OPENING: Forever Plaid at Theatre at the Center In Munster, Indiana 5/6-6/3/18

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center To Open 

Forever Plaid 

on May 6

Yando Lopez, Adam LaSalle, Christopher Ratliff and Matt Edmonds.  Photo by Guy Rhodes.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we're looking forward to catching TATC's production of perennial favorite, Forever Plaid, this spring. We thoroughly enjoyed Yando Lopez (Jinx and Dance Captain) in his Jeff-nominated role as Lin-Manuel Miranda in Spamilton at the Royal George Theatre, In the Heights at Porchlight Music Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors with American Blues Theatre. We also adored Christopher Ratliff (Smudge) in his TATC debut as part of the ensemble in A Wonderful Life - The Musical and in Chicago as Jon Snow/Jaime/Ramsay in Thrones! The Musical Parody at the Apollo Theatre. We can't wait to catch them again.

Matt Edmonds, in the role of Sparky, Adam LaSalle as Francis, Yando Lopez as Jinx and Christopher Ratliff as Smudge star in Theatre at the Center’s spring musical Forever Plaid.  Previews begin May 3 with Opening Night May 6 and performances continuing through June 3.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, with select Thursday and Sunday night performances. Individual ticket prices range from $42 - $46.  To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1532. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more, Student tickets are $20 and gift certificates are also available.  For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.  

Forever Plaid, written by Stuart Ross, is a musical revue that follows a quirky quartet of high school chums who dream of becoming like their singing idols, including the Four Aces, the Four Lads, the Four Freshmen and the Crew Cuts, as they rehearse for the biggest performance of their lives.   Their spirited antics and comic banter weave together such hits as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Heart and Soul” and “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” in a playful tribute to the close harmony “guy groups” of the 1950’s. 

Adam LaSalle, Matt Edmonds, Yando Lopez, and Christopher Ratliff. Photo by Guy Rhodes

Matt Edmonds (Sparky) was last seen at TATC as L.M. in Pump Boys and Dinettes and in multiple roles in Big River. Recent work includes Ragtime at Griffin Theatre, James and the Giant Peach at Drury Lane Oakbrook and Death of a Salesman at Redtwist Theatre which earned him a Jeff Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Play.   

Adam LaSalle (Francis) is making his TATC debut. He recently appeared Off-Broadway and in the Chicago premiere of Forbidden Broadway’s Spamilton playing King George and served as the show’s pianist and music director. 

Yando Lopez (Jinx and Dance Captain) also makes his TATC debut with Forever Plaid. He was Jeff-nominated for his role as Lin-Manuel Miranda in Spamilton at the Royal George Theatre. Other credits include The Christians at Steppenwolf, In the Heights at Porchlight Music Theatre and Paramount Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors with American Blues Theatre. 

Christopher Ratliff (Smudge) made his TATC debut as part of the ensemble in A Wonderful Life - The Musical. He has also appeared as Jon Snow/Jaime/Ramsay in Thrones! The Musical Parody at the Apollo Theatre, as Jason in Bare: A Pop Opera at Refuge Theatre, as Freddy in Pygmalion at the Rogue Theatre and as Laurie in Little Women at 20% Theatre.

Brenda Didier is Director and Choreographer of Forever Plaid.  Didier made her directorial and choreographic debut at TATC in 2017 with the stage hit My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Her work has been seen at Mercury Theater Chicago, Bailiwick Chicago, BoHo, Theo Ubique Cabaret and Porchlight Music Theatre. Didier has received Jeff Awards for both direction and choreography.

The creative team for Forever Plaid includes Scenic Designer Jessie Howe, Lighting Designer G. “Max” Maxin, Sound Designer Michael J. Patrick, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Wig Design by Kevin Barthel and Prop Design by Frank Roberts, who also serves as Assistant Director. Stage Manager is Jessica Banaszak. William Underwood is Music Director.

Linda Fortunato, as TATC’s Artistic Director, is teamed with Richard Friedman as General Manager and Ann Davis as Head of Production.



