“Can You Get Anything You Want?: The Complicated Story of 'Alice's Restaurant’”—A Conversation, Performance, and Singalong

Join Professor of Theater Studies & Playwrighting Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