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A powerful, true drama of six women who went to Vietnam — five nurses and a country western singer booked by an unscrupulous agent to entertain the troops — the play “A Piece of My Heart” isn’t often produced for audiences to experience. The play portrays each young woman before, during, and after her tour in the war-torn nation and ends as each leaves a personal token at the memorial wall in Washington. “A Piece of My Heart,” written by Shirley Lauro and based on true stories of these women, premiered in New York at Manhattan Theatre Club in November 1991. A new special event staged reading production is being produced by M Coast Productions this weekend at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 at American Legion Post 80, 2003 Indianapolis Boulevard in Whiting. Tickets are $13 at https://bit.ly/4hV5xqf or call 219-659-0215.

Emitter is one of the showcase bands raising funds Sept. 19 at The Art Theater in Hobart for Erin's Farm, Hobart's animal sanctuary. The effort is intended to help the local animal refuge recover from recent storm clean-up costs. (Photo courtesy of Tom Lounges)
Emitter is one of the showcase bands raising funds Sept. 19 at The Art Theater in Hobart for Erin’s Farm, Hobart's animal sanctuary. The effort is intended to help the local animal refuge recover from recent storm clean-up costs. (Photo courtesy of Tom Lounges)

ANIMAL EFFORTS

A special charity concert sponsored by Tom Lounges’ Record Bin in Hobart starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at The Art Theater, 230 Main St. in Hobart, will feature special performances with all
proceeds donated to Erin’s Farm, which is Hobart’s animal sanctuary. The effort is intended to help this beloved local animal sanctuary recover from the recent series of storms that have severely damaged the structures as well as fencing and property cleanup at the rescue facility. Concert performances by Emitter and Gerhart start at 6:30 p.m. A $10 donation is requested for admission. More information at www.erinsfarm.net or tickets online at www.brickartlive.com, as well as physical tickets available with no ticket fees at Tom Lounges Record Bin, 218 Main St. in downtown Hobart, or call 219-781-9131. Produced by Tom Lounges Entertainment, LLC of Hobart, longtime media personality Lounges emphasizes the members of both bands are “animal lovers” and both are donating their performance fees for this event. The production and costs to produce this event are being underwritten by Tom Lounges Record Bin so that 100% of the money raised will benefit Erin’s Farm as it rebuilds from recent weather devastation. Silent auction items include celebrity-signed items, basket raffles for gift cards, pop culture items and concert tickets.

Leslie Goddard, in her stage guise as first lady Abigail Adams, is starring in five performances of her one-woman play "Abigail Adams: First Lady of Firsts" at Theatre at the Center this week through Sunday. (Image courtesy of Theatre at the Center)
Leslie Goddard, in her stage guise as first lady Abigail Adams, is starring in five performances of her one-woman play “Abigail Adams: First Lady of Firsts” at Theatre at the Center this week through Sunday. (Image courtesy of Theatre at the Center)

THE ADAMS FAMILY

More than simply the wife of John Adams, America’s second president, and the mother of John Quincy Adams, the nation’s sixth president, Abigail Adams was a remarkable figure in her own right. Award- winning actress and scholar Leslie Goddard returns to the Theatre at the Center stage, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, to bring her latest captivating living-history performance, one-woman play “Abigail Adams: First Lady of Firsts.” The 90-minute full-scale production with a recreation of the 1801 White House on stage recounts Abigail’s extraordinary journey, sharing insights from her extensive correspondence. Audiences will hear about her famous appeal to her husband to “remember the ladies” as the new nation was being formed, with this script entirely drawn from documented letters and historical records to reveal Abigail’s wit and offer a glimpse at one of the greatest love stories of all time. Tickets are $40 with both matinee and evening performances through Sunday, as well as the option of adding the Sunday pre-show ballroom Champagne Brunch Buffet for an additional $35 by calling the box office at 219-836-3255 or www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

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COMING TO CAMPUS

Celebrate Valparaiso University’s 2026 Homecoming and Family Weekend through music with a visit on campus and free concert featuring the VU Chorale, VU Symphony Orchestra and the VU Chamber Concert Band as they come together for a special 4 p.m. Sept. 26 performance in the Chapel of the Resurrection. It’s an annual tradition to share the afternoon showcasing the talent and artistry of Valparaiso University’s student musicians. More details at valpo.edu/homecoming.

BREW VIEW

The 16th Valpo Brewfest is the chance to sample more than 200 unique styles of beer, ciders and mead from craft brewers from near and far while enjoying live music and food. It’s from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso. It’s $32-$100 for admission levels from general admission tasting to VIP lanyard with details and purchase at Valparaisoevents.com. The band 28 DAYS helps close out the final days of summer with their farewell party music during the event, playing in the spotlight at the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected].