Synopsis: During the 1960′s, a trio of young female singers from Chicago — “The Dreams” — break onto the music scene with a series of hits. Believing success is the epitome of their dreams, they discover along the way that success comes with its own price tag.

If you’re old enough to remember the story line behind some female musical groups from the 1960s such as The Supremes and The Shirelles (and you’ll admit you’re old enough!), you may also know composer Henry Krieger and lyricist Tom Eyenwrote a Broadway musical to reflect these groups.

Dreamgirls the musical will be performed at the Civic Theatre on July 28-August 12. See below for show times and dates. Dianne Shaw will guest direct Dreamgirls.

Dreamgirls opened on December 20, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards, it won 6 — Book, Choreography, Lighting Design, Actor, Actress and Featured Actor. In 2006 Dreamgirls was adapted into a motion picture from Paramount Pictures.

Talk about a star-studded cast! Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and Danny Glover had lead roles. Newcomer Jennifer Hudson’s lead role as Effie meant her voice and name would never again be unknown.

Dreamgirls features tunes ranging from Rock & Roll to Motown and Disco. This is a terrific opportunity to hear a variety of old school musical styles in a cool, comfortable setting.

Tickets are available through the Arts United box office at 260.424.5220 or the Civic Theatre’s website: http://www.fwcivic.org.

Note: Dreamgirls has mild adult language and mild sexual situations.

Saturday, July 28  8:00 PM
Sunday, July 29    2:00 PM

Friday, August 3  8:00 PM
Saturday, August 4  8:00 PM
Sunday, August 5  2:00 PM

Friday, August 10  8:00 PM
Saturday, August 11  8:00 PM
Sunday, August 12  2:00 PM

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Looking for a family friendly event during the Three Rivers Festival (TRF) that won’t cost you and arm and a leg?

Look no further than Family Fun Day at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory on Tuesday, July 17^th from 10 am-3 pm.

Paddle boat races in a parking lot? How fun!

Included in your regular admission (only $5 for adults, $3 for kids 3-17 and under 2 is free) you can enjoy the Soothing Summer Gardens Exhibit while the kids…

• Make crafts
• Get a balloon animal
• Have their faces painted
• Win prizes at games of skill and chance
• The kids will also have a blast with a bubble dance party, moonwalks, giant slides and inflatable paddle ponds

The Botanical Conservatory even has you covered for lunch with hot dogs and other items for just 50¢! Or stop by the Bagel Station Uptown (located inside the Conservatory).

*Insider Tip* Wear your TRF button for a discount on admission

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Three Rivers Festival

Friday, July 13, 2012 – Saturday, July 21, 2012

Indiana’s second largest festival offers 9 days of fun for the entire family!  From the opening day parade, arts, crafts, amusement rides, and International Village, to live music, the Bed Race, and the all-new RiverGames Water Wars and canoe races, Three Rivers Festival brings family-friendly fun to the heart of downtown Fort Wayne! 

Location: Headwaters Park – Downtown Fort Wayne

For additional information, please visit the Three Rivers Festival website.

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When it comes to the Three Rivers Festival, my favorite event — hands down — is the annual Runners on Parade 5K road race.

An out and back flat course, its a great one for your next personal record! This year the race enters it’s 18th year and is a favorite among locals and regional competitors alike.

I have run this race three times, including in 2011, when due to construction the race technically became a 3-Miler — providing a number of runners with record times. The race returns this year at a full 3.1-Miles and takes runners through the heart of downtown, starting and ending at the north end of South Calhoun Street, just south of Headwaters Park.

Usually close to 1,000 runners participate in this race — making it one of the largest in the area. This year’s race is at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 14. As always, prize money is at stake with a total of $1,000 being awarded this year’s top runners.

Don’t miss an opportunity to run the Summit City! Be a  part of this year’s Runners on Parade at Three Rivers Festival! For more details including registration information, visit Runners on Parade online! Not running? This race provides great entertainment for spectators as well.

I am an avid runner, and blog about my fitness journey. Read about my experiences at the 2010 and 2011 Runners on Parade races.

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Three Rivers Festival

Friday, July 13, 2012 – Saturday, July 21, 2012

Indiana’s second largest festival offers 9 days of fun for the entire family!  From the opening day parade, arts, crafts, amusement rides, and International Village, to live music, the Bed Race, and the all-new RiverGames Water Wars and canoe races, Three Rivers Festival brings family-friendly fun to the heart of downtown Fort Wayne! 

Location: Headwaters Park – Downtown Fort Wayne

For additional information, please visit the Three Rivers Festival website.

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Like omigod you guys! The Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre is performing Legally Blonde: The Musical! Come out and see these great high school and college students perform in this great musical. This year the Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre has a new home; all performances will be held in the Williams Theatre on the IPFW Campus.

The Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre is performing Legally Blonde: The Musical from Thursday July 12- Sunday July 15.

Katie Reynolds stars as Elle Woods in her third year with the summer theatre. She is going to be a senior at Carroll High School in the fall. New to the summer theatre is Evan Hart, who stars as Warner Huntington III. Hart is going to be a senior at Homestead High school in the fall. Four year veteran Andrew Sherman returns for his 5^th year as Emmett Forrest. Sherman graduated from North Side High School in 2011.

Legally Blonde: The Musical follows Elle Woods as she attends Harvard Law School in attempt to win back the love of her life, Warner Huntington III. In her journey to win his love she discovers there is more to herself than blonde hair and hot looks. The musical and dance numbers add a comedic element to the already much loved movie.

Director Kirby Volz, the production staff, cast, crew, and orchestra have worked extremely hard to put on a great performance.

Performances: Thursday July 12, Friday July 13, and Saturday July 14 at 7:30 pm. Saturday July 14 and Sunday July 15 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Box Office Opens one hour before curtain time.  For more information on this year’s show or on the Fort Wayne Summer Music Theater visit their website.

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Planning a trip to Fort Wayne? You’ve got to head to a TinCaps Baseball game at Parkview Field!

Watch this great video in our Tour Fort Wayne series as Conner shows you just a few of the great things you can expect to see, do, and eat while at a TinCaps game!

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