Kristyn Estes is recognized in Northwest Indiana for her hosting duties at WYIN-Channel 56 and Lakeshore PBS Television in Merrillville.
As the station transitioned from a traditional nightly newscast schedule, Estes emerged as a media personality associated with feature programming, producing shows like “Lakeshore Reports with host Kristyn Estes” and “Friends & Neighbors” in 2014.
Today, Estes divides her time between her Munster roots, spending part of the year assisting with St. Thomas More Catholic Church youth productions, such as Disney’s “Moana Jr.” in 2021, and her second address in Florida as an active member at Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island, Florida.
Charlie Blum, whose Northwest Indiana legacy includes two decades at Star Plaza Theatre, which was once our oasis of entertainment in Merrillville, serves on the board of directors at the 83-seat Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island.
During Blum’s Northwest Indiana years, he was on the board of directors for Lakeshore PBS Television and served as the Sunday morning host of “Lakeshore Classic Movies.”
Estes and Blum would also serve as annual co-hosts of the TV station’s televised auctions and telethon drives for subscriber support from viewers.
It was Blum’s prompt that persuaded Estes to hold the world premiere of her new stage comedy play “The Swingset” a year ago in September 2024.
This weekend, the play returns to the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island for a special encore engagement at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Aug. 29. It continues with a second weekend run Sept. 4 to 6 at Fort Myers Theatre in Florida.
Estes also stars in the two-person play about retiree couple Jake and Abby as they navigate the challenges and surprises that come with island life and retirement.
“I say it has a touch of cheeky island secrets,” Estes said.
“I say it’s an adult comedy, but it’s not too intense. It invites audiences into a world of mixed signals, hilarious miscommunication and unexpected social encounters.”
Estes first shared her script during the Arts Center’s 2022 play reading series. Her co-star during last year’s world premiere returns this year, Detroit seasoned actor Fred Buchalter.
Buchalter has spent more than 45 years on stage as both an actor and singer. He said some of his favorite roles include Mozart in “Amadeus,” Michael in “I Do, I Do,” Mr. Van Dann in “Diary of Anne Frank,” and Oscar in “The Odd Couple.”
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He is also a longtime member of the Detroit Opera Chorus. Among his many productions with the company, he has had the privilege of singing in two world premiere operas and twice sharing a stage with Luciano Pavarotti.
More recently, he shared the screen with Corbin Bernsen, Tara Reid and Dennis Haskins in independent feature films.
Estes is also an award-winning children’s book author and a nominee for Broadway World’s coveted “Best Play” award for “The Swingset,” as well as in the “Best Director” category. Buchalter received a “Best Actor” nomination.
More information about the play and the venue is available at www.marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre or call the box office at 239-784-1186. Tickets are $40.
Blum hits the same island stage Dec. 20 and 21, starring with Estes in “Singing and Swinging: The Holiday Songbook.”
Blum and Estes both share the same “fears and concerns” for the future of public broadcasting after last month’s state and federal funding cuts affected radio and TV stations around the country.
“If you’ve not ever done it before, now is the time to let your voice be heard about how important public broadcasting and programming is for all ages,” Estes said.
“The best way to do it is by making a donation to save what we love so much and depend on for always being there for now and future generations.”
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected].