The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University has a 2022-23 season lineup filled with dance, music and theater performances sure to win rounds of applause.
From celebrating diverse cultures with Ailey II, Mariachi Herencia de México and the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, to honoring veterans and bringing multi-generational families together with the circus-style adventure “Air Play,” the season has something for everyone.
Sept. 16 – “Red Summer,” musical theater presentation by MPAACT, tells the story of the 1919 race riots in Chicago and how two World War I veterans – one Black and one white – find themselves caught in the violence of a segregated city. The show will be presented Aug. 16, 17 and 18 and repeated Aug. 23, 24 and 25.
Oct. 1 – Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, the Latin Grammy-nominated group, brings their energy and highly acclaimed presentation of chart-topping songs. This young Mexican-American group is leading a revival of mariachi music.
Oct. 9 – Opera Up Close: Battle of the Baritones pairs two outstanding baritones for an enjoyable afternoon of opera selections. Guests are seated on stage with the performers and enjoy culinary samplings.
Oct. 15 – Ailey II, one of the most popular modern dance companies, brings its spirit and energy of the best young dance talent to the stage.
Nov. 3-6 – “Cloud 9,” a satirical commentary on the British Empire and its rigid perspectives on gender roles, sexuality and race. The play is performed by the GSU Theatre and Performance Studies students.
Nov. 11 – The U.S. Army Field Band’s Concert Band and Soldier’s Chorus will give a free performance for Veterans Day of selections from Broadway, opera, barbershop quartet, Americana and pop music.
Nov. 19 – “The Nutcracker” is performed by the more than 55 members of the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
Jan. 23 – Opera Up Close: Happy Birthday Mozart! will feature Lyric Opera of Chicago vocalists performing beloved arias and duets from Mozart’s most beloved operas.
Feb. 4 – DRUMLine Live! Will give you the experience of the Historically Black College and University bands with a program by percussionists, musicians and dancers.
March 10-11 – “Rise UP! Truth to Power” presented by the GSU Dance Company features performances that encourage dialogue and action addressing inequity.
April 6-8 – “Othello” presented by the GSU Theatre and Performance Studies program. The contemporary adaption has a role reversal with Othello being female in modern day by keeping to the eloquence of Shakespeare’s work.
April 22 – “Air Play” by Acrobuffos entertains in a circus-style adventure transforming ordinary objects into a work that’s part comedy, part sculpture, part theatre. Be entertained as umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people and snow swirls.
For details on any of these shows, visit the Governors State University Center for Performing Arts website at govst.edu.
Tickets are available at the center box office on the GSU campus, or online at CenterTickets.net. Flex packages and discount pricing is available for purchases of three or more shows.