IN THE ARTS

The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council invites musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers and performers to share their creative work at a new open mic sponsored by the arts council and the Blue Bay Inn, 51 First Ave. in Atlantic Highlands. The open mic will be held the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Moderator "Mr. D," ventriloquist Dennis Daniels, promises to keep things lively with the help of his outrageously funny puppet friends. Sign-up begins at 7 p.m. Visual artists are invited to bring work to display during the evening. For more information, visit www.atlantichighlandsartscouncil.com.

Opera will make its debut at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center on Friday, Sept. 26, when soprano

Carly McIlvaine-Hall presents a program of best-loved opera arias. McIlvaine, Atlantic Highlands, whose performance begins at 7 p.m., is appearing as part of her series of "Opera in the Galleries," in which she combines her concert with the visual arts. The art works on display at the cultural center, 128 Ocean Ave., are abstract paintings by Barbara Dweck Eranj, pastels by Gina Burns and paintings by Cecilia Swatton.

"The Magic Land of Oz," a musical based on the L. Frank Baum classic, will be presented as part of the Children's Entertainment Series at the Eatontown Playhouse. Performances are at noon Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 5. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and students. For reservations call 732-888- 0339.

A Juried Photography Invitational Exhibition will open Sept. 26 at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft. An opening reception will be held Sept. 26, 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will run through Nov. 2 at the museum, located on the campus of Brookdale Community College.

This unique exhibition features work that demonstrates the breadth and diversity of expression in contemporary photography. Jurors are Stephen Perloff, editor of The Photo Review, and Sarah Morthland, a consultant and private dealer of vintage and contemporary photographs. More than 70 artists from across the U.S. and Canada are featured, working in a variety of photographic media. For information, call 732-747-2266 or visit www.monmouthmuseum.

The New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, is presenting the world premiere of "Poetic License" by Jack Canfora through Oct. 5. The play is a biting drama about greed, ambition, and madness that grapples with the consequences of a long-forgotten and repressed incident that comes back to haunt a family in an unexpected way. Performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets $36.50. For tickets and information call 732-229-3166 ext. 100, e-mail info@njrep.org or visit www.njrep.org. org.

Monmouth Players will hold auditions for the December production of Herb Gardner's "Conversations with my Father" at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 and at 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Navesink Library Theater, corner of Sears and Monmouth Avenues in the Navesink section of Middletown. Needed are nine men between the ages of 17 and 65, two women between the ages of 40 and 65, and two boys between the ages of 10 and 13. All roles are open. For information call Lori at 732-291-9211 or visit www.monmouthplayers.org.

Middletown Township Public Library is seeking local artists and collectors interested in sharing their talents by displaying in the library's large and attractive display case that is located in the entrance foyer of the main library at 55 New Monmouth Road. It is the perfect venue for local talent to be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit the library each month.

If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, contact Pam Curchin at 732-617- 3700, ext. 324, to set up an appointment. The Middletown Township Public Library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road.

Watercolors by Tom Wilczewski, Long Branch artist, are on exhibit at the Guild of Creative Art, 620 Broad St., Shrewsbury, through Oct. 3. Awards received by Wilczewski during the past year include: first place, Art Society of Monmouth County's Ruth Crown Memorial Art Show; first place, Princeton Medical Centers Art First Art Show; Judge's Award, New Jersey American Artists Professional League.
Compiled by Gloria Stravelli
Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber