, Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York Ave, Whiting. 219.473.4215. ccsj.edu. A talented group of artists aged 50 years and older display their works in a variety of media.

THROUGH AUG 31 BABY BOOM OR BUST! Center for Visual and Performing Arts Atrium Gallery, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline. org. This exhibit takes a fond look back at the iconic, often innocent, images

of life in the nuclear age with iconic imagery by artist Brian J. Sullivan and memorabilia— including Hanna Barbera characters, Barbie and Ken, Howdy Doody, space toys and robots, lunch boxes, presidential memorabilia and vintage paint-by-numbers from an atomic childhood.

THROUGH AUG 31 SUMMER SIZZLE, South Shore Arts, 435 Fayette St, Hammond. 219.933.0200. southshoreartsonline.org This group exhibit highlights the diverse and talented instructors of the Hammond branch of South Shore Arts and features a wide range of work using a variety of mediums—including oil, painting, acrylic painting, airbrush, charcoal drawing, clay sculpture

local honey, prepared foods from local vendors and a variety of handcrafted items.

and photography.

FARMERS MARKETS THROUGH AUG 27 DEMOTTE’S MARKET IN THE PARK, 11am-7pm Wed, Spencer Park, east side of Halleck St, Demotte. 219.964.8626. Visitors to this weekly market can enjoy crafters, food, produce and live entertainment.

THROUGH SEPT 25 SCHERERVILLE INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKET, 3-8pm Thu, Redar Park, Replinger Rd/ Park St & S Park Ave, Schererville. 219.865.5503. Fresh farm produce, artisan baked goods, specialty foods, freshly ground coffee, locally grown honey, personal care products, locally farmed meats and a beer/wine garden with performances by local, acoustic performers make this market a must-see.

THROUGH SEPT 28 MILLER BEACH FARMERS MARKET, 10am-3pm Sun, 667 S Lake St, Gary. 219.983.7720. millerbeacharts.org. This weekly market features fresh produce,

THROUGH SEPT 28 PORTAGE COMMUNITY MARKET, 11am-3pm Sun, Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.762.1675. ci.portage.in.us. Produce, breads, flowers, crafts and food are all on display at this weekly market.

THROUGH SEPT 28 TOWN OF MUNSTER’S FARMERS MARKET, 8am-1pm Sun, Centennial Park, 1005 S Centennial Dr, Munster. 219.836.7275. munster. org. This weekly market features fresh produce and fun every Sunday. TIMES ARCHIVE

THROUGH SEPT 30 CENTRAL PARK PLAZA MARKET, 8am-2pm Tue, 8am-noon Sat, Central Park Plaza, downtown Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com. Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events’ weekly market now features extended hours. Market-goers can enjoy fresh produce, handmade items, locally grown ingredients, live lunch-hour music and more.

PROVIDED

Pictured is one of the paintings featured in the exhibit Summer of Art through Sunday at Southern Shore Art Association in Michigan City.

THROUGH OCT 10 CENTRAL MARKET, 3-8pm Fri, Central Park 600 N Broad St, Griffith. 219.484.6697. Patrons to this weekly night market will be treated to some of the

region’s finest musical artists and can browse selected foods, wines and beers, and crafted wares available for purchase. THROUGH OCT 18 HIGHLAND STREET

MARKET, 9am-1pm Sat, Main Square Park, 3001 Ridge Rd, Highland. 219.838.0114. highlandparks.org. Farmers and vendors offer produce, cheeses, honey, natural hair and skin products, pies, cakes, spices and more at this weekly market.

THROUGH OCT 25 CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET, 8am-2pm Sat, Broadway & 3rd St, Chesterton. 219.926.5513. chestertonseuropeanmarket. com This European Market offers a quality

shopping experience, live entertainment and a festive community environment. The artists, chefs, merchants and farmers come from Indiana, Michigan and Illinois to offer visitors an extraordinary collection of products and services.

‌JUL 25-27 PIEROGI FEST, 119th St, Whiting. 219.659.0292. pierogifest.net. Drawing almost 200,000 visitors each year, this

✔ festival both celebrates and pokes a little fun at

Whiting’s heritage. Tons of food vendors line the street and attendees can enjoy the Pierogi Parade, games, a beer garden, musical entertainment and fun for all ages.

