For a second season, the Northwest Indiana Symphony will host its popular holiday concert series with show dates at Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino, 5400 W. 29th Ave. in Gary. It’s a return to zip code roots. Originally called the Gary Symphony, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra performed its first show on Dec. 7, 1941, opening with the “Star Spangled Banner.” Eighty-three seasons later, audiences can ring in the season with the sparkle of a selection at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 for holiday favorite standards with the Symphony musicians sharing the stage with the more than 50-member chorus for a festive musical celebration. In addition to the annual sing-along of classic carols, expect cinematic holiday moments and stirring spiritual pieces to remind you why this time of year is so special. “It’s a concert full of nostalgia, joy and musical magic that’s perfect for creating memories with loved ones,” says NWI Symphony Maestro Kirk Muspratt. Tickets range from $49 to $89; call 219-836-0525 or visit www.nisorchestra.org. The Hard Rock Casino is a 21-and-over-only concert venue.
A holiday classic
The Towle Theater is welcoming December with a stage run of “White Christmas.” This production is directed by TJ Bird and with music direction by John Phillips. This show is sponsored by Cargill and First Merchants Bank and tells the tale of showbiz veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis and their successful song-and-dance act, which returns to the States after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their own Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the title song, “White Christmas,” the show is a favorite holiday chestnut for audiences of all ages. The show opens Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 21. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Reservations must be paid for in advance. They are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The Towle Theater is in downtown Hammond at 5205 Hohman Ave. For more information, call 219-937-8780 or visit www.towletheater.org.
LaPorte Little Theatre has a December run of the musical “Scrooge!” to welcome audiences to share the holiday spirit. (Photo courtesy of LaPorte Little Theatre)
Humbug bows
In 1970, renowned writer/composer/lyricist Leslie Bricusse adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” into the hit screen musical “Scrooge!” LaPorte Little Theatre has this charming stage musical, which began as a tour of England and a season at London’s Dominion Theatre starring the late Anthony Newley. Included in this new run Nov. 28 through Dec. 7 at the old St. John’s Lutheran Church building on 3rd and A streets in LaPorte, the run includes six new songs not performed in the film. Tickets range from $15-$19. For more information, visit www.laportelittletheatreclub.com or call 219-362-5113.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the holiday stage offering at Chicago Street Theatre for the final performance of 2025. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Street Theatre)
Snoopy on stage
Chicago Street Theatre launches the holiday season with a stage adaptation of the TV holiday animated special classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang discovering the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $25 for adults and special rates for children; call 219-464-1636 or visit www.chicagostreet.org. Located at 154 W. Chicago St. in downtown Valparaiso, the theater company’s intimate stage space will be decked out in holiday flair.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
