GO! May 1, 2014

TOWLE THEATRE’S NIGHTMARE GAMES

SUMMERY SMOKEHOUSE FLAVOR AT BOMBERS BBQ

SYMPHONY PRESENTS MAHLER 1 AND BARBER

MIRACLE in MUNSTER

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TOWLE THEATRE’s NigHTmARE

sYmPHONY PREsENTs mAHLER 1 AND BARBER

sUmmERY smOKEHOUsE FLAVOR AT BOmBERs BBQ

Miracle THEATER AT AT THE CENTER

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ON THE COVER: Marilynn Bogetich (left, seated) plays a faith-shaken mother to brood Joe Popp as Jimmy, Erin Grennan (standing) as Bev and Adria Dawn as Ruth in the Chicagoland Premiere of “Miracle on South Division Street” running May 1 until June 1 at Theatre at the Center in Munster.

SEE+DO 8 / ON STAGE Hammond’s Towle Community Theatre brings chills with “Nightmare Room.”

May Money

9 / THEATER The latest local theater productions and shows.

THE BIG SCREEN 10 / CAPSULES The lowdown on all the newest films at a multiplex near you.

COVER STORY 6 / MIRACLE Phil Potempa goes behind the scenes at Theatre at the Center’s new play, “Miracle on South Division Street.”

Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2014 1:00pm – 5:00pm

FUN+GAMES 12 / CASINO SCENE John Brokopp goes in-depth with a reader question on progressive slots.

MUSIC+CLUBS 3 / LOCAL SCENE Local artists join forces to “shuffle” up a collaborative album.

3 / LOCAL SCENE << The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra presents Mahler 1 and Barber.

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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? It’s finally starting to feel warm again! What your favorite warm weather activity around the Region? How are you taking advantage of the warm weather?

ERIC GIBSON VIA FACEBOOK: “Fishing, working on my yard and storm spotting.”

ALICIA SANDERS VIA FACEBOOK: “Geocaching with my kids!”

BETH BENCIE VIA FACEBOOK: “My favorite warm weather activity (it needs to be much warmer than this) is to spend the day with my kids in the pool, and then catch a Railcats game in the evening! Doesn’t get much better than that!”

CAROL M KUREK VIA FACEBOOK: “Hitting the bike trails and walking our dogs around Portage.”

BRITTANY SHEBESH VIA FACEBOOK: “Taking my son to the zoo, the park, walking around by Grand Boulevard Lake, and just enjoying the weather!”

CYNTHIA OSIKA VIA FACEBOOK: “Ye Olde Red Arrow Highway Shops.”

Follow us on social media to join the conversation. For next week, WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF LOCAL WINERIES A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY FROM US. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL WINE TO ENJOY OR WINERY TO VISIT? LET US KNOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL US AT GO@NWI.COM TO BE FEATURED IN NEXT WEEK’S FEEDBACK!

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LOCAL SCENE

Local All-Stars ‘Shuffle’ efforts to create co-op album ‌Tom Lounges / beatboss@aol.com‌

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inger/songwriter Drew Bolsega and Beat Boogie Drum builder/drummer Steve Crabtree, two region music veterans on the scene since the 1970s, teamed up to record a CD in 2006, are back in cahoots and currently working on a 10-song compilation project they are calling Bolsega/Crabtree & The Region All Star Shufflers.

The musical venture will include a who’s who of local Chicago/NWI area and national musicians each dropping by to contribute a part on the project.

Among the well known regional artists who have already “shuffled” in to record something for the collective effort include: Phil Miller, Jerry Clemons, Jim Barney, Chris Grove, Kenny Kinsey, Greg Drobac, Larry Mysliwiec, Jim “JP”Henry, Nicole Jamrose, Eric Holmquist, Neil Holmquist, Melva LaBlanc, “Reverend Raven”, Wally Walsworth, Sonny Tritt, Greg Ashby, Mark Rongers, Zeke Rongers, and violinist David Ragsdale of the classic rock group Kansas.

Even this columnist got drafted to take part when I stopped by to learn more and hear some of the rough tracks; getting shuffled into the isolation room where I contributed some snappy tambourine slapping on one of the tunes.

Crabtree said additional players are still being wooed as the project continues. They are hoping JC Hartsfield of Chicago’s iconic

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Heartsfield country-rock band of the early 1970s will find time to stop by in the days ahead to record some parts.

The music is a compilation of eclectic original rock songs being recorded and engineered by Neil Holmquist at Dungeon Recording Studio in St John. “The musicians participating are enjoying making music together,” said Crabtree. “The camaraderie among the players shows that local original music is thriving in 2014.”

Keep tabs on the project online: facebook.com/Dungeon RecordingStudios

MUSIC NOTES: • Old school region rock fans will remember The Kind as one of the best power-pop groups to hail from Chicago in the late 1970s/early1980s; releasing two stellar albums, three hit singles – “Loved By You,” “Total Insanity” and “When You Rock” — and headlining all the major Chicagoland rock haunts.

Seventeen-year-old rocker Dylan Gardner, the son of The Kind’s co-founder Mark Gardner, is a new internet music sensation whose original music debut album, “Adventures in Real Time” is set for a May 13 release. Dylan co-produced it with John Dragonetti (Submarines, Jack Drag). View the first single “Let’s Get Started” on YouTube. More: dylangardnermusic.com • Now in their 47th year on the road iconic rock ‘n’ roll horn band, CHICAGO, have completed work on their new album, “Now Chicago XXXVI,” packaged in a six-panel

THU. MAY 8

SUN. MAY 18

SAT. MAY 31

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digi-pack with a 16-page full color booklet; due for release July 4. This summer Chicago will co-headline a tour with fellow Midwest rockers REO Speedwagon and both bands will performing onstage for the encore. More: chicagotheband.com • The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has announced the third annual “Libera Awards Lifetime Achievement Award” will be presented to Bruce Iglauer, founder and president of Alligator Records, the award-winning 43-year-old Chicagobased national blues and roots rock label.