Founded in 1991, the 410 seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theater at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theater at the Center is located off I-90/94, just 35 minute from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: Steel Magnolias Via Theatre at the Center Through 3/25/18

Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center Presents Steel Magnolias

in Munster, Indiana

Actors Landree Fleming and Heidi Kettenring. Photo by Guy Rhodes.

Cory Goodrich, in the role of M’Lynn, Landree Fleming, as Shelby, and Heidi Kettenring as Truvy, lead the cast of Theatre at the Center’s Steel Magnolias with Joslyn Yvonne Jones as Ouiser, Jeannie Affelder as Clairee and Myesha-Tiara as Annelle. Previews begin February 22.

I'll be out for Opening Night on February 25, so check back soon for my full review. It's well with a trip across the border and over to Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is a charming venue with professional productions and free parking, that's just a short road trip away from Chicago. We're looking forward to catching their latest.

Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling, is a hilarious and heart-warming play set in a Louisiana beauty shop. It follows the hopes, dreams, triumphs and tragedies of six colorful characters and inspired the 1989 film which starred Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly Parton. It explores the bond between a mother and daughter, and friendships of those who feel like family.

Actors Myesha-Tiara, Cory Goodrich, Landree Fleming and Heidi Kettenring. Photo by Guy Rhodes.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, with select Thursday and Sunday night performances. Individual ticket prices range from $42 - $46. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1532. Group discounts are available for group 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

“Before Steel Magnolias became an iconic film and garnered an Academy Award for Julia Roberts, it was a funny and touching Off Broadway play about the bonds of friendship and family,” said Theatre at the Center Artistic Director Linda Fortunato, who will direct this new production of Steel Magnolias. 

“I believe TATC audiences will laugh and cry with these ladies and find a connection to their own lives as well.”

Cory Goodrich returns to TATC for her 13th production, having previously appeared in Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. She won a Jeff Award for her role of June Carter in Ring of Fire and another Jeff Award for her role as Mother in Drury Lane’s production of Ragtime. As a singer/songwriter Cory has four solo albums. Landree Fleming is returning to TATC where she was last seen in Godspell and The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee. Shehas worked at Drury Lane, Paramount, and Chicago Shakespeare, among other Chicagoland theaters and is a member of the comedy group Off Off Broadzway.

Heidi Kettenring returns to TATC where she was seen in Annie Warbucks, I Do! I Do! and Here’s Love! She is a Jeff Award winner in addition to having received several Jeff nominations, the Sarah Siddons Chicago Leading Lady Award, an After Dark Award and the Richard M. Kneeland Award. Joslyn Yvonne Jones has appeared in Once On This Island at Marriott Lincolnshire, Weekend at TimeLine Theatre and Escape at Live Bait Theatre and now makes her TATC debut. Jeannie Affelder has appeared in Silent Sky at First Folio and The Little Flower of East Orange at Eclipse,which earned her a Jeff Nomination for Best Actress, is also making her TATC debut as is Myesha-Tiara, who has been seen in The Wedding Band at The Artistic Home, Netflix & Kill at the Pride Arts Center and was featured in the film 12 Years a Slave.

Linda Fortunato is director of Steel Magnolias. She has been involved with more than a dozen shows at TATC including directing Big River, The Tin Woman, Cabaret, Annie Warbucks and A Christmas Story; choreographing Spamalot, Big Fish, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You and Fiddler on the Roof; and performing in Lend Me a Tenor and The Diary of Anne Frank. She has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her work as a choreographer and director. She received both the Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Choreography includinggarnering Theatre at the Center its first Jeff Award for her choreography of 42nd Street.

The creative team for Steel Magnolias includes Scenic Designer Greg Pinsoneault, Lighting Designer Michael Trudeau, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Wig Design and Hair Design Kevin Barthel, Prop Design Brittney O’Keefe and Sound Design Barry Funderburg. Stage Manager is Jessica Banaszak.

Fortunato as TATC’s Artistic Director is teamed with Richard Friedman as General Manager and Ann Davis as Head of Production.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theater at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minute from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: TATC ANNOUNCES CAST FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE MUSICAL

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Allison Sill (Mary), David Sajewich (George) and Liliana Rena (Zuzu) will  appear in It’s A Wonderful Life: The Musical at Theatre at the Center.   Previews begin November 15.   Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, with select Tuesday afternoon and Thursday and Sunday evening performances. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   

For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreATTheCenter.com.

