A distant heir to a family fortune is eager to change the line of succession in “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” at LaPorte Little Theatre, 218 A St. with final performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Boasting 10 Tony nominations and four wins, including Best Musical, Book, Direction and Costumes, it also earned seven Drama Desk Awards (including Best Musical). Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for seniors age 55 and older, and $19 for general adult admission by calling 219-362-5113 or visiting www.laportelittletheatreclub.com. Now celebrating a milestone century season, this 200-seat historic space in a converted church survives and thrives because of generous donors and dedicated volunteers.
Fear and fire
Whiting’s annual weekend fright festival Wickedly Whiting opens for 2025, one weekend only, 5 p.m. Friday and then on Saturday, starting at noon through 11 p.m. Despite missing one year when COVID-19 cast its horrible spell, this weekend’s fiendishly fun romp marks the event’s 10th anniversary. From Whihala the Witch and her ring of dancing circle sister witches at midnight Saturday to fire-eaters, games, food and scary displays, there’s something for all ages. Visit wickedlywhiting.com for the full events schedule or call 219-659-0292.
Stein find
German flair and food fare come to Griffith Central Park, 600 N Broad St., to celebrate the fifth annual Griffith Oktoberfest Oct. 3 through Oct. 5. German food and beverage specialties and local microbrewery favorites highlight dining options. Live music takes the stage each night, with the Die Musikmeisters Band Friday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m., Paloma Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m., and The German Band at 2 p.m., and Deutsch Meisters at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. Free pumpkins and decorating kits are available for children 12 and under alongside a kid’s pumpkin patch on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Griffith Oktoberfest event page on Facebook or call 219-924-7500.
Woodstock Rock
“Forever Janis: A Tribute to Janis Joplin” is a new debut concert salute for the Theatre at the Center stage at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Heralding the life and music artistry of the iconic Janis Joplin, who died 55 years ago this same concert weekend, listen to hits such as “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Cry Baby” and more. The blues-influenced rocker had one of the most powerful voices of the Sixties – equal parts tough and vulnerable, a shout into the void that resonated with a generation. The 90-minute concert also includes covers of other memorable songs from the explosive and exciting decade. Tickets for the concert are $40. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 219-836-3255 or visit https://www.theatreatthecenter.com/theatreatthecenter.com. Also available is the pre-show 10Forty Banquets and Catering first anniversary Sunday Champagne Brunch for an additional $35, with seatings at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Call 219-836-1930 for brunch reservations.
Not Petty
“Last Dance: A Tribute to Tom Petty” comes to The Hobart Art Theater, 230 Main St. in Hobart, for one show only at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Featuring a full bar, ages 21 and older are eligible for VIP seating. The opening band is Skyline Station. Petty died at age 66 on Oct. 2, 2017, but his music lives on, hailing the working-class spirit in style and lyrics. In addition to the crowd favorites from a solo career, this tribute includes songs Petty made famous while performing with The Heartbreakers, Traveling Wilburys, as well as his other music projects. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show at www.brickartlive.com or 219-942-1670.
Oak October offering
Magic, music and nature await visitors at the inaugural Oaktober Fest at Gabis Arboretum, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, Oct. 3 and 4. Headlining Friday, Oct. 3 is Santeria: A Tribute to Sublime, mixing reggae, ska and punk rock for an evening unlike any other. The concert starts at 7 p.m., and tickets range from $20 to $30. Saturday, Oct. 4, is Family Day from noon to 3 p.m., showcasing an array of activities for all ages, such as pumpkin painting, live animals, and yard games. Greeting guests is the Trail of Scarecrows, featuring custom-created scarecrows created by school groups, families and solo designers for the entire month from Oct. 4 to Oct. 31. For more information, visit www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum/events-and-programs/oaktober-fest/.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