A fixture on the Chicago blues

scene, Iglauer has spent his career championing blues and roots rock; helping jumpstart the careers of rising new talent while also renewing the careers of such legends like Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, Lonnie Brooks, Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite, among many others. It is great to see Bruce’s hard work and efforts honored. More on Alligator and its artists: alligator. com • After performing annually during the holidays at Star Plaza Theatre for over three decades, The Oak Ridge Boys have often told this columnist how Northwest Indiana feels like a second home and the people here

Marchfourth Marching Band, 9pm June 10 (21 and older). $14

are like extended. Duane Allen of The Oaks was honored April 15 by his hometown in the Cunningham Community near Paris, TX, where a bridge and road were dedicated in his name. The bridge crosses the creek that ran through the middle of the old Allen family farm where the platinumselling singer and songwriter grew up picking cotton as a young boy.

Duane has vivid memories of learning to fish and swim in Big Sandy Creek, and bike-riding over the bridge each day on his way to school. Congrats to Duane!

Pomplamoose, 7:30pm Sept. 18. $20

All concerts listed below are all ages unless otherwise noted. Some of the ticket prices below do not include taxes and fees.

EMAIL TOM LOUNGES AT BEATBOSS@AOL. COM

GO! OUT LIVE MUSIC VENUES BUDDY AND PAL’S PLACE CROWN POINT 1206 E. Summit St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219.662.0088

J.J. KELLEYS 2455 Bernice Lansing, IL 60438 708.474.9977 jjkelleyslansing.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 LONGSHOTS SPORTS BAR 2251 US HWY 41 Schererville, IN 46375 219.322.0080

WHITE RHINO 101 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311; 219.864.9200; whiterhinoonline. com

BULLPEN BAR & GRILL 1013 W. U.S Hwy 30, Schererville, IN 46375; 219.322.7788; gotobullpenbar.com

STADIUM 1480 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311

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

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

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

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Paul McCartney 8pm July 9 ($29.50-$250)

Ed Sheeran, 7:30pm Sept. 16. $70.75.

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METRO Metrochicago.com

Boz Scaggs, 8pm July 25 (21 and older). $51$72.50 BOTTOM LOUNGE Bottomlounge.com Dead Kennedys, 9pm June 27 (17 and older). $20

PEPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 809 McCool Rd. Portage, IN 46368 219.762.7666

THE CHICAGO THEATRE Thechicagotheatre. com Bryan Ferry, 7:30pm Sept. 21 ($48.50$103.50) LINCOLN HALL Lincolnhallchicago. com Shellac, 8pm July 7 (18 and older). $15 Ben Kweller, 9pm July 10 (21 and older). $20

Echo and the Bunnymen, 8pm Aug. 10 (18 and older). $30 CITY WINERY Citywinery.com Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, 7:30pm July 11. $35-$45 Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance, 6pm May 25. $15 Time For Three, 8pm July 7. $22-$28 “French Quarter Fest” with New Orleans Suspects and Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, 8pm May 26. $18 SCHUBAS Schubas.com Ed Sheeran, 7pm June 13 (21 and older). $10

Dreams For Sale Look for NWI Homes Magazine in The Times the last Thursday of every month.

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Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, 7:30pm Aug. 9. $38.75$74.50

UNITED CENTER Unitedcenter.com

BEER GEEKS 3030 45th St., Highland, IN 46322: 219.513.9795: Beergeekspub.com

Top songs on iTunes • Tuesday ➙ 1. Happy (From “Despicable Me 2”), Pharrell Williams • 2. Talk Dirty (feat. 2 Chainz), Jason Derulo • 3. All of Me, John Legend • 4. Let It Go, Idina Menzel • 5. West Coast, Lana Del Rey • 6. Turn Down For What, DJ Snake, Lil Jon • 7. Dark Horse (feat. Juicy J), Katy Perry • 8. Play It Again, Luke Bryan • 9. Sing, Ed Sheeran • 10. The Man, Aloe Blacc

FIRST MIDWEST BANK AMPHITHEATRE Livenation.com

GO! / THE TIMES MEDIA CO. / 05.01.2014

For advertising opportunities in next month’s issue, call your Times Media Specialist today!

Munster (219) 933-3200

Crown point (219) 662-5300

Valparaiso Send information on upcoming concerts (219) 462-5151

to nwitickets@gmail.com.

OUT WITH A BANG

Symphony closes the season with dynamic classics ‌ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ / ELOISE.VALADEZ@NWI.COM

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fter presenting a series of fascinating musical works over the last eight months, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra plans to end its season with another stirring, dynamic program.

“This is the perfect way to end the season,” said Kirk Muspratt, music director and conductor for Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

The next symphony concert, featuring “Mahler I” and Barber’s “Violin Concerto,” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday at The Auditorium of Bethel Church in Crown Point. Special guest will be Corey Cerovsek who’ll perform Barber’s acclaimed work.

About “Mahler 1,” Muspratt said “It’s an emotional, exciting piece of music right off the bat. It’s exhilarating.”

The “thrill ride of a piece,” Muspratt added, is also known as “The Titan” and is thought of as an autobiographical piece by Mahler with a sophisticated narrative that’s similar to a tone poem.

The conductor explained Mahler wrote the piece in different forms and also continued to revise it over a 10-year period.

According to Muspratt, symphony fans are always asking for Mahler’s works. Last year, the orchestra performed the equally exhilarating and powerful “Mahler 1.”

Also starring in this show will be award-winning violinist (and mathematician) Corey Cerovsek who’ll perform Barber’s “Violin Concerto” on his “Milanollo” Stradivarius of 1728.

Cerovsek, who was born in Canada, now lives in Paris. He was the youngest student to receive a gold medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada and graduated from Indiana

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“He’s a naturally gifted player. He creates sounds with the violin that are just beautiful.”

KIRK MUSPRATT, music director and conductor for Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

University at 15 with degrees in music and mathematics. He also completed doctoral coursework when he was 19 years old.

