Events

Cendrillon (Encore)
2018-05-20 13:00 - 17:59 (America/New_York) | Pollak Theatre
Massenet’s enchanting opera Cendrillon, based on Cinderella, premieres at the Met conducted by Bertrand de Billy and directed by Laurent Pelly, whose Met credits include staging Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment and Massenet’s Manon. Joyce DiDonato adds another role to her Met repertory as the title character, a role she has sung to acclaim at the Grand Teatre del Liceu, Santa Fe Opera, and Royal Opera, Covent Garden. The cast also stars Alice Coote as Prince Charmant, Stephanie Blythe as the evil stepmother Madame de la Haltière, Kathleen Kim as the Fée, and Laurent Naouri as Pandolfe. Cendrillon is produced in association with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London; Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona; Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie, Brussels; and Opéra de Lille. This production was first performed at The Santa Fe Opera.
Total runtime: 2 hours, 47 minutes

Leadership Excellence Award Dinner
2018-05-31 17:00 - 23:00 | The Great Hall

Blood Drive - Mobile Bus on Campus
2018-06-05 11:00 - 17:00

David Crosby & Friends, Sky Trails Tour 2018
2018-06-07 20:00 - 23:00
Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Crosby is heading out on tour! Joining him will be five musical friends, James Raymond on keys, Mai Agan on bass, Steve DiStanislao on drums, Jeff Pevar on guitar and Michelle Willis on keys and vocals. Crosby is in the midst of an incredibly creative and powerful period, showcasing his skills as the brilliant songwriter that he is and on this tour, he will be performing music from his new album Sky Trails alongside some of his best loved songs and greatest hits.

Art + Autism
2018-06-08 09:00 - 2018-08-31 23:00 | Pollak Gallery
This juried exhibition will showcase the talents and abilities of artists living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and continue the conversation about the unique power of art in the autism community. Select pieces of work will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Autism Program Improvement Project at Monmouth University’s School of Education.
Following the artist reception on August 8 at 7 PM, there will be a screening of the National Theatre of London’s critically acclaimed production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in the Pollak Theatre. The play, which won 7 Olivier and 5 Tony Awards®, concerns a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbor’s dog that is investigated by young Christopher Boone, who has autism spectrum disorder, and his relationships with his parents and school mentor.

LAUGHING WITH ME! Improv workshop with Michael O’Keeffe (Ages 8-12)
2018-06-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Pollak Gallery
Laughing With Me! is a program designed specifically for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder that is filled with fast-paced, interactive fun!! Students think of communication issues like a game!! They will become flexible within these experiences. The outcome being that now they won’t break, but simply bend.
They also learn that it’s OK to fail. It’s simply a part of life that’s ultimately not a big deal. Also, a common occurrence of the program is an understanding of a special kind of laughter that gives a boost to self-confidence and creates a feeling of camaraderie. This is called “earned laughter”, because the students realize that they have done something funny on purpose, in a setting that promotes and encourages that behavior.
Delve into the ASD workshop where we look at how we handle what comes our way – expected or not! Add in the great fun and team spirit built into our games. We’ll be playing with both our strengths and our quirks. Your child is set for laughter and learning!
Mike O’Keeffe is a teaching artist with The Count Basie Theatre, and has been performing and teaching improv comedy professionally for over 25 years. He received his MA in Education from Monmouth University in 1996, and has been a public school teacher for 20 years. He has done regional improv touring shows with former troupe-mate Wayne Brady, and has traveled across the country performing corporate comedy and team-building.
Recently, he presented a TED Talk on the concept of “Play” called “Using Improv to Become a Better Human”. He is an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University, where he teaches Critical Discourse. This spring, he was a keynote speaker at the National Youth Leadership Council’s, “More Powerful Together” conference in Washington DC, which brought together educational leaders and future educators. He was a speaker at Princeton University this summer, where he demonstrated how to integrate performing arts into their Common Core curricula.
This workshop is specifically designed for Ages 8-12.