THROUGH OCT 29

residents and tourist the opportunity to buy regionally grown fresh produce, healthy organic foods and local creative arts and crafts during this weekly market.

RIVERSIDE MARKET, 10am-3pm Sat-Sun, 234 E Second St, Michigan City. 219.874.5864. Local farmers, merchants and artistic talents offer

GREEN CITY MARKET, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, through October, at the south end of

events are ✔ These Editor’s Picks

Lincoln Park, 1750 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 880-1266 or chicagogreencitymarket. org. The year-round farmers market, which moves indoors in the fall and winter, features a variety of foods as well as special activities and entertainment. Chef demos are also highlighted.

JULY 25 - AUGUST 10 Downtown Valparaiso

219-548-9137

✔

N W I .CO M /G O

These events are Editor’s Picks

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Your Home Team Schedules ➙ ‌July 24: Chicago Cubs vs. Padres, 7:05 p.m.; Chicago White Sox @ Twins, 7:10 p.m.; Gary Southshore Railcats vs. Sioux City Explorers, 7:05 p.m. July 25: Chicago Cubs vs. Cardinals, 3:05 p.m.; Chicago White Sox @ Twins, 7:10 p.m.; Gary Southshore Railcats vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes, 7:10 p.m. July 26: Chicago Cubs vs. Cardinals, 3:05 p.m.; Chicago White Sox @ Twins, 6:10 p.m.; Gary Southshore Railcats vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes, 6:10 p.m. July 27: Chicago Cubs vs. Cardinals, 1:20 p.m.; Chicago White Sox @ Twins, 1:10 p.m.; Gary Southshore Railcats vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes, 2:10 p.m.

Penny slots abound at casinos ‌John G.Brokopp/johnbrokopp1@gmail.com‌

‌T

he Illinois Gaming Board’s latest monthly report, covering May 2014 financial statistics at the state’s 10 riverboat locations, reveals penny slots are king in the Land of Lincoln. Of the 10,962 “electronic gaming devices” (i.e. slots) aboard riverboat casinos in Illinois, more than half (5,300) are pennies. They accounted for approximately 39 percent of the adjusted gross slot revenues for May. Gamblers wagered nearly $1.2 billion on slots during the month, of which $107,734,877 was retained by the casinos as “win”. That amounts to adjusted gross revenue PER DAY of $317.03 for each and every one of the machines. The penny slots alone earned $40,836,046, followed by dollar slots at $23,557,628, twocent slots with $18,894,244, and the quarters at $14,291,869. So what’s the moral of the story for slot players? As was revealed in last week’s column from statistics gathered from casinos in Northwest Indiana, one-cent slots get the most play but quarter games may be the most advantageous from a dollar and cents perspective. The same holds true at casinos in the Chicagoland area in Illinois. Here’s the breakdown: Hollywood Joliet: The property’s 595 penny games generated a “hold” of 12.7 percent while the 176 quarter games came in at 5 percent. The 95 percent return to players of all monies wagered on the quarters was the most generous among the five properties. Harrah’s Joliet: There are 318 penny games on the casino floor which produced adjusted gross revenue of 12.9 percent. Compare that to the property’s 204 25 cent games which held just 5.9 percent of the total handle. Hollywood Aurora: The casino held 12.6 percent of all the money wagered on its 437 penny games compared to 6.8 percent on its 159 quarter machines. Grand Victoria Elgin: There are 286 penny games on the floor. They generated 12.8 percent in revenue. The property has the lowest inventory of quarter games (120) among the

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Go! PLAY CASINOS

Ameristar Casino 777 Ameristar Blvd.; East Chicago, IN 46312; 219.378.3000; Ameristar.com/ east_chicago.aspx Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr.; Michigan City, IN 46360; 219.879.7711; bluechipcasino.com Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 11111 Wilson Rd.; New Buffalo, MI 49117; 866.494.6371; Fourwindscasino.com Harrah’s Casino Joliet 151 N. Joliet St.; Joliet, IL 60432; 815.740.7800; Harrahsjoliet.com Hollywood Casino 777 Hollywood Blvd.; Joliet, IL 60436; 888.436.7737; hollywoodcasinojoliet. com Horseshoe Casino Hammond 777 Casino Center Dr.; Hammond, IN 46320; 866.711.7463; horseshoehammond. com Majestic Star Casino 1 Buffington Harbor Dr.; Gary, IN 46401; 219.977.7777; majesticstarcasino.com