“He’s a naturally gifted player,” said Muspratt about Cerovsek. “He creates sounds with the violin that are just beautiful.”

The conductor said, as Cerovsek is an alumnus of Indiana University, this concert, as last year’s was, will be a type of “homecoming” for the violinist.

Muspratt said orchestra attendees who saw Cerovsek last year also expressed interest in having the performer star in concert once again with NISO. “Right away, we had requests for him to come back,” he said.

Muspratt said he looks forward to planning next season’s roster of shows.

Fans can also see the orchestra in performances of the summer music series.

Keep checking the group’s website for more information on upcoming shows.

FYI: Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra will perform “Mahler 1” and Barber’s “Violin Concerto” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday at The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point.

Tickets are $25 to $65. Students pay $10. For more information, call (219) 836-0525 or visit NISOrchestra.org to order tickets.

PROVIDED

Corey Cerovsek

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CELEB BIRTHDAYS MAY 1: Country singer Tim McGraw is 47. Bassist D’Arcy Wretzky (Smashing Pumpkins) is 46. Director Wes Anderson is 45. Actor Darius McCrary (“Family Matters”) is 38. Singer Tina Campbell of Mary Mary is 40. Actor Jamie Dornan (“Fifty Shades of Grey”) is 32. Actress Kerry Bishe (“Argo”) is 30.

MAY 2: Wrestler-actor Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) is 42. Actress Ellie Kemper (“The Office”) is 34. Actor Robert Buckley (“One Tree Hill”) is 33. Singer Lily Allen is 29. Guitarist Jim Almgren of Carolina Liar is 28. Actress Kay Panabaker (“No Ordinary Family,” ‘’Summerland”) is 24.

MAY 3: Bassist John Hopkins of Zac Brown Band is 43. Country singer Brad Martin is 41. Actress Christina Hendricks is 39. Actor Dule Hill is 39. Country singer Eric Church is 37.

Faith in FAMILY Theatre at the Center presents ‘Miracle on South Division Street’

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BROSILOW

Marilynn Bogetich (left, seated) plays a faith-shaken mother to brood Joe Popp as Jimmy, Erin Grennan (standing) as Bev and Adria Dawn as Ruth in the Chicagoland Premiere of “Miracle on South Division Street” running May 1 until June 1 at Theatre at the Center.

PHILIP POTEMPA / PHILIP.POTEMPA@NWI.COM

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ctress Marilynn Bogetich is convinced playwright Tom Dudzick could have easily spent time in Northwest Indiana when

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creating his stage story “Miracle on South Division Street.”

“I know the family and characters are based on the urban streets of Buffalo, New York’s East Side,” said Bogetch, who stars as the mother lead character for the Chicagoland premiere at Theatre at the Center starting

previews today and running until June 1.

“But this is about the working-class Nowak Family as they cope with tested faith and life’s surprises all dealt with in ways that feel very familiar to a neighborhood in Northwest Indiana or Chicago’s Southwest Side.”

Dudzick is the writer of the beloved comedy “Over the Tavern,” which became a Theatre at the Center hit when staged in 2005, and was also previously a long-running commercial success in Chicago at The Mercury Theater, both productions under William Pullinsi’s direction.

Now as director of this month’s run of “Miracle on South Division Street,” Pullinsi is eager to share this heartfelt and hilarious comedy that follows a supposed visitation by the Virgin Mary to a blue collar working class neighborhood, causing revelations for a family of Polish American Catholics.

The story follows a hard-working mother named Clara Nowak, as played

by Bogetich, and her three grown children Jimmy, played by Joseph Popp, a garbage collector, Bev, played by Erin Grennan, a ketchup bottler and Ruth, played by Adria Dawn, who would be a struggling actress if she could only get a part. In 1943, Clara’s father had a vision of peace with the Blessed Mother, while working in the family barbershop. To commemorate this miracle, he built a 20-foot shrine of the Blessed Mother, which quickly became a beacon of hope to the neighbors and gave prestige to the family as it grew in popularity across the country.

The play story flashes forward 70 years, with Clara now happily running her soup kitchen and awaiting the Pope to give the miracle experienced his seal of approval. The play opens with a family meeting, where daughter Ruth divulges her plan to generate renewed interest in the shine by creating a onewoman play about the sacred event.

During the course of the meeting, both Clara’s patience and religious faith are tested, and events cause the family legend to unravel, resulting in chaos on South Division Street.

“Everyone goes through their own life’s evolution and that’s why this is a play so many audiences can relate to,” said Bogetch, who was born and raised in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.

“I was very interested in this role because I’ve had my own journey. I started out as a school teacher and then at age 42, decided I wanted to be a stage actress and it worked. It’s not always been easy, but I wouldn’t change anything.”

While her first public stage role was a small part as a housekeeper in “My Fair Lady” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire in July 1987, she credits Pullinsi and his former Candlelight Playhouse Dinner Theater as giving her the first “plum role.”

“I’m so thrilled to be working again with Bill for this current production because I’m still so grateful to him for taking a chance on me when right after

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL BROSILOW

Actresses Adria Dawn (left) and Marilynn Bogetich star in “Miracle on South Division Street” running May 1 until June 1 at Theatre at the Center and detailing a Polish Catholic family’s faith and grace for everyday struggles.

by Artistic Director Pullinsi, the set designer is Jeff Bauer, with lighting design by Shelley Strasser-Holland, sound design by Barry G. Funderburg, props design by Jessie Howe and costume designs by Brenda Winstead.

“When Bill first sent me the script back in November and I read it, I had moments when I was laughing out loud because I kept thinking about my own kids and my extended family,” Bogetch said.

“I have a lot of lines to remember, but they are great lines and conversations come across as very real and genuine for this family. That makes the process so much easier.”

PROVIDED

“Miracle on South Division Street” runs at Theatre at the Center May 1 until June 1 as the Chicagoland premiere of Tom Dudzick’s play about a Catholic Polish family navigating their faith and values with grace and a passion when faced with life’s questions.

my time in ‘My Fair Lady,” he cast me as Carlotta, the actress who sings ‘I’m Still Here,’ in his run of ‘Follies,’” she said.

