Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2
Thursday-Saturday, November 6-8

Department of Performing Arts presents 

by Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, Craig Lucas

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. and

Nov. 2 and 8 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Alexandra Joye Warren, Choreographed by Courtney Liu, Music Direction by Chris Rayis

Set in the French capital in the wake of World War II, “An American in Paris” tells the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and an indomitable European city – each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of international conflict. Inspired by the Academy-Award winning 1951 film, the new stage musical features a ravishing score by George and Ira Gershwin and a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas. The show’s timeless musical numbers include “I Got Rhythm,” “S’Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “The Man I Love,” “Shall We Dance?” and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise.” Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available beginning October 10 at ElonTickets.com.

Tuesday, November 4

“An Evening in Bridgerton”

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Stephen A. Futrell, conductor

Sponsored by the Department of Music

The Elon Orchestra performs selections from the award-winning Netflix show “Bridgerton.” The music score by Kris Bowers earned a Grammy Award nomination featuring string quartet settings of popular artists such as Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, Alanis Morissette, Alicia Keys, Queen and many others.

CANCELED: Wednesday, November 5

United States Army Jazz Ambassadors

Alumni Gym, Koury Center | 7 p.m.
Honoring 250 Years of the American Spirit and sponsored by the Department of Music and the Office of Cultural & Special Programs

Known as America’s Big Band, the Jazz Ambassadors are the premier touring jazz orchestra of the United States Army. The 19-member ensemble has received critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz. In celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors offer tribute to the rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication of its soldiers and honor all veterans in our community. This event has been canceled.

Thursday, November 6

Elon Chorale Fall Concert

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Gerald Knight, conductor

Sponsored by the Department of Music

Under the direction of Gerald Knight, Chorale presents a variety of secular and sacred selections.

Monday, November 10 (NEW DATE!)

A Conversation with Natalie Allison ’13, Washington Post White House Reporter

Turner Theatre, Schar Hall | 7 p.m.

Sponsored by the School of Communications, Council on Civic Engagement, Department of Political Science, Political Engagement Work Group, Kernodle Center for Civic Life and the Student Media Board

One year after the 2024 election, Natalie Allison ’13, a White House reporter with The Washington Post, will discuss her experiences covering the presidency and politics, her role as a journalist and watchdog, the state of the industry, her career path from The Pendulum to The Post, and more in a wide-ranging conversation with Anthony Hatcher, professor of journalism and chair of the journalism department in the School of Communications and a former newspaper reporter and editor.

Tuesday, November 11

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr., “Observations about the Intelligence Community and National Policy”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 11 a.m.

The Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship Honoring 250 Years of the American Spirit

A career Army intelligence officer who has served at the highest level of U.S. national security and intelligence, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr. examines the current geopolitical landscape, the intelligence community’s role in national policy and the threats and challenges facing the nation. He combines study, personal experience and observation to share lessons learned from the most consequential military leaders, past and present, and breaks down how to apply these leadership insights to any organization. Admission is free. Tickets available at ElonTickets.com.

Tuesday, November 11

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café with Johnny Randall: Invasive Plants in North Carolina: when, why and where?

Burlington Beer Works, 103 E. Front Street, Burlington | 7 p.m.

Each month on 2nd Tuesdays, a different scientist will present an engaging topic at Burlington Beer Works in downtown Burlington, North Carolina. Expect a lively event in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. In November, Tectonic Plates welcomes Johnny Randall with the NC Botanical Garden. The series runs from September through May, and the presentations are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, November 12

A Holly Jazzy Christmas

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Stephen A. Futrell

Sponsored by the Department of Music

Elon’s vocal jazz ensemble, élan, presents an evening of holiday favorites, including classics and more contemporary songs with rhythm section and student soloists.

Thursday, November 13

Cantus, “Wanting Memories”

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Elon University Lyceum Series

The low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. This program explores the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory in our lives. Through selections that include timeless tunes like “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” and anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories,” the ensemble traverses the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief, laughter, fear and hope. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be offered beginning October 23 at ElonTickets.com.

Friday, November 14

Jazz Levels Up: A Night of Video Game Music

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Alex Heitlinger

Sponsored by the Department of Music

Dubbed the “Nintendo-fication of Jazz” by YouTuber Adam Neely, a new songbook of jazz standards has emerged from the soundtracks of modern video games. This high-energy concert features big, bold arrangements of music from your favorite iconic games, performed by the Elon Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos.

Friday-Sunday, November 14-16

The Fall Dance Concert: “Echoes & Currents”

Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West

Nov. 14 and 15 | 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 15 and 16 | 2 p.m.

Co-directed by Jen Guy Metcalf and Elijah Motley

Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts

“Echoes & Currents” features original choreography by Elon faculty, students and guest artists. All works are performed by Elon students. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning November 7 at www.elonperformingarts.com.

Monday, November 17 – Thursday, December 4

Juried Student Art Exhibition

Gallery 406 at Arts West | Gallery hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, November 17, opening reception | 5 p.m.

The annual Juried Student Exhibition represents the strongest art from Elon University students and includes ceramics, photography, painting, printmaking and intermedia. Exhibition continues through December 4.

Monday, November 17

An Evening with Ocean Vuong

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Liberal Arts Forum Lecture

Ocean Vuong’s striking body of work contains timeless themes of class, queerness and identity, including his first poetry collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, for which he became only the second debut poet to win the T.S. Eliot Prize. Framed as a letter from a son to his mother, “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” is a portrait of family, first love and the redemptive power of storytelling that contends with how to survive, how to find joy in darkness and the meaning of American identity. Vuong’s second novel, “The Emperor of Gladness,” about chosen family, unexpected friendship and second chances, and shows the profound ways in which love, labor and loneliness form the bedrock of American life.

Tuesday, November 18

Elon Music Ambassadors, “Into the Blue and Beyond: A Musical Journey Through Sky and Space”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Virginia Novine-Whittaker

Sponsored by the Department of Music

An eclectic ensemble comprised of a select group of talented student instrumentalists and vocalists performing a wide variety of genres from jazz to pop.

Thursday, November 20

Elon Bands Fall Concert, “Inspirations”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.

Elon Concert Band – Daniel Hartung, conductor

Elon Wind Ensemble – Jonathan Poquette, conductor

Guitar soloist – Carey Harwood

Sponsored by the Department of Music

“Inspirations” is a celebration of human creativity, resilience and the boundless pursuit of dreams. Through the vibrant music of Marco Pütz, James Stephenson, Satoshi Yagisawa and others, this program invites listeners on a journey from inner strength to the soaring heights of legendary worlds.

Sunday, November 30

First Sunday of Advent

Elon Community Church, 217 N. Williamson Avenue | 5 p.m.

The Christian season of Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. Catholic Mass will be celebrated in the Elon Community Church on this first Sunday of Advent.