Governors State University Stages Timely and Nostalgic Comedy November 4–6

Delightful Q_80s

Tickets are on sale now for Governors State University (GSU) Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) fall 2021 production "A Delightful Quarantine," which, runs Nov. 4 to 6 on the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) stage.

Visiting Director Anthony Sims describes the play as “an honest reflection upon the current times we live in.”

Though the play doesn’t speak directly to COVID, themes will resonate with the audience. “We, as a society, are on the go. … What the quarantine taught us all is how to slow down and sit within ourselves. This is what the characters are going through in the play,’’ he said.

Framed as a 1980s sitcom,  Quarantine features seven households, each having its own unique story and with the characters in each house striving for personal and collective healing. Sims said the play teaches resiliency—one of the reasons he was drawn to direct the show.

 “It appears we are in a constant uphill battle every day for stability due to this pandemic and other societal issues. If we can be resilient, perhaps we can find collective dignity. Public theatre is accessible again, but with complications. Everyone is required to wear a mask on stage, and I started to see work where directors and actors pretended to ignore the cloth or medical cover over the lower half of their faces. It frustrates me. There is an urgency to get back to "normalcy" when there never was a normal. It made me think of “A Delightful Quarantine,” and I knew this work could be an honest reflection upon the current times we live in.”

Sims said it’s good to be together again and is proud that his cast of 16 features ten GSU students or alumni.

“Everyone is having a fun time, as it is essential to collectively imagine instead of simply fitting into the mold of just one idea or source. You can expect to see familiar and new faces on the GSU stage. Everyone adds a unique element to our overall production.”

Audience members will be seated on stage with the performers and will serve as the studio audience.

In conjunction with ‘A Delightful Quarantine," the Rosie Mae Riley Fund—an initiative that provides scholarships and opportunities to GSU Theatre and Performance Studies students—is asking for donations.

Now through November 15, a generous donor will match all contributions to the fund.

Riley, the mother of Merri Wilkerson, Office Manager in the College of Arts and Sciences, was a staunch supporter of education and believed strongly in its power to change lives. Riley was a frequent patron of many arts and cultural events at GSU with her family. To celebrate Riley's  life and pay tribute to her passion for education and the arts, the fund will be endowed in her name.  To donate, visit https://www.govst.edu/rosie-mae-riley-scholarship/.

“A Delightful Quarantine”  runs Thursday, Nov. 4 through Saturday, Nov. 6. Seating is limited.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students) and 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: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open until 6 p.m. on Thursdays and two hours prior to all performances.

Know Before You Go

Your health and safety are our priority.

Audience members are required to show proof of vaccination or proof of negative Covid-9 test (within the 72-hour period prior to the performance) until further notice. Proof can be an electronic, photo copy, or official CDC vaccination record card with photo ID at time of entry into the venue with valid ticket.

Face masks are required on campus, even if vaccinated. Reduced capacity and socially distanced seating may be in place based on Governors State University and State mandates. Hand sanitizer will be made readily available throughout the venue, and patrons are strongly encouraged to make use of them. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and do not attend an event.

Center for Performing Arts’ COVID-19 policies are mandated by Governors State University. For the most updated COVID-19 policies being implemented across campus please visit: https://www.govst.edu/coronavirus/