Harbor Lights to shine on stage in Valpo

The doo-wop sounds of Harbor Lights will jump into the spotlight Saturday in the Region.

EDITORIAL: Remember the fallen, not just the free

Memorial Day is traditionally seen as the launchpad for summer. But take time today to remember the real meaning of this holiday.

Memorial Opera House repair job costs reach $315,000

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to spend another $90,000 on maintenance at the 120-year-old Memorial Opera House, boosting the total cost of the most recent repair job to $315,000.

Memorial Opera House stages ‘Guys and Dolls’

Craig Golbesky, director of Valparaiso’s Memorial Opera House’s production of “Guys and Dolls,” described the beloved musical as “quintessential American theater at it’s best.”

Upgrading Memorial Opera House

Jim Nebelski of Berglund Construction works on renovations in January at Porter County's Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso.

Upgrading Memorial Opera House

Jim Nebelski of Berglund Construction works on renovations Wednesday at Valparaiso's Memorial Opera House. Porter County owns the 118-year-old building on Indiana Avenue. Renovations have included work on the sagging floor and foundation.

County racing against curtain call at Opera House

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Board of Commissioners declared an emergency last week that allowed them to bypass the bidding process and hire a contractor for up to $225,000 to address water infiltration problems threatening the 119-year-old Memorial Opera House.

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.

Shawn Mullins is ready to 'light you up' in Valparaiso

The eclectic Vanguard Records label is a good home for an artist who himself is unsure how to adequately describe the music he creates; a rustic blend of folk, country and rock, but with notable pop sensibilities.

County candidates square off in forum

VALPARAISO | Candidates for contested Porter County Council and commissioner seats pretty much agreed with each other Tuesday night during a forum sponsored by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.

EDITORIAL: We pick Blaney for Porter County commissioner

Porter County voters face two good choices in this year's District 1 (south) county commissioner's race.

‘Spooktacular ‘ fun for families planned at Memorial Opera House

Michelle Smith, business director at Valparaiso Memorial House and a coordinator of their annual “Halloween Spooktacular,” says the adults that participate in their annual kid-minded event are as awestruck as the youngsters in the audience.

OFFBEAT: Glen Theater in Gary celebrates 5-year anniversary of reopening

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Art and math equal 'Color' at IUN

The sculptures on display at Indiana University by Morton C. Bradley have elicited responses from viewers outside of the art strata according to IU Curator of Campus Art Sherry Rouse.

Opera House budget cut by nearly $100,000

VALPARAISO | Nearly a year after a debate about Porter County government's role in funding the arts, the newly appointed interim director of the Memorial Opera House unveiled a proposed 2013 budget that is nearly $96,000 less than this year.

Hyde Park opens its doors to jazz

While a primary focus for many who attend the Hyde Park Jazz Festival is the music, festival director Kate Dumbleton also sees it as a way for attendees to explore the neighborhood’s rich architectural offerings.

County addresses audit deficiencies

VALPARAISO | Porter County officials have addressed several deficiencies brought to their attention during a State Board of Accounts audit.

Memorial Opera House ‘Shouts’ to the '60s

Chris Stalbaum, vocal director of Valparaiso’s Memorial Opera House’s “Shout! The Mod Musical,” has found himself playing a reverse “name that tune” on several occasions in regard to his production.

Still Living The Dream 35 Years Later

Pat DiNizio – the Jersey-born and bred rocker who fronts The Smithereens and who penned such classic alt-rock foundation songs in the 1980s as “Blood And Roses,” “A Girl Like You,” “Behind The Wall of Sleep,” “Only A Memory” and “House We Used To Live In” – maintains a busy solo career while…

Memorial Opera House 'Triumphs' in latest comedy

For theatergoers, one appeal to enjoying a play is being surprised by the twists and turns a tale may take, and the less known about the specifics of the story is better.