Actors David Sajewich, in the role of George Bailey, and Allison Sill in the role of his wife Mary, lead the cast of Theatre at the Center’s  A Wonderful Life: The Musical  with James Harms as Mr. Potter, David Perkovich as Clarence, Jim Heatherly as Uncle Billy and Jason Richards as Mr. Martini. Previews begin November 16 with an Opening Night on November 19 and a run through December 23. A Wonderful Life: The Musical is made possible by the generous support of show sponsor American Community Bank.

“We are so excited to welcome the holiday season with A Wonderful Life,” said Artistic Director Linda Fortunato.  “All the charm, heart and humanity of the classic film are brought to the stage in this musical adaptation of the beloved life-affirming story. Perfect for a holiday celebration with the whole family”.

Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film starring James Stewart as George Bailey, A Wonderful Life: The Musical features book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo. It’s the musical telling of how Clarence, George Bailey’s guardian angel, shows George how different the world, and everyone whose life he has touched, would be if he had never been born.   The beauty of the season, iconic Bedford Falls and yuletide spirit await audiences on the TATC stage for a musical that applauds the true meaning of Christmas.

David Sajewich was previously seen at TATC in All Shook Up and Beverly Hillbillies. Other credits include Les Miserables at Drury Lane Oakbrook, The Pajama Game and The Baker’s Wife at The Music Theatre Company and Fiddler on the Roof at Paramount Theatre. Allison Sill, who was also last seen at TATC in All Shook Up, has previous credits which include Honeymoon in Vegas, She Loves Me and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Marriott Theatre, Oklahoma at Paramount Theatre and The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago.  

James Harms, who plays Mr. Potter, previously appeared at TATC in Beverly Hillbillies. James received Jeff Awards for his performances in The Fantasticks, Hello, Dolly, Me and My Girl, and La Cage aux Folles. Last year he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in concert with Chita Rivera. In the role of Clarence, David Perkovich, was last seen at TATC in Man of La Mancha and Phantom.   David has performed in more than 120 shows including the national tour of Evita and has directed more than 60 productions including TATC’s The 39 Steps, Spamalot, Beverly Hillbillies and Grease. Jim Heatherly is making his TATC debut as Uncle Billy. Jim’s recent work includes the world premiere of Dance For Beginners at Piven Theatre Workshop and Light Up the Sky at Citadel Theatre.  Jason Richards, playing multiple roles as Mr. Martini, Mr. Hepner and Mr. Campbell, was previously seen at TATC in Big River and Annie Warbucks.  Other credits include The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago and Shrek at Chicago Shakespeare. Jason also received a Jeff Award for his performance as Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q at Night Blue Theater.

The ensemble cast consists of Caron Buinis, Lexis Danca, Christopher Davis, Ann Delaney, Andres Enriquez, Neil Friedman, Daniel Hurst, Kayla Kennedy, Henry McGinniss, James Nedrud, Mary Nigohosian, Casiena Raether, Rick Rapp, and Denzel Tsopnang. Child performers include Lilliana Rene, Julian Solis and Kylie Sullivan.

William Pullinsi is director of A Wonderful Life: The Musical. Pullinsi served as TATC’s Artistic Director for 10 seasons prior to becoming Artistic Director Emeritus in 2015 when he was named “Chicagoan of the Year in Theatre” by the Chicago Tribune. In 2016, The League of Chicago Theatres also presented Pullinsi with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions influencing and inspiring the Chicago theatre community. Pullinsi has won 19 Jeff Awards for Best Production and/or Best Direction and produced and directed more than 400 productions of Broadway plays and musicals.  

Bill Underwood serves as Music Director and Gordon Schmidt is choreographer.  Linda Fortunato is TATC’s Artistic Director; Richard Friedman is General Manager and Ann Davis is Head of Production. Scenic Designers for A Wonderful Life: The Musical are Richard and Jacqueline Penrod. Lighting Design is by Denise Karczewski with Costume Design by Brenda Winstead, Wig Design by Kevin Barthel, Prop Design by Brittney O’ Keefe and Sound Design by Barry Funderburg. Stage Manager is Angela Adams.

