A free film, a classic musical and sustainability are in and near South Bend this weekend

South Bend Tribune
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Hop aboard! A model railroad show takes place this weekend, and two musicals hit area stages this weekend — "Legally Blonde" and "Godspell," while the big screen gets in on March Madness with a free screening of "Hoosiers" in Goshen. Meanwhile, artists and musicians celebrate First Unitarian's anniversary by looking to the future and sustainability. For more things to do, visit The Tribune's online events calendar.

Margaret Gloster’s “Responsible Consumption” is one of the works that will be included in a juried exhibit on the theme of “Moving Towards a Sustainable Future” on Saturdays and Sundays from March 18 to April 22, 2023, at First Unitarian Church of South Bend. An opening reception takes place March 17 as the opening event in the three-day “Sustaining Our Earth for Future Generations” program, which also includes a concert by folksinger Peter Mayer and panel discussions.

First Unitarian celebrates 70th anniversary with sustainability events

SOUTH BEND — First Unitarian Church of South Bend celebrates its 70th anniversary with the three-day event “Sustaining Our Earth for Future Generations” from March 17 to 19 at 801 E. Washington St.

The event begins with an opening reception for a juried art show from 6 to 8 p.m. March 17. Awards will be announced at 7 p.m. The exhibit includes 38 works in watercolor, pastel, acrylic, pen, charcoal, oil, photography and mixed media by local artists on the theme of sustainability. Ongoing hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 22.

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Folksinger Peter Mayer performs at 7 p.m. March 18. Based in Stillwater, Minn., Mayer, who has released 11 albums, writes songs about science, nature and spirituality. His work has been included in songbooks, church hymnals and folk radio playlists across the country. Tickets are $23.18-$7.18 and are available at eventbrite.com.

Minnesota-based folksinger Peter Mayer will perform March 18, 2023, at First Unitarian Church of South Bend as part of the three-day “Sustaining Our Earth for Future Generations” event.
Minnesota-based folksinger Peter Mayer will perform March 18, 2023, at First Unitarian Church of South Bend as part of the three-day “Sustaining Our Earth for Future Generations” event.

A panel discussion, “Sustainability with a Local Perspective,” takes place at 2 p.m. March 19 with Alan Hamlet from the University of Notre Dame; Evelyn Bauman, South Bend’s sustainability director; Katharine Couch, the McKinney Climate Fellow at Indiana University South Bend; and Monica Tetzlaff, associate professor of history at IUSB.

Workshops will be held on electric cars, sustainable gardening and everyday practices to make a difference.

Linda Fritschner’s “Support Local Farms” is one of the works that will be included in a juried exhibit on the theme of “Moving Towards a Sustainable Future” on Saturdays and Sundays from March 18 to April 22, 2023, at First Unitarian Church of South Bend. An opening reception takes place March 17.
Linda Fritschner’s “Support Local Farms” is one of the works that will be included in a juried exhibit on the theme of “Moving Towards a Sustainable Future” on Saturdays and Sundays from March 18 to April 22, 2023, at First Unitarian Church of South Bend. An opening reception takes place March 17.

Admission is free for the art exhibit and the panel discussion.

Childcare will be offered.

For more information, 574-210-7962 or visit firstunitarian.us.

Laurisa LeSure plays Jesus Christ in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.
Laurisa LeSure plays Jesus Christ in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.

Art 4 presents ‘Godspell’ at the St. Joseph County Public Library

SOUTH BEND — Art 4 presents “Godspell” from March 17 to 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library, 305 S. Michigan St.

Written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak and based, primarily, on the Gospel of Matthew, “Godspell” modernizes the story of Christ, setting it in the here and now against an urban backdrop and with a soundtrack that makes use of multiple genres, including pop, folk rock, gospel and vaudeville.

Zach Wilkeson plays Judas in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.
Zach Wilkeson plays Judas in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.

As Christ gathers a new band of disciples — the characters are named for the actors who play them — he and they tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.

In doing so, they come together to build, as a song from the 1973 film and the 2011 revision puts it, a “Beautiful City” — a community, that is.