i St o c k p h o t o

five destinations. They pulled in 7.4 percent in revenue. Rivers Des Plaines: The revenue generating king in Illinois has only 185 penny games on the floor. The hold on the units of 13.3 percent is the highest in the state for this denomination. The 134 25 cent machines at Rivers held 6.9 percent of money wagered. A report of gaming revenue would not be complete without putting the statistics into perspective. For example, consider the $1.2 billion wagered on slot machines during the month of May at riverboat locations in Illinois. The properties may have retained more than $107 million in revenue, but the fact of the matter is more than $1 billion ($1,082,179,222) was returned as winnings to players as a collective group during the 31-day period.

BONUS ROUND-UP: BLUE CHIP: Get ready for “Fuel Up Fridays” during the month of August.

Drawings will be held every hour from 6pm to 10pm on Fridays for three winners of $500 in gas cards. Earn 1,500 slot base points and swipe your B Connected card at a kiosk between 11am and 6pm to receive a guaranteed prize up to $500 in slot points or $500 in gas cards. Receive one free entry into the drawing for every 800 base points earned between July 28 and August 29. Receive 10-times entries for every 800 base points earned on July 30 and every Wednesday in August. FOUR WINDS: On Friday, the $50,000 Tough Truck promotion will be held with a chance to win a 2014 Ford F-150 4X4 or a share of $20,000 in cash. Each hour from 6 (EDT) to 8 p.m. four guests will each win $1,000 in cash. At 9 p.m. one winner will take home $10,000. The truck will be given away at 10 pm W Club members receive one free entry into the drawing by visiting guest services. Copper members will earn 3-times entries on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Rivers Casino 3000 S River Rd.; Des Plaines, IL 60018; 888.307.0777; Riverscasino.com

‌ From nwi.com/go ➼Dinner’s a Mystery, The “Murder in the BC Mansion Dinner” will be held Saturday at Bennett-Curtis House, 302 W. Taylor St., Grant Park, Ill. The event features a five-course dinner, the play, coffee and tea. Tax and gratuity are included. Call (815) 465-2288 or visit bennetcurtis.com ➼Day in the Country, Chicago Gourmets! will present “A Day in the Country: Where the Buffalo Roam” on Aug. 2. A bus tour will travel to the Van Meter Buffalo Ranch in Indiana and also stop at the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure. Bus will depart at 8 a.m. from 200 E. Howard in Des Plaines and at 8:45 a.m. from The Wit Hotel Lobby in Chicago. A country lunch at 11:30 a.m. will feature buffalo burgers, chips, sliced tomatoes, super sweet corn and dessert. Cost is $69;or $59 for Chicago Gourmets! members. Price is $49 if not paying for the bus ride. To reserve, visit ChicagoGourmets.org or call (847) 668-7751. ➼World Scrambles, IHOP restaurant is featuring World Scrambles through Sept. 7 at the eatery. The new scrambles are the Tuscan Scramble, Californian Scramble and All-American Bacon Scramble. Visit IHOP.com

Variety stars at Dante’s in Munster

facilities on the premises and a bar stocked with beer and wine selections. FYI: Dante’s House of Pizza is located at 1734 45th Ave., Munster. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call (219) 924-2200 or visit dantesmunster.com

Slices of pizza and salad fill a buffet plate.