“I’ve done a number of shows here at Theatre at the Center and I love the audiences. My last production here was

‘Noises Off’ in 2010. And just like that show, this stage story counts the audience as such an important part of the storytelling and we plan our timing and character interaction.”

In addition to the direction led

WHAT: “Miracle on South Division Street” • WHERE: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster • WHEN: Today through June 11 with performances 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays with select Thursday evening and Saturday matinees. • HOW MUCH: $40 to $44 with group discounts available for groups of 11 or more as well as gift certificates. • FYI: (219) 836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com with new 2014 Season Subscriptions now on sale and ranging from $150 to $160 as well as the Special Subscription Series Events including: the Wine & Theatre Series, the Dinner Theatre Series and the Opening Night Series.

A ‘Nightmare’ premieres at Towle

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‌TIM SHELLBERG / TIMES CORRESPONDENT‌

ark Baer, director of Hammond’s Towle Theater’s production of “The Nightmare Room,” was immediately drawn to the psychological thriller the first time he read the script.

“I was carried along with the story and very surprised and taken off guard and shocked a couple times,” he said.

“The first time a director reads a play, you try and notice your reactions and grab onto those so you remember what it was like the first time because you’re never going to have them again, and that first time, the play really got me. And that got me excited about directing it.”

Opening Friday and running through May 16, “Nightmare” tells the tale of Catherine and Helen, two longtime friends, albeit in different places professionally and socially, who find themselves held captive together in a room. Both in love with the same man, their relationship unravels during the ordeal after secrets come to light and confessions are made.

Based on a short story by beloved Scottish scribe Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, “Nightmare” was adapted for the stage by British playwright John Goodrum. The play made its debut in his homeland in 2005.

“Nightmare” is making its Indiana debut with its Towle Theatre run. Baer, assistant director of acting and directing at Indiana University Northwest, is making his directorial debut at Towle with “Nightmare” as well.

While Baer was immediately drawn to the play once he sat down with the script, he admitted to being skeptical at first with the prospect of helming such an intense tale.

“I’m not always sure that the live theater is the best environment for a piece that’s trying to be a thriller,” he said. “I think film does that pretty well. But this play is really smart and very well plotted and very well structured.”

Chicagoan Makha Mthembu portrays Catherine and Lansing’s Toya Turner plays Helen in Towle’s production of “Nightmare.”

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“The Nightmare Room” opens Friday at Towle Theater in Hammond.

PROVIDED

“(Mthembu and Turner are) wonderful professionals, really terrific natural talents and personalities onstage,” Baer said. “They’re really fun to watch, and they are being very bold and brave in their explorations of these

two characters.”

Due to intense situations and some violence, “The Nightmare Room” is recommended for mature audiences.

Next up for Towle Theatre is a production of the musical “From Up

Here,” scheduled to open July 11.

FYI: “The Nightmare Room” will be presented at 8pm Friday and May 8 to 10 and May 16 and 17; also 2pm May 4 and 18 at Towle Theatre, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond. Cost is $17. Call (219) 937-8780 or visit TOWLETHEATER.ORG

THEATER NOW SHOWING ‌MAY 1-JUNE 1 Miracle on South Division Street Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster.

219.836.3255.

By the author of Over the Tavern, this warm and funny comedy introduces the Nowaks of Buffalo, NY. Clara and her three grown children have kept a shrine since the day in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop! As Clara iwaits for the Pope to give “the miracle” his seal of approval, daughter Ruth unveils her plan to star in a one-woman show so the “whole world will know!” Expect the unexpected as long buried family secrets are revealed.

MAY 2-18 The Nightmare Room Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Avenue, Hammond.

219.937.8780.

The Nightmare Room, a dark and chilling psychological thriller!

Two best friends, both in love with the same dashing former movie star, locked in a room with a bottle of poison.

Who lives? Who dies?

Who’s right? Who’s wrong? You’ll be on the edge of your seat all the way through the spinechilling climax!

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THROUGH MAY 4 The Guys 8:15pm Sat, 3pm Sun, Marian Theatre Auditorium, 1849 Lincoln Ave, Whiting.

219.473.7555.

Less than two weeks after the attacks on 9/11, an editor named Joan receives an unexpected phone call on behalf Nick, a fire captain who lost most of his men on 9/11. Nick is looking for a writer to help him compose the eulogies he must present at the men’s memorial services.

In the process, Nick and Joan discover the possibilities of friendship in one another and their shared love of the unconquerable spirit of the city.

THROUGH MAY 11 Company 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana St, Valparaiso.

219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse. com.

It seems everyone except Robert is married or engaged, but Robert isn’t quite ready to take the plunge. He’s sure “Someone Is Waiting,” the perfect girl just for him, but meanwhile, Robert has the opportunity to observe the lives of all of his married friends. In spite of all his friends’ failings, he comes to the conclusion that there is no point in “Being Alive” unless one has someone to share it with.

VENUES Indiana Chicago Street Theater 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso.

219.464.1636. chicagostreet.org.

Now in its 58th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater Northwest Indiana region, the CST presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theater classes for both adults and children.

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,

Provided photos

Miracle on South Division St 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, 364seat 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 Theatre in association with M & M Productions puts on a two musical show season every year with an occasional third musical.

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.

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

The Nightmare Room throughout the Midwest.

Towle Community Theater 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond.

219.937.8780. towletheater.org.

To honor its mission of nurturing and celebrating local talent in the arts, the Towle Community Theater presents exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical performances in the heart of downtown Hammond.

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.

05.01.14 / The Times Media Co. / Go!

9

Fandango’s top ten ticket best sellers: 1 Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2 Heaven Is For Real 3 Rio 2 4 Transcendence 5 A Haunted House 2 6 Draft Day 7 Divergent 8 Oculus 9 Noah 10 Bears

IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND

COURTESY THE STUDIOS

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2hr 21min | PG-13 | Released May 2

We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important conflict has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of SpiderMan. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin. It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone).

