NORTHALSTED — Chicago’s house music scene and the LGBTQ community that found a sense of liberation within it will take the spotlight in a new play premiering at the Center on Halsted.
“House Musical: Coming of Age in the Age of House” will run April 21-30 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
Directed by Dion Walton, the play tells the story of Dwayne, a gay person who finds the strength the come out of the closet after sneaking into the Warehouse, a legendary Chicago nightclub where the house music genre was born.
The story tells the beginnings of Chicago’s emerging Black LGBTQ community and its struggles with bullying, homophobia, discrimination and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, according to the Center on Halsted. But the show is ultimately a story about love, hope, bravery and pride.
Actor Clarence Young plays Dwayne, while the production team includes Scott Free (music and lyrics), Marcus Waller (book and lyrics), Michael Foley (music), J’Sun Howard (choreography) and others.
Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets cost $30 and are available on the Center on Halsted’s website.
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