The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

“Cotton Club” fills up Foellinger

The Central Black Student Union, or CBSU, held its production “Cotton Club” on Feb. 20 to a sold out crowd in Foellinger Auditorium.

This year’s theme was “New York, New York: City of Dreams.” The show was about four actors who tried to make their way in New York and fulfill their dreams at the same time, said Marcus McFall, participant in the production and senior in LAS.

“Cotton Club” is a production consisting of actors, singers, dancers, rappers and poets. The annual event is similar to a spring semester homecoming.

The show, which began in the ’90s, draws crowds from both the University and other nearby colleges including Illinois State University, said Jennipher Miller, producer of the show and junior in ACES.

McFall, who rapped, danced and acted in the production, said he expected a lot of noise and hype from the crowd.

Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!

  • Catch the latest on University of Illinois news, sports, and more. Delivered every weekday.
  • Stay up to date on all things Illini sports. Delivered every Monday.
Thank you for subscribing!

“I’m definitely going to make them cheer because I’ve got a big surprise for them this year,” he said.

This show is the first time McFall did more in the production besides dancing. He impersonated rapper Wale.

Actors, singers, dancers and poets in the show impersonated other famous artists including: Rihanna, Chris Brown, Jay-Z, Walle and Trey Songz.

“People from Cotton Club get to showcase their talents in a way they never have before to create a full production that is phenomenally hot” said Abril Edwards, spoken word artist and sophomore in LAS.

Edwards has participated in the show since her freshman year and said she was excited to perform one of her poems.

More to Discover
ILLordle: Play now