LAUGHING WITH ME! Improv workshop with Michael O’Keeffe (Ages 13-17)
2018-06-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Pollak Gallery
Laughing With Me! is a program designed specifically for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder that is filled with fast-paced, interactive fun!! Students think of communication issues like a game!! They will become flexible within these experiences. The outcome being that now they won’t break, but simply bend.
They also learn that it’s OK to fail. It’s simply a part of life that’s ultimately not a big deal. Also, a common occurrence of the program is an understanding of a special kind of laughter that gives a boost to self-confidence and creates a feeling of camaraderie. This is called “earned laughter”, because the students realize that they have done something funny on purpose, in a setting that promotes and encourages that behavior.
Delve into the ASD workshop where we look at how we handle what comes our way – expected or not! Add in the great fun and team spirit built into our games. We’ll be playing with both our strengths and our quirks. Your child is set for laughter and learning!
Mike O’Keeffe is a teaching artist with The Count Basie Theatre, and has been performing and teaching improv comedy professionally for over 25 years. He received his MA in Education from Monmouth University in 1996, and has been a public school teacher for 20 years. He has done regional improv touring shows with former troupe-mate Wayne Brady, and has traveled across the country performing corporate comedy and team-building.
Recently, he presented a TED Talk on the concept of “Play” called “Using Improv to Become a Better Human”. He is an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University, where he teaches Critical Discourse. This spring, he was a keynote speaker at the National Youth Leadership Council’s, “More Powerful Together” conference in Washington DC, which brought together educational leaders and future educators. He was a speaker at Princeton University this summer, where he demonstrated how to integrate performing arts into their Common Core curricula.
This workshop is specifically designed for Ages 13-17.

Nick Aristovulos 1945 - 2014
2018-06-24 - 2018-07-13 | DiMattio Gallery at Rechnitz Hall
Monmouth University celebrates the artwork of Nick Aristovulos. MU Adjunct Professor of Sculpture, 1999 – 2014.Nick was a very talented illustrator, sculptor who’s work appeared in many major publications. His works were also featured on several record albums. A beloved and inspiring teacher Nick enjoyed challenging students with his vast knowledge of sculptural techniques.

Coppélia
2018-06-24 15:00 - 17:45 | Pollak Theatre
Music Leo Delibes
Choreography Sergei Vikharev after Marius Petipa and Enrico Cecchetti
Cast The Bolshoi Principals, Soloists and Corps de Ballet
Swanhilda notices her fiancé Franz is infatuated with the beautiful Coppélia who sits reading on her balcony each day. Nearly breaking up the two sweethearts, Coppélia is not what she seems and Swanhilda decides to teach Franz a lesson…
The Bolshoi’s unique version of Coppélia exhibits a fascinating reconstruction of the original 19th century choreography of this ebullient comedy involving a feisty heroine, a boyish fiancée with a wandering eye, and an old dollmaker. The company’s stunning corps de ballet shines in the divertissements and famous “dance of the hours,” and its principals abound in youthful energy and irresistible humor in this effervescent production.
Total runtime: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Macbeth
2018-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Pollak Theatre
Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy, directed by Rufus Norris (The Threepenny Opera, London Road), will see Rory Kinnear (Young Marx, Othello) and Anne-Marie Duff (Oil, Suffragette) return to the National Theatre to play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness.

Madama Butterfly
2018-07-11 19:00 - 22:30 | Pollak Theatre
Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production has thrilled audiences ever since its premiere in 2006. One of the world’s foremost Butterflys, soprano Kristine Opolais, takes on the title role, and Roberto Alagna sings Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart. Karel Mark Chichon conducts.
ESTIMATED RUN TIME: 2 HRS 40 MINS

Il Trovatore
2018-07-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Pollak Theatre
Soprano Anna Netrebko’s dramatic and vocal skills are on full display as Leonora, the Verdi heroine who sacrifices her life for the love of the title troubadour. Tenor Yonghoon Lee sings the ill-fated Manrico, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is his rival, and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the mysterious gypsy with a troubled past. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s gritty, Goya-inspired production.
ESTIMATED RUN TIME: 2 HRS 41 MINS

Eugene Onegin
2018-07-25 19:00 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
Beloved American soprano Renée Fleming joins Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece of unrequited young love. The opera’s sweeping dramatic arc of this opera—youthful longing, rejection, regret, a desperate plea that comes too late—is perfectly mirrored in Tchaikovsky’s achingly beautiful music and in the gorgeous lighting of this strikingly minimal production.
RUN TIME: 2 HRS 49 MINS

Turandot
2018-08-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
Nina Stemme, one of opera’s greatest dramatic sopranos, takes on the title role of the proud princess of legendary China. Tenor Marco Berti is Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her hand. Franco Zeffirelli’s dazzling production is conducted by Paolo Carignani.
ESTIMATED RUN TIME: 2 HRS 18 MINS

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
2018-08-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Pollak Theatre
Based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens
‘A phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle’ (The Times)
‘Dazzlingly inventive’ (Evening Standard)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time returns to selected international cinemas in 2018.
Captured live from the National Theatre in London, this critically acclaimed production directed by Marianne Elliot (Angels in America, War Horse) has astonished audiences around the world and has received seven Olivier and five Tony Awards®. Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at math while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.
Production photography by Manuel Harlan

Perseids Meteor Shower and Mars Up Close - Canceled
2018-08-12 21:00 - 23:00 | The Great Hall – Rooftop
This event has been canceled due to the weather forecast.
Shooting stars and Mars will light up the sky! Join us on the roof of Wilson Hall (weather permitting) for a stargazing observation with student astronomer and with Astronomy Professor Gloria Brown Simmons, who worked on the CASSINI, Magellan, Galileo, Voyager, and Viking missions.
The Perseids Meteor Shower will be especially good to observe during the peak night of August 12th – 13th. The best time to view the meteor shower will be between 9:30PM daylight time on August 12th and lasting through just before dawn on August 13th. More than 60+ Perseid meteors per hour will be radiating from the north east, in the direction of the constellation Perseus. The highest rate of meteors are expected during the early hours of August 13th. Observers, given clear skies, will see meteors that are within 161 km of the observer’s location. Other meteor showers that night will be the Aquariids and Capricornids radiating from the south east. The best way to view a meteor shower is with “naked” eyes (without telescopes or binoculars) looking up towards the zenith overhead.

New Graduate Student Orientation Fall 2018
2018-08-29 10:00 - 17:30

The Basie Presents: David Byrne - American Utopia Tour (w/ Special Guest: Tune-Yards)
2018-09-07 20:00

Blood Drive - Please Donate
2018-09-25 11:00 - 18:00 | Anacon Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Center

Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon
2018-09-25 19:30 - 21:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
It’s just like book club but with albums! With new advances in technology, the way we consume music through our devices, apps and on demand streaming services like Pandora, Spotify and iTunes is making the idea of the “album” as an art form extinct. Get together with other music enthusiasts on Tuesday nights to discuss some of the greatest records of all-time! Listen to the album beforehand and then come prepared to discuss… there will be special guest moderators and panelists at each event! This event will feature Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.

TechPitch Information Session
2018-09-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Pozycki Hall Auditorium
Co-sponsored by: Leon Hess Business School | School of Science
Do you have a really great concept for a tech-based product (APPS, IOT, Hardware, Software, Web?)? Are you already involved in a tech startup? If so…
We invite YOU to take part in MU TechPitch, to compete against your fellow classmates for a chance to display your product in front of investors looking for their next big idea. All Students -from any school -are welcome to compete.
We are holding an information session on Wednesday, September 26th from 11:30am-1pm in Pozycki Auditorium, where you will learn all about the event process and expectations, as well as receive advice from a mentor. The MU TechPitch Competition will be held the week of October 24th.
Contact Susan Gupta with a brief description of your concept: sgupta@monmouth.edu
There is time for you to take your idea to the next level – don’t miss this opportunity. Reach out to us now to make sure you have all the information you need.

