Of Notoriety: ‘Titanic Survivor' play in Munster and ‘Anastasia' rules the stage at VU
Violet Jessop was a career woman rarity at the turn of the century, working as a female cabin maid crew member of luxury steamship liners crossing the Atlantic Ocean. At her death of age 83 in 1971, she also found later life fame and is best known as having survived both the sinking of the HMHS Britannic and her sister ship the RMS Titanic. As a first-class maid, just 20, she was one of the few female staff members to secure a lifeboat seat. Actor and historian Leslie Goddard has returned to the Theatre at the Center stage in Munster to share this true account of the twin nautical disasters Jessop survived in vivid and fascinating detail and facts with audiences in her one-woman play 'Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor,' playing now through Sunday. Audiences learn the incredible accounts of Jessop as she tells her unforgettable stories of these terrifying disasters and gives a fascinating glimpse at life behind the scenes on the most glamorous luxury liners of their day. Tickets are $40 and available at the box office by calling 219-836-3255 or visiting www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. For an additional $30, guests can add a pre-show Titanic-themed meal inspired by the final dinner served on that fateful night, as presented by 10Forty Banquets and Catering Inc. on Sunday before the matinee performance. This historic multi-course themed dinner includes Beef Barley Soup, Roast Chicken Breast, Lyonnaise Château Potatoes, Creamed Carrots and a dessert of French Custard Éclair with Berries.
'Killing Monsters'
Chicago Street Theatre will take audiences on a quest to the farthest realms of the imagination April 4 through 19 in its production of Qui Nguyen's 'She Kills Monsters.' A stage face-to-face encounter with courageous heroes, dark villains, swords and dragons, it is inspired by the game series 'Dungeons and Dragons.' The story of 'She Kills Monsters' revolves around sisters Tilly and Agnes Evans who were never really close when Tilly was alive but after she died in a car crash, Agnes discovers her notebook and her love for D&D. Immersing herself in fantasy gaming, she finds a way to escape her real-life struggles of fitting in at school and bullying over her sexuality. Debuting off-Broadway in late 2011 and later winning the American Alliance for Theatre and Education's Distinguished Play award in 2013, 'She Kills Monsters' has grown enormously popular with teenagers and young adults and has been a favorite performed at many high schools and colleges in a version known as the 'Young Adventures Edition.' It runs for nine performances; Thursday, April 17, will be a costume night for audience members to wear their favorite Dungeons and Dragons attire. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors 62 and older and students under 21, as well as military members with ID, and $17 each for groups of 10 or more people.
Chicago Street Theatre is located at 154 W. Chicago St. in Valparaiso. Call 219-464-1636 or visit www.chicagostreet.org
A royal performance
Valparaiso University's Department of Theatre has 'Anastasia' for the spring 2025 musical April 3 to April 5 at the Center for the Arts on campus. The historical nod and tale of adventure, identity and perseverance is directed by Keri Burman Castro with musical direction by Daniel Evan Castro. Based on the animated 1997 film by Tony Award winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens, and adapted for the stage, 'Anastasia' follows a young woman searching for her past, set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia and 1920s Paris. Along the way, she finds herself pursued by a Soviet officer while forming unexpected alliances with a dashing con man and an ex-aristocrat. Featuring a sweeping musical score and visually stunning design, the production captures the magic and emotion of Anya's journey. Tickets for the two-hour and one 15-minute musical are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and $10 for non-VU students and are available online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=vuca or by calling 219-464-6950.
Something funny
George Wallace, J. Anthony Brown, Ted Carpenter, and Michael Colyar bring their trademark humor and timeless wit to the stage for one night only 7 p.m. March 29. It's an unforgettable night of laughter as four of the most iconic comedians in the industry come together for their 'Legends of Comedy' show playing center stage at Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino at 5400 W. 29th Ave. on the Hard Rock Live main stage. Led by Colyar, the veteran comedian, actor, and motivational speaker, he boasts a career spanning more than three decades. Known for his unique blend of comedy, storytelling, and heartfelt messages, Colyar spans stand-up comedy, television and film. Tickets start at $55 by calling 219-228-2383; hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/entertainment.
