Southland selections for a sweet Valentine’s Day

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The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is decorated throughout February with vintage valentines and decorations.

‘STEP BACK INTO A
1950S VALENTINE’S DAY’

This exhibit continues through March 3 at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 141 Forest Blvd., which is decorated with vintage valentines and decorations.

One room represents a classroom in the first school, Forest Boulevard School, which was set up in a row of townhomes in 1949.

For February, the classroom is decorated for a 1950s Valentine’s Day party with crepe paper candy baskets and construction paper heart-shaped valentine “mailboxes” on each desk.

Red honeycomb, puffy hearts and vintage valentines are on display throughout the house.

The museum is an original rental townhome furnished as it might have been from 1948-1953.

“A museum visit is a great way to get acquainted with Park Forest’s unique history as the first fully planned post-World War II suburb,” officials said.

“It is a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for anyone who lived in the 1950s or 1960s, or for those interested in that period, and offers a great destination for a staycation.”

Visitors are encouraged to open drawers, cupboards and closets to discover period treasures inside.

The house, furnished as though a young veteran and his family occupy it, includes dolls, toys, dollhouses, books, dishes, serving pieces, furniture and clothing from the period.

The 1950s Park Forest House Museum can be a great way to say, “Hello,” to Howdy Doody.

A guide will tell visitors about village history and social and fashion trends of the era.

The museum has added free on-street parking right outside the front door.

During the annual January closing, the society changed some of the furnishings in the museum.

For those who have missed it, the stove has been returned to the kitchen, and some pieces have been added to the living room and dining room.

Marshall Field’s Park Forest store bricks are for sale at the museum. Bricks are one for $15 or 2 for $25.

Operated by the Park Forest Historical Society and sponsored by Central Park Apartments, the museum is open in February from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays.

The museum is also open for school tours and small groups by appointment.

Admission donation is $5 for adults while ages 12 and younger may attend for no charge with a paying adult. The museum tour is free with the purchase of a brick.

Appointments or volunteering
information is with museum director
Jane Nicoll at (708) 481-4252. Information: parkforesthistory.org.

“The society’s vision is to share the unique history of Park Forest with our community, region, state, nation and world,” Park Forest Historical Society officials said.

“It is our goal to inspire the high level of community involvement, which has contributed to the livability of Park Forest, and to help make the village a heritage tourism destination.

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Maps

Updated: March 11, 2012 8:02AM

There are a number of Crowd Pleasers that one can check out to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one or simply to have some fun while flying solo.

DINING

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU AT ALLGAUER’S RESTAURANT: DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago — Alsip, 5000 W. 127th St., (708) 272-4223: Available from Feb. 11-14, this option costs $99 per couple.

Diners will start with an appetizer of baked brie served with lingonberry chutney, assorted grilled fruit and pretzel bread crostini.

The passion salad features goat cheese and fig salad with toasted almonds, passion fruit vinaigrette and berry-infused balsamic vinegar.

The entree will be three jumbo prawns De Jonghe style with lemon beurre blanc sauce and the diner’s choice of an 8-ounce filet mignon, a 10-ounce rib eye or two grilled lamb chops.

All entrees will be served with Anna potato (a Parmesan-layered potato in a pie shape) and wilted spinach accented with truffle oil.

VALENTINE’S MENU AT GLENWOOD OAKS RIB AND CHOP HOUSE: 106 N. Main St., (708) 758-4400: A special menu will be available on Feb. 14 for $29.95 per person. The featured dishes will be beef Wellington and crab-stuffed prawns. There also will be free entertainment.

SWEET HEARTS NITE AT SABRE ROOM: 8900 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills, (708) 598-1200: This annual event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Each escorted ladies dinner is on the house.

The cost of $68 per couple includes two New York strip steak dinners, four cocktails, tax, tip, dancing and a floor show. Call for reservations.

MUSIC

SMALL POTATOES AT EDGAR’S PLACE COFFEE HOUSE: Unitarian Universalist Community Church at

70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest, (708) 481-5339: Billed as one of Edgar’s Place’s favorite duos, Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso aka Small Potatoes will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 11.

This Chicago-based duo has been touring on the folk circuit since 1993 and have become sought-after regulars at many clubs and coffeehouses across the United States.

They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals including the famed Kerrville Folk Festival, where Manning is a past winner of the Kerrville New Folk songwriting contest.

They call themselves eclecto-maniacs, describing their music as Celtic to cowboy, and say it has taken them “years of careful indecision” to come up with a mix of music that ranges from country, blues and swing to Irish, with songwriting that touches on all of those styles and more.

They both sing and play guitars and an array of other instruments. They even yodel. Check them out at reverbnation.com/smallpotatoes.

“These folks are wonderful — fun, energetic and great musicians. They’re two of my favorite performers, singer-songwriter Bill Staines said.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

HOT 8 BRASS BAND AT FREEDOM HALL’S NATHAN MANILOW THEATRE: 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest, (708) 747-0580: This performance, which is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 10, is co-sponsored by Marlene Gallagher & Shanti Thayil and the SouthtownStar.

“New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade playing the traditional second line parades and performances filled with funk and energy,” officials said.

“The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans. They’ve performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and festivals across the United States and Europe, and were featured in both Spike Lee documentaries “When the Levees Broke” and “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise.

“Hot 8 has released three critically acclaimed recordings and is featured on the latest Blind Boys of Alabama recording.”

Tickets are $28.

CHARLES MARTIN AND INDIGO JAZZ 5 AT STONY CREEK CLUBHOUSE: 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, (708) 398-6284 (Mary Grana): Due to the overwhelming response these artists received from performing at an Oak Lawn Park District event, they will give an encore performance from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11. Admission is $6. A cash bar will be available.

THEATER

PALOS VILLAGE PLAYERS’ “DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE”: Palos South Middle School’s Little Theater, 131st Street and 82nd Avenue, Palos Park, (877) 787-8497, Ext. 801: The community theater troupe will present its first show of the 2012 season.

The comedy-drama by Pulitzer Prize nominee Sarah Ruhl will be staged at 7:30 p.m.. Feb. 10-11 and 18-19 and 2 p.m. Feb. 12. The play starts in a small restaurant when the guy at the next table has “just bit the big one” and his cell phone won’t stop ringing.

When a woman decides to answer his phone, her fateful act dials her deeply into the dead man’s mysterious business and his eccentric family, not to mention trips to the afterlife and the black market. The woman is forced to confront her assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technology-obsessed world.

Kathryn Cargill, of Palos Heights, plays the woman in question, and the dead man is portrayed by Bruce Fredrick, of Tinley Park. Peg Crawford, of Palos Heights, is cast as the dead man’s mother.

Others in the cast include Len Wcislo, of Hickory Hills; Kathleen Sliter, of Joliet; Sabrina Mangan, of Orland Park; and Lisa G. Soloman, of Tinley Park.

The play is directed by Lori Nussle, of Palos Park, and she is assisted by Phyllis Adams, of Palos Park.

Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. There is also a $26 brunch-theater ticket for the Feb. 12 matinee available from Hackney’s Restaurant, 123rd Street and LaGrange Road, Palos Park. This price does not include tax and tips. Reservations for Hackney’s: (708) 448-8300.

OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT THEATRE TEEN PROGRAM’S “BARNUM”: Oak View Center, 4625 W. 111th St., Oak Lawn, (708) 857-2200: This show will be staged at 8 p.m. Feb. 10-11 and 17-18 and 3 p.m. Feb. 12 and 19. Tickets are $18 for adults and seniors and $12 for teens and children.

The staff includes producer-director Erica Heilmann, assistant director Julie Benos, choreographer Dawn Farrell, musical director Jennifer Dale, and Gil Oliva on set and lighting design.

“Barnum” tells the story of the Prince of Humbug, Phineas Taylor Barnum, who attempts to create a show in which the main attractions are freaks of society. Included in this mix of characters are the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth, and the smallest man in the world, Tom Thumb. To top it all off, there’s a glamorous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind.

In grand fashion, Barnum forms a partnership with James A. Bailey. Thus, the two men form what is billed as the greatest show on Earth. There can only be one P.T. Barnum, but his enthusiasm and spirit live forever in this show. The energetic musical numbers and circus atmosphere can make for a fabulous night in the theater.

