By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
MONROE — "What we do enriches the community in the great way of bringing people together to enjoy live theatre," said Program Director and Commissioner of the Monroe Cultural Arts Commission Nancy Gunkelman.
According to the township, the Cultural Arts Commission, which was established by an ordinance, and approved by the Township Council and Mayor Richard Pucci in June 1998, serves as a way to establish and improve programs, projects and events that bring the cultural arts to the township for the benefit of the town’s citizens.
Ms. Gunkelman said among the many events happening in the summer months is a performance of "Evita" by The Mighty Oak Players.
"People in the community get to get out there to sing, act and participate in drama and perform," she said.
Performances for "Evita" are scheduled to run at Monroe Township High School on Jul 26 at 7 p.m., Jul 27 at 2 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Music in the Park series runs Thursday nights, now until the end of the summer at 6 p.m. at the Open Grove Gazebo on the lake at Thompson Park.
Classical rockers The Three Amigos, salsa singers Grupo Arcano, and Classic 50’s cover band Rave On! are scheduled to perform.
A Summer Art Camp is planned from Aug 25, 26, 27 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for students from grades 9-11, being held at the Monroe Township Community Center.
Ms. Gunkelman said the very high-impact events highlight the commission’s year, are its "grand" events held at the Richard P. Marasco Center for the Performing Arts on 1629 Perrineville Road.
The NJ Festival Orchestra has performed this past year with "Gypsy Spirit" a gypsy-inspired composition with internationally-acclaimed conductor David Wroe.
Peter Yarrow, from the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary also performed this past spring.
Also in 2014, A Chamber Music series, organized by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra was held at the Monroe Township Library.
An Opera Lecture Series, by Jerry Kalstein Boheme Opera of New Jersey was scheduled several days before the Metropolitan Opera’s movie simulcasts.
Ms. Gunkelman also stressed that an estimated 98 percent of program tickets are free to students.
"In today’s times a lot of young people are dependent upon electronic devices and it seems are no longer appreciate live performance," said Ms. Gunkelman. These shows are an opportunity to get out and see how spontaneous a live performance can be and to enjoy of live theatre."

