Monmouth University Center for the Arts Spring 2025 Season Brochure

COMING UP IN 2025...

TICKETS AT: 732.263.6889 OR MONMOUTH.EDU/MCA

BECOME A MEMBER and get early access to seats!

DETAILS INSIDE.

A NEW YEAR OF ARTS AWAITS...

The 2025 season promises something special for everyone.

From stunning theatrical broadcasts and electrifying concerts to thought-provoking performances and innovative original works, there’s no shortage of inspiration and entertainment.

Join a thriving community of arts enthusiasts and supporters as we celebrate unique voices and creative expressions that spark imagination and connect us all.

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

Join us in celebrating Cherish the Ladies’

Sat. March 8 ● 8 PM

The One Man Show Starring

Sat. February 15 ● 8 PM POLLAK THEATRE Tickets starting at $65

Join us at Pollak Theatre for an unforgettable evening with the legendary CHAZZ PALMINTERI as he brings his powerful, autobiographical one-man show to life. Through vivid storytelling, Palminteri portrays 18 characters, sharing his journey of love, loyalty, and resilience in the Bronx. This is your chance to experience the play that inspired the iconic film and Broadway musical, all crafted and performed by Palminteri himself.

POLLAK THEATRE Tickets starting at $43

40TH ANNIVERSARY with a performance in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! Led by JOANIE MADDEN, this Grammy-nominated, all-female

ensemble delivers traditional Irish music and spirited step dancing. This is an experience filled with heart, humor and heaps of music!

AN EVENING WITH

RICKIE LEE JONES Fri. May 16 ● 8 PM POLLAK THEATRE Tickets starting at $40

Dive into the musical magic of RICKIE LEE JONES live at Pollak Theatre. Experience an unforgettable night of jazz, rock, and soul from this two-time Grammy Award-winning artist, whose legendary career spans over four decades.

JOIN OUR MEMBER PROGRAM!!

By becoming a Member of the Center for the Arts for just $150 per year, you’ll gain access to a range of exceptional benefits that will elevate your cultural experiences to new heights:

Sat. March 1 ● 8 PM

POLLAK THEATRE | Tickets starting at $50

Featuring unforgettable hits like Flashdance, Tainted Love, Billie Jean and Footloose, this dazzling performance combines electrifying choreography with the music you know and love.

MARK ROXEY’S masterful blend of ballet, hip-hop, jazz & iconic 80’s moves creates an exhilarating experience that will have audiences of all ages singing, clapping & moving to the beat!

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

u u u u

Early access to seats before anyone else Members only lounges/special receptions Exclusive access to members only contests/offers Last-minute house seat upgrades and MORE!

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Alumni, Employees and MU Parents get $50 off membership!

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO!

PERFORMING SERIES To join visit www.monmouth.edu/MCA or call the boxARTS office 732.263.6889

in surround sound with easy-to-read subtitles on our 30’ screen SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTIRE MET SEASON & SAVE!

ART ON SCREEN Fine art films exploring the creative journeys of history’s greatest artists and the masterpieces that shaped the world.

Films provided by:

What our audiences are saying: “When I see an opera at Pollak, I feel as if I am at the Met. It’s wonderful.”

FLORENCE AND THE UFFIZI GALLERY VERDI’S AIDA

wife, Herodias; and tenor PIOTR BUSZEWSKI as Narraboth.

Mon. February 3 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:38

ROSSINI’S

This film is a totally immersive journey into the Italian Renaissance that allows the audience to see, listen, feel and savor the most beautiful, representative works of art of the period.

Sat. January 25 ● 12:30 PM Soprano ANGEL BLUE headlines as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country in a new production that brings audiences inside the towering pyramids and gilded tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations. Mezzo-soprano JUDIT KUTASI also stars as Aida’s rival, Amneris, alongside tenor PIOTR BECZAŁA as the soldier Radamès— completing opera’s greatest love triangle.

BEETHOVEN’S FIDELIO

IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA Sat. May 31 ● 1 PM

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 91 minutes

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:33

Mezzo-soprano AIGUL AKHMETSHINA headlines as the heroine, Rosina, alongside tenor JACK SWANSON as her secret beloved, Count Almaviva.

Baritone ANDREY ZHILIKHOVSKY stars as Figaro, the ingenious barber of Seville, with bassbaritone PETER KÁLMÁN as Dr. Bartolo and bass ALEXANDER VINOGRADOV as Don Basilio.

VAN GOGH: POETS AND LOVERS

Mon. February 24 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 90 minutes

Focusing on his unique creative process, this film explores the artist’s years in the south of France, where he revolutionized his style, bringing symbols and characters around him to life.

Sat. March 15 ● 1 PM

MOZART’S

LISE DAVIDSEN stars as Leonore, the faithful wife who risks everything to save her husband from tyranny. Completing the cast is tenor DAVID BUTT PHILIP as the political prisoner Florestan, bass-baritone TOMASZ KONIECZNY as Don Pizarro, veteran bass RENÉ PAPE as the jailer Rocco, soprano YING FANG and tenor MAGNUS DIETRICH as Marzelline and Jaquino, and bass STEPHEN MILLING as Don Fernando.

Sat. June 14 ● 1 PM

Mon. March 31 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:04

STRAUSS’S SALOME Sat. May 17 ● 1 PM

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 2:15

Soprano ELZA VAN DEN HEEVER leads a celebrated cast as the unhinged antiheroine, with baritone PETER MATTEI as the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan; tenor GERHARD SIEGEL as Salome’s lecherous stepfather, King Herod; mezzo-soprano MICHELLE DEYOUNG as his

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

DAWN OF IMPRESSIONISM, PARIS 1874

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:55

Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 90 minutes

Conductor Joana Mallwitz takes the podium to conduct a stellar ensemble cast including bassbaritone MICHAEL SUMUEL as the clever valet Figaro, soprano OLGA KULCHYNSKA as the maid Susanna, baritone JOSHUA HOPKINS as the skirtchasing Count, soprano FEDERICA LOMBARDI as his anguished wife, and mezzo-soprano MARIANNE CREBASSA as the page Cherubino.

