Although the professional theater hasn’t reopened since Covid, there are small signs of life at Theatre at the Center. Christmas from the Farm with Phil Potempa is a laid-back, welcome to the holidays, filled with stories, music and laughter. Although it’s kind of corny, I had a lot of fun.
The Potempa family farm
Phil Potempa has had an interesting life. Who would have guessed that the boy on the farm would become an author of several cookbooks, a columnist and an interviewer of the stars.
In Christmas from the Farm, Potempa shared stories and photos from his childhood on the farm. He also showed clips from television’s holiday specials from the ‘60s featuring stars like Perry Como, Andy Williams and Anne Murray as well as a Bob Hope duet with 14-year-old Marie Osmond. After each clip, he would tell a story about that star and something he learned during his interviews with them.
Laura Freeman, with William Underwood on the piano, provide musical entertainment with a medley of fun family carols written before 1970 – songs like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Here Comes Santa Claus, Up On the Housetop – and a sing-along in the first act; and a medley of more traditional carols with another sing-along in Act II.
Donning an apron, Potempa – with assistance from an audience volunteer – mixed up his mother’s recipe for Spritz cookies. Since this was live and the first performance, there was a problem locating the baking powder, an essential ingredient. It eventually turned up – under a table!
Just for fun, Potempa added some door prizes to the mix. For each drawing, he’d ask his Purdue Northwest student/assistant to roll out the prize cart. My friend Nancy Konopasek was the very first winner.
Christmas from the Farm with Phil Potempa runs through December 10th at Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Parking is free. Running time is exactly two hours including an intermission. Remaining performances are Thursday, December 7th at 2:00 pm; Friday, December 8th at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; Saturday December 9th at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 pm. Tickets (show only) $35. Pre-show dining option, an additional $30 per person. Call (219) 836-1930 for a dining reservation. FYI (219) 836-3255 or www.theatreatthecenter.com FYI (219)