Forget pumpkin spice—this Halloween, The Center for Performing Arts (The Center) at Governors State University (GovState) is serving up fishnets, fake blood, and filthy fun. Two back-to-back cult classics promise to turn the campus into the campiest corner of Chicagoland. Tickets and more information for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (October 25) and John Waters: A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom (October 31) can be found at https://www.govst.edu/cpa-events/. Individual show information, including ticket prices and how to purchase, can also be found below.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Shadow Cast
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 8 p.m.
👠 Pre-show costume contest
Reserve your official audience participation kit when you purchase tickets at: https://www.govst.edu/RockyHorror2025/
Tickets: $20 | $10 for students
First, do the Time Warp again at The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, this cult rite of passage is back for its third annual production at The Center. The event features a shadow cast of GovState alumni, faculty, staff, and community members performing in tandem with the 1975 midnight-movie masterpiece. Directed by Rocky Horror veteran and GovState’s Cultural Marketing Director Jane Cox, this is more than a movie—it’s a living, breathing, glitter-drenched tradition five decades in the making.
What started as counterculture is now a family tradition: parents, teens, and even grandmas have been spotted dancing the Time Warp together in The Center’s aisles, making Rocky Horror a true multigenerational phenomenon. A pre-show costume contest guarantees the audience will want to dress to impress. And yes, audience participation is part of the fun: when purchasing tickets, fans can reserve their official audience participation kits in advance and pick them up the night of the show.
John Waters: A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom
Friday, October 31, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Live director’s commentary + post-show Q&A
Tickets: https://www.govst.edu/JohnWaters/
Tickets: $39-$84 | $20 for students
Then, on the witching night itself, the master of bad taste arrives. John Waters: A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom takes the stage on Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m. The self-proclaimed “Pope of Trash” and “King of Camp” will share live, running commentary during his 1994 cult classic—part suburban satire, part slasher spoof, and all campy chaos.
Serial Mom follows the seemingly perfect housewife (played to delirious perfection by Kathleen Turner), who bakes cookies, tends her garden, and—oh yes—murders neighbors for crimes such as wearing white after Labor Day. With its razor-sharp humor, blood-splattered absurdity, and send-up of “family values,” the film skewers middle-class respectability while serving up the ultimate Halloween treat: laughs mixed with gasps.
Perfectly timed for spooky season, this screening becomes something more with Waters himself at the mic. Expect behind-the-scenes gossip, outrageous real-life inspirations, and the kind of filthy one-liners only he can deliver. Oversharing? Absolutely. Too much information? Probably. But that’s the fun of it. The night caps off with a post-show Q&A—your chance to ask the king of camp anything (if you dare).
“These two events embody everything we love about Halloween—bold, subversive, in-your-face, and unapologetically fun,” said Jane Cox, Cultural Marketing Director at The Center. “That’s the beauty of The Center: we make space for the wild, the weird, and the wonderful.”
Center for Performing Arts 2025 - 2026 Season Lineup
October 2025
October 25 at 8 p.m.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live Shadow Cast
Feel the antici…pation! One of the highlights of the Halloween season, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast returns to The Center’s stage with this classic cult rock'n'roll, science fiction, horror satire. Come in costume or just come for the fun, the live shadow cast takes the film to the next level as audiences experience the action with the whole theatre involved. Whether it's an introduction to the camp or your 100th, get ready to do the “Time Warp, again!”
October 31 at 8 p.m.
John Waters: A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom
The Center welcomes the king of camp, John Waters, for an unforgettable evening of cult cinema and twisted storytelling. Expect an endless bag of transgressive tales and hetero-non-aggressive wit that’ll warm the dark little hearts of non-binary brats everywhere. Perfect for Halloween night, Waters will screen Serial Mom with live commentary—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, real-life inspirations, and unfiltered observations. Over-sharing? Absolutely. Too much information? Probably. But airing his dirty laundry just makes him feel clean. Includes post-screening Q&A.
November 2025
November 6-9
Anon(ymous) presented by GovState Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS)
Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people -- some kind, some dangerous and cruel -- as he searches for his family. From a sinister one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies to a sweatshop, Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer's “The Odyssey.”
November 7 at 7:30 p.m.
CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul
Hop on the "Midnight Train to Georgia" over "River Deep, Mountain High" while award-winning vocalist CeCe Teneal delivers the "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" you deserve in Divas of Soul, a one-of-a-kind concert event! This spectacular celebration of fifty years of chart-topping music from artists like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and others has wowed audiences worldwide.
November 13 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Arts in Education - When Good Broccoli Goes Bad
A foot-tapping children’s musical that playfully encourages children (and adults) to make healthier choices. Recommended for Grades PreK-5.
November 22 at 3 p.m.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presents: NIGHT MOVES: The Planets, E.T., and Star Trek
Experience a celestial journey through music! IPO presents Star Trek Through the Years, E.T. ‘s Adventures on Earth, and Holst’s epic The Planets, accompanied by stunning visuals from Adrian Wyard. This out-of-this-world concert will forever change how you see—and hear—the night sky.