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5 days ago
- Yahoo
Columbia summer parents guide: Family-friendly events, outdoor fun and more
Summer in Columbia is, to butcher a Dickens line, the calmest of times and the most hectic of times. Rhythms of the city slow in one way, as a number of college students head back to their hometowns. But full-time residents — especially those with kids — fill the season with new, dynamic activities. If you're a parent or caregiver looking for something to do as a family — or if you fear summer means losing time to brush up on your parenting skills — look no further. Here are around 30 of the dates you should know about between June and August. Check back with your favorite organizations and city websites as they update and add to their summer calendars. 4: Coding Unplugged: Get your kids, ages 5-9, interested in the world of programming — but there's a fun catch. "We will playfully learn coding basics while maneuvering through mazes, using tech toys and more," an event description notes. 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. at Columbia Public Library. 5: Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series: Come hear original music in a spacious natural setting. 6:30 p.m. at the park. 7-8: Art in the Park: Take the whole family to Stephens Lake Park to enjoy one of Columbia's best summer traditions: a two-day art bazaar featuring fine and functional creations from hometown and far-flung makers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 10: Doggy Drill Team: Ann Gafke's Dogschooling Pet Drill Team will put on a seriously fun show. 6-7 p.m. at Columbia Public Library. 11 and 28: Is Your Child On Track? Families with kids ages two months to 5 years can avail themselves of this free screening from the Boone County Early Childhood Coalition. 10 a.m.-noon at Columbia Public Library. 12: KidSight vision screening: This fast, free vision screening is for kids over the age of six months. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Columbia Public Library. 13: Knights of the Kids Table: Are your kids, ages 8-12, showing interest in Dungeons and Dragons and similar role-playing games? Come learn more and roll the dice. 2-4 p.m. at Columbia Public Library. 13: Movies in the Park: As part of this regular free series, watch "The Addams Family" as the sun sets. 8:45 p.m. at Cosmo Park. 14: "The Sandlot": Introduce a new generation to Smalls, Benny the Jet and all the highs and lows of 1960s sandlot baseball in this family classic. 11 a.m. at Ragtag Cinema. 14: Shredfest: Enjoy this celebration of Go Skateboarding Day as a participant or observer. 1 p.m. at Cosmo Park. 14: Bags 'n Wags Festival: This pet-centered event features adoption opportunities, contests, booths and more; it also benefits a number of animal-friendly organizations in Columbia. 4 p.m. at Cherry Hill Square. 16: Parents as Teachers resource table: Learn more about this program offered through Columbia Public Schools. 10 a.m.-noon at Columbia Public Library. 18: Juneteenth Jamboree: As part of the city's monthly series of Family Fun Fests, learn more about Juneteenth through art and interaction. 6 p.m. at Douglass Park. 20 and 21: Animals Among Us: Kids' musician Mr. Symon will guide "an interactive concert all about animals filled with movement, sing-along songs and animal trivia that will fascinate even older audiences," the library notes. 4 p.m. June 20, 10 and 11 a.m. June 21 at Columbia Public Library. 21: Make Music Day: Celebrated across the country and the world, Columbia participates each year with exciting musical events to look and listen for around the city. All day. Find listings at 21: Butterfly Festival: Enjoy exhibits, pollinator habitats and gardens as well food trucks and craft activities at this eighth annual event. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Farm Extension and Education Center. 23: DIY Bookmarks: In the specifically sensory-friendly event, learn to make your own bookmarks together as a family. 5:30 p.m. at Columbia Public Library. 24: A Trick of the Eye: Kids ages 7 and older can learn to make their own optical illusions. 2 p.m. at Columbia Public Library. 10: Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater Concert Series: Hear the big, dynamic sounds of Columbia Community Band. 7 p.m. 11: Movies in the Park: "The Bee Movie" will screen at this edition of the series. 8:45 p.m. at Cosmo Park. 12: Splat Junior Obstacle Course Mud Run: Get messy — and maybe a little healthier — at this run that's set for three age groups of kids from 4-15. 8:30 a.m. at Gans Creek Recreation Area. 16: What's Cooking? Enjoy learning about ways to stay healthy at this month's Family Fun Fest. 6 p.m. at Twin Lakes Recreation Area. 18-20: "Grease": TRYPS Children's Theatre presents their latest show, an iteration of the beloved musical. The company has assigned the play a PG-13 rating. 7 p.m. July 18, 2 and 7 p.m. July 19 and 2 p.m. July 20 at Launer Auditorium, Columbia College. 20: Lawn Chair Concert in the Park: Enjoy live music together at this afternoon event. 