OFFBEAT: PBS Lakeshore TV celebrating 25, 'Streetlamp' ready for new special

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's 'Streetlamp' singer Shonn Wiley ready for Broadway

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Manager Charlie Blum and Singer/Dancer Shonn Wiley

Star Plaza's Charlie Blum, who serves as manager for Broadway's Shonn Wiley, is helping the singer prepare for next month's New York Broadway run in "On Your Toes."

OFFBEAT: Charlie Blum inks deal to bring Frankie Valli back to Chicago Theatre

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Mitzi Gaynor back in Chicago Tuesday for free 'South Pacific' film screening

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

On the Line: 'Chorus Line' tour makes a quick step stop at Star Plaza Sunday

Caley Crawford is happy to report the cast of young singers and dancers from the new national touring production of "A Chorus Line" aren't nearly as competitive behind the curtain as their stage counterpart roles.

Yuletide Applause: Tickets for holiday stage productions are ideal stocking stuffers

Charlie Blum has been booking shows for Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville for 23 years.

These Gentlemen rule

There's a new musical entity on the scene.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's Charlie Blum and Dan Ponce producing new singing group

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza 'Jersey Boy' joining wife for new duo stage revue

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

"An Evening with The Monkees" 2012 Tour with Mike Nesmith

The Chicago Theatre is one of just 12 city dates for the 2012 "An Evening with The Monkees" tour starring a reunion of singer Mike Nesmith with fellow original members Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. The group performs in the Windy City Nov. 16.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's Charlie Blum nets Monkees tour, including Mike Nesmith

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Hammond reader pleased to see Peppy the Flame in morning newspaper

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Charlie Blum and Cast of Ross Summer Music Theatre's "The Music Man"

Charlie Blum credits a talented cast of all ages as the reason he has enjoyed his repeated annual returns to Ross Summer Music Theatre playing the Professor Harold Hill lead in 'The Music Man.'

Charlie Blum Starring as Professor Harold Hill in the 2005 Ross Summer Music Theatre Production of "The Music Man"

Charlie Blum (center) stars as Professor Harold Hill in the 2005 Ross Summer Music Theatre Production of 'The Music Man.'

Charlie Blum as Professor Harold Hill in "The Music Man" in 1979 at Rockville Musical Theatre

Charlie Blum, (center) sporting a mustache, plays Professor Harold Hill a stage production of 'The Music Man,' in this photo from 1979 at Rockville Musical Theatre.

Charlie Blum Sporting His Costume as Professor Harold Hill from "The Music Man" with Shirley Jones in 2008

Charlie Blum donned his costume as Professor Harold Hill from 'The Music Man' when he met Shirley Jones in 2008 during her performance at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. Jones played the female lead in the 2008 film of the same name.

Charlie Blum's run in 'Music Man' in Merrillville may be his final time behind the baton

Star Plaza Theatre CEO Charlie Blum describes the lead role in stage favorite "The Music Man" as "the role of a lifetime."

Join the band at 'The Music Man'

MERRILLVILLE | Charlie Blum reprises the lead role of lovable flim-flam man Harold Hill as Ross Summer Music Theatre celebrates it 49th year with "The Music Man" at Merrillville High School's Reinhart Auditorium.