In July, Governors State University celebrated its 55th Anniversary. The Center for Performing Arts is joining in the nostalgia during its coming season.
The center’s 29th season includes the U.S. premiere of “BOOM X,” a one-man show created and performed by Rick Miller, who “Entertainment Weekly” dubbed “one of the most creative people alive today.”
“BOOM X” starts with Woodstock in August of 1969, one month after GSU opened, and ends in 1995, the year that the Center for Performing Arts opened its doors. And “BOOM X” is just one of the multi-generational shows of the 2024-25 season.
The season will also feature favorites such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “The Nutcracker,” and “DRUMLine Live!”
The Center’s executive director, Scott Sowinski, reflects on his first year and the season ahead.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished and will continue to accomplish. We have expanded family-friendly offerings, established new, multigenerational traditions, and increased our attendance by 36%,” he said. “We will continue our commitment to accessible, diverse and quality entertainment in your backyard, striving to make the Center the cultural hub of the Southland.”
The Center will offer five series in 2024-25:
- The Spotlight Series features iconic national and international artists, include The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and Jeff-Award-winning Kokandy Productions performing “Sweeney Todd in Concert”; A Tribute to Cher featuring Lisa McClowry in “The Beat Goes On”; the return of “DRUMLine Live!”, and a Celebration of Motown and Soul music from Uptown.
- The Family Series offers affordable tickets for children ($20) with Ruth Page Dance Center’s “The Nutcracker”; America’s Got Talent’s shadow dance company The Silhouettes’ “LOVE Happens”; and a fusion of live art, rock concert, and magic with “ARTRAGEOUS!”
- The From Us to You Series will feature Chicagoland talent headed by the Center’s staff returning with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” featuring a live shadow cast and audience participation just in time for Halloween as well as the beloved radio play “It’s A Wonderful Life” in December.
- The Opera Up Close and Cabaret Series showcases the power of the human voice up close and personal with the audience seated on stage, feet away from the musicians and vocalists. The season’s opera offerings include “HARANA” featuring a quartet of Filipino tenors and a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring Opera Up Close favorites.
- The Cabaret Series features local talent, including GSU’s own professor Cherise Stone-Thomas AKA Joy Storm and her Rock and Soul Band as they pay tribute to the Women of Rock and Soul Music. In March, Rosie and the Rivets pay tribute to the early days of Rock n Roll.
Tickets to individual shows and flex passes are on sale now. Flex buyers qualify by purchasing any number of tickets to three or more 2024-25 shows. Flex buyers save 15% on tickets, enjoy flexible exchange privileges, and receive invitations to the exclusive Concierge Lounge prior to select shows.
The Concierge Lounge features complimentary drinks, appetizers, and a chance to mingle with the Center’s staff and artists (based on availability).
The 2024-25 season is sponsored and funded by Sutton Ford, Old National Bank, Governors State University Honors College, Nicor Gas and The South Suburban Chicago Links Incorporated Chapter.
For more information, ticket prices, and preview videos, visit CenterTickets.net.