Local cast part of annual black history performance in Schaumburg

With the upcoming national election in mind, Powerhouse Productions is presenting its 14th annual black history performance at Schaumburg’s Prairie Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

Valerie Profit incorporated Powerhouse Productions 15 years ago to address what she saw as a dearth of Black History Month events in the Northwest suburbs.

This year’s show, “Election Day at Montgomery’s Barber Shop,” will predominantly feature young people and incorporate dramatic performances, singing, dancing and rapping.

“We are so excited about this year’s performance because everyone is preparing for the most important election of our lives,” Profit said. “That’s the message of this performance. Our focus is mostly on the youth, particularly those who are voting for the first time. The play will convey the message how important every vote is. For so many that feel it’s not important for them to vote, we promise they will not share that feeling when they leave this performance.”

The setting is in a community barbershop being used as a polling place, and it tracks the various conversations being shared among voters, customers and the barbershop staff on election day.

The performers are local residents from ages 5-78, with most of the teens coming from Conant and Schaumburg high schools. The script was written by a 1999 Conant graduate.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; available at the Prairie Center, 201 Schaumburg Court, or online at prairiecenter.org. For more information visit powerhouseproductions.org or call Profit at (847) 902-7508.