Governors State Celebrates Crowns on November 16 and 17

Contact: Zion Banks

Governors State University

Phone: (708) 235.7685

Email: zbanks@govst.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

University Park, IL — When the curtain rises for “Crowns: A Gospel Musical” at Governors State University on Nov. 16-17, it will fill the Center for Performing Arts with music and dance that celebrate black history and culture. It will also resonate with students who have explored its themes in special classroom projects this semester as Governors State explores what it means to “live in the midst of art, ” a core value at the university.

The production, directed by Goodman Theatre resident director and GSU alumnus Chuck Smith, tells the story of six African-American women through the hats they wear to church. The audience sees the women attend a morning service, a wedding, a funeral, and a baptism. They are joined by a younger woman from Brooklyn, who is changed by the experience of meeting these women. Each o their hats—crowns—has a story behind it.

The production reinforces CPA’s efforts to bridge generational divides and strengthen identity awareness by highlighting the importance of shared experiences and has sparked a number of workshops and classes leading up to the Nov. 16 opening.

"Roads to Crowns" is a community engagement project designed to help students think more deeply about the plays themes of love, loss, culture, and identity.

Tickets for “Crowns” can be purchased at CenterTickets.net, at the Box Office, or by phone at 708.235.2222.

Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours prior to all performances.

Discounts are available for students, children, seniors 65+, groups of 10+, and patrons purchasing three or more shows.

For more information on this National Endowment for the Arts grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

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About GSU Center for Performing ArtsLocated at Governors State University, Center for Performing arts provides dynamic entertainment and edutainment experiences for all, serving over 60,000 patrons annually.