ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Community Connections Performance and Lecture Series, will host “The Pull Up: A Journey of Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol,” a play featuring singer and songwriter Chrisette Michele on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7 p.m.in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center auditorium.

Written and directed by ECSU graduate student Tramar Pettaway, the play was written to bring purpose and awareness to mental health and the idea that it is manageable.  

“I want people to leave the show inspired knowing that they can make it through whatever they are going through,” said Pettaway, an Elementary Education student.  

A Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, actress and advocate, Michele has a main role in the play and is a longtime friend of Pettaway.  

“She has supported mostly anything I have done related to the arts,” he said. 

Last year, Pettaway won the Best Feature Film category in the HBCU First Look Film Festival. In that film, “Footprints of an Angel,” Michele played the role of a journalist. For Pettaway, sharing his gifts and talents with his alma mater while also giving back is a passion.  

“The other day I walked into the theater and looked around and had to take a deep breath realizing that my newest show will premiere at the one and only Elizabeth City State University,” he said.  

The ECSU Concert Choir will also perform, featuring Michele as part of the play, which will be followed by a conversation with the artist. Tickets are available here. 

Community Connections events are sponsored and supported by a combination of ECSU student fees, a private donation from Trustee Phyllis Bosomworth, Microsoft, First Citizens Wealth Management, Duke Energy Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

For more information email ecsucommunityconnections@ecsu.edu. For accessible seating options, email ada504-coordinator@ecsu.edu. 

What: “The Pull Up: A Journey of Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol,” featuring Chrisette Michele. 

Who: Community Connections Performance and Lecture Series 

When: Tuesday, April 17, 7 p.m.    

Where: Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center