But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp.

10

GO! / THE TIMES MEDIA CO. / 05.01.2014

BRICK MANSIONS 1 HR 29 MIN 1hr 29min | PG-13 | Released April 25

In a dystopian Detroit, abandoned homes from better times house the city’s most dangerous criminals. These are the grim, apocalyptic housing projects known as Brick Mansions.

In Brick Mansions, only the strong survive. In this dog-eat-dog society, the ruthless, urbane, and deadly drug kingpin Tremaine, played by RZA, is at the top of the foodchain. Undercover cop Damien Collier, played by Paul Walker, is determined to bring Tremaine to justice for killing his father years prior.

THE OTHER WOMAN

THE QUIET ONES

After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman (Cameron Diaz) tries to get her ruined life back on track. But when she accidentally meets the wife he’s been cheating on (Leslie Mann), she realizes they have much in common, and her sworn enemy becomes her greatest friend. When yet another affair is discovered (Kate Upton), all three women team up to plot mutual revenge on their cheating, lying, three-timing SOB.

Tucked away in an estate outside of London, Professor Coupland along with a team of university students conduct an “experiment” on Jane Harper, a young girl who harbors unspeakable secrets. What dark forces they uncover are more terrifying than any of them expected.

1 hr 49 min PG-13 | Released April 25

1 hr 38 min | PG-13 | Released April 25

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

‌Transcendence

Bears

A Haunted House

Director: Wally Pfister

Director: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey

Director: Michael Tiddes

Dr. Will Caster is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed — to be a participant in his own transcendence.

Filmmakers Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey chronicle a year in the lives of an Alaskan brown bear named Sky and her cubs, Scout and Amber. Their saga begins as the bears emerge from hibernation at the end of winter. As time passes, the bear family must work together to find food and stay safe from other predators, especially other bears.

Crossing new lines and breaking old barriers, A HAUNTED HOUSE 2 is the sequel to the hilarious boxoffice hit starring Marlon Wayans as Malcolm who, after exorcising the demons of his ex, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. After moving into their dream home, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events.

1 hr 59 min | PG-13 | Released April 18

1 hr 17 min | G | Released April 18

2 1 hr 27 min | R | Released April 18

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

Heaven Is For Real

‌Draft Day

Rio 2

Director: Randall Wallace

Director: Ivan Reitman

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Heaven Is for Real is the story of a four-year-old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who says he experienced Heaven during emergency surgery. He talked about looking down to see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn’t know what to believe. In Heaven, Colton described the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how “reaaally big” God and His chair are.

On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick.

He must quickly decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.

It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all — his father-in-law.

‌Captain America: The Winter Soldier

‌Noah

1 hr 50 min | PG | Released April 16

Oculus

1 hr 45 min | R | Released April 11

1 hr 49 min | PG-13 | Released April 11

Director: Mike Flanagan

2 hr 8 min | PG-13 | Released March 4

Ten years ago, tragedy struck the Russell family, leaving the lives of teenage siblings Tim and Kaylie forever changed when Tim was convicted of the brutal murder of their parents. Kaylie, still haunted by that fateful night, is convinced her parents’ deaths were caused by something else altogether: a malevolent supernatural force unleashed through the Lasser Glass, an antique mirror in their childhood home.

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk.

n w i .co m /g o

Director: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo

1 hr 41 min | G | Released April 11

2 hr 0 min | PG-13 | Released March 28

Director: Darren Aronofsky From the inspirational story of courage, sacrifice, hope and redemption, Darren Aronofsky brings to the screen “Noah.” Academy Award winner Russell Crowe portrays the man chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission of rescue before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world. Noah suffers visions of an apocalyptic deluge and takes measures to protect his family from the coming flood.

AmAzing Spider-mAn2 [PG-13] 700 1015 1205AM [REALD 3 D] 700 1015 1210AM The OTher WOmAn [PG-13] 1115AM 155 435 720 1000 CApTAin AmeriCA: The WinTer SOldier [PG-13] 1135AM 250 605 920 [REALD 3 D] 500 815 heAven iS fOr reAl [PG] 1130AM 205 440 715 950 riO 2 [G] 1125AM 200 435 [REALD 3 D] 715 950

BriCk mAnSiOnS [PG-13] 1235 255 520 745 1010 The QuieT OneS [PG-13] 1230 300 530 800 1030 BeArS [G] 1230 245 500 720 930 A hAunTed hOuSe 2 [R] 1220 245 TrAnSCendenCe [PG-13] 1115AM 205 455 745 1035 drAfT dAy [PG-13] 1120AM 200 445 730 1015 OCuluS [R] 355 nOAh [PG-13] 1240 divergenT [PG-13] 1240

05.01.2014 / The Times Media Co. / Go!

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‌ Your Home Team Schedules➙May 1: Chicago Bulls @ Washington Wizards (TBD) ➙ May 2: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:20pm; White Sox @ Cleveland Indians, 6:05pm ➙ May 3: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards (TBD); Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 12:05pm; White Sox @ Cleveland Indians, 5:05pm ➙ May 4: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 7:05pm; White Sox @ Cleveland Indians, 12:05pm

Are all progressive machines created equal?

Harrah’s Casino Joliet 151 N. Joliet St. Joliet, IL 60432 815.740.7800 Harrahsjoliet.com

T

Go! / The Times Media Co. / 05.04.2014

Ameristar Casino 777 Ameristar Blvd.