About TATC:
Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theater at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

REVIEW: Adventures Abound at Big River Now Playing at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana Through October 15th

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

"Go to Heaven for the climate; go to Hell for the company." --Mark Twain 

Catherine Hellmann 
Guest Review of Big River at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana 

There are many references to Hell in this period piece with its God-fearing ways, based on the classic novel, Huckleberry Finn. But you will find a little slice of Heaven on Earth in this delightful musical currently running South of the Border (Illinois-Indiana border, that is) in Munster, Indiana. 

Early in the play, Tom Sawyer and his pal Huck Finn are comparing their lives. Tom, played with the proper mischievous intent by Kyle Quinlivan, describes his life with Aunt Polly as "dismal." Huck does not care for being behaved and civilized with Widow Douglas. Both agree they won't end up in "the good place" as these proper women will in eternity. (Or as a friend of mine likes to say: "Heaven will have the boring people. Hell will be like Club Med!") Eventually, running away from society norms is what leads Huck on his big adventure with Jim, the runaway slave. 

The initial impression upon walking into the Theatre at the Center is, "Wow. Cool set!" I wondered how the great Misssissippi River would be portrayed onstage as Huck and Jim navigate the mighty river. One level of the multi-tiered stage served as their raft, as they "steered" with oars.
  
The band assembled onstage one at a time, in period costumes, which is where they remained the entire show. That is, unless a musician was performing double duty as an actor/singer as well in the show. This multi-talented cast alternated from actor to musician continuously throughout the show.   
The two leads are standouts in this production. Jonathan Butler-Duplessis has a gorgeous voice as Jim; James Romney in the title role is charming and a triple threat of acting, singing, and dancing. Jason Richards as the Duke is also worth noting in his hilarious portrayal of an actor imitating Shakespeare plays in a very exaggerated manner.   



There is a poignant scene where Jim's search for freedom leads him to confide his big goals to Huck: to be reunited with his wife and children. He describes how he plans to "work hard and save enough money to buy" his wife. Then they will save enough money together to buy their two children. If their owner won't sell them, Jim is determined to locate an abolitionist to help steal them back.  

Twain was a helluva writer but a terrible businessman. He invested in outlandish ideas hoping to make a fortune. He went into incredible debt. He always dreamed of having a play run on stage for the royalties or "free money" a successful show could generate. Too bad he never saw that dream fulfilled because Big River would have made him very proud. 

Click HERE for further show details and ticket purchasing information.

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center Announces Cast for 

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Actors James Romney and Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, all photos by Guy Rhodes

Actors James Romney in the role of Huck and Jonathan Butler-Duplessis in the role of Jim lead the cast of Theatre at the Center’s Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through Oct. 15.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, and select Thursday and Sunday evenings.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.   

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, this musical telling of Mark Twain’s treasured tale features songs and music by Roger Miller, who created such hits as “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.” Led by melodies of country, bluegrass and gospel, the musical production follows the humorous and harrowing river journey of Huck and his friend Jim as they meet up with con-artists, reunite with Tom Sawyer and encounter a collection of characters as only imagined by one of America’s greatest writers.

Based on Mark Twain’s 1884 novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the stage musical Big River opened on Broadway on April 25, 1985 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. It ran for 1,005 performances and was considered one of the most successful musicals of the mid 1980s.  

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theater at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at Theatre at the Center In Munster, IN

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center Announces Cast for 

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Actors James Romney and Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, all photos by Guy Rhodes

Actors James Romney in the role of Huck and Jonathan Butler-Duplessis in the role of Jim lead the cast of Theatre at the Center’s Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The musical begins previews Sept. 14 with opening night on September 17 for a run that continues through Oct. 15.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, and select Thursday and Sunday evenings.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.   

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, this musical telling of Mark Twain’s treasured tale features songs and music by Roger Miller, who created such hits as “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.” Led by melodies of country, bluegrass and gospel, the musical production follows the humorous and harrowing river journey of Huck and his friend Jim as they meet up with con-artists, reunite with Tom Sawyer and encounter a collection of characters as only imagined by one of America’s greatest writers.

