From pop culture to popular movie music to two takes on “Hamlet.”
by John Cain
South Shore Arts opens its summer-long exhibit “Baby Boom or Bust” on June 15, featuring iconic imagery of the 20th century by artist Brian J. Sullivan along with memorabilia from an “atomic” childhood. As Baby Boomers arrive at the upper reaches of middle age, this exhibit takes a fond look back at the iconic, often innocent images of life in the nuclear age: Superman, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, the McDonald's arches, cars from the Tail Fin era–even the Gerber baby. Sullivan's work will be accompanied by vintage collectibles from private collections, including Hanna Barbera characters, Barbie and Ken, Howdy Doody, space toys and robots, lunch boxes, presidential memorabilia and vintage paint-by-numbers. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 22, (Free Family Arts Day at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster) from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit runs through August 31.
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra will close out its 2013-14 concert season with “Symphony Goes to the Movies,” on Sunday, June 22, with performances at 2 and 7 p.m. at Crown Point High School. This special concert will feature a variety of well-known movie music, ranging from “Beetlejuice” to “My Fair Lady” to “The Great Escape” and “City Slickers,” among many others. The symphony's free 2014 South Shore Summer Music Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 19, and continues through August 9, with concerts in Cedar Lake, Griffith, Crown Point, Hammond, Valparaiso and Schererville. The full schedule can be found at www.nisorchestra.org.
The Michigan City Uptown Arts District continues its First Friday Art Walks on May 2, June 6 and July 4. These popular evenings of culture, art and networking are designed to revitalize Michigan City's downtown area, using art as an economic catalyst. Local businesses and artists are welcome to participate. Art Walk guides are available at info@walnutinkgallery.com.
Hammond's Towle Theater presents the Indiana premiere of “The Nightmare Room,” May 2-18. This dark and chilling psychological thriller tells the story of two best friends, both in love with the same dashing former movie star, locked in a room with a bottle of poison. Towle Theater presents the U.S. premiere of “From Up Here,” July 11-27. 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. Tickets at www.towletheater.org.
The Crown Point Community Theatre presents “Hamlet,” July 11-26. Director Grant Fitch will give Shakespeare's classic play of madness, ambition and revenge an update with a modern dress retelling. Tickets at www.cpct.biz. For another twist on the Bard, Footlight Players in Michigan City presents “I Hate Hamlet,” June 6-15, the story of a successful young actor who moves to New York to play Hamlet. There's just one problem: he hates “Hamlet,” and his dilemma deepens with the arrival of John Barrymore's intoxicated ghost, who arrives to spar with him in full costume. Tickets at www.footlightplayers.org.
South Shore Arts reminds you to visit its online Regional Art Calendar at www.SouthShoreArtsOnline.org for listings of local arts events. The calendar lists exhibits, concerts, plays, lectures, film series, dance performances and more, all taking place in your neighborhood. Don't forget the South Shore Arts Facebook page where you can also keep up to date on exhibit schedules and opening receptions, class signups, outreach programs and special events. Local artists also post their events and share local art experiences.
Find out more about area arts activities and events by watching Lakeshore Public Television's “Eye on the Arts,” every Friday evening at 7 p.m. on “Lakeshore Report.”
