One Man Show - Rome Neal is...Thelonious Monk in "Monk"

Join The Gist of Freedom and host Shellie Gaines as we welcome playwright Laurence Holder and activist, musician, actor Mr. Rome Neal!

Rome, is, Thelonious Monk!

Monk – a portrait of Thelonious Monk. A one-man show Performed by Audeloco Award Winning Actor Rome Neal.

One Night Only @ The Rustik! ~  Call for tickets 347-406-9700!

Written by Laurence Holder, Directed by Rome Neal and Laurence Holder, Musical Score by Bill Lee.SYNOPSIS: Monk is a dramatic monologue by acclaimed African American playwright Laurence Holder that captures Monk’s bravura, genius, humor, and humanity. Holder’s script evokes Monk’s unorthodox jazz piano styling. The narrative chronicles the composer’s early life, his rise to prominence as a self-taught pianist and composer, his participation in the Civil Rights Movement, and his bouts of mental illness. Monk shares with "Duke" Ellington the distinction of being considered one of the 20th Century's greatest American composers. His vision was both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in African American musical traditions, ranging from the sacred music of the black church to the "stride" piano style of James P. Johnson, to the tonal freedom of the "avant garde." Monk helped usher in the bebop revolution, yet he also charted a new course for modern music.