James Romney, making his TATC debut, has previously been seen at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in My Fair Lady, Carousel and The Merry Widow. Other credits include Fly By Night at Lookingglass and A Wrinkle in Time at Lifeline Theater.   Romney will soon make his Broadway debut with the New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Jonathan Butler-Duplessis last appeared at TATC in A Christmas Carol-The Musical. Other credits include The Little Mermaid at the Paramount Theater and Man of La Mancha at the Marriott Theatre. Big River also features Jason Richards, last seen at TATC in Annie Warbucks for the 2016 holiday musical, and Bret Tuomi who was in the cast of The Odd Couple at TATC in summer 2016.

Kyle Quinlivan is making his TATC debut as Tom Sawyer. Recent credits include the role of Jesus in Godspell at Covedale Center and Big Love at the Theatre Festival of Havana. Matt Edmonds, last seen in Pump Boys and Dinettes at TATC, performs the roles of the Preacher, Dick, Wilkes, Andy and Doctor, and Johanna McKenzie Miller, previously seen at TATC in Phantom, The Sound of Music and Gypsy, will play Widow Douglas and Joanna. Additional cast members include Liz Chidester as Miss Watson, Susan and Sally. Liz was nominated by the Jeff Awards Committee for Best Ensemble in the 2016 and 2017 Refuge Theatre Project’s High Fidelity. Also joining the ensemble cast are Garrett Lutz, Aaron Mitchell Reese, Adhana Cermone Reid, Camille Robinson and Steven Romero Schaeffer. Caitlin Cavannaugh, whose other roles include Myrtle Mae in Harvey at Purple Rose Theatre and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, is making her TATC debut as Mary Jane.  

Linda Fortunato, Artistic Director of Theatre at the Center, is Director and Choreographer of Big River. Linda has been nominated for five Jeff Awards for her work as a choreographer and director. She received both Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Choreography in the 2013-14 season, garnering TATC’s first award for her choreography of 42nd Street. Linda’s show history at TATC includes directing The Tin Woman, Cabaret, Annie Warbucks, and A Christmas Story, and choreographing Spamalot, Big Fish, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You and Fiddler on the Roof.

“William Hauptman’s book and Roger Miller’s music and lyrics truly capture Mark Twain’s genius for storytelling,” says Fortunato. 

“The adaptation from novel to musical has become an American classic and is beloved by audiences of all ages as it stresses the importance of family and friendship.”

Bill Underwood serves as Music Director and the creative team includes Ann Davis, Scenic Designer; Brenda Winstead, Costume Designer; Wig Design, Kevin Barthel; Prop Design, Brittney O’Keefe; Guy Rhodes, Lighting Designer; Sound Design, Michael J. Patrick;  Stage Manager, Jessica Banaszak; and General Manager, Richard Friedman.   

Based on Mark Twain’s 1884 novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the stage musical Big River opened on Broadway on April 25, 1985 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. It ran for 1,005 performances and was considered one of the most successful musicals of the mid 1980s.  

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theater at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

SAVE THE DATES: 2018 SEASON ANNOUNCED FOR THEATRE AT THE CENTER IN MUNSTER

Linda Fortunato, Artistic Director of Theatre at the Center (TATC), Northwest Indiana’s only professional theater company, has announced the mainstage titles for TATC’s 2018 Season.

Fortunato will direct three of the five productions, including Steel Magnolias, which will launch the 2018 season. Forever Plaid and The Lady with All the Answers are the spring and summer shows. In the fall, Fortunato will also direct Ghost The Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1990 Academy-Award winning film. Closing the 2018 season, she will direct and choreograph Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical inspired by the 1947 classic film.

Steel Magnolias (February 22 – March 25, 2018) is a hilarious and heart-warming play set in a Louisiana beauty shop. It follows the hopes, dreams, triumphs and tragedies of six colorful characters and inspired the 1989 film which starred Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton. It’s a story exploring the bond between a mother and daughter, and friendships of those who feel like family.

