The Nuyorican Poets Cafe in Manhattan premieres the Laurence Holder/Rome Neal production of Holder's play, Monk, on Feb. 3. The show stars Rome Neal in the title role and is scheduled to run through March 26.

At the Monk premiere on Feb. 3, the Nuyorican will present a benefit party featuring the Latin band, Sounds of Syotos. The evening of theatre dining and dancing runs $30.

As reported earlier, Nuyorican held a fundraiser reading of Monk on Jan. 10.

Directed by Holder and Neal, the single-hander tells the story of jazz musician Thelonious Monk, who performed throughout the '40s - '70s inspiring an untold number of musicians.

Lawrence Holder wrote When the Chickens Came Home to Roost, Zora Neale Hurston, M, The Mandela Saga, Red Channels, Monk 'n' Bud, Hot Snow and They Were All Gardenias. Audelco-winning director Rome Neal helmed Shango de Ima, and Don't Explain. As an actor he received the Triumph award for his work in Prism and an Audelco for his work in Signs.

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is located at 236 East Third Street in Manhattan. Tickets are $15. For reservations call (212) 465-3167.

-- By Murdoch McBride