Since performers in Beatniks on Conkey’s annual holiday production create their material, that benefits the black box theater in Hammond.
“A Beatnik Babe and Boy Christmas Variety Show” returns Dec. 1-3.
“It is a fundraiser for Beatniks. It helps them keep their doors open,” said Kim Bernstein, director of “A Beatnik Babe and Boy Christmas Variety Show.
“We don’t have to pay royalties since we write our own stuff so it’s a way for them to help with the rent. It just really helps them out and keeps doors open for future shows. We always try to feature the guys doing something, the girls doing something and also us doing things together in pieces.
“We try to give them all their little spotlight. We have some recurring characters that only come at Christmas.”
Created by Dyer residents Bonnie and Rip Johnson, Beatniks on Conkey is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary Jan. 13 with a recap of past years and a preview of the 2018 season.
The venue is billed as a place for creative minds to try out new material, for theater groups needing a place to perform and for the public to relax and be entertained.
“It’s the owners that make it special. They’re just very kindhearted people. I met them years ago. It just took off from there,” said Bernstein, of Merrillville.
The cast for “A Beatnik Babe and Boy Christmas Variety Show” includes Bernstein and the Johnsons plus Sharon Harbert, Steve Kaminsky, Angie Lowe, Dominique Mercier, Krystal Quagliara, Linda Slankard, John Wotkun and Beatniks on Conkey’s tap dancing class.
“They’re just a great bunch of people to work with,” said Bernstein about the cast, which includes Cedar Lake, Griffith, Hammond, Merrillville, Schererville and St. John residents.
“When you work with some of the same people, it’s much more enjoyable because you know you have that trust. You know they’ve got your back. You know when you’re on stage and you feel yourself going and you can’t remember something, they’re going to pick it up or make fun of you and help you along.
“A lot of it is improv so it’s nice to be able to work with this awesome group of people after all these years.”
“A Beatnik Babe and Boy Christmas Variety Show” features skits including one inspired by different home parties, songs, comedy and fun. Appetizers, beverages and a raffle are included in the ticket price for this production, which may contain adult content and/or language.
“It allows me to be free in my creativity. When you’re creating a funny comic piece, you can say certain things. You can go right to the edge,” said Bernstein, a self-described structured individual.
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Beatniks on Conkey was among the 2016-2017 award recipients at October’s Silver Soiree, Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation’s 25th anniversary gala, where Lindsey McDermott was recognized as principal actress in a play for her role as Susy Hendrix in “Wait Until Dark.”
“Wait Until Dark,” which was directed by the Johnsons, also tied with 4th Street Theater’s “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” for best play while Anji Britten, of Beatniks on Conkey, was among the volunteers of the year.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘A Beatnik Babe and Boy Christmas Variety Show’
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2; 2 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Beatniks on Conkey, 418/420 Conkey St., Hammond
Tickets: $15
Information: 219-852-0848; www.beatniksonconkey.com