East Chicago, IN 46312 219.378.3000 Ameristar.com/ east_chicago.aspx

Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI 49117 866.494.6371 Fourwindscasino.com

‌John G. Brokopp / Times correspondent‌

12

CASINOS

Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr. Michigan City, IN 46360 219.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

Casino scene

his question from a reader is compelling evidence that slot players are eager to know basic information about the gamers they play: “Hi John, Horseshoe Hammond has an island of 12 progressive Triple Double Star slot machines that all have the same amount for the jackpot. Can you tell me if each machine has its own random access method for payouts or are your chances of winning something the same as if you went to any one of the machines. Sincerely, Ronald M.” Well Ronald, I posed your question to the folks in a position to know at The Shoe and received the following response: “These games are what we call a linked progressive jackpot. All the games underneath the jackpot are the same theme so they have the same odds to hit the top award. What we do is add a percentage of the hold of the games to the top award so that with every handle pull by a guest the award increments or progresses up.

“To win the jackpot someone has to hit the top award by betting the max bet on any of the games connected to the jackpot. The games are independent games, but it’s the same odds to the top award on each game, everyone participates in the progressive and everyone has the same odds to winning. (It is) very similar to the lottery where we all buy tickets and contribute to the pot, but my ticket is independent from your ticket.”

Using strategy implies that you are seeking to gain an advantage that hopefully will lead to victory. If that’s the case, there is no strategy for playing the slots.

Slot machines are programmed to guarantee a profit for the casino owners. There’s

Go! PLAY

Hollywood Casino 777 Hollywood Blvd.

Joliet, IL 60436 888.436.7737 hollywoodcasinojoliet. com

Thinkstock

no way around it and there’s no way to beat them. It’s all about the math.

The vast majority of the money a slot machine takes in over the course of tens of thousands of plays is returned to gamblers as a collective group in the form of winnings.

The only way for individual gamblers to win, however, is to have good fortune on your side.

Every slot comes with information that details the math about that particular game, but those so-called “PAR sheets” are made available by the manufacturers only to casino operators.

Expanding further on our research about slots available on International Game Technology’s Website (igt.com), consider this: Take a traditional 3-reel spinning slot with a single pay line. If each reel has 32 “stops” (positions at which the reel can stop), you multiply 32 X 32 X 32 to determine the “reel cycle”, or total number of possible combinations you can get, in this case 32,768.

Of those 32,768 combinations, 3,277 of them are programmed to be winners of varying amounts. The “hit frequency” of this machine, therefore, would be 3,277 divided by 32,768, or 10 percent, meaning that the mathematical probability of winning something is once in every 10 spins.

The math from machine to machine varies, depending upon the number of reels, the number of stops, and the number of times the jackpot symbol appears on each reel.

For example, a 4-reel spinning slot could have 64 stops per reel, which translates into a reel cycle of 16,777,216 combinations, of which 2,516,582 are winners. A 5-reel video slot could have a reel cycle of 62,015,625 combinations, of which 3,931,452 are winners.

The chances of hitting the top award can soar into the millions to one.

BONUS ROUND-UP: HOLLYWOOD JOLIET: Celebrate on Sunday, May 18, with the “Lucky 18” promotion. Three winners will be selected every half-hour from Noon until 8:30 p.m. to win up to $500 in cash. Receive one entry for every 25 slot points earned on the day of the promotion. The $18,000 giveaway is open to all Marquee Rewards player’s club members.

MAJESTIC STAR: On Friday and the following Friday, May 9, will be your final opportunities to participate in the $102,000 “Fastball Fridays” promotion. Two winners will be randomly selected every 30 minutes from 3 to 10 p.m. to win $5,000 in Promo Cash or suite level baseball tickets including game day food and beverages.

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

MAY 3 ‌

‌THROUGH MAY 10

Indoor Street Market 8am-1pm, 2nd Sat of each month, Lincoln Community Center Banquet Hall, 2450 Lincoln St, Highland.

219.838.0114. highland.in.gov.

This street market moves indoors for the winter. Shoppers can browse breads, honey, spices, dog treats and more.

MAY 1

Eat Up Wine Down 5-10pm, Lincolnway, downtown Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com.

The first Thursday of every month, Valpodining.com restaurants— Bistro 157, Bon Femme Café, Don Quijote, Margarita’s, Tommy B’s, Pikk’s Tavern, The Silver Spoon and Valley—offer five of their most popular drinks and/or dishes for $5 apiece.

MAY 2

First Friday Art Walk 5-8pm, 1st Fri of each month, Uptown Arts District, Michigan City.

219.331.5517. uptownartsdistrict.org.

The Uptown Arts District stores, galleries and venues come alive the first Friday of every month for an evening of culture, art and networking. Various locations throughout the district feature works of arts by local artists, refreshments, entertainment and more.

MAY 2-3 ‌ Your Villian My Hero‌ 10pm, Blue Chip Casino,‌ 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City.

219.879.7711.

n w i .co m /g o

bluechipcasino.com.‌ Far from the average bar band, Your Villian My Hero combines top 40 pop, club and dance music with a high-energy stage show.

First Friday Poetry Slam‌ 5-8pm, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org.‌ Poets are invited to showcase their works during this raucous audience-juried event.

Each entrant should prepare three original pieces, each under three minutes in length. Poets will be eliminated each round, tournament style, until one is left standing as the Poetry Slam Champion.

MAY 3 ‌ 7th Annual Lake County Pet Expo‌ 9am-4pm, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St, Crown Point. lcpetexpo.org.‌ Tails will be wagging during this annual event supporting local area rescues. The event features family and dog-friendly activities, vendors and services, plus information on adoption and pet care. All friendly leashed animals are welcome. Profits benefit local area rescue organizations.

MAY 3 ‌ 16th Annual Munster Car Show‌ 9am-4pm, Munster Community Pool Parking Lot, 8837 Columbia Ave, Munster.

219.836.7275. munster. org.‌ Car enthusiasts can show of their ride at this annual car show for a chance at “Best in Show,” “People’s Choice” or a top-three finisher in each class.

Entry forms are available in the park office. The event also features a vendor/arts and crafts fair, music, food and a chance to vote for the best entry at the car show.

MAY 3 ‌ Downtown Pub Crawl‌ 1-5pm, Pikk’s Tavern, 62 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

219.476.7455. pikkstavern.com.‌ Pikk’s Tavern celebrates Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby with

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana. Participating organizations can create a team of four bowlers to compete.