‌ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ/ELOISE.VALADEZ@NWI.COM‌

iners who have a taste for everything from pizza to pasta, seafood, entree salads or broasted chicken will find all of that and more on the menu at Dante’s House of Pizza in Munster. The restaurant, opened by Danny Zunica, who co-owns the eatery with his wife Lanette, debuted on 45th Avenue seven years ago. While pizza is what Dante’s House was built on, other dishes remain in the spotlight daily at the restaurant. Zunica’s father, Dante, opened the original House of Pizza on Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond in 1954. Through the years, Zunica established Zuni’s, which once had three locations in Northwest Indiana. “This is still a family-run business,” said Donna Hawney, manager at Dante’s House of Pizza. Hawney has been in management with the family’s culinary operations for the last two decades. We recently visited Dante’s for the restaurant’s popular lunch buffet which is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Guests may order from the buffet or from the regular menu. Our servers that day were cordial and although we visited Dante’s close to the buffet’s closing time, they were more than happy to continue bringing out various buffet items and did so right up until the 2 p.m. buffet ending time. On the buffet, which Hawney said features a rotating selection of dishes daily, were cheese, sausage and pepperoni pizza, salad, broasted chicken,

N W I .CO M /G O

full service Bar & restaurant No One Under 21 Admitted

6110 Kennedy Ave. • HAmmond, In • 219-844-9812 • open 7 dAyS A WeeK • WWW.cHucKAndIreneS.com

Fridays only - All you can eat

Bring in This Coupon on Fridays

BONELESS OCEAN PERCH - $10.00 $3.00off No coupons or any discounts will apply. Dine in only. All food consumed on premise only!

a ticket of $800 or more

Tax & Tip Not Included. Limited to one coupon per table, per visit. No carry outs. Dine-in only. Valid Fridays only.

• We have a wide variety of Seafood on Fridays • monDay special saturDay & sunDay specials $

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MON tHRu tHuRS. 10 AM tO 6 PM FOR $5.75 Fish specials EvERy FRiDAy, 10AM tO 9 PM P H O T O S B Y E L O I S E M A R I E VA L A D E Z

The interior of Dante’s House of Pizza.

baked potato soup and desserts including pudding, pastries and small cakes. All buffet orders include soup, salad, pizza, dessert and a drink. At $8.95 per person, it’s quite a bargain for an all-you-can-eat meal. On various days, Dante’s also highlights specials including allyou-can-eat chicken, pizza and salad from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays ($11.95). Wednesday nights are pasta bar nights from 4 to 8 p.m. ($11.95). Starring on Dante’s regular menu are items such as Spinach and Artichoke Casserole ($10); Fried Green Beans ($5.95); Garbage Salad ($10); Walnut Apple Pear Salad ($9.95); Gourmet Pizzas such as Steak and Cheese, BBQ Chicken and Buffalo Chicken. (Prices for the gourmet pizza are $15.90 for the 12-inch and $22.60 for the 16-inch size. Dante’s also features banquet

full mENu Of

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AppETIzERs ARE HAlf pRICE fROm 3 pm TO 8 pm. mONDAy TO THuRs. Come watch all your favorite BIG 10 NETWORK teams on our 9 TVs & two 55" HDTV Widescreens!

• Homemade Soups • Tacos Smoking dJ david Zane every Fri. and Sat. night, from 9 pm to 2 Am Allowed • daily Specials • Great variety FISH Fry every FrIdAy • AduLT dInInG • FuLL menu cArry ouT of seafood

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30 OFF

Your entire bill on lunch or dinner • Full Salad Bar • Smoke Free Dining Room • Smoking in Bar Only

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219.322.4444 Not valid with AYCE or any other offer or coupons. Expires 8/20/14.

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nt District Hobart Riverfro .2817 Hobart, IN 219.947 54 Main St | ain.com www.bistro54m

$7.50 Summer Sandwich Spectacular 5 Half-pound Signature burgers/chicken sandwiches loaded with premium toppings and served with a side. Monday thru Thursday 3-9 pm only *with purchase of any beverage.

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Go! is the complete guide to the weekend festivals and events, museums and galleries, family fun spots, live music and theater, theater nightlife scene, restaurants and gourmet shops, films and video, entertainment news and reviews. Go! Is NWI’s one-stop source for food, fun and the rest of the best. Go! Your weekly guide to restaurants, entertainment and events in Northwest Indiana and south suburban Chicago.

for advertising opportunities, contact: Munster 219.933.3200 • crown point 219.662.5300 • valparaiso 219.462.5151

M E D I A

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Open Wed – Sat, 5 pm – 9 pm 54 Main St | Hobart, IN 219.947.2817 www.bistro54main.com

1200 West Street | Valparaiso, IN 219.548.9046 www.sementos.com | Like us on Facebook Adults 21 and over only please.

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