150 years ago, a group of penniless outsiders defied the art establishment, birthing Impressionism and changing the art world forever. This film brings the story of passion and rebellion to life.

ALL BROADCASTS AT THE POLLAK THEATRE

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: THE BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT

Mon. May 5 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 118 minutes

Large print programs are available at each performance

Known as the “Mother of Modernism” O’Keeffe became famous for her paintings of flowers, bones, and the beauty of nature, emerging as an iconic role model for women in the 1970s.

Presentations of the Met: Live in HD series at Monmouth University are made possible by a generous gift from University Trustee Emeritus Robert Sculthorpe, as well as gifts from the Fairleigh S. Dickinson, Jr. Foundation Inc. and the Nicola Musso Charitable Foundation.

MICHELANGELO: LOVE AND DEATH Mon. June 9 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 91 minutes

This film takes a cinematic journey through Europe’s great chapels and museums to offer a deeper understanding of this legendary figure’s tempestuous life and incredible legacy.

ADULT EDUCATION SERIES

The British theatre behind the Tony award-winning WAR HORSE & ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS brings thrilling HD broadcasts to Pollak Theatre.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Thurs. March 6 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 180 minutes

Three-time Olivier Award-winner SHARON D. CLARKE is joined by NCUTI GATWA (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

DR. STRANGELOVE Thurs. April 10 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 180 minutes

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner STEVE COOGAN (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

Stay tuned for more NATIONAL THEATRE titles to be announced soon!

Join Monmouth University faculty and friends as they host courses both virtually and in person exploring topics that blend leisure and learning.

YACHT ROCK! (PART ONE)

Class Schedule: Thursdays – January 23 & 30 | 7:30 – 9 PM $50 for two virtual sessions

This two-session virtual course, taught by KIT O’TOOLE, explores the origins and rise of Yacht Rock, the smooth R&B and jazz-inspired genre popularized by a satirical web series 20 years ago. Part one covers its roots, key founders, and evolution through 1980, featuring multimedia presentations and class discussions.

WRITING MEMOIR (ADVANCED)

Class Schedule: Wednesdays – February 19 & 26 | 7:30 – 9 PM $50 for two virtual sessions

This two-session virtual course, taught by MIKE FARRAGHER (’88), author of four books, expands on the popular Intro to Memoir Writing workshops.

It focuses on character development, dialogue, and scene setting to create compelling stories. Practical lessons and writing prompts spark creativity.

No prior experience is needed—all levels are welcome

PRODUCING THE BEATLES

Class Schedule: Thursdays – March 6 & 13 | 7:30 – 9 PM $50 for two virtual sessions

This two-session virtual course by JASON KRUPPA, based on his acclaimed podcast, delves into the Beatles’ music through the lens of producer George Martin. Explore their studio evolution with Martin’s guidance, featuring rerecordings and recreations of his transformative arrangements.

NEW FOR 2025 ...

LEAD LIKE THE BEATLES

Class Schedule: Thursdays – March 20 & 27 | 7:30 – 9 PM $50 for two virtual sessions

This two-session virtual course, taught by STEVEN VALVANO, explores the pivotal “soft skills” leaders need today. Drawing lessons from the Beatles’ mastery of influence and teamwork, it offers techniques applicable to leadership in business, education, sports, and more. Lead like the Beatles!

PYSANKY: UKRAINIAN EGG-DYEING Class Schedule: Tuesday, April 15 | 6 – 8:30 PM | 225 Bey Hall $50 (materials included)

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS bring classical music to all, with performances illuminated by thousands of candles for a magical experience. Enjoy works by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, alongside tributes to Queen, ABBA, Coldplay and more, offering a fresh take on iconic compositions & top hits!

January 23 ● 6 PM | Rings & Dragons Featuring songs from The Lord of the Rings & Game of Thrones

February 22 | Title TBD March 22 | Title TBD

Celebrate spring by learning Pysanky, the ancient art of Ukrainian egg decorating, with JENNIFER SANTA MARIA. This workshop includes a history of the tradition, a demonstration, and a hands-on practice session with provided eggs, dyes, and tools.

YACHT ROCK! (PART TWO)

Class Schedule: Thursdays – April 24 & May 1 | 7:30 – 9 PM

More info and purchase tickets at Feverup.com or the Fever app!

$50 for two virtual sessions

Join KIT O’TOOLE for a two-session virtual course on Yacht Rock’s evolution, decline, and resurgence. Explore its smooth 1980s sounds, modern comeback, and defining traits through multimedia and discussions. Plus, create the ultimate Yacht Rock playlist!

Monmouth University Center for the Arts is committed to making its facilities and performances accessible for all patrons. If you require special assistance attending our events please advise the Box Office when ordering your tickets.

OR SCAN HERE TO SIGN-UP!

®

u Department of Music & Theatre Productions

u Tuesday Night Book Club

u Tuesday Night Record Club

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u Visiting Writers Series

u World Cinema Series

Also check our website for information about our additional events at the CENTER FOR THE ARTS including:

MONMOUTH.EDU/MCA ∙ 732.263.6889

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u ARTNOW: Performance, Art & Technology Series

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All shows at POLLAK THEATRE 400 Cedar Avenue West Long Branch, NJ 07764

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