Based on C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” a new stage run of “The Chronicles of Narnia” is the musical adaption directed by Debbie Bartholomew at Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St. in Michigan City until June 22. Intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia, are the inspiration for much symbolism and interpretation throughout this two-hour journey. Though Aslan is often absent from the land, with his very existence doubted by some, he returns when the need for him is greatest. From the opening song “Aslan’s on the Move” to the joyous tune of “Narnia You Can’t Imagine,” it’s a theater experience for families and all ages. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $12 to $17 at www.footlightplayers.org or call 219-874-4035.
Questions for cause
Chicago Street Theatre is hosting the 2025 charity event return of “Trivia Night,” with free admission, free hors d’oeuvres, prizes and a 50-50 raffle. Hosted at the stage space at 154 W. Chicago St. in Valparaiso, guests have a chance to show off general theater knowledge while helping raise money for theater programming and needs. There will be seven categories, ranging from Shakespeare quotes and holiday shows to prop descriptions and scary scripts. Spouses of current board members and staff may play but will be ineligible to receive prizes. Captains are asked to gather a team of 2-6 players, and reservations are required. Call 219-464-1636 or visit www.ChicagoStreet.org.
Brothers for Father’s Day
The Neverly Brothers’ concerts are a tribute to one of the most exciting chapters in music history: the birth, near death and resurrection of rock ‘n’ roll. Their one-of-a-kind, high-energy stage performances take you on a tour of rock history from 1955 to 1965. Audiences will learn rock history while being thoroughly entertained with a chronological song sequence, stories behind the music and vintage wardrobe changes when the Neverly Brothers return to the Theatre at the Center stage 1040 Ridge Road in Munster for a 3 p.m., June 15 Father’s Day Sunday concert. Music fans can expect show-stopping renditions of hits by Jerry Lee Lewis (“Great Balls of Fire”), Chuck Berry (“Johnny B. Goode”), Eddie Cochran (“Summertime Blues”), Buddy Holly (“That’ll be the Day”), The Beatles (“Twist & Shout”), The Rolling Stones (“Satisfaction”), The Kinks (“You Really Got Me”), The Dave Clark Five (“Glad All Over”) and other favorites. Tickets are $40 at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com or 219-836-3255.
A real Buddy
Music icon Buddy Guy celebrates his 89th birthday on July 30, and the party has already started with his “Buddy Guy Damn Right Encore” tour with one concert at 8 p.m. Friday, June 13 at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo at the Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center at 11111 Wilson Road. Tickets start at $70 at 866-494-6371 or fourwindscasino.com. Eight-time Grammy Award-winning blues legend Buddy Guy is giving fans another chance to experience his electrifying live show with the newly announced Damn Right Encore tour. As one of the last living legends of the blues, Buddy has inspired generations of musicians, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton and John Mayer. His Damn Right Farewell tour is a celebration of his extraordinary career for fans to have the opportunity to witness a blues master at work.
Birthday blues
“Happy Birthday, Wanda June” is a satirical play by the late great Kurt Vonnegut who died in 2007. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays now through June 22 at 4th Street Theater, 125 N. 4th St. in Chesterton. Directed by Bob Cooley, it is the 90-minute stage story of a woman with a little boy who has two suitors: a doctor and a vacuum cleaner salesman. Her husband, a famous big-game hunter and adventurer, disappeared years ago in the Amazon. She is about to be declared a widow when he walks in with the pilot with whom he crashed in the Amazon valley. It happens to be his birthday, an event which all those present had decided to celebrate and for which they had just purchased a cake on the spur of the moment. The cake had been intended for somebody named Wanda June, who apparently never got to celebrate at all. The adventurer turns out to be a wild champion of havoc who alienates friends and demolishes any social scene. The show deals with adult themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Tickets are $20 at www.4thstreetncca.com or call 219-926-7875.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
