Governors State University’s (GovState) The Center for Performing Arts (The Center), 1 University Parkway, University Park, continues its 29th season in the new year. After celebrating Governors State’s 55th Anniversary last July, this season’s theme of nostalgia brings an array of bold, vibrant and joyful performances. Tickets to individual shows and flex passes may be purchased by calling 708.235.2222 or visiting CenterTickets.net. Patrons may also make purchases at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to all performances. 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,receive invitations to the exclusive Concierge Lounge before select shows, and receive exclusive pre-show opportunities for the 2025-26 season. Discounts are available for students, children, seniors 65+ and groups of 10+.
The Center is excited to continue its momentum in 2025. The Spotlight Series, featuring iconic national and international artists, continues with the much-anticipated return of “DRUMLine Live!” and a celebration of Motown and Soul music from Uptown. The Family Series continues The Center’s commitment to affordable tickets for children ($20) with “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 Opera Up Close and Cabaret Series showcases the power of the human voice up close and personal with the audience seated on stage, just a few 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 Rosie and the Rivets paying tribute to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll in March.
The Center’s 29th season continues with:
LÍRIKO Presents
Sunday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $50 (On Stage Reserved Cabaret Seating)
LÍRIKO is an exciting Chicago-based ensemble of talented Filipino tenors, including Ace Gangoso, Rodell Rosel, Geoffrey Agpalo and Jared Esguerra. They have graced the renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago and captivated audiences with their diverse vocal styles. Their repertoire spans classical, musical theater, jazz, pop and traditional Filipino music, bringing a delightful mix of romantic melodies from the Philippines to life.
The Silhouettes® presents
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 - $65 (Reserved Seating)
Founded in 2009, The Silhouettes® -- first runner-up on “America’s Got Talent,”season six, in 2011 and Golden Buzzer winners on “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” in 2020 is America’s premiere shadow-dance company. The Silhouettes® acclaimed show, LOVE Happens is an entertaining, family-friendly shadow dance story filled with the types of love that fill our world. Everything from the love of friendship, family and pets, to romantic love, the love of a child, love of music, the painful side of love, love of life – even the love of chocolate! The production takes audiences on an emotional journey of laughter, tears and goosebumps, and will bring LOVE to everyone.
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45 - $90 (Reserved Seating)
This show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear-grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high-octane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body. They are back with a new show for the entire family.
GovState Dance Company presents
Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $15 (General Admission)
Step into a world where dreams come to life with GovState Dance Company's DREAM. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech "I Have a Dream," DREAM offers unique perspectives on the power of imagination and the reimagined American Dream. Experience powerful dance performances that beautifully interpret what it means to dream, unforgettably showcasing creativity and inspiration. These two performances offer an exceptional showcase celebrating the beauty of dreaming.
UPTOWN presents
A Celebration of Motown and Soul
Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45 - $90 (Reserved Seating)
Fusing Bruno Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of UPTOWN combine the smooth stylings of Rhythm and Blues with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern show that will have the audience on its feet! From New York City, the epicenter of contemporary Pop and Soul, every single member of UPTOWN is a world-class soloist, with frequent comparisons to the artistry of icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; when they come together as one collective, the resulting remix creates “the most electrifying show you’ll see this decade!”
ARTRAGEOUS! presents
The Electrifying Art & Music Circus
Saturday, March 15 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 - $65 (Reserved Seating)
Step into this outrageous adventure of arts: the only show where one can witness the fusion of live art, rock concert, imaginative movement, vocal performance, comedy, blacklight Bunraku, Artpunk wear and inclusion in one magical experience. Feel the anticipation to see if the artist will complete the painting in time and guess what is being created until the very last brushstroke. ARTRAGEOUS is a high-energy, immersive theater experience that encourages audience participation with music, dance, puppetry, storytelling and speed-painted visual art.
Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $50 (On Stage Cabaret Seating)
An electrifying female-fronted retrospective tribute to the first ten years (1954-1964) of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Along with early these favorites, you’ll hear Girl Group, Rockabilly, R&B, Surf and British Invasion featuring Rosie’s powerful and versatile voice and backed by a band with extensive theater/tribute/roots music experience (members of the Rivets have worked in The Million Dollar Quartet, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute). Sticklers for detail, much research went into their stage production; period-correct wardrobe, hair and makeup along with vintage guitars, drums, and even microphones assure you'll be in for a truly retro-cool experience.
GovState Theatre and Performance Studies presents
April 3 - 6
Written by Bert V. Royal
Directed by Patrick Santoro
Opening: Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Performance Schedule: Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.
Governors State University, Sherman Hall
Tickets: $15 (General Admission)
An "unauthorized continuation," this play reimagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as degenerate teenagers. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations and identity are among the issues covered in this haunting and hopeful homage to the works of Charles M. Schulz.
Opera Up Close presents
Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $50 (On Stage Cabaret Seating)
Join Opera Up Close favorites John Concepcion, Mike Cavalieri and their friends for this vocal tribute to Mothers. Spanning Broadway to Classical and Opera, celebrate Mother’s Day with this mimosa-fueled, musical extravaganza.
Know Before You Go
Parking is free. For best GPS directions, use the location search term “Governors State University.”
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
The Center for Performing Arts was founded in 1995, culminating a 10-year quest to bring a world-class performing arts facility to the Chicago Southland. Since its inception, The Center has served more than 1.5 million individuals, introduced over 300,000 schoolchildren to arts-in-education experiences, and welcomed 8,000+ artists and touring companies, presenting dozens of local, national and world premieres. The Center annually serves over 50,000 residents from Cook, Will and Kankakee counties in Northeast Illinois and Lake County in Northwest Indiana. The state-of-the art facility seats 1,165 patrons and is located at a vibrant and dynamic university setting that also houses an on-site Visual Arts Gallery and The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (theNate) offering unique opportunities for pre-and post-show activities and gatherings.
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The Center for Performing Arts’ 2024-25 Season is proudly sponsored and funded by Sutton Ford, Old National Bank, Governors State University Honors College, Homewood Suites Orland Park, Illinois Arts Council, Nicor Gas and The South Suburban Chicago Links, Incorporated Chapter.