Crowd Pleasers for Feb. 17, 2012

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The Tinley Park Golf Expo, which offers the chance to earn free golf for life, will conduct its inaugural event from Feb. 17-19. | File photo illustration

Updated: March 18, 2012 8:09AM

Here is a look at a crowd pleaser on the way to Tinley Park.

Drivers, irons and hybrids that recently were introduced by all major manufacturers at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., will be on hand at the inaugural Tinley Park Golf Expo.

The event will take place from Feb. 17-19 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive.

Not only will attendees have the opportunity to demo the latest equipment just released by Adams, Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist and Wilson, but TaylorMade will sponsor a huge indoor hitting area with several stations available to attendees throughout the show.

Additional areas will be available for putting and chipping.

More than 70 exhibitors including representatives from golf courses, resorts and equipment vendors will be in attendance.

In addition to individual skills competitions, the Tinley Park Golf Expo will feature instructional sessions, equipment updates and demonstrations by past World Long Drive champion Joe Hyduch, a Titleist Performance Institute-certified trainer, a member of the TaylorMade professional staff and much more.

The expo will be open from noon-7 p.m. Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 18 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Admission is $5 on Feb. 17 and $10 on Feb. 18 and 19. Ages younger than 12 can attend for no charge on any day when accompanied by a paid adult. Parking is free.

Information: tinleyparkgolfexpo.com.

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.

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 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.

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 Larry Reeb and Mike Preston and music by Rick & Kevin on Feb. 17.

Known as Uncle Lar, Reeb is the wisecracking black sheep, politically incorrect relative everyone knows. Like any concerned relative Uncle Lar offers “tips” on everything from marriage to lotteries to children. Reeb is a regular guest on the nationally syndicated “Bob & Tom Show” and has been voted Chicago Comedian of the Year.

“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 Mike Dugan will perform two shows each on Feb. 17-18.

“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: “Opening the Vaults: Mummies” offers a rare look at items from the museum’s collection. The exhibit opens Feb. 17 and runs to April 22. *** “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.

1950S PARK FOREST HOUSE MUSEUM: 141 Forest Blvd., (708) 481-4252 (Jane Nicoll): The “Step Back Into A 1950s Valentine’s Day” exhibit continues through March 3 at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 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.

“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.

SHEDD AQUARIUM: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438: Illinois Resident Discount Days, which feature free general admission, will take place Feb. 19-23. 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.

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. 17-18 and 3 p.m. Feb. 9. 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.

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. 18-19. 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.

“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 “CARNAGE”: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: This film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Rated R for language, the movie runs for 1 hour and 20 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.