JAZZ CONCERT
2018-04-22 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
The Jazz Hawks will present a varied repertoire of Latin, Swing, Bebop and Ballads, showcasing some of the finest literature written for the big band! This student directed group, will surely brighten your day and will also present a few surprise performances as well!!

MONSTER BAND
2018-04-24 19:00 - 23:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Monster Band is a student ensemble ‘reanimating’ classic pop music live. In this, the 3rd annual performance, the band will present music from the Wrecking Crew, the legendary L.A. studio band behind the hits of The Beach Boys, Mamas & the Papas, The Byrds, and a host of other ’50s and 60s pop stars.

Roger McGuinn
2018-04-25 20:00 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
Mr. Tambourine Man not only lived history, he made history with his fearless sense of experimentation. As the leader of the influential 60s group, The Byrds, he was on the leading edge, combining the rock beat of the Beatles with the folk sensibilities of Bob Dylan, to create the genre known as “folk-rock.” Roger’s solo career began in 1973 and has yielded 10 albums, a Grammy nomination, and extensive touring and performing for enthralled audiences ever since.

Senior Recital: Matthew Francis
2018-04-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Matthew Francis, a Marine & Environmental Biology & Policy major, will be performing a Senior Recital on Saturday, April 28th at Woods Theatre at 11:00 AM. He will be performing solo trombone selections as well as small ensemble selections. Refreshments will be served, all are welcome.

Cendrillon
2018-04-28 13:00 - 17:59 | 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

Senior Recital: Cassandra Larrosa
2018-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Music Education major Cassandra Larrosa will be performing her Senior Recital on April 28th at 6:00 PM. The recital will take place in Lauren K. Woods Theatre. All are invited.

Senior Recital: Evan Kudish
2018-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Evan Kudish, a Music Performance major, will be performing his Senior Recital on Sat, April 28th at Lauren K. Woods Theatre beginning at 6:00 PM. He will be performing voice selections and feature Sea Sharps A cappella. Light refreshments will follow. All are invited.

Senior Recital: Brianna Musco
2018-04-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Brianna Musco, a Music Performance major, will be performing her Senior Recital on Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at Woods Theater beginning at 2:00pm. She will be performing guitar and voice selections. Light refreshments will follow. All are invited.

Senior Recital: Ruairi O’Neill
2018-04-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Ruairi O’Neill, a music performance major, will be performing his senior recital on Saturday, April 29th, 2018 at Woods Theater at 5:00 PM. He will be performing piano and voice. All are invited.

Senior Recital: Jack Hayes
2018-04-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Jack Hayes, a Music Performance major, will be performing his Senior Recital on Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at Lauren K. Woods Theatre beginning at 7:00 PM. He will be performing some classical selections on trumpet and piano. Light refreshments will follow. All are welcome!

Cirque-tacular's Spring-a-Ding-DING!
2018-05-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Pollak Theatre
Brianna, a charming and curious girl, hops into an ‘adventure-through-the-seasons’ in Spring-A-Ding-DING! A colorful cast of characters create the vivid enchantment of springtime. Jump-roping frogs, twirling flowers, dancing birds, glittering rain showers and even a contortionist earthworm bring the budding season to life! Portrayed through dazzling circus, dance, and can’t-believe-your-eyes specialty acts, audiences of all ages will delight as the glory of the new season unfolds. Imagine Brianna’s surprise as she meets comical creatures and even befriends a skunk! Our young heroine has lessons to learn and teach the woodland creatures as she eagerly searches for the butterfly that will usher in the next season, summer. This delightful new show thrills young and old while warming hearts in the way only Cirque-tacular can!
Based in New York City, with artists nationwide, Cirque-tacular Entertainment is considered one of the premiere acrobatic production companies in the United States
The Children’s Theatre Series is sponsored by the Monmouth University Alumni Association.

Spring-a-Ding-DING!
2018-05-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Pollak Theatre

Kids on Keys & Dueling Pianos
2018-05-05 20:00 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
In this concert showcasing the very best of piano music, a cast of young all-star piano prodigies including: TAKSH GUPTA, ELIZABETH WILLIAMS and ANDY MILSTEN will showcase their incredible talent. Their collective credits include winning Steinway competitions and Golden Key Awards, appearing at the Merkin Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and at the Musikverein with renowned pianist Lang Lang. The show will also feature STORMIN’ NORMAN SELDIN. In his nearly 50 year music career, singer/songwriter keyboardist Seldin has performed at almost every live performance venue out there and is also credited as one of the originators of the Sound of Asbury Park. He will perform solo & with VANCE VILLASTRIGO on DUELING PIANOS. SPECIAL GUEST Tim McLoone will be joining them on stage! Finally, see the amazing Steinway & Sons “Spirio” Grand Piano on stage! The Steinway & Sons
Spirio
is the world’s finest high resolution player
piano
.
A
masterpiece of artistry and engineering
Spirio
will play pieces from Vladimir Horowitz, Lang Lang, and George Gershwin live to the audience!

Luisa Miller (Encore)
2018-05-06 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre
Plácido Domingo adds yet another role to his legendary Met career in
this rarely performed Verdi gem, a heart-wrenching tragedy of fatherly
love. Sonya Yoncheva sings the title role opposite Piotr Beczała in the
first Met performances of the opera in more than ten years. Bertrand de
Billy conducts.
Total runtime: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Cendrillon (Encore)
2018-05-20 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre

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.
