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Hours: Monday-Friday | 9AM-5PM

March 2024

Mar 25 - May 2, 2024
8 AM Pollak Gallery

Gallery Exhibitions

Metamorphosis: Works by Nanci France-Vaz

Metamorphosis: Life is all about transitions from one time in life to another. Artists of any art from have dreams of becoming a master in their genre, successful in their career, and recognized to the masses. The models in the paintings are artists in music, art, and performing art  based on a moment in their life or a narrative Nanci has created from film, literature or poetry. Figurative storytelling is infused with light, patterns, and human presence to that have visual impact and make the viewers ponder over the meaning and left to their interpretations. France-Vaz is known for her Imaginative Portraits that render allegorical symbols combined with story and imagination. Most of the work is of female artists that never give up hope or their dreams of becoming a reality.

Artist Reception: April 26 from 6 -8 PM

Free Event
Sat Mar 30, 2024
8 PM Pollak Theatre

Performing Arts Series

Mary Gauthier w/ special guest Jaimee Harris

As she has so eloquently accomplished over the past 25 years, acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has used her art once again to traverse the uncharted waters of the past few years. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she affirms. Her eleventh album, Dark Enough to See the Stars, follows the profound antidote to trauma, Rifles & Rosary Beads, her 2018 collaborative work with wounded Iraq war veterans. It garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album, as well as a nomination for Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association. Publication of her first book, the illuminating Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, in 2021, brought her more praise. Brandi Carlile has said, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness. We need her voice in times like these more than we ever have.” The Associated Press called Gauthier “one of the best songwriters of her generation.”

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April 2024

Tue Apr 2, 2024
7:30 PM The Great Hall Auditorium/Virtual

Tuesday Night Record Club

Supertramp’s Breakfast in America

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. This event will feature Supertramp’s Breakfast in America.

Free/Register
Tue Apr 9, 2024
7:30 PM Virtual

Tuesday Night Book Club

Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five

Join us for Tuesday Night Book Club! Hosted by Monmouth University’s Ken Womack. This month’s novel is Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Slaughterhouse-Five, an American classic, is one of the world’s great antiwar books. Centering on the infamous firebombing of Dresden, Billy Pilgrim’s odyssey through time reflects the mythic journey of our own fractured lives as we search for meaning in what we fear most.

Free/Register
Wed Apr 10, 2024
5:30 PM The Great Hall Auditorium

Visiting Writers

Hernan Diaz

Hernan Diaz is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of two novels translated into thirty-four languages. He is the recipient of the John Updike award from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, given to “a writer whose contributions to American literature have demonstrated consistent excellence.”

Free Event
Thu Apr 11, 2024
7:30 PM Pollak Theatre

National Theatre: Broadcast in HD

Dear England

Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s (Sherwood) gripping examination of nation and game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt, to take team and country back to the promised land.

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Apr 16 - 23, 2024
4/16 at 7:30 PM4/23 at 7:30 PM Virtual

Adult Education Series

Self-Publishing, Step-by-Step

This two-session virtual course taught by Christy Schmidt, provides participants with a complete roadmap to guide them through the self-publishing process.

Class Schedule: Tuesdays - April 16 and 23, 2024 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM

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Sat Apr 20, 2024
1 PM Pollak Theatre

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD

Puccini’s La Rondine

Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare Met appearance, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the sophisticated French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman in his company debut as Ruggero, an idealistic young man who offers her an alternative to her life of excess. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts Nicolas Joël’s Art Deco–inspired staging, which transports audiences from the heart of Parisian nightlife to a dreamy vision of the French Riviera. Soprano Emily Pogorelc and tenor Bekhzod Davronov—both making their Met debuts—complete the cast as Lisette and Prunier.

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Fri Apr 26, 2024
8 PM Pollak Theatre

Performing Arts Series

Metamorphosis: Portraits of Song

Experience an extraordinary evening where art and music intertwine in a one-night-only concert featuring the brightest female singer-songwriters of the Jersey Shore, drawing inspiration from the captivating artworks of Nanci France-Vaz. Christine Elise, Pam McCoy, Mary McCrink, Laura Johnson, and Genevieve are among those featured in Vaz’s narrative figure paintings on exhibition this spring in the Pollak Gallery. These talented artists step out of the canvases to perform live in an evening celebrating female artistry and inspiration.

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Sun Apr 28, 2024
4 PM Pollak Theatre

Performing Arts Series

From Birmingham To Botswana

Experience Gwen Moten’s powerful one-woman play presented by Dunbar Repertory Company. Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Birmingham Church bombing during the Civil Rights Movement, Moten weaves captivating storytelling and exceptional singing, sharing her personal connections to the event. Exploring the historical context of social movements and drawing parallels from her travels in apartheid-era South Africa and East Berlin, Moten’s performance delivers an unforgettable journey through history and international perspectives.

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Apr 30 - May 2, 2024
4/30 at 7:30 PM5/2 at 7:30 PM Virtual

Adult Education Series

The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night: A Retrospective

This summer marks 60 years since the release of the Beatles’ first and best feature film, A Hard Day’s Night. Through interview clips, video and pictures, this 2-session virtual course taught by Scott McLaren will chronicle the Beatles’ rise to success in their hometown of Liverpool, the explosion of Beatlemania across Britain in 1963, their subsequent conquering of the US in early 1964, all leading to their critically acclaimed first film and soundtrack. We’ll see clips from those who were involved in the film including United Artists executives, the film Producer, Director, the Beatles and others within their inner circle. Lastly, we’ll discuss and listen to song excerpts from the exclusively Lennon-McCartney soundtrack. As most things Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night remains infectious, lasting and fun.