Songs include the Top 20 hit “Day by Day” as well as “Prepare Ye," “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.”

Laurisa LeSure plays Jesus Christ in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.
Laurisa LeSure plays Jesus Christ in Art 4's production of "Godspell" that opens March 17 and continues through March 26 at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown South Bend.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 17-18 and 23-25 and at 2 p.m. March 19 and 26.

Tickets are $35-$15.

For more information, visit art4sb.org.

American Theatre Guild presents "Legally Blonde — The Musical" from March 17 to 19, 2023, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend.
American Theatre Guild presents "Legally Blonde — The Musical" from March 17 to 19, 2023, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend.

American Theatre Guild presents ‘Legally Blonde’ at the Morris

SOUTH BEND — American Theatre Guild presents “Legally Blonde — The Musical” from March 17 to 19 at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St.

Based on the 2001 film and Amanda Brown’s 2001 novel, the 2007 musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams at Harvard Law School, where she has enrolled to try to win back the boyfriend who has dumped her.

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School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential, and her true assets, as she sets out to prove herself to the world and make everyone a believer.

A contemporary, topical story that touches on many current hot-button issues, “Legally Blonde” proves, contrary to dated bias, that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room.

Hannah Bonnett plays Elle Woods in the nationally touring production of "Legally Blonde — The Musical" that American Theatre Guild will present March 17 to 19, 2023, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend.
Hannah Bonnett plays Elle Woods in the nationally touring production of "Legally Blonde — The Musical" that American Theatre Guild will present March 17 to 19, 2023, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend.

Performances are at 8 p.m. March 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. March 18 and 19.

Tickets are $108.50-$43.50.

For more information, call 574-235-9190 or visit morriscenter.org.

Robert Swan, left, Dennis Hopper and Gene Hackman appear in a scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers." The Goshen Theater will hold a free screening of the film March 17.
Robert Swan, left, Dennis Hopper and Gene Hackman appear in a scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers." The Goshen Theater will hold a free screening of the film March 17.

Goshen Theater presents free screening of ‘Hoosiers’

GOSHEN — The Goshen Theater presents a screening of “Hoosiers” at 7 p.m. March 17 at 216 S. Main St.

The 1986 film, written by Angelo Pizzo and directed by David Anspaugh, is loosely based on the Milan High School team’s 1954 Indiana state championship.

Gene Hackman stars as failed college coach Norman Dale, who gets a chance at redemption when he is hired to direct the basketball program at a high school in a tiny Indiana town.

Eric Gilliom appears in a scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers."
Eric Gilliom appears in a scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers."

After a teacher (Barbara Hershey) persuades star player Jimmy Chitwood to quit and focus on his long-neglected studies, Dale struggles to develop a winning team in the face of community criticism for his temper and his unconventional choice of assistant coach: Shooter (Dennis Hopper), a notorious alcoholic.

Rated PG.

Sheb Wooley, center, and Gene Hackman argue with the referee in this scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers."
Sheb Wooley, center, and Gene Hackman argue with the referee in this scene from the 1986 film "Hoosiers."

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the bar and concession stand will be open.

For more information, call 574-312-3701 or visit goshentheater.com.

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The Elkhart Model Railroad Club's 18th annual show takes place March 18, 2023, at the Claywood Event Center in Nappanee.
The Elkhart Model Railroad Club's 18th annual show takes place March 18, 2023, at the Claywood Event Center in Nappanee.

Elkhart Model Railroad Club holds annual train show

NAPPANEE — The 18th annual Elkhart Model Railroad Club’s train show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at the Claywood Event Center, 13920 N. 1100 West.

The show features more than 150 tables, operating layouts and more.

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An on-site restaurant will have hot Amish sandwiches, desserts, side dishes and soft drinks for purchase.

Admission is $5; free for ages 11 and younger.

For more information, visit emrrc.com or email info@emrrc.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend weekend has musicals, Hoosiers, model trains and sustainability