December 2025
December 6-7
Returning to The Center after sold-out performances in 2024, this beloved holiday family classic is the only production that recreates the original version’s full-length staging. Little Clara, her mysterious godfather magician, a handsome prince, the battle between toy soldiers and mice, and a forest glade of dancing Snowflakes are all brought to life in this beautiful and joyful production. Featuring international guest artists alongside the Ruth Page Civic Ballet elite dancers, experience exquisite performances, Tchaikovsky's magical score, stunning costumes, and imaginative settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets!
December 13 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play
The holiday season continues with The Center’s, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Rediscover the magic of Frank Capra's timeless masterpiece, “It's a Wonderful Life,” in a fun and immersive way. With the help of an ensemble led by the Center’s staff, this live radio play adaptation takes audiences back in time to the 1940s, perfect for the whole family, as everyone becomes part of a live studio audience attending a radio broadcast of this beloved holiday tale.
January 2026
January 29 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Arts in Education - Finding North
Based on the stories of African-American Underground Railroad hero John P. Parker. Recommended for Grades: 6-12.
February 2026
February 5 at 10 a.m.
Arts in Education - South Chicago Dance Theatre presents Dancing Through the Great Migration
This show uses the art of dance to educate about The Great Migration: an iconic movement of about 6 million African Americans from the South to the North and West between 1910 and 1970. Recommended for Grades 5-12.
February 7 at 2 p.m.
Opera Up Close presents: Halftime High Notes: Honoring the Opera Up Close Legacy with John Concepcion and Friends
After 16 years of incredible music and memories, John Concepion takes his final bow with a program of halftime high notes and a celebration of the program that shares the beauty, drama and power of opera.
February 15 at 3 p.m.
The Rat Pack
Featuring the timeless music and charisma of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, this high-energy show transports you to vintage Las Vegas. Enjoy a night of signature Rat Pack humor, classic songs, and maybe even a surprise visit from Marilyn Monroe! Whether you're sharing it with a special someone or the entire family, you’ll be transported to a bygone era where love, laughter, and music collide.
March 2026
March 5 at 10 a.m.
Arts in Education - All That Jazz presented by GovState Theatre and Performance Studies Dance Performance
March 6 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Arts in Education - Click Clack Moo
Based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. Recommended for Grades: K-4.
March 7 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
All That Jazz presented by GovState Theatre and Performance Studies Dance Performance
Celebrate the rhythms of American dance in this lively performance featuring jazz classics and fresh new works. Presented by GovState’s Theatre and Performance Studies and Dance Company, the show highlights choreography by students, faculty and alumni in a tribute to jazz past and present.
March 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Center Stage Icons – 30th Anniversary Legacy Celebration with Kelvin & Alexis Roston
Award-winning duo Alexis J. Roston & Kelvin Roston Jr. pay musical tribute to the Center for its 30th Anniversary. From Kelvin’s unforgettable turn as Donny Hathaway in Twisted Melodies to Alexis’ show-stopping vocals, this dynamic couple celebrates the music, memories, and moments that have shaped the Center’s stage.
March 25 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Arts in Education - Professor Wow’s FUN-believable Science Show
When students experience the fantastic, 12-foot tall “Foam Monster,” the impossible “Balloons in Orbit,” the uproariously funny “Bernoulli TP Wipe Out Challenge” and the “Super-Colossal Vortex Cannon,” they learn that nothing is impossible—as long as it obeys the laws of science! Recommended for Grades K-8.
March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Unleash the Beats by Chicago Tap Theatre
Chicago Tap Theatre brings energy, artistry, and rhythm to the stage. With dazzling footwork and musicality, this celebrated company honors the tradition of Tap while making it fresh and fun for all ages. A joyful, high-energy performance perfect for dance lovers and newcomers alike.
April 2026
April 9-12
By The Way, Meet Vera Stark presented by GovState Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS)
This play by Lynn Nottage follows the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come.
17 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Arts in Education - Pete the Cat
Based on the book series written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Recommended for Grades PreK-3.
25 at 7:30 p.m.
Lizzy and The Triggerman
Dubbed “10-piece jazz sensations” (LA Weekly) and “one of the hottest swing bands in LA” (Good Day LA), Lizzy & the Triggermen is redefining vintage jazz for modern times. With sold-out shows at iconic venues like the Troubadour and a top 3 spot on the iTunes jazz charts alongside Miles Davis and Kamasi Washington, they blend old-school swing with contemporary edge.
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.
How to Purchase Tickets
· Online at CenterTickets.net
· Via Over the phone at 708.235.2222
· In person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
Regular Box Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to all performances.
Discounts for GovState Students, Faculty & Staff*:
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Students:
- Tickets: $10 or $20 each, depending on the show.
- Requirements: Must present a valid student ID at purchase or upon picking up tickets at will call.
*Some restrictions may apply
Know Before You Go
Ask about additional opportunities for box seating and special events. Discounts are available for students, children, seniors 65+, groups of 10+, and patrons purchasing tickets to three or more shows.
Parking is free. For best GPS directions, use the location search term “Governors State University.”
Connect With The Center
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Sponsors
The Center for Performing Arts’ 2025-26 Season is proudly sponsored and funded by Governors State University Honors College, Sutton Ford, Westside Children’s Therapy, Illinois Arts Council, Nicor Gas, and The South Suburban Chicago Links, Incorporated Chapter.