Katy Perry, Russell Brand finalize divorce

A judge has granted Katy Perry and Russell Brand a divorce, although the pair won’t be legally split up until July. Superior Court Judge Marc Marmaro signed the judgment Wednesday, less than six weeks after Brand filed for divorce and one day after Perry filed …

‘Pygmalion’ comes to Hammond stage Feb. 24-March 11

Hammond’s Genesius Guild will present its production of the musical theater classic “My Fair Lady” from Feb. 24-March 11. The show is based on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the musical story of Professor Henry Higgins and his student Eliza Doolittle. Directed by David Long with …

See ‘Sordid Lives’ on Hammond stage

Del Shores loves to skewer Southern stereotypes.  The Hammond Community Theatre’s production of his play “Sordid Lives” is no exception. “I like comedies geared toward an adult audience,” said director Dale Kelley. “Especially if the humor is dark and just a little off the wall.” …

‘The River’ on ABC: Boredom runs through it

LORI RACKL: Trying to be “Paranormal Activity,” the shaky-camera horror show is pretty inactive.

CBS’ Monday sitcoms ‘a little risque,’ but viewers tune in

PASADENA, Calif. — A recent Monday seemed typical for CBS’ sitcoms on television’s most popular — and raunchy — night of comedy. There was a strip club visit on “How I Met Your Mother,” lap dance included. The stars of “2 Broke Girls” mistakenly believed …

‘Tebowing’ Alec Baldwin hosts NFL Honors

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Trying to do his best “Tebowing,” Alec Baldwin got a bit of help on stage. The host of “NFL Honors” on NBC was kneeling down when Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow stepped up and showed Baldwin how it’s really done. “Bless you, …

Popular character actor Ben Gazzara dies in NY

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in such iconic productions over the decades as the original “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Broadway and the film …

Son says ‘Soul Train’’s Don Cornelius called him shortly before his death

Tony Cornelius, the son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, received an urgent 3 a.m. phone call shortly before Cornelius apparently fatally shot himself in the head, Tony Cornelius said in media interviews this week.

‘Oliver!’ production strives to be familiar yet fresh

The musical “Oliver!” opened in London’s West End in 1960. It was last produced on the Memorial Opera House stage about a decade ago and another area production of the show is closing this weekend. It is fair to say that “Oliver!” is not a …

Animal lover captures their essence in photography

Between co-owning a veterinary clinic and belonging to more dog rescues than a person can keep track, Sandy Starrett Turmail simply cannot get enough of animals great and small. And now that she has the right instrument — a camera — with which to capture …

Towle offers ticket deals to teachers, students, thespians

The Towle Theater in Hammond is no stranger to the demands put on local educators and students. To reach out and show appreciation to educators and students, the Towle is implementing some new ticket programs this season. Friday night performances at the Towle Theater will …

Fox: Abdul exiting ‘X Factor’; third to leave show

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paula Abdul says she’s leaving “The X Factor” after one season as a judge on Simon Cowell’s singing contest.

Abdul announced her exit Tuesday, on the heels of the departures of “X Factor” judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones.

That …