On Screen in Person: The Phantom Tollbooth
Pollak TheatreThe Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations playfully examines the creation, creators, lasting impact and enduring relevance of one of the most beloved children’s books of our time. Through interviews, animation, and archival imagery, the documentary traces the friendship between author Norton Juster and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Jules Feiffer. There will be a Q&A with director Hannah Jayanti following the screening.
Ani DiFranco
Pollak TheatreFolk singer Ani DiFranco melds soul, funk, jazz, electronica and spoken word into her eclectic repertoire, which features the songs “Untouchable Face,” “32 Flavors” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’.” A Grammy-winning songwriter and collaborator, DiFranco has never stopped evolving, experimenting or pushing the limits of what can be said and sung, over the course of more than 20 albums. Her CDs include the live two-disc Living in Clip, the career retrospective Canon and her latest release, ¿Which Side Are You On? Opening the show will be renowned jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman, who has collaborated and played with artists like Norah Jones, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Lucinda Williams and Bono.
Art Now: Bernd Klug – Sound Installation and Performance
Joan and Robert Rechnitz HallThis sound installation features a piano-wired based interactive feedback system that turns Rechnitz Hall into a resonating instrument. Room frequencies, wavelengths and the connection points of the strings will create a unique sonic activation of the exhibition space.
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Pollak TheatreFive-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter will appear at the Pollak Theatre this fall in an intimate, acoustic performance. The tour marks Carpenter’s return to singing both timeless hits and deep cuts from her expansive and beloved 13-album catalog after performing with orchestras in early 2014. Over the course of her career, Carpenter has sold over 13 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards and two Academy of Country Music awards for her vocals. Her songs speak to the most personal of life’s details and the most universal. Opening the show will be Tift Merritt.
Gallery Exhibition: December Senior Show
Rotary Ice House GalleryFeaturing the work of Monmouth University graduating seniors who will receive their degrees in Graphic Design, Animation or Fine Art. Opening Reception: Friday, November 21, 7 – 9 pm
One Last Waltz: A Celebration of the Music & Legacy of The Band
Pollak TheatreA wise man once said it’s better to burn out than fade away, and on Thanksgiving Day of 1976, one of the best live acts of the rock era went out in a blaze of glory.
Glen Burtnik, Salvatore Boyd, Bob Burger & Arne Wendt, performing as The Band. They will be joined on stage by a cast of artists, including Southside Johnny, Pat Guadagno, Bobby Banderia, Kate Taylor, Bruce Gassman, Frank Puggy DeRosa, Matt Wade, Stringbean Sorenson, Frank Lombardi, Anthony D’Amato, Emily Grove, Nick Foster, Tommy LaBella, Taylor Hope and more, to bring us on a musical journey back in time to the fall of 1976. Tickets on sale Mon. Oct. 6.
Met Opera: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Broadcast in HD)
Pollak TheatreThe Met’s effervescent production of Rossini’s classic comedy – featuring some of the most instantly recognizable melodies in all of opera – stars Isabel Leonard as the feisty Rosina, Lawrence Brownlee as her conspiring flame, and Christopher Maltman as the endlessly resourceful and charming barber, himself. Michele Mariotti conducts the vivid and tuneful score.
World Cinema Series: The Flowers of War
Pollak TheatreZhang Yimou’s “The Flowers of War” (2011) (R) A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan’s rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.
A Marvelous Night: The music of Van Morrison
Pollak TheatrePLEASE NOTE: This concert will take place as scheduled.