In Portage, we live, we work, and of course, we play. In 2022, we found time to sing along at concerts, grab tickets to festivals, celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, attend theatre productions, and cherish the moment with those around us to create new memories.
We’re grateful to live in a Region that offers so much to do with new and exciting opportunities arising each year, and 2022 was no different. Thank you to our partners for inviting us to such cool events this year to help share the good news with others, and thank you to the greater community for always bringing the fun.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 entertainment articles on Portage.Life to recap the good news in 2022!
The Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation’s improv group, Improductions, LLC, revolutionizes theatre during the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 wholly annihilated some of the mediums through which people stimulate themselves with entertainment. Along with the closing of schools and cancellation of sporting events, theatre as a whole was completely altered, especially the way in which theatre companies performed improv shows. One foundation, however, kept its improv group’s performances up and running, even in the face of a worldwide pandemic.
Theatre, since its inception, has been known as an exclusively in-person art form, not virtual. In spite of this, the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation found a way to maintain traditions, and the methods excelled.
Ready to clink? Indiana Beverage serves an array of pre-canned drinks
Convenience, preference, or taste – what factors determine your drink of choice?
While some prefer hand-poured concoctions served alongside a meal in a restaurant setting, others might enjoy just “cracking open a cold one” alongside friends in the comfort of their own backyard.
The Portage High School Thespians present “42nd Street”
The Portage High School Thespians premiered their spring show, “42ndStreet” on Friday evening. The show, based in 1933, was produced through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and is directed by Lisa Mahaffa Thompson. For opening night, the musical was set to welcome an audience of over 230 based on ticket presales alone.
Mahaffa Thompson shared that one of the reasons she chose “42nd Street” this year was not only to give the students a chance to perform a classic musical, but it also offered a sense of community the Thespians all wanted and needed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harley Davidson Cruise Night 2022
Harley Davidson of Valparaiso hosted a cruise night last Friday where anyone can come on out to enjoy a night of music, food, beer, good company, and of course to check out all the different rides.
Harley Davidson of Valparaiso is located right off US 30 making it the perfect location to cruise in and join in on the festivities. If you like loud cars, bikes, and meeting new people you will be sure to enjoy Harley Davidson cruise night.
The Young People’s Theatre Company presents: “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”
The Young People's Theatre Company, Inc's "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" has made its way to the stage at The Holdcraft Performing Arts Center.
The show, written by Joe Tracz, is a fun musical spin on the book "The Lightning Thief" written by Rick Riordan. The show is full of crazy sword fighting, Greek gods, and most importantly a passionate cast that really knows how to put on a show.
Memorial Opera House team committed to offering quality theatre to porter county residents and beyond
Memorial Opera House (MOH) offers the finest quality theatre in northwest Indiana…often compared to Chicago level production quality. In large part, it is due to a world-class staff that has worked together for years. The more time they spend together, the better quality of the productions that are offered.
“We all have various backgrounds in the theater, design and education,” said Scot MacDonald, MOH Executive Director “Myself, along with Scott ‘Stretch’ Miller (Technical Director) and Natalie Klobuchar (Administrative Coordinator), all came from part-time staff about 10 years ago.”
The Seventh Annual Rittenhouse Village at Portage Car Show
The cloudy skies cleared away just in time for Rittenhouse Village at Portage’s annual car show. This car show is put on by both Rittenhouse Village at Portage and the Portage Chamber of Commerce to fundraise money for the Alzheimer's and dementia services of Northern Indiana.
This event has been going on for seven years and is very important to the Portage community.
Annual Goodwill Industries of Michiana Golf Outing furthers its community changing mission
The air may have been humid and the course soggy and wet, but that stopped no one from having fun at the Goodwill Industries of Michiana Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 13.
The outing was important, and clearly something that no one in the community wanted to miss. About 21 four-man teams registered to play. It wasn’t just Goodwill employees playing either—it was anybody who wanted to come out and show some appreciation for the positive work Goodwill is doing. Debie Coble, president and CEO of Goodwill, laughed thinking about all the people who came out to support.
Strack & Van Til makes the holidays easy
Planning for the holidays can be overwhelming. Decorating the house, buying gifts, and planning meals can take this joyous time and make it incredibly stressful.
Strack & Van Til food market has a way to take one thing off your plate. With its Meals Made Easy program, Strack & Van Til provide everything you need for a delicious holiday meal without all the hassle.
Find the perfect venue rental space for any activity in Northwest Indiana
The Allure on the Lake serves as a modern rustic barn alternative located within minutes of Lake Michigan. It features indoor and outdoor options, a ballroom, groom and bridal suites, and more.
A mixture of miniature golf, go-karts, arcade games, batting cates, laser tag, and live music events make Zao Island a family favorite. Satisfy your cravings between attractions with buffalo wings, specialty pizzas, beer, and more. Plan your next event at Zao Island with its party packages: Sand Package, Beach Package, and Sun Package.