Two brothers are sharing the coveted role of Barnum. Shea and Reagan Pender will both be playing the title role for three performances.

VARIETY

“SCENT OF A WOMAN” TANGO CLASS AT HEART & SOLE DANCE: 7038 W. 183rd St., Tinley Park, (708) 532-6237: A “Scent of a Woman tango class will take place from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 for people looking for something unique to do. Participants will learn parts of the tango routine from the movie “Scent of a Woman.”

At the end of class, they will be able to dance the routine with their partner and will leave the studio with their own copy of the song on a CD and a chocolate rose as a gift.

The connection built between two people is what really makes ballroom dancing the stuff of dreams. What better way to light the fire than with this fun Valentine’s class?

The cost is $15 per person. No experience is necessary, but reservations are required.

For those interested in a dinner-and-dance package, Vito & Nick’s II and Heart & Sole Dance have teamed to offer the “Scent of a Woman” tango class at the studio, followed by a heart-shaped pizza at Vito & Nick’s II. The all-inclusive evening is $35 for two people.

MURDER AT THE ST. VALENTINE’S PARTY: (773) 267:6400. Reservations are limited for this Amundson Murder Mysteries event set for Feb. 11. Guests can roam around the party with flowers, candy, a cocktail clue hunt (cash bar), dinner, murder, mystery and intrigue.

TINLEY PARK FISHING SHOW: 6111 W. 175th St., (708) 444-0921: The Tinley Park High School Athletic Club will present what is billed as Chicagoland’s outdoor show for the entire family from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 11-12.

“Over the past 18 years, this show has grown to be one of the best, if not the best, outdoor shows in the Midwest,” officials said. “We attribute our success to all of the hard work by our staff and students, and we strive to make this an outdoor show that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

“All of our exhibitors are dedicated to fishing, hunting and the outdoors, and that makes this show enjoyed by everyone who attends.”

The show features more than 100,000 square feet of exhibitor space including seminars, rods, reels, resorts, guides, charters, boats and demonstrations. There also are prizes and raffle giveaways, an Outdoor Kid of the Year contest and a Shore Lunch fish fry.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 7-13 and free for ages 6 and younger. Parking is free.

MORE CROWD PLEASERS

ART

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 443-3600: “Light Years: Conceptual Art and the Photograph, 1964-1977” recently opened and continues through March 11. *** Admission is free to Illinois residents on the first and second Wednesdays of the month.

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER GALLERY: 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838, Ext. 210: “B.A.D.,” a group multimedia exhibit curated by Molar Productions and Larry Lee, will be open through Feb. 12 in the East and Bridge galleries. Admission is free.

Described as “Beautiful and Dangerous. Big and Dumb. Bodacious and Dirty. Boring and Derivative. Bambi and Dumbo,” the exhibit features works by Benjamin Bellas, Stephanie Brooks, Judith Brotman, Gerard Brown, You-Ni Chae, C.C. Ann Chen, Young J. Cho, Meg Duguid, Jason Dunda, Kirk Faber, Andreas Fischer, Max Byron Garrett, Jeffrey Grauel, Jason Guo, Alex Herrera, Greyson Hong, Paul Hopkin, Carol Jackson, James Kao, Nancy Kim, Karin Kuroda, Erin LaRocque, Diego Leclery, David Leggett, Dave Murray, Chris Naka, Hao Ni, Heidi Norton, Susannah Papish, Nipporn Production (Mayumi Lake and Yoshie Suzuki), Isaac Leung, Patrick Quilao, Academy Records, Allison Ruttan, Benjamin Stone, Joshua Slater, Jenyu Wang, and Yaloopopat.

According to Lee, Molar Productions is “a domestic exercise of the democratic process as curatorial practice, some say, buffoonery ... since 2005.”

Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free.

ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM LOCKPORT GALLERY: 201 W. 10th St., Lockport, (815) 838-7400: On display through April 6, “Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories” was co-curated by Lloyd Klauba, associate curator of fine art, and Doug Stapleton, assistant curator of fine art, both of whom are based at the ISM Chicago Gallery. Klauba has been a curator with the ISM since 1989 and has curated several important exhibitions. She is a former teacher and writes novels in her spare time. Klauba’s belief in the importance of a good education aligns well with one of the strategies of this exhibition in that all of the selected artists were highly influential teachers of generations of artists.

