Two Spectacular Shows Coming to The Center

In November two spectacular shows will grace our stage at The Center!

On November 6 at 8 p.m. the world renowned Ailey II Dance Company from New York will debut a premier performance at Governors State University.

Ailey II has flourished into one of the most popular dance troupes in the country, and takes its art to the community by presenting Master Classes for dance students. This weekend the company will host a master class at Studio One Dance Dance in Chicago. Included in the repertoire at The Center will be the Ailey signature piece, "Revelations," choreographed by Alvin Ailey.

On November 12 at 7 p.m. The Center brings back the show DRUMline Live. This extravagant show features students from historically black colleges in the country performing precision routines guaranteed to thrill every member of the audience.

DRUMline Live brings the raw energy of the very popular film, Drumline, to life on stage at The Center

Join us this month for two great shows at Governors State University.

Life for a Theatre

Sometimes it is hard to believe how much activity can come in and out of The Center at GSU in a very short time. This week has been a perfect example of the hectic life of a venue!

Today started at The Center bright and early when over 300 attended a regional Transportation Summit at Governors State University. Our house was all spiffed up to host a serious panel presentation with Southland leaders concerning future transportation issues for our growing communities. Soon after the program a number of the attendees and panelists were in the beautiful upstairs lobby of The Center enjoying lunch, while continuing the lively conversation.

No sooner had the summit group left the auditorium when our Technical Director and crew began to tear down the podiums screens, and chairs to re-set the stage for the next performance. Tonight at 8 p.m. The Capitol Steps will entertain a huge crowd at The Center with biting satire ripped from the headlines of today's hot political issues.

And on Saturday, The Center will play host to a regional fitness program featuring body builders from the Midwest region.

All of this in just 48 hours is almost normal for The Center. We love to be busy. I think the most fun part of all the activity, though, is sometimes in the theatre before an event when we are setting up. At times our Technical Director and crew can be found viewing old films of out takes from Warner Brothers pictures of 1939, 1939 and 1940 while setting up the stage.
There is something poetic about seeing old out takes on a screen, on our stage, which has seen thousands of performers in just sixteen years.

Join us sometimes and see if you can feel the presence of all those who have trod our stage and its screens!

New Holiday Fun in the Church Basement

For so many years we have all laughed and loved the many shows that have taken us back to old time Catholic schools and the hilarious tales of our favorite nuns and friends. Now comes a new laughter filled and nostalgic tale of growing up Lutheran in Middle America. The Church Basement Ladies have taken control of our funny bones and aim to keep us giggling this holiday season.

I am happy to announce the Southland Premier of a new Church Basement Ladies Show, Away in The Basement, on December 2nd at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. This version of the show takes us back to 1959, on the day of the Sunday school Christmas program. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goodie bags and putting the finishing touches on the Nativity pieces. Many surprises are in store as the ladies serve up of a big helping of fun for all.

Why not join us on the 2nd to start the holiday off with a laugh without any leftovers!

Favorite Moments

Anyone who works in the theatre has to count amongst their favorite moments that magic time when a project that has been in rehearsal for months turns into a magical piece of live theatre. For me that moment came on August 1st when SLATE's production of The Wedding Singer came to life on stage at The Center. From the first opening dance number to the last tender kiss, this show captivated a spirit of energy and creativity on our stage at Governors State University.

My hat is off to J.R. Rose and the entire cast and crew of the show for bringing to life a tender story, filled with great spectacle and abundant joy. I felt happy and proud to be watching this story unfold.

I would urge all of our patrons to see the show this weekend on August 6th or 7th. Our staff at The Center is always happy to help. And I would be happy to welcome you!

Burt Dikelsky