Attracting Star Power
Chicago area’s premier concert venue keeps packing in the crowds
Kennedy’s Kitchen performs at T.J. Maloney’s Irish pub in the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, an extra destination within the entertainment complex.
Audience members have been known to literally swoon over the big-name artists performing at the Star Plaza Theatre. Entertainment legends from A (Alabama) to Z (ZZ Top) have graced the stage at the 3,400-seat facility, and those who perform there say the intimate seating lends a special appeal that keeps them returning year after year. Whether it’s the audience-entertainer rapport, the unique semi-circular seating, the easy access via I-65, or the first-class Radisson Hotel next door, the fact remains that the Star Plaza has earned a spot as one of the premier entertainment venues in the country.
In fact, Pollstar, an entertainment industry trade publication, recently ranked the Star Plaza 25th in the world – and first in metropolitan Chicago – in top-grossing concert venues, with 132,158 tickets sold in 2005. “We have created a destination attraction,” says Charlie Blum, Star Plaza president and CEO. “We’re Las Vegas without the slot machines.” And to think, all this star power is just 10 minutes from Crown Point, in the nearby town of Merrillville, at the intersection of U.S. 30 and I-65. With Star Plaza’s full schedule and at least 100 event nights each year, Crown Point residents are never at a loss for entertainment. Willie Nelson, Jay Leno, Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett and David Copperfield are among the artists who perform at the theater on a regular basis. The O’Jays return for performances every Thanksgiving weekend while the Oak Ridge Boys and Andy Williams headline Christmas shows.
“They love coming here,” Blum says. “We have many of the same artists visit us year after year because the public demands it.” The physical setting is part of the draw. Designed with two seating levels in a semi-circle around the stage, the Star Plaza Theatre opened in December 1979 with a show by Donna Summer – and was an immediate hit. All seats are within 110 feet of the stage, providing an intimate experience for audience members and performers. Blum says that Kenny Loggins told him that he feels like he’s in his living room while performing at the Star Plaza. Tony Bennett has performed part of his routine without a microphone because of the acoustics. Crowds also look forward to the annual “Super ’60s” variety show in January, “Sesame Street Live” each spring and the Indiana Ballet production of “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the theater is home to the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, which stages at least 10 concerts at the Star Plaza each year. “It’s a unique facility in that we provide a wide variety of entertainment for all ages,” Blum says. “That’s our trademark.” Also adding to the entertainment venue’s high marks: the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza next door, joined to the theater by a skywalk. The 347-room hotel, the area’s only full-service hotel, offers dinner packages and overnight packages to theater patrons, with guaranteed seating in the first 16 rows. The Radisson also offers its own attractions. The recently opened Irish pub, T.J. Maloney’s, has been certified authentic by Guinness, and specializes in Irish fare – although American cuisine is also available on the menu. Also part of the Radisson are the Garden Restaurant, Wisecrackers Comedy Club, the Khaki Club tropical lounge and a Starbucks with free wireless Internet access. In addition, the hotel has 60,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an exercise area. The indoor pool is lavishly landscaped, with a tropical motif especially appealing during northern Indiana’s cooler months. Guests and local residents alike say they enjoy the complex’s big-city atmosphere and appreciate the easy access of a small-town setting.
“We really have it all right here,” Blum says. Story by Edward Navarro
Photo by Brian McCord
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Chicago area’s premier concert venue keeps packing in the crowds
Kennedy’s Kitchen performs at T.J. Maloney’s Irish pub in the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, an extra destination within the entertainment complex.
Audience members have been known to literally swoon over the big-name artists performing at the Star Plaza Theatre. Entertainment legends from A (Alabama) to Z (ZZ Top) have graced the stage at the 3,400-seat facility, and those who perform there say the intimate seating lends a special appeal that keeps them returning year after year. Whether it’s the audience-entertainer rapport, the unique semi-circular seating, the easy access via I-65, or the first-class Radisson Hotel next door, the fact remains that the Star Plaza has earned a spot as one of the premier entertainment venues in the country.
In fact, Pollstar, an entertainment industry trade publication, recently ranked the Star Plaza 25th in the world – and first in metropolitan Chicago – in top-grossing concert venues, with 132,158 tickets sold in 2005. “We have created a destination attraction,” says Charlie Blum, Star Plaza president and CEO. “We’re Las Vegas without the slot machines.” And to think, all this star power is just 10 minutes from Crown Point, in the nearby town of Merrillville, at the intersection of U.S. 30 and I-65. With Star Plaza’s full schedule and at least 100 event nights each year, Crown Point residents are never at a loss for entertainment. Willie Nelson, Jay Leno, Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett and David Copperfield are among the artists who perform at the theater on a regular basis. The O’Jays return for performances every Thanksgiving weekend while the Oak Ridge Boys and Andy Williams headline Christmas shows.
“They love coming here,” Blum says. “We have many of the same artists visit us year after year because the public demands it.” The physical setting is part of the draw. Designed with two seating levels in a semi-circle around the stage, the Star Plaza Theatre opened in December 1979 with a show by Donna Summer – and was an immediate hit. All seats are within 110 feet of the stage, providing an intimate experience for audience members and performers. Blum says that Kenny Loggins told him that he feels like he’s in his living room while performing at the Star Plaza. Tony Bennett has performed part of his routine without a microphone because of the acoustics. Crowds also look forward to the annual “Super ’60s” variety show in January, “Sesame Street Live” each spring and the Indiana Ballet production of “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the theater is home to the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, which stages at least 10 concerts at the Star Plaza each year. “It’s a unique facility in that we provide a wide variety of entertainment for all ages,” Blum says. “That’s our trademark.” Also adding to the entertainment venue’s high marks: the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza next door, joined to the theater by a skywalk. The 347-room hotel, the area’s only full-service hotel, offers dinner packages and overnight packages to theater patrons, with guaranteed seating in the first 16 rows. The Radisson also offers its own attractions. The recently opened Irish pub, T.J. Maloney’s, has been certified authentic by Guinness, and specializes in Irish fare – although American cuisine is also available on the menu. Also part of the Radisson are the Garden Restaurant, Wisecrackers Comedy Club, the Khaki Club tropical lounge and a Starbucks with free wireless Internet access. In addition, the hotel has 60,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an exercise area. The indoor pool is lavishly landscaped, with a tropical motif especially appealing during northern Indiana’s cooler months. Guests and local residents alike say they enjoy the complex’s big-city atmosphere and appreciate the easy access of a small-town setting.
“We really have it all right here,” Blum says. Story by Edward Navarro
Photo by Brian McCord
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