The artists of “Luminous Ground” share three important similarities: the creation of lifelong bodies of work of the highest caliber; the influencing of multiple artists across generations, not only by their art but through teaching and community involvement; and commitments of 50-60 years or more to the exploration of personal creativity. Their art arises from luminous ground, a reservoir of creativity that has sustained and nurtured their art through the decades. All remain, or remained, vital and working artists throughout their lives and have earned the freedom to do as they please — as their art dictates — without undue concern for critics.

The artists include Ralph Arnold (1924-2006), constructions; Morris Barazani (1924), abstract paintings; Gerda Meyer Bernstein (1931), socially relevant installations; Fred Berger (1923-2006), figurative painting and sculpture; William Frederick (1922), silversmith; Theodore Halkin (1924), painting and sculpture; Thomas Kapsalis (1925), abstract painting and sculpture; Vera Klement (1929), painting; Ellen Lanyon (1926), printmaking and painting; Elizabeth Rupprecht (1932), painting; and Leopold Segedin (1927), figurative painting.

Additional programs are planned including an opportunity to hear about other artists with significant histories who are “Of a Certain Age” (2 p.m. Feb. 5) and to participate in a community collage and “Make Our Garden Grow” (1:30-3 p.m. March 20). All programs are free and open to the public.

PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE’S CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY: 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, (708) 709-3636 (PSC Foundation): “Presence-Absence,” a two-person show featuring paintings by Sergio Gomez and Mark Zlotkowski, will be exhibited through Feb. 29. According to the artists, the exhibit is intended to “encourage its audience to a deeper understanding of their own visible and invisible experiences.”

Gomez is the director and co-founder of 33 Collective Gallery in Chicago. In 2009, he founded VisualArtToday.com, a curated online exhibition space for international contemporary art. Gomez also is a graphic designer, illustrator, faculty member at South Suburban College, and an independent curator for the Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago.

Zlotkowski was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side. He has a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master of fine arts degree from Northwestern University. He teaches in the department of art and media design at DePaul University.

The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays and 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays. Visits also can be made by appointment.

SALON ARTISTS GALLERY: 294 Main St., Park Forest, (708) 833-5108 or (708) 703-7806: The Valentine’s Day sale, which continues to Feb. 11, features handmade wood pens and bowls, pottery and jewelry for small gift giving, and unique paintings and drawings. The cooperative gallery regularly features painting, jewelry, woodwork, photography. handblown glass and multimedia works by numerous artists.

UNION STREET GALLERY: 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601: “I Shall Be Released” will be displayed to Feb. 11. Exhibit artists include Scott Anderson, Aaron Coleman, Cesar Conde, Sherri Denualt, Barbara Edwards, Tanya Gadbaw, Diana Gondek, Hai Ri Han and Sarah Knill.

Other artists involved in the show are Nancy Mueller, Diane Ramos, Barry Reithmeier, Stephan Roll, Marina Ross, Liz Kolben, Marina Kuchinski, Jonathan McFadden, Bridget Mitchell, Jennifer Moore, Luis Sahagun, William Sclater, Eva D. Smith, Mimi Solum, Amelin Spinney, Aaron Tinder, Jennifer Webster, Michael Weigman, Margi Weir and Peter Wilhelm.

A free poetry-spoken word open mike night will take place from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 4 in conjunction with the closing of the exhibit “I Shall Be Released” at Union Street Gallery. Poets of all ages from all walks of life are invited and encouraged to release their words. This exhibit is all about trial and tribulation, overcoming adversity and rising above it all, being released from what holds people back, and claiming one’s own identity and voice. The poetry will reflect much of the same themes as the exhibit.

On the first floor, there is also an interactive sculpture exhibit, which invites the viewer to touch, turn, feel and play with the art. The exhibiting sculptors are Rob Millard-Mendez from Indiana and Howard Haarer from Michigan.