Spring welcomes Forever Plaid (May 3 – June 3, 2018), one of the most popular and beloved of musical revues. “The Plaids” are a quirky quartet of high school chums in the spotlight for the biggest performance of their lives. Their spirited antics and comic banter weave together such hits as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Heart and Soul” and “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” in this playful tribute to the close harmony of “guy groups” of the 1950’s.

An up-close and personal introduction to the real Ann Landers awaits audiences in The Lady with All the Answers (July 12 – August 12, 2018).  Popular advice columnist Ann Landers had a life which seemed letter-perfect. With more than 90 million readers each day, she had a quick wit which could be comical and creative, as well as sharp and shocking, all in the same sentence. The play unfolds in Landers’ Lakeshore Drive apartment in 1975 where she shares some of her most fascinating stories as she prepares to write the most difficult column of her career.

In the fall, Ghost The Musical (September 13 – October 14, 2018) is the musical adaptation of the 1990 Academy-Award winning film sharing the love story of Sam and Molly. After Sam’s untimely death, he tries to protect Molly from an unknown threat. In an attempt to communicate with her, he enlists the help of a storefront psychic to hilarious and harrowing effect. This tale about the power of love features a score by Grammy Award winning songwriters Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, and includes the classic “Unchained Melody.”

The holidays are celebrated with Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical (November 15 – December 23, 2018), from the composer of The Music Man. Inspired by the beloved 1947 film, audiences will enjoy the gift of music and laughter. After Santa encounters a skeptical little girl during the season of sharing and caring, a message about the importance of believing is made clear to all. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” became famous as one the memorable songs in this joyous favorite for all ages.

“In choosing Theatre at the Center’s 2018 season, I wanted to create a blend of different styles to engage our audience,” Fortunato said.

“Through intimate plays, a beloved musical revue, a new musical, and a holiday classic, we will explore the bonds of friendship and family, of loves lost and found, and meet strangers who feel like family. I hope our audiences will laugh heartily, maybe cry a little, and enjoy some favorite music and songs as they join us for both familiar stories and new ones, as well.” 

Founded in 1991, the 410 seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performance in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Renewal for existing Season Subscriptions begins Aug. 20 and continues through Sept. 24, with sales for new Season Subscription patrons beginning Oct. 10. Individual tickets for any of the five mainstage shows of the new 2018 Season are on sale beginning Dec. 12.

Theatre at the Center mainstage show performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays and select Thursday and Sunday evenings.  Individual ticket prices range from $42 - $46.  To purchase individual tickets, including the remaining shows of the 2017 Season, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. 

For more information about Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

OPENING: The Tin Woman at Theatre at the Center in Munster Indiana

Chi IL LIVE shows on our radar

THEATRE AT THE CENTER ANNOUNCES CAST FOR CHICAGOLAND PREMIERE OF 

THE TIN WOMAN

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we'll be out for the press opening on the 16th. Check back soon for our full review. We're looking forward to catching this Chicago regional premiere. TATC has developed a great reputation as a stellar urban caliber professional theatre with small town charm (and free parking). We make a habit of bringing home renowned Munster Donuts from a few blocks away, whenever we make the trek to TATC.

Theatre at the Center (TATC) presents the Chicagoland premiere of Sean Grennan’s newest play The Tin Woman, starring Erin Noel Grennan in the lead role. The Tin Woman begins previews on July 13 and opens on July 16 for a run that continues through August 13. Inspired by a true story, it’s a heartwarming comedy that’s a beautiful blend of family, humor and hope. Joy has had a heart transplant and is questioning her second chance in life. When she connects with the family of her donor, together they learn what it means to truly give one’s heart.



Erin Noel Grennan originated the role of Joy in the World Premiere of The Tin Woman in 2014 at Peninsula Players in Wisconsin. She last appeared at TATC in 2014 in Miracle on South Division Street. Erin has also appeared on the TV series Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Law & Order.

