Arts and Entertainment

Things to Do at Penn State: Jan. 17-24

A selection of cultural events happening on campus this weekend and next week

“Finding Neverland” follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State will host the nationally touring Broadway production at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in Eisenhower Auditorium. Credit: Jeremy DanielAll Rights Reserved.

What's happening at Penn State? Here's a look at some of the cultural events taking place at the University this weekend and next week:

Performances

Cashmere Cat 9 p.m., Jan. 18, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, University Park campus. EDM producer Cashmere Cat will perform as part of the Student Programming Association's "SPA Day." Free, but Penn State student ID required.

Essence of Joy  2:30 p.m., Jan. 21, Franklin Atrium, Pattee Library, University Park campus. The student choir will perform musical selections as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Free.

"Finding Neverland" — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 23, Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park campus. The Broadway musical focusing on the life of "Peter Pan" author J.M. Barrie comes to Penn State.

Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 21, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, University Park campus. Volunteers will meet at Alumni Hall for breakfast and a welcome before heading out to sites in the local community and on campus. Free.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day film screenings 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Jan. 21, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park campus. The University Libraries will host multiple screenings of two short films, "Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The Making of a Holiday" and "Martin Luther King Jr.: Look Here." Free.

World in Conversation pilot program10 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., Jan. 21. World in Conversation will expand its regular programming by partnering with the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity to offer facilitated dialogues for 600 faculty, staff, administrators and students. Free, by preregistration is required.

King Birthday Remembrance 6-8 p.m., Jan. 22, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, downtown State College. In collaboration with State College Borough, join others for a moment of remembrance  of King's birthday, and then to Federal Taphouse for hot chocolate. Free.

"Sorry to Bother You" 7 p.m., Jan. 22, 112 Kern Building, University Park campus. Named one of the top independent films of 2018, this genre-bending satire looks at the intersecting worlds of modern call centers, economic globalization, race relations and efforts to unionize workers. Free.

Lectures

David Hogg7 p.m., Jan. 18, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, University Park campus. David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shootings and co-founder of March for Our Lives, will speak as part of the Student Programming Association's Distinguished Speaker Series. Free, but tickets required. 

"Speak for Peace" 6-8:30 p.m., Jan. 24, Heritage Hall, University Park campus. During this oratorical contest, student contestants will recite their essays live in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win a book scholarship. Seating and food available in a first-come, first-serve basis. Free.

Exhibits

"Into the Woods: Nature in Your Library" Sept. 5-Feb. 11, 203 Pattee Library, University Park campus. This exhibit explores the eastern U.S. forest, its wildlife and botanical health, and gives special tribute to early women naturalists and conservationists. Free.

"The Bearded Lady Project: Challenging the Face of Science"Nov. 1-Feb. 22, Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery, 18 Deike Building, University Park campus. A traveling art exhibit featuring photographs highlighting female paleontologists in the field and in their laboratories. Free.

"Subjective Spaces: Drawings and Collages by Robert Reed" Jan. 5-May 19, Palmer Museum of Art, University Park campus. This intimate retrospective features 16 selections from Reed's drawings and collages. Free. 

MLK Week Student Poster Designs Jan. 10-Feb. 27, Sidewater Commons, Pattee Library, University Park campus. Twenty student posters based on the 2019 MLK Week theme, "Where Do We Go From Here: A Tradition of Resistance," created by a graphic design course are on display. Free.

"Amazing Stories: Recent Acquisitions"Jan. 12-May 26, Palmer Museum of Art, University Park campus. This exhibit highlights a large selection of prints by artists whose work relies heavily on representation and storytelling to explore ethnic identity and stereotypes, multicultural histories and personal narratives. Free.

Last Updated February 5, 2019