Monmouth University Center for the Arts Spring 2025 Season Brochure
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.
SERIES
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.
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!
Sat. March 8 ● 8 PM
POLLAK THEATRE
Tickets starting at $43
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 us in celebrating Cherish the Ladies’ 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!
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:
u Early access to seats before anyone else
u Members only lounges/special receptions
u Exclusive access to members only contests/offers
u Last-minute house seat upgrades and MORE!
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO!
Alumni, Employees and MU Parents get $50 off membership!
VERDI’S AIDA
Sat. January 25 ● 12:30 PM
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:38
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
Sat. March 15 ● 1 PM
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:04
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.
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
What our audiences are saying: “When I see an opera at Pollak, I feel as if I am at the Met. It’s wonderful.”
wife, Herodias; and tenor PIOTR BUSZEWSKI as Narraboth.
ROSSINI’S IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
Sat. May 31 ● 1 PM
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.
MOZART’S LE NOZZE DI FIGARO
Sat. June 14 ● 1 PM
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 3:55
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.
ALL BROADCASTS AT THE POLLAK THEATRE
Large print programs are available at each performance
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.
ART ON SCREEN
Fine art films exploring the creative journeys of history’s greatest artists and the masterpieces that shaped the world.
FLORENCE AND THE UFFIZI GALLERY
Mon. February 3 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 91 minutes
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.
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.
DAWN OF IMPRESSIONISM, PARIS 1874
Mon. March 31 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 90 minutes
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.
GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: THE BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT
Mon. May 5 ● 7:30 PM | POLLAK THEATRE
Tickets: $23 | Run Time: 118 minutes
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.
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.
Films provided by:
The British theatre behind the Tony award-winning WAR HORSE & ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS brings thrilling HD broadcasts to Pollak Theatre.
ADULT EDUCATION SERIES
Join Monmouth University faculty and friends as they host courses both virtually and in person exploring topics that blend leisure and learning.
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.
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.
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!
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
More info and purchase tickets at Feverup.com or the Fever app!
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.
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)
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
$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!