Marlo Thomas Stars in Elaine May's "George is Dead" at Brooks Atkinson Theatre in 2011

Marlo Thomas, shown here in 2011 starring in her friend Elaine May's stage work "George is Dead," is a familiar theater face for many, including a 1992 run in the title role of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

OFFBEAT: New 'Oz' film ready for audiences with a new Indiana Munchkin

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

2011 Donald Trump Holiday Ornament at Macy's

Donald Trump gave his "stamp of approval" in 2011 for a special limited edition holiday ornament sold at Macy's sporting his famous name and in the shape of a coin to help raise money for Make-A-Wish-Foundation.

Robert Sullivan, CEO & President, Fifth Third Bank (left to right) Times Columnist Philip Potempa and Barry Axler, President, Chicago Rotary in 2011

Robert Sullivan, CEO & President, Fifth Third Bank (left to right), Times Columnist Philip Potempa and Barry Axler, President, Chicago Rotary, prepare care packages to be mailed to U.S. Troops during an event on Nov. 11, 2011, at Chicago's Union Station for Veterans Day 2011.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa Taking Bids for a 'From the Farm' Gift Basket

Times Columnist Philip Potempa takes bids for a "From the Farm" themed gift basket at the 2011 Live and Silent Auction for Multiple Sclerosis.

2011 Artist Rendering of Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont in Chicago

This 2011 artist rendering of the re-imagined Stage 773 theater complex space at 1225 W. Belmont, as designed by Morris Architects Planners, is now a reality just one year later.

2011 Macy's Glamorama Fashion Show

Macy's Glamorama fashion show combines top fashion with headline entertainment for charity. The Chicago event is now in its 15th year.

Flaunting fashion for a cause

Fashion meets charity on the runway at Macy's Glamorama event in Chicago. In 2011, more than $250,000 was raised to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Andy Williams and Ann-Margret Concert Headliners at Moon River Theater September 2011

Singers Andy Williams and Ann-Margret, shown in a publicity photo for a string of performances in 2011, performed on a double bill at Williams' Moon River Theater in Branson in September and October 2011.

Celeste Holm at "War Horse" in New York, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

Celeste Holm at the world premiere of "War Horse," in New York, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

Nikki Steinbach, Andrean

Andrean pitcher Nikki Steinbach.

Palmer Myers

Matt Workman

Hats from 2011 May Wine

Rose Smith, of Merrillville, and Maryanne Battistini, of Highland, chose competing wide-brimmed hats with their wardrobe for the 2011 May Wine Brunch at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa with Valparaiso High School Students in June 2011

Valparaiso High School students John Christodoulakis, center, and Mack Neal, far right, describe their team's meal to Times columnist Philip Potempa during their classroom's 2011 Iron Chef inspired cooking contest. During the past decades, students have often followed Potempa's weekly recipe…

Tammy Mader and Giovanni Bonaventura in "Shout!" at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire in 2011

Tammy Mader, sporting 1960s garb, gets a lift from Giovanni Bonaventura in a scene from the musical revue "Shout!" during the Summer 2011 run at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire.

Headed to Mongolia

Chicago-based orchestral pop group Canasta begins their tour of Mongolia this weekend. The group is shown shopping for warm clothes in preparation for their trip.

Homes Right Cheerful Yellow

Crate & Barrel Chloe Chair in Bella Citrine

Movie theaters continue finding inventive ways to woo patrons

Using promotions to entice movie lovers to cinemas is not a new concept. But in the face of competition from convenient $1 Redbox kiosks and Netflix delivering movies to doorsteps, it's more important than ever.

That's the ticket: Movie theaters continue finding inventive ways to woo patrons

Wanda Lindfeldt, of Westville, didn't mind driving from LaPorte County to Schererville in October to attend an advance screening of Hugh Jackman's action film, "Real Steel."