Steve Pickering, who is making his TATC debut, has appeared in TimeLine Theater’s The Last Wife, Lookingglass’ Treasure Island, and The Little Foxes at the Goodman Theatre (more than 30 productions since 1987), is cast as Hank. Steve has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in London’s West End, New York’s Shakespeare in the Park, and in the title role of Macbeth for Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

Annabel Armour, cast as Alice, is also making her debut at TATC. She is the recipient of three Joseph Jefferson Awards and two After Dark Awards. She has an artistic association with Remy Bumppo Theatre, appearing in Pygmalion, Fallen Angels, and The Clean House (Jeff Nomination). She has performed in Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakespeare, The First Look Series at Steppenwolf and has received a Jeff Nomination for At Home at the Zoo at Victory Gardens Theater.

Doogin Brown, making his debut at TATC, is cast as Jack. His previous work includes Zoya’s Apartment at the Athenaeum Theatre and Saved at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Cast as Sammy, Kayla Kennedy returns to TATC for the sixth time. Her credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, All Shook Up, Spamalot, Big Fish and Women on the Verge. Jeri Marshall, who is making her TATC debut as Nurse/Darla, is a Sarah Siddons Scholarship Recipient and holds an MFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University.

Linda Fortunato is Artistic Director of Theatre at the Center and Director of The Tin Woman. Linda has been nominated for five Jeff Awards for her work as a Choreographer and Director. She received both the Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Choreography in the 2013-2014 season, garnering TATC’s first award for her choreography of 42nd Street. Linda has been involved with more than a dozen shows at TATC, directing Cabaret, Annie Warbucks and A Christmas Story, and choreographing Spamalot, Big Fish, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You and Fiddler on the Roof.

Sarah Ross is Set Designer. Shelley Strasser-Holland is Lighting Designer. Kevin Barthel is Wig Designer, Victoria Deiorio is Sound Designer. Brenda Winstead is Costume Designer and Brittney O’Keffe is Prop Designer. Matt McMullen is Stage Manager and Ann Davis is Production Manager/Technical Director and Dennis Galbreath is Assistant Technical Director.

The idea for The Tin Woman was born when Sean’s sister, actress Erin Grennan, brought him a newspaper clipping she’d saved for years. It was a story about a woman who had received a heart transplant and her eventual meeting with the donor’s family. The Tin Woman uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family and what it means to be given new life.

According to Fortunato, “I was lucky enough to read an early draft of the script and was immediately taken with the interesting characters, beautiful relationships and moving story. I’m thrilled to be bringing it to Theatre at the Center.”

Playwright Sean Grennan studied English at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. An actor for many years, predominantly in Chicago, he began writing for the theatre in 1995 as co-librettist (with his wife, Kathy Santen) for Phantom of the Country Palace which was produced in the same year at the Marriott Theatre. The Tin Woman was first produced in 2014 by Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek, Wisconsin with his actress sister Erin Noel Grennan cast in the lead role as heart transplant recipient Joy. Sean Grennan and his wife live in New York City, where his actress wife appears in Broadway’s Wicked.

Founded in 1991, the 410 seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home; The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performance in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, and select Thursday and Sunday evenings. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. 

To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

REVIEW: The Odd Couple at Munster's Theatre at the Center Through August 14th

*Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center's 
The Odd Couple
through August 14th


*Just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago in Munster, Indiana

Talk about type casting...  Norm Boucher and George Keating were made for these roles, and each are equally hilarious bringing the infamous opposites, Oscar and Felix, to life on stage. This production had the whole audience in stitches over the misadventures of these rudderless BFFs, navigating the choppy waters of divorce, absentee fatherhood, housemate drama, suicidal tendencies, and dating fiascos.  Highly recommended for a nostalgic night out and a good laugh. 

George Keating (Grand Hotel and Meet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar. 

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger. ©Theatre at the Center, 

All Photos by Michael Brosilow

The supporting cast of poker night pals were a hoot too! Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy; Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.






Kudos to the Pigeon sisters, Colette Todd (Gwen) and Jocelyn Adamski (Cecily), for the over the top laughter, and wonderful characters as well. Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen. Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.







Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive. Highly recommended! 


My son and I ended up sharing a table with Theatre at the Center’s full time props designer, Brittney O’Keefe. She confirmed our gut feelings about the whole vibe of Theatre at the Center being like one big, supportive family. She also said this show was fun to design props for, with the quick apartment transitions from slovenly to neat freak sheek. 

