Description

Performances and visual arts will celebrate the Black experience.

Central to Black History Month is MPAC’s annual art exhibit by Art in the Atrium. This year, Art in the Atrium presents Traditions and Transitions: Historical to Contemporary Perspectives in Black Art: (January 17-March 5).  This exhibit reflects a traditional approach in genre and subject matter and also art that steps beyond prescribed media and representational styles of expression. A range which involves the still life, portrait, landscape, and fiber art, as well as the optical art, abstract expressionistic and non-objective styles, among others. A public reception will take place on January 28 at 3 pm. The reception is free.

Ticketed Events:

DRUMLine Live, the show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. Thursday, January 18 at 7 pm. Tickets are $29-$69.

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy, follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Friday, January 26 at 8 pm; Saturday, January 27 at 3 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are $59-$109.

All of your favorite Motown hits on one stage on one night during Forever Motown. Featuring G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners, Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of The Temptations and Traci Robinson, former lead singer of The Marvelettes. Friday, February 2 at 8 pm. Tickets are $29-$69.

Tracy Morgan is one of the most well-respected comedians in his field, known for his award-winning role on 30 Rock, as well as Saturday Night Live. Morgan presents a night of unfiltered comedy. Mature audiences only. Saturday, February 3, at 8 pm. Tickets are $49-$89.

Six-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick has more than 75 hit songs and has sold over 100 million records. Warwick's hits include “Don’t Make Me Over,” "Walk on By,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker” and “Déjà Vu,” among countless others. Friday, February 16, at 8 pm.

Field Trip events for schools:
The theatrically trained and comedically gifted lyrical virtuosos of Mayhem Poets blend elements of hip hop, theatre, improv and poetry for kids in grade 6 and up. Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 am. $10.

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad is a deeply moving history lesson that tells the story of the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. Open to students in grades 3-12. Monday, February 12 at 10 am and 12:15 pm; Tuesday, February 13 at 10 am; Wednesday, February 14 at 10 am. $10.

Guest Attraction:
New Jersey Symphony presents: Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
A tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” ‘Think,” “A Natural Woman” and many more. Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 pm.