MAY 7-AUG 27 ‌

Provided

Indian Camp at Buckley Homestead a pub crawl featuring appetizers, logo glassware, giveaways and drink specials at each participating location.

A prize will be awarded to the most creative costume celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby or both.

MAY 3-4 ‌ Indian Camp at Buckley Homestead‌ 10am-4pm, Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell. 219.769.7275. lakecountyparks.com.‌ The public can see how the Woodland Indians in Lake County lived in 1750—including their wigwam homes, clothing with decorations and wild and cultivated foods.

MAY 8 ‌ Vince Gill,‌ Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Pl, Merrillville.

800.745.3000. starplazatheatre.com.‌ Vince Gill has earned 18 CMA Awards and 19 Grammy awards to date.

He performs some of his greatest hits during one incredible evening of country music.

MAY 13-OCT 19 ‌ Riverside Market‌ 10am-3pm, 234 E Second St, Michigan City. 219.874.5864.‌ Local farmers, merchants and artistic talents offer residents and tourist the opportunity to buy regionally grown fresh produce, healthy organic foods and local creative arts and crafts during this weekly market.

MAY 3-OCT 25 ‌ Chesterton’s European Market‌ 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.

MAY 4-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, local honey, prepared foods from local vendors and a variety of handcrafted items.

MAY 4-SEPT 28 ‌ Town of Munster’s Farmers’ Market‌ 8am-1pm, Centennial Park, 1005 S Centennial Dr, Munster.

219.836.7275. munster. org.‌ This weekly market features fresh produce and fun every Sunday.

MAY 7 ‌ Challenger Learning Center Bowling Challenge‌ Olympia Lanes, Hammond.

219.989.2007. clcnwi. com.‌ This corporate bowling charity challenge to benefit

Demotte’s Market in the Park‌ 2-7pm, Spencer Park, east side of Halleck St, Demotte.

219.964.8626.‌ Visitors to this weekly market can enjoy crafters, food, produce and live entertainment.

EXHIBITIONS Indiana‌

MAY 1-31 ‌ Fairy House Garden Exhibit‌ 8am-7pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso.

219.462.0025. taltree. org.‌ Fairy houses made from natural and recycled materials are positioned along the trail of whimsical miniature gardens surrounding Heron Pond in a natural setting to match each house’s unique personality.

MAY 2-JUN 1 ‌ Art in Good Taste— An Exhibition with Food as Subject‌ Southern Shore Art Association, 724 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.369.9028. southernshoreartassociation.com.‌ This lively and delicious exhibition features food as the subject in a variety of media—fine art, photography, sculpture, ceramic, fabric, glass and more.

THROUGH MAY 10 ‌ Sentinels‌ South Shore Arts, 123 N Main St, Crown Point. southshoreartsonline. org.‌ Chicago-based artist and member of Union Street Gallery, Eve Jensen presents a series of drawings and

✔

These events are Editor’s Picks

P h o t o c o urt e s y o f Al Wat s o n

Apr 29 and 30 Diana Ross to star at Four Winds Casino 8 p.m., New Bufallo, Mich., dianaross.com. ‌It’ll be a celebration of decades of song when

✔ Grammy-winner Diana Ross steps onto the

stage Friday at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich. Ross will perform at 9 p.m. Eastern in the casino’s Silver Creek Event Center. From her days as a celebrated member of The Supremes to her solo music career and film work, Ross has remained in the spotlight as an entertainment legend. Her concerts are well-attended and her performance repertoire stars all the hits from various phases of her career. Spotlighted tunes regularly include Supremes’ favorites such as “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Baby Love,” and “Where Did Our Love Go” to solo chart toppers such as “Theme of Mahogany,” “Touch Me In The Morning” and “I’m Coming Out.” The singer performed concerts at The Chicago Theatre on April 29 and 30 and will continue her tour through summer and select dates through the fall. Visit fourwindscasino.com for more information on ticket availability. For more information on Ross, visit dianaross.com. By Eloise Marie Valadez

paintings exploring the mythological and metaphorical meaning of trees. Her personal connection to the subject matter is reflected in her delicate handling of pastel, graphite and oil paint.

THROUGH MAY 11 ‌ What is Left Unspoken‌ Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W Second St, Michigan

City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org.‌ This exhibit feature 2-D and 3-D conceptual pieces by artists Barbara Hashimoto— displaying installation pieces create by turning everyday junk mail into art—and Doug Fogleson—displaying “overlapped” imagery.

Also, through MAY 11: Embroidered Archetypes‌

05.01.2014 / The Times Media Co. / Go!

13

‌ From nwi.com/go ➼Culinary Night The May Culinary Night at CVPA will take on the theme “Flavors of Spain” May 8 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with cooking demonstration by Chef Joe Trama at 7 p.m. Cost is $55. Call (219) 836-1930, ext. 2. New Chef Ameristar Casino in East Chicago recently appointed Chef Bill Osloond as executive chef. Visit ameristar.com for more information on the casino’s dining options. Anniversary Celebrated Miller Bakery Cafe, 555 S. Lake St., celebrates its 1-year anniversary May 2. Live music by Greg Bueltmann will be featured. visit millerbakerycafe.com. Cocktails and Cuisine A May Cocktails and Cuisine dinner will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at Hubbard Inn, 10 W. Hubbard St., Chicago. Cost is $42.50 per person, including tax. For reservations, call (312) 560-9211. Perfect Pairings Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, will present its next “Perfect Pairings” event from 7 to 9 p.m. May 15 in the Lakeview Room. Tickets are $40. For tickets, visit chicagohorseshoe.com

Smoky flavors a hit at Bombers ‌ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ / ELOISE.VALADEZ@NWI.COM

B

ombers BBQ in Munster has been heating up the local culinary scene for nearly a year now.

The eatery, located on Ridge Road, celebrates its first anniversary May 7 and owners/managers Anthony Petrocelli and Christopher Cole are looking forward to many more years of bringing good flavors to Northwest Indiana.