Class Schedule: April 30 and May 2 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM

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May 2024

Fri May 3, 2024
8 PM Pollak Theatre

Performing Arts Series

Joan Osborne + Crash Test Dummies

Joan Osborne and the Crash Test Dummies join forces for an unforgettable night of music. Osborne, a seven-time Grammy nominee and acclaimed by AllMusic.com as “the most gifted vocalist of her generation,” delivers soulful renditions of her timeless hits like One of Us, captivating audiences with her powerful performances. Meanwhile, alt-rock icons Crash Test Dummies, renowned for their platinum-certified sensation Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, amaze with their fusion of folk and blues, led by Brad Roberts’ unmistakable bass-baritone voice.

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Sat May 4, 2024
8 PM Pollak Theatre

Performing Arts Series

Don McLean – Starry Starry Night Tour 2024

Experience an unforgettable night of music as the legendary Don McLean takes center stage for the Starry Starry Night Tour. Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1945, Don McLean’s musical journey began at a young age. Overcoming childhood asthma, McLean’s passion for music flourished as he explored folk music, recorded his first studio sessions, and eventually rose to international stardom with hits like “American Pie” and “Vincent.” In the 1970s, McLean became a major concert attraction, captivating audiences worldwide. His iconic song “American Pie” became a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the top songs of the 20th century. The Starry Starry Night Tour promises an evening filled with McLean’s classic hits, showcasing his extensive repertoire that spans folk, rock & roll, and timeless American classics. Don’t miss the chance to witness a music icon live on stage, celebrating over five decades of a remarkable career.

Tickets on sale 1/23 at noon for Members and 1/26 at noon for the general public. 

Buy Tickets
Tue May 7, 2024
7:30 PM The Great Hall Auditorium/Virtual

Tuesday Night Record Club

The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night

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. This event will feature The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night.

Free/Register
May 9 - 16, 2024
5/9 at 7:30 PM5/16 at 7:30 PM Virtual

Adult Education Series

British Invasion, Part 4: The Fourth Wave

This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will survey some of the major artists of the Third Wave period, from the late 1970s through the 1980s and beyond. It will cover genres from punk through new wave, synth pop, rock, and much more. How does the Third Wave of the British Invasion continue to influence today’s music? The course will explore artists such as Duran Duran, Elvis Costello, the Cure, Depeche Mode, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, Psychedelic Furs, Human League, Nick Lowe, Madness, Joy Division, Howard Jones, Joe Jackson, New Order, Gary Numan, Pretenders, Style Council, and George Michael/Wham, and their impact on both British and American music. The role of MTV on the Third Wave of the British Invasion will also be discussed.

Class Schedule: Thursdays - May 9 & 16 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Buy Tickets
Sat May 11, 2024
1 PM Pollak Theatre

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

In her Met debut, Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the trusting geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous American naval officer Pinkerton whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong is the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Lucas Meachem is the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang makes her Met debut conducting Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.

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Tue May 14, 2024
7:30 PM Virtual

Tuesday Night Book Club

E. M. Forster’s A Passage to India

Join us for Tuesday Night Book Club! Hosted by Monmouth University’s Ken Womack. This month’s novel is E. M. Forster’s A Passage to India. A Passage to India hauntingly evokes India at the peak of the British colonial era, complete with the racial tension that underscores every aspect of daily life. Into this setting, Forster introduces Adela Quested and Mrs. Moor, British visitors to Chandrapore who, despite their strong ties to the elusive colonial community there, are eager for a more authentic taste of India. But when their fates tangle with those of Cecil Fielding and his local friend, Dr. Aziz, at the nearby Marabar Caves, the community of Chandrapore is split wide open and everyone’s life—British and Indian alike—is inexorably altered.

Free/Register
Thu May 30, 2024
7:30 PM Pollak Theatre

Live Theatre Broadcasts in HD

National Theatre: Broadcast in HD

The Motive and the Cue

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play. 1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel. Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre. 

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June 2024

Tue Jun 18, 2024
12 PM Erlanger Gardens

Adult Education Series

PleinAir ChiaroScuro Drawing Course

Gina Torello, a professor in the Art and Design Department at Monmouth University for 20 years, will guide you in this NEW one-of-a-kind workshop. She will be teaching a step-by-step guided Academic Drawing Course in the neo-classical Erlanger Gardens on the campus of Monmouth University. The class will cover compositional structure perspective, diverse application of materials and most of all the process of “capturing the LIGHT in Black and White in the ChiaroScuro Technique in the open air like the Impressionists.” New Wave Pochade Easels will be provided to all participants for use during your exclusive lesson, along with a comfortable pleinair chair to relax and draw during the class. All levels of experience in Drawing are welcome. A detailed supply list will be provided prior to the course.

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Thu Jun 20, 2024
12 PM Erlanger Gardens

Adult Education Series

PleinAir Oil Painting Course

Gina Torello, a professor in the Art and Design Department at Monmouth University for 20 years, will guide you in this NEW one-of-a-kind workshop. She will be teaching a step-by-step guided oil painting course the neo-classical in Erlanger Gardens on the campus of Monmouth University. The class will cover compositional structure perspective, color theory, diverse application of materials and most of all the process of “capturing the LIGHT in the open air like the Impressionists.” New Wave Pochade Easels will be provided to all participants for use during your exclusive lesson, along with a comfortable pleinair chair to relax and paint at during the class. All levels of experience in oil painting are welcome. A detailed supply list will be provided prior to the course.

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