Press Releases

(Manasquan, NJ) Algonquin Arts Theatre (Pamela Ward-Executive Director) is proud to announce the return of its popular Lifelong Learning Series for the 2023-2024 season. Algonquin Arts Theatre's Lifelong Learning lectures cover a wide variety of topics related to the art they present on stage. Each lecture is 90-minutes long and light refreshments are served. All classes will conclude with a question and answer period.

"We are thrilled to bring back our Lifelong Learning Program this season," stated Julie Nagy, Director of Arts Education at Algonquin Arts Theatre. Highlights of the new Lifelong Learning schedule include lectures on direction, story-telling, choreography, film and opera.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
The Bells of Notre Dame Take the Stage
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Gina Lupi
Learn about the storytelling process of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dive into this epic piece that shows us that sometimes the world is indeed 'cruel and ugly,' qualified by the show's haunting finale on the Algonquin Arts Theatre stage under the direction of Gina Lupi.
(Hunchback of Notre Dame coming to Algonquin stage in October 7-22, 2023.)

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Ella, Nat, Frank, Peggy, Dean and More!
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Ricky Riccardi
After James Langton's New York All-Star Big Band brings the sounds of swing to the Algonquin in October, join GRAMMY-winning jazz historian Ricky Riccardi for a multimedia tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin, and other giants of the 1940s and 1950s, featuring rare videos, photos, stories, and much more!
(James Langton's New York All-Star Big Band with special guests Gimme Four coming to AAT on October 23, 2023.)

Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Ricky Riccardi
Many people know Louis Armstrong from hit records like "Hello, Dolly!" and "What a Wonderful World" or from appearances in films such as "High Society"--but did you know he was arguably the most influential musicians of the 20th century? In a dazzling multimedia presentation, Armstrong author and historian Ricky Riccardi will demonstrate just how "Satchmo" revolutionized the sounds of jazz and popular music with his innovations.
(Don't miss it! James Langton's Satchmo! Celebrating Louis Armstrong coming to AAT on August 27, 2023.)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
An Outlandish Trip through Life in Film
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Lecture / Screening delivered by Asbury Shorts USA Founder & Director Doug LeClaire
Award Winning Producer Doug LeClaire delivers a lively and informative look back on a career in national television commercials, independent featured short films and his own crafted national touring exhibition of globally honored short films. Celebrating 40 years with The Asbury Short Films!
(World's Best Short Films coming to AAT on March 9, 2024.)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
From the Director's Chair: If I Were a Rich Man
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Gina Lupi
Join us in Algonquin's "Tradition" of telling the story of Joseph Stein's Fiddler on The Roof under the stage direction of Gina Lupi, music by Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick with Jerome Robbins choreography. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, observe the director's role in leading a universal theme of tradition in this beautifully rich musical.
(Fiddler on The Roof coming to the Algonquin stage in April 6-21, 2024.)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Music with the Maestro
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Father Alphonse Stephenson
The conductor of the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea will take us on a journey celebrating the best that opera has to offer, in a unique and moving discussion on the art form, ahead of the April concert.
(Opera's Greatest Hits, Orchestra Series featured on the Algonquin stage in April 28, 2024.)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Choreography 101 to 105, 6, 7, 8
1:00pm, $15 (Discounts for Members & When You Book 3 or More Lectures)
Instructor: Kathleen Pearlberg
The choreographer of Algonquin's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Man of La Mancha, Kinky Boots and The Hunchback of Notre Dame covers some of the basics of choreographing a show and discusses how music influences the choreography of a production. Dance can tell a story.

Cost:
Single Class: $15
Subscriber/ Member: $10*
+Seven-class Package: $60

+Those who subscribe to all seven lectures by October 18 will receive a free ticket to Algonquin's Earth Wind and Fire Tribute on October 28.

Reservation Recommended:
Call 732.528.9221 or
Book online at www.algonquinarts.org

*Subscribers/ Members Please Call for Discount Rate

For more information about Algonquin Arts Theatre, please visit www.AlgonquinArts.org.

ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.

AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Hackensack Meridian Health, the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of other businesses and our patrons.