By Lookout Staff

May 17, 2022 -- Vocal and instrumental jazz, contemporary dance and the staged performance of an adventure classic will be presented this month at Santa Monica College (SMC).

Starting May 20 and running through May 29, is a staged adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Treasure Island," written and adapted by Alex Bryant and directed by Terrin Adair-Lynch.

"The high-energy adventure centers on Hawk, a courageous young protagonist who has been gifted with a mysterious map," event organizers said.

"In the play -- a game quest of exploration and piracy -- all must journey to a magical island and battle with unsavory characters."

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20 and May 27, and Saturday, May 21 and May 28. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22 and May 29. All performances are in the Theatre Arts Main Stage on SMC's main campus.

On May 23, the Santa Monica College Music Department presents "Back to Basie," a program that "explores the music and legacy of the master of masters, William 'Count' Basie."

The performance by the SMC Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Frederick Keith Fiddmonton takes place Monday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center at 11th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

On Wednesday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m., SMC's award-winning Jazz Vocal Ensemble will perform an eclectic program under the direction of SMC music instructor Andreas Preponis.

Titled "Open Invitation," the ensemble's voices blend "in an evening of four-part harmony" with songs by Thelonious Monk, Esperanza Spalding, centenarian Toots Thielemans, säje, The New York Voices and others.

The concert takes place at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free at the door for students with an ID.

On May 27 and 28, the college's "innovative and widely praised" Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater "will present a program of new repertory by award-winning faculty artists, professional guest artists, and up-and-coming student choreographers."

Co-directed by Jae Lee and Mark Tomasic, the concert features dance styles that include Contemporary Modern, Jazz Fusion and Hip Hop.

The program features works by Tomasic and guest artists Caron Eule, Andrea Vasquez and Alli Grey, as well as faculty choreographers Seda Aybay, Angela Jordan, Karen McDonald and Vanessa Van Wormer.

Student choreographer Natasha Woolridge created a new dance work for the performance, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, and Saturday, May 28, in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

Advance tickets for all performances can be purchased online at smc.edu/tickets or by calling 310-434-3005 (Monday-Friday; limited hours).

Tickets can also be purchased at the SMC Events Box Office on the main SMC Campus up to one hour before the performance start time. Parking for all performances is free and seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.

Guests should visit smc.edu/coronavirus before heading to the performance for up-to-date details on vaccine and mask requirements, as the requirements are subject to change.

More information is available by calling 310-434-4323.