The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra continues the 2025-2026 concert season themed “America the Beautiful,” which marks the ensemble’s 53rd season and the fifth season under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Watson. This season focuses on the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating the country’s birthday with music that tells compelling stories of American resilience, joy and beauty. This weekend’s 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8 concert is the third musical program for this special season, and it’s titled “The New World,” reflecting on the themes of America’s struggles and triumphs as a young nation. Held at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St. in Michigan City, adult admission starts at $26 with the option of a senior rate of $23 by calling 219-362-9020 or www.lcso.net.
Kirk Muspratt is in the midst of his 25th season leading the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. (Philip Potempa/for the Post-Tribune)
MORE ORCHESTRA
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s music frames famed fairy tales led by Maestro Kirk Muspratt for “Spellbound!” 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Living Hope Church, 9000 West Taft St. in Merrillville. The two-part fun concert starts with Stravinsky’s “Firebird,” explaining the mysterious powers of a single feather bestowed by the mythical firebird to the story’s hero. After intermission, wicked stepsisters and a princess yet to be crowned are musically interpreted by composer Prokofiev with his famed ballet suite from “Cinderella.” Maestro leads a free gathering before the concert for the 6:15 p.m. “pre-concert discussion.” Tickets for Friday night’s “Spellbound!” concert range from $49 to $89, and a $10 student price, with the option of group sales discounts also available for 10 or more people. Call the Symphony office at 219- 836-0525 or visit the website at www.NISOrchestra.org for more information.
Storybook characters come to life with musical melodies for “Into the Woods” from March 6 to 15 at LaPorte Little Theatre. (Photo courtesy of LaPorte Little Theatre)
MORE FAIRYTALE FAVORITES
LaPorte Little Theatre, now a century old, is opening “Into the Woods,” the musical stage journey of a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child, with a crossover plot to Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of the witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Running March 6 to 15 at LaPorte Little Theatre’s 200-seat stage space at 218 A St., 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.
Karen Knotts, daughter of TV legend Don Knotts, brings her one-woman show “Tied Up in Knotts” back to Theatre at the Center in Munster for one performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8. (Photo courtesy of Theatre at the Center)
A FAMOUS FATHER
Comedian Karen Knotts is back in Northwest Indiana this weekend to once again headline one performance of her hit one-woman stage show “Tied Up In Knotts” for her return to Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the stage space at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Her father Don Knotts found fame and TV icon status playing nervous small-town police deputy Barney Fife on the CBS hit series “The Andy Griffith Show.” The 90-minute performance features behind-the-scenes stories from her famous dad, both his movie and TV career, the latter of which not only includes “The Andy Griffith Show,” but also his famed resurgence in the 1980s as fussy landlord Mr. Furley on ABC hit sitcom “Three’s Company,” co-starring with the late John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. Tickets to “Tied Up In Knotts starring Karen Knotts” are $40 and available by calling the theater box office at 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. There is also a special pre-show dining option in the ballroom of the CVPA before the performance. For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a special “Mayberry-themed” dinner served by 10Forty Catering and Banquets, featuring Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup followed by Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits served with Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Peas and Carrots, and a dessert finale of old-fashioned Peach Cobbler à la Mode. For booking the meal reservation and prepayment, guests can call the Dining and Events Office at 219-836-1930 Ext. 2.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