3 p.m. at Douglass Park. 20: Compass Music Camp Showcase: Come cheer on friends and peers who have spent part of their summer making original music at camp. 5:30 p.m. at The Blue Note. 3: Coolin' Down With the Blues: This concert features "local and regional talent in a mini-festival atmosphere" as well as activities for kids. 4 p.m. at Douglass Park. 8: Movies in the Park: "The Lego Movie" screens as part of the free series. 8:30 p.m. at Cosmo Park. 16: Train Show and Open House: Come see all sorts of motion-filled model trains at this event hosted by the Central Missouri Chapter of the Train Collectors Association and Columbia's Parks and Recreation department. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rock Quarry Park House, 2002 Grindstone Parkway. 20: Who Do I Want to Be?: August's Family Fun Fest revolves around what and who kids can do in their futures. 6 p.m. at Cosmo Park. Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@ He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Things to do with your kids this summer in Columbia: A parent's guide
Digital Trends
30-05-2025
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3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (May 30-June 1)
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Geek Girl Authority
30-05-2025
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How Game Nights Became the New Group Therapy for Nerds
With so many distractions from phones and screens these days, people are looking for ways to actually connect with others. Game nights that involve tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, storytelling games, or cooperative board games aren't just about rolling dice or winning points anymore. For many in geek and gaming circles, these gatherings have become a way to hang out, share stories, and even unwind emotionally. Why Structure Matters Unlike casual get-togethers, game nights offer something uniquely grounding: structure. That structure— like a rulebook, a mission, or a character sheet—creates a shared context. It gives everyone at the table a reason to be present, participate, and contribute. In a group setting, this form of structured interaction lowers social barriers. It provides introverts a defined role, extroverts a safe spotlight, and everyone else a reliable rhythm for interaction. This kind of order and predictability can be oddly comforting—much like how some people find routine in everyday habits such as checking the morning weather, scrolling through news headlines, or even taking a moment to check out Keno results online. These small rituals give a sense of control and anticipation, similar to the way structured game nights build shared expectations and engagement among players. Emotional Skills in Play When players assume the roles of characters—complete with backstories, goals, fears, and flaws—they begin to exercise emotional muscles that aren't always used in everyday life. They make decisions based on empathy, develop conflict resolution skills, and explore emotional depth through their characters' arcs. For example, when a player role-plays a character going through grief or making peace with a rival, they may process their own feelings in a safe, fictional context. Game masters often create scenarios that push emotional buttons—intentionally or not—and players react in ways that feel real. This improvisational storytelling builds emotional awareness and promotes a nuanced understanding of others. Healing Game Nights TTRPGs and cooperative board games are increasingly used in both casual and community-building settings. While not therapy in the clinical sense, many participants describe game nights as cathartic, affirming, and restorative. They offer a break from daily responsibilities and an invitation to experience joy, challenge, failure, and success in a welcoming environment. This change has been especially noticeable in geek communities, where shared interests and emotional safety often go hand in hand. Actual-play podcasts and livestreams have helped normalize vulnerability, creativity, and emotional expression at the gaming table. What Your Group Says About You Group chemistry at the table often mirrors real-life, sometimes more closely than expected. Is there a natural leader who takes charge during every mission? A quiet observer who comes through in clutch moments? The class clown who keeps things light? These roles can reflect how friends interact outside the game—and sometimes challenge them to grow. A hesitant speaker might find their voice in-character, while a dominant personality might learn to step back and listen. The game world becomes a space where social roles can be explored, tested, and even rebalanced. The Real Power of Play What starts as a night of fun often becomes something more: a shared ritual. At their best, game nights offer more than entertainment—they create a dependable time and space where players can show up, contribute, and connect. Book Review: STAR TREK ADVENUTRES 2E TECHNICAL MANUAL