I wish my home had revolving book cases where I could stash all my junk when relatives and friends come to visit! Short of that, I might have to trade my long suffering husband and kids in for a clean freak housemate like Felix. Although I do think his hypochondriac ways would get old fast. 






Finally, we love that Theatre at the Center has jumped on the Signature Show Cocktails wagon. I tried "The Oscar", an awesomely strong dirty vodka martini. They also have "The Felix", a sweet apple martini with a cute parasol garnish. (*available on Friday & Saturday evening performances only). Theatre lovers are social creatures, and show themed drinks make the lively pre and post show conversations and socializing even more fun. They do know how to rock a theme! 

It took us a few years, but here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows we finally ventured out to Theatre at the Center a few months back, on the rave reviews and heartfelt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. 


About The Odd Couple

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center. 

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. 

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefe and sound design by Barry G. Funderburg. The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager. Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: The Odd Couple at Theatre at the Center

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
Munster, IN (Chicago Region) 
Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Theatre at the Center Announces the Cast for The Odd Couple

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we finally ventured out of state for a theatre road trip on the rave reviews and heart felt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. Highly recommended! 

We'll be back for the opening night of The Odd Couple, so check back soon for our full review. We're looking forward to this one.  Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive.

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating will play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.   Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center.   George Keating (Grand Hotel andMeet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar.   Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen.   Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger.  

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy;   Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefeand sound design by Barry G. Funderburg.   The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager.   Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: The Broadway Hit, Nice Work If You Can Get It, at Theatre at the Center

Theatre at the Center presents 

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Munster, IN – Theatre at the Center announces the Chicagoland premiere of the Broadway hit Nice Work If You Can Get It. This new musical features a book by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro, and a treasure trove of George and Ira Gershwin's most beloved, instantly recognizable tunes (Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Someone to Watch Over Me, 'S Wonderful).  Nice Work If You Can Get It runs May 5 through June 5 at Theatre at the Center. 

Ashley Lanyon (ensemble), Justin Brill as “Jimmy Winter”, Kayla Kennedy (ensemble).  Photo by Guy Rhodes.  Courtesy of Theatre at the Center.

Set in the Roaring Twenties, Nice Work If You Can Get It is the story of charming and wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter, who meets rough female bootlegger Billie Bendix on the weekend of his wedding.  Jimmy is embarking on his third or fourth marriage, this one to a narcissistic modern dancer named Eileen. Billie learns that the couple will be out of town and devises a plan to stash cases of alcohol in the basement of Jimmy’s mansion.  When Jimmy, Eileen and Eileen’s prohibition family suddenly arrive at the mansion for the wedding, Billie and her gang pose as the serving staff, with hijinks as the end result.

Jeff Award winning director William Pullinsi will join forces with Jeff Award winning choreographer Danny Herman to co-direct Nice Work If You Can Get It, just as they did for last season's hit production of All Shook Up at Theatre at the Center.  

Justin Brill (All Shook Up at Theatre at the Center and All Shook Up on Broadway) stars as Jimmy along with Erica Stephan (White Christmas at Drury Lane and The Little Mermaid at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) who plays Billie Bendix.  Laura Freeman (The Fox on the Fairway at Theatre at the Center and Into the Woods national tour) plays Estonia Dulworth, The Duchess of Woodford. Jeff Award winner Stef Tovar (The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater Chicago and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) plays Cookie McGee.  Additional cast include Julie Baird as Eileen Evergreen, Rick Rapp as Senator Max Evergreen, Annelise Baker as Jeannie Muldoon, Jake Stempel as Chief Berry, John Stemberg as Duke Mahoney and Debbie DiVerde as Millicent Winter, the mother of Jimmy.

The Nice Work If You Can Get It production team includes musical director Bill Underwood, Jeff Award winning scenic design team Jackie and Richard Penrod; costume design is by Brenda Winstead, lighting design is by Guy Rhodes, sound design is by Barry Funderburg.  Brittney O’Keefe is the props designer. The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director. Matt McMullen is the stage manager. Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.  

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.  Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. 

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.