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

Students achieve ‘Dreams’ in Cotton Club production

The Central Black Student Union, or CBSU, held its production “Cotton Club” on Feb. 20 to a sold-out crowd of about 1,500 people at 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, 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 1990s, 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.

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

This show was McFall’s first time performing more than just dancing in the production. He impersonated rapper Olubowale Folarin, better known by his stage name Wale.

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

Abril Edwards, spoken word artist and sophomore in LAS, has participated in the show since her freshman year. She said was excited to perform one of her poems.

“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,” Edwards said.

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