MBA Welcome Back Reception
2018-09-26 17:00 - 18:15 | Pozycki Hall 2nd Floor Atrium
MBA Students,
Please join us on Wednesday, September 26th for the ‘Welcome Back’ MBA Networking Event. Located in Pozycki Hall 2nd Floor Atrium, this is a chance to meet and speak with faculty, members of the business counsel, and of course, your fellow MBA Students.
Light dinner and refreshments will be provided. Kindly RSVP by September 20th by emailing Nicky Kelly (nkelly@monmouth.edu). Name tags will be provided upon entry.
We hope to see you there!

Panel Discussion on Pension and Benefit Reform
2018-09-28 09:30 - 11:30 | The Great Hall Auditorium
Panel Discussion on Pension and Benefit Reform
Monmouth University
Wilson Auditorium
September 28, 2018
EVENT SCHEDULE
Registration & Coffee: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Program: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Grey J. Dimenna, Esq., Monmouth University President – Welcoming Remarks
Moderator: Joe Kyrillos, Former New Jersey State Senator and Monmouth University Public Servant-in-Residence 2018-19
PANELISTS:
Senator Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Senate President
Tom Byrne, Former Chair of the State Investment Council and member of the New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission
Peter Reinhart, Director of the Kislak Real Estate Institute at Monmouth University and member of the Economic and Fiscal Policy Working Group
Gordon MacInnes, Former New Jersey State Senator and President of New Jersey Policy Perspective
Richard F. Keevey, Former Budget Director and Comptroller for the State of New Jersey
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please use the link below to register online.

Catapult - Children's Show
2018-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Pollak Theatre
A season 8 finalist on America’s Got Talent, Catapult captivates audiences with its shadow dancing and the ability of the troupe’s dancers to transform their bodies into seemingly impossible images. Not only is the show packed with hundreds of shape transformations, but it is full of humor, emotion and engaging stories. The Catapult dancers work behind a screen to create dancing shadow silhouettes of shapes from the natural and built world. Be amazed as you watch their bodies transform into a mountain, an elephant, a dragon, even a helicopter!
This is an abbreviated 1 hour performance for children and school groups. The full performance will take place later that evening at 8 PM. Children are welcome at both events! More information on that event here.

Catapult
2018-09-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
Catapult is, technically, a shadow dance company. What it really is: a theatrical art form that is an amazingly imaginative combination of dance, story-telling, and sculpture. Founded in 2009, by Adam Battlestein (choreographer, Creative Director and Master Teaching Artist for Pilobolus Dance Theatre for 19 years), Catapult catapulted to fame on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent, earning their way to the finals of the NBC-TV hit show.
Catapult is all about the human body and its ability to transform. The talented Catapult dancers work behind a screen to create seemingly impossible dancing shadow silhouettes of shapes from the world around us. You won’t believe your eyes as you watch these incredible dancers become a mountain, a full size elephant, a helicopter, a house with a window and people inside the window. You will never figure out how they do it, and you won’t know what they will make next – you will be surprised and delighted again and again. Audiences of all ages love what appear to be effortless transformations and applaud over and over as more and more unbelievable images appear.
Catapult’s “Magic Shadows” show is packed with hundreds of shape transformations, and it is full of humor, emotion, and engaging stories. There are 8 fully realized stories told through music and shadows and 6 short shadow dance videos which play between the live dances – brief moments of poetry or humor which perfectly cleanse the palate and prepare the audience for their next shadow journey. Audiences leave this show dazed and happy, and they will never look at their own shadow the same way again!

Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour
2018-09-30 | OceanFirst Bank Center
Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour Presented by Pull-Ups® Training Pants! is an ALL NEW interactive live concert experience. Sing and dance along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters. Kids of all ages and their families are all invited to the biggest dance party around!
The Disney Junior Dance Party features:
– Live appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirina, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, and Doc McStuffins!
– Magical on screen moments with Puppy Dog Pals, Muppet Babies, and the Lion Guard!

Frontline Paper
2018-10-01 - 2018-10-04 | Pollak Theatre
*Formerly known as Combat Paper NJ
Exhibit of created works will be displayed on October 4th following the reading in Pollak Theater.
All veterans have a story to tell. For too long, we have lived in a day and age where veterans tend to suppress their experiences – producing a culture of the “silent veteran”. Frontline Paper (formerly known as Combat Paper NJ) is a unique art project that offers artistic tools and professional instruction for all, providing a space to use art and writing to explore experiences, and ultimately share them publicly, all through papermaking.
Frontline Paper’s specialty is the transformative process of making handmade paper from military uniforms. This handmade paper, created through public workshops, provides a platform for veterans and non-veterans to come together to share stories and generate a “new language” and much needed conversations.

The Book of Ice: Multimedia Performance by Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky
2018-10-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Pollak Theatre
Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, will visit Monmouth University to present his The Book of Ice—a multimedia performance and discussion he will stage with musicians from campus and the region. Antarctica, the only uninhabited continent, belongs to no single country, and has no government. While certain countries lay claim to portions of the landmass, it is the only solid land on the planet with no unified national affiliation. Drawing on the continent’s rich history of inspiring exploration and artistic endeavors, Miller has put together his own multimedia, multidisciplinary study of Antarctica. The Book of Ice is one aspect of this ongoing project. In this multimedia talk, Miller discusses his journeys to Antarctica, climate change, and the creation of The Book of Ice, using Antarctica-related data to create maps, graphics, sound, music, and multimedia performances.
Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, is an established composer, multimedia artist, and author. He travels around the world performing solo, with chamber groups, and with orchestras, while giving talks at prominent universities, museums, and conferences. His DJ Mixer app has seen more than 12 million downloads and in 2012-2013 he was the first artist-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. He is also the executive editor of ORIGIN Magazine. He’s produced and composed work for Yoko Ono, Thurston Moore, and scores of artists and award-winning films. Miller’s work as a media artist has appeared in the Whitney Biennial; The Venice Biennial for Architecture; the Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany; Kunsthalle, Vienna; The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh; and many other museums and galleries. He has been featured everywhere from CNN to SyFy. His new book The Imaginary App, published by MIT Press, was released in 2014. National Geographic named Miller a National Geographic Emerging Explorer for 2014/2015.
Sponsors of the event include: Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, Honors School, Department of Chemistry & Physics, Center for the Arts and Monmouth Review.

Greek Alumni Discussion
2018-10-02 18:30 - 19:30 | The Great Hall Auditorium

Julie
2018-10-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Pollak Theatre
by Polly Stenham (after Strindberg)
Vanessa Kirby (The Crown, NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire) and Eric Kofi Abrefa (The Amen Corner) feature in the cast of this brand new production, directed by Carrie Cracknell (NT Live: The Deep Blue Sea) and broadcast live from the National Theatre to cinemas.
Wild and newly single, Julie throws a late night party. In the kitchen, Jean and Kristina clean up as the celebration heaves above them. Crossing the threshold, Julie initiates a power game with Jean – which rapidly descends into a savage fight for survival.
This new version of August Strinberg’s play Miss Julie, written by Polly Stenham, remains shocking and fiercely relevant in its new setting of contemporary London.
Show image photograph (Vanessa Kirby and Eric Kofi Abrefa) by Rosaline Shahnavaz
Please note that Julie will contain strobe lighting.’ If you’re able to, please could you place signage outside the screenings to let audiences know that there will be strobe lighting.
RUN TIME: 95 Minutes