COMEDY

CD&ME: 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, (815) 469-7315: The weekly Laugh the Night Away! series, which runs through April will feature comedians Vince Maranto and Vince Vieceli with music by Johnny and Coax on Feb. 10. Maranto has been performing at comedy clubs and colleges for more than 25 years. He has performed at Zanies, the Funny Bone and Catch a Rising Star, and opened for such acts as Norm Macdonald, Robert Klein, Jeff Foxworthy, Martin Lawrence and Craig Ferguson. Maranto has been seen on many TVshows on WGN, TBS and PBS and also appeared at the Great American Comedy Festival.

“LAUGH OUT LOUD TOUR”: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: The Second City Touring Company brings its hilarious show home to Chicago for a night of classic and original sketch comedy and trademark improvisations. The show runs Saturdays and Mondays.

RIDDLES COMEDY CLUB: 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, (708) 422-5055: Chicago favorite Ralphie Roberts will perform two shows each on Feb. 10-11. *** Neapolitan Sundaze, a Valentine comedy show, is set for Feb. 12.

“SKY’S THE LIMIT (WEATHER PERMITTING)”: The Second City e.t.c., 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: While people are bombarded with tornadoes, both political and weather-related, the day-to-day news stays the same — saving marriages, raising kids and whether the American dream is something that can be afforded. This show runs Thursdays-Sundays.

“SOUTH SIDE OF HEAVEN”: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: This thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious show explores the many fates that propel the world and universe, from the cultural divide between Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans to the delicate distinction between dancing and stripping. The show runs Tuesdays-Sundays.

MUSEUMS

ADLER PLANETARIUM: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-7827: “Deep Space Adventure” is an immersive space experience that takes attendees aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship.

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 527-1000: “Circus Zirkus: Where You’re the Star of the Show!” runs to Aug. 12. *** “Michael’s Museum: A Curious Collection of Tiny Treasures” fosters the art of collecting and features nearly 100 collections of tiny objects including miniatures, trinkets, artifacts and curiosities donated by founder and curator Michael Horvich.

THE FIELD MUSEUM: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-9410: “Natural Wonders: A Roman Mosaic from Lod, Israel” is on display to April 22. More than 300 square feet large and nearly 2,000 years old, this ancient Roman floor mosaic is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved. Discovered in 1996 in Lod, Israel, the “Lod Mosaic” is unique with its depiction of exotic animals and a profusion of fish and fleets of Mediterranean ships. Visitors can study the mosaic’s glorious details and uncover the stories hidden in its imagery before it returns to Israel.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (773) 684-1414: “Powerful: African Americans in Energy” runs to April 15. Visitors can learn about different sources of energy — how they work and the impact each has — as they play a highly interactive game of miniature golf. Attends can play their way through the energy landscape of choices like oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power. Just as golfers keep score, participants will keep a running tally of what they have learned at each hole. The final hole is the participants chance to “putt the vote” and have their say on the best choice for the future of energy.

SHEDD AQUARIUM: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438: Illinois Resident Discount Days, which feature free general admission, will take place Feb. 13-14. This includes admission into “Waters of the World,” “Amazon Rising,” and the “Caribbean Reef.” Packages including “Wild Reef,” “Polar Play Zone” and Abbott Oceanarium are available to Illinois residents at a discounted rate on these days.

THEATER

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”: Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, (773) 935-6100: Extended through at least May 31, the show is inspired by the auspicious twist of fate that brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley at the Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, Tenn. The show runs Wednesdays-Sundays.

“PINKALICIOUS — THE MUSICAL”: Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut Ave., Chicago, (800) 775-2000: Recently extended to May 27, this production of the hit musical is based on the popular book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. The Emerald City Theatre show is best for ages 3 and older.

VARIETY

BACINEMA SCREENING OF “J. EDGAR”: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: This film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Rated R, the movie runs for 2 hour and 17 minutes. Cost is $7.50, or $5.50 for center members.

BACINEMA REEL TALK: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Film lecturer Suzanne Patterson leads a free after-screening opportunity to discuss and dissect a movie in a friendly atmosphere on the third Wednesday of the month through May.

Crowd Pleasers listings may be sent to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Events” in the subject line. Items must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired Friday publication date in order to be considered for publication.

More events can be found at the websites for Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, cscvb.com, and Chicago Southland Arts Alliance, chicagosouthlandarts.com/events.cfm.