My NW Indiana and More: July 2018

Saturday, July 28, 2018

The Newports 7/28/18

"The Newports are a 9 piece blues, rock and soul super group of musicians from all throughout the South Chicago suburbs." - Newports

This was my first time at a Newports gig. What I enjoyed about their music is the life and vibe they give it, loving every note they play. Each member in their own right has a special part in this band. A few have ties all the way back to high school. I will highlight a couple of the members that I know later in this post.

You can find them playing in the Michiana / Illinois region; Acorn Theater (Three Oaks, MI), Elements (Valparaiso, IN), Bottoms Up Bar & Grill (Lansing, IL), and here at the Grapes & Grain (my old stomping grounds in Homewood, IL). Check out their events page by clicking "here".

"Sonny Lee" Tritt (photo below), is one of the most respected musicians among all the bands in the region. I first met Sonny Lee when he was doing some pickup sax for The Robots. His vibe is also true to his soul. You just want to travel with him on his musical journey.

Mark is fun to watch. He keeps the audience engaged. Once and a while there are moments like this, when Mark deeply feels life and takes it for what it is, explaining it to us in his play.

This next photo was taken of St. Joseph's Catholic church as I walked back to the car.

The Newports

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Saturday, July 14, 2018

"Fun Home" at Towle Theater

Such a strong cast and beautiful performance. I thought it strange before the photo shoot that the Director (Jeff Casey) did not give any final instructions to the cast. This was because the casting was perfect, the practice and performance beyond reproach.

Fun Home? As a child I believe home is always fun. At least it was for me. This home, however, has its uniqueness. Is it a museum? Is it a home? Is it a mortuary? In all, it is a fun home with this family's problems.

Do not forget about the "airplane" at the beginning of the musical, because you will be cheerfully connected if you spot the ques near the end.

For me this musical rated up there to "Ordinary Days" that I photographed several years ago as my first "on-stage" photo shoot. It was so extraordinary, like "Fun Home" is in it's own way. Jeff Casey has done one of his bests, in my book, directing this. It does help to have such a strong cast, as found in the casting.

Go see these artists perform. Let Alison take you through her life as she writes her memoir, her map of her life. Let small Alison help you see into her life as she interacts with her dad and siblings. Let medium Alison find her happiness which she expresses so very well.

The other cast members need equal recognition. Without them this musical at the Towle Theater would not be as special as it is. Each played their part to support the show and to make it real for us. There individual characters are played to their extent to help share concerns or motivations one might have in this scenario. Thank you!

Cast

Alison — Meghan Hoyt

Medium Alison — Nicole Baker

Small Alison — Stella Hoyt

Bruce — Gino Generelli

Helen — Heather Clark

Roy/Mark/Pete/Bobby — Jeremy Lewis Rawlinson

Joan — Rebecca Buechel

Christian — Jackson Lopez

John — Derek Diehl