The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University is marking its 20th anniversary with a special 2015-16 season line-up.
“There will be something for every family in the Southland,” said Lana Rogachevskaya, the center’s executive director. “Whether you are moved by electrifying dance, soulful music, thought-provoking theatre, or family-friendly events, we’ve got it live at the Center, and it’s affordable and close to home,” she stressed.
The season opens with Viva Italia, a special program for opera fans on Sunday, Sept. 20, that includes selections from “La Boheme,” as well works by Verdi, Donizetti and Rossini, co-mingled with a sampling of Italian food favorites like pasta and wine.
October showcases comedy with Emmy-nominated Ryan Stiles and other TV comedy stars for some hilarious improvised comedy and song; family fun with a production of “Curious George,” the story of that inquisitive, lovable little monkey; and dance with “PHILADANCO! at 45,” celebrating Joan Myers Brown and James Brown, pioneers in dance and music.
November celebrates The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts. GSU is one of 75 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive funding to host a Big Read project, and GSU’s Theatre and Performance Studies program has selected Ray Bradbury’s science fiction tale, “Fahrenheit 451,” a gripping story of society gone awry that is at once disturbing and poetic in its discussion of censorship.
Also in November will be Chévere de Chicago, a leading Latin/Jazz band mixing Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz, Blues, and just about everything else together into an exciting and unique collage of sound. This performance will feature Grammy award-winner Howard Levy and special guest trumpeter Grammy-nominated Victor Garcia of CALJE Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble with nine band members.
Celebrate the holidays in December with Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and “Take 6.”
The second half of the season highlights Chicago-based artists and local actors in a mix of shows including Porchlight Theatre’s tribute to the music of Fats Waller in “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “Sweet Home Chicago Blues,” baby Broadway “Seussical,” and Southland Area Theatre Ensemble’s “Sondheim on Sondheim.”
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater will take you on a journey through Spain with its presentation “A Night of Spanish Dance,” featuring “Bolero” and “Mil Clavos” combining flamenco and contemporary dance styles. A sampling of food and wine native to the region will be offered as an add-on ticket.
For ticket information, contact the Center for Performing Arts at CenterTickets.net or at 708-235-2222. Group sales for 10 or more are available. Tickets are sold in advance or at the box office the day of the performance.
