Out & about in Northwest Indiana: February-March 2020

Maurice Sendak exhibit

South Shore Arts is hosting a nationally touring exhibit that celebrates the 50th anniversary of acclaimed author and illustrator Maurice Sendak’s best-known work, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The story’s plot follows young Max, who has been sent to his room without dinner. Max escapes to the land of the wild things, where he becomes friends with the native creatures who allow him to be their king. But Max begins to miss home and travels back through the wild land and into his bedroom — where dinner is waiting for him. The exhibit has visited more than 40 venues across the U.S., including Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry and the Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Fans can see it from Feb. 14 through April 12 at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster. The exhibit includes weekly readings and daily tours, as well as a free Family Arts Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 23 with events and crafts for children. (219) 836-1839 or
southshoreartsonline.org.

‘Mary Poppins The Musical’

Everyone's favorite practically perfect nanny takes the Memorial Opera House stage from Feb. 14 through March 1 in Valparaiso in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure! One of Disney’s most popular movie musicals of all time, “Mary Poppins The Musical” will capture your heart in a whole new way. Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones on whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises “Anything can happen if you let it.” (219) 548-9137 or memorialoperahouse.com.

Northwest Indiana Symphony

The Northwest Indiana Symphony celebrates the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven on March 6 by performing Symphony No. 5 and its stirring four-note opening motif. Also on the program are Antonio Vivaldi's revolutionary violin concerti “The Four Seasons,” featuring symphony concertmaster Michele Lekas, and Sergei Rachmaninoff's exuberant and romantic Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by pianist Yana Reznik. On April 3, the symphony brings to life one of the most recognizable choral pieces of the 21st century, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” a master work based on collections of medieval poems with universal themes. Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” tells the tale of an evil wizard, enchanted princesses, a handsome prince and the magical bird. Both concerts are at Living Hope Church, Merrillville. (219) 836-0525 or nisorchestra.org.

A friendship tested

How much would you pay for an all-white painting? Would it matter who painted it? Could you call it art? These questions will be addressed in a presentation of “Art,” the winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play, from March 13 through 29 at 4th Street Theater in Chesterton. One of Marc's best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting, about 4-by-5 feet, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists that Marc doesn't have the credentials to judge. Another friend, Ivan, allows himself to be pulled into their disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge that he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over past failures. As their arguments become more personal, they border on destroying their friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him, “Go on.” (219) 926-7875 or 4thstreetncca.com.

Visit the South Shore Arts regional calendar for more information on current exhibits, concerts, plays and other arts events at SouthShoreArtsOnline.org.

Click here to read more from the February/March 2020 issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.