“We want to continue to serve a quality product in a friendly environment and we’re happy to be doing this in an area that we grew up in,” said Christopher Cole, who grew up in Dyer, and later moved to Wilmette, Ill. Petrocelli grew up in South Holland, Ill. and later moved to Munster.

According to Petrocelli, the restaurant has long been a dream for

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

LEFT: A recent lunch from Bombers included smoked brisket, smoked pulled pork, Mississippi won ton, hash browns, coleslaw, pork and beans and jalapeno cheddar cornbread. RIGHT: Pictured is the counter and open kitchen at Bombers BBQ in Munster

both food lovers. Cole and Petrocelli have worked in restaurants through the years and, being fans of smoked foodstuffs and down home barbecue, they wanted to bring this type of fare

The BenneTT-CurTis

house

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

Sunday, May 11th • Brunch 9AM-3PM | Dinner 3-8PM *Reservation Required.

Brunch Buffet

Featuring over 50 items Fresh Pastries, Fruits, Breakfast Station, Omelets Made-to-Order, Salad Bar, Lunch Station, Craving Station, Juice Bar, Sweet Station featuring our Chocolate Fountain!

Adults $22.95 • Children $10.95

Paint by Wine

We supply everything you need to create your very own work of art.

May 20 • June 24

Psychic Luncheon

June 20th

Live Jazz Band, 5-course meal.

Call For Details!

May 18—June 22

2 Can Dine for $39.99

Mystery Dinners May 17, 18, 31

Speak Easy Jazz Night

5-Courses! By Reservation, Call Today

Not valid with any other offer, Tax & Gratuity not include. Available Thursday, Friday, or Sunday 5-8PM. Exp. 7-31-14

Buy One Mystery Dinner Ticket

GET $10 OFF Second Ticket

Mention coupon at time of reservation.

Not valid with any other offer. Exp. 5/31/14

302 W. Taylor St, Grant Park, IL • 815.465.2288 Reservations Necessary — www.bennettcurtis.com

14

GO! / THE TIMES MEDIA CO. / 05.01.2014

to locals.

Meat served at the joint is smoked fresh everyday and everything is prepared fresh daily at the restaurant.

All product is cooked over hard wood, which is a combination of apple and cherry wood.

“That’s of utmost importance to us,” said Petrocelli, about quality and freshness. “We never serve day-old barbecue,” Cole stressed. “We cook as much meat as possible in the smoker and we sell out everyday.”

In fact, Bombers’ hours posted on the door state that closing time is until “sold out.”

The owners/barbecue enthusiasts said sometimes all meat is gone by 6:30 or 7 p.m., and sometimes even earlier. On Super Bowl Sunday, everything was gone by 2 p.m.

During a recent luncheon visit to Bombers to pick up a carry-out order for co-workers to share and enjoy, the eatery was packed. Customers even waited in a line which snaked out the door.

Cole said people in the area have become real fans of their barbecue fare. According to Cole, smoked food is a favorite because of its rich flavor.

“It’s also something you can do at home but it’s rarely done because it’s very time consuming,” he said, adding it often takes 18 to 22 hours to smoke various meats.

The restaurant’s interior features various pictures and other items depicting military aircraft and its paraphernalia, including a bomber jacket in a case and more.

For our lunch on a recent Friday, we ordered from the For the Fam section of the menu. We chose the B-36 Peacemaker, serving 4 to 6 people and starring 1-pound of brisket, 1-pound of pulled pork, 3 medium sides and a medium coleslaw ($36).

Our sides were jalapeno cheddar cornbread, pork and beans and hash browns, which was the day’s special side dish.

We also ordered Mississippi won tons ($5), which are a type of fried

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

1.75

$

2.00

$

Domestic Bottles

Daily lunch SpecialS

23 oz. Footballs

• Homemade Soups • Tacos • Daily Specials • Great Variety of Seafood

FULL MENU OF

MON tHRu tHuRS. 10 AM tO 6 PM FOR $5.75 FiSh SpecialS EvERy FRIDAy, 10AM tO 9 PM

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!

Smoking Allowed

DJ David zane every Fri. and Sat. night, from 9 pM to 2 AM

FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY • ADULT DINING • FULL MENU CARRY OUT

Sandwiches, Steaks & Fried Chicken Blackhawks Game Day Special When the Blackhawks are playing, we will have Labatt Blue Import Draft on Special Pints for $1.50 on Game Day

P HO T OS B Y E L OISE MA R IE V A L ADE Z

At the counter at Bombers BBQ in Munster.

won ton or dough stuffed with pork.

The smoked brisket and pulled pork proved tender and flavorful and, when paired with various sauces from the eatery, were sparked with a touch of heat or sweetness or a combination of the two.

Among sauces available at Bombers are a Sweet Sauce, Bombers Sauce (which has a bit of heat and sweetness), Atomic sauce (a super hot concoction); St. Louis sauce and Nuclear (which the menu states customers must sign a waiver to try).

Our lunch actually served close to eight people and everyone was satisfied, with some diners even saying they’d like to dine in the place and fairly soon.

Among other items on the Bombers menu are fried pickles ($5); Bang Bang Shrimp ($7); Burnt Ends ( $7); Baby Back Ribs ($12 for half order, $21 for a full order); St. Louis Ribs ($10, half order and $18 for a full order); rib tips ($9 for a la carte and $12 for the tips with bread and two sides) as well as smoked and fried wings ($5, $13, $20 and $37, depending on the amount you’d like).

The menu also features Everyday Sides and Seasonal Sides, which are rotated frequently. More than 40 craft beers are also offered.

If you’ve got a craving for

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ABOVE: Mississippi Won Tons. BELOW: Smoked meat and sauces from Bombers BBQ in Munster

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FYI: Bombers BBQ, 439 Ridge Road, Munster. Hours are 11 a.m. to Sold Out, Tuesdays to Sundays.

Closed on Mondays. Call (219) 836-BOMB.

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