Last Chance Reminders: Hauptmann, Gruesome, Come and Get It and Humana

It's Last Chance time for a few things around here (and one further afield), and I thought I would remind you...

Right here in B-N, Community Players' production of John Logan's "Hauptmann" takes its last bows tonight through Saturday the 21st. That's three last chances to see this gripping drama about the infamous Lindbergh baby kidnapping and the man who may or may not have committed the crime. For Community Players, Brian Artman plays Bruno Hauptmann, who bears most of the weight of the show, talking directly to the audience to plead his case, with local favorites John Bowen, Vicky Hallstrom, Mindy LaHood, Joel Shoemaker, Gary Strunk and Joe Strupek in supporting roles. Did Hauptmann do it? Guilty or not guilty? Only Bruno Hauptmann knew, and his execution in the electric chair in 1936 ended any chance of finding out from him. Still, I know I have my own opinion after watching the show.

Over in Urbana, the Celebration Company at the Station Theatre prepares to finish up its run of Rajiv Joseph's "Gruesome Playground Injuries," about a boy and a girl and a lot of emotional and physical baggage between them during a series of encounters over the years. I interviewed director Mathew Green and his two actors, Katie Baldwin and Rob Zaleski, about their "Gruesome" experiences earlier this month. You can see Baldwin and Zaleski on stage through the 21st, with all performances at 8 pm.

The McLean County Museum of History has announced that its "Come and Get It" exhibit is down to its last eight days. Museum staffers invite you to visit this examination of the "eating habits, cooking equipment, methods and diverse food traditions" in McLean County from 1830 to 2008 before it closes January 28th. As they suggest, a stop at the indoor winter Farmers' Market from 10 am to 12 noon at the Museum this Saturday would segue nicely into a look at the other food-related items and recipes in the "Come and Get It" exhibit.

And Actors Theatre of Louisville has sent out a reminder that the Early Bird rate for Humana Festival packages ends January 30th. So if you want to get tickets to ten new shows in one weekend and save $50 while you're at it, now is the time to make your reservation. Yes, Louisville is a bit of a drive from Bloomington-Normal. But the Humana Festival is still the best place to see new work -- a lot of new work -- in one place and in one weekend. For me, it's a don't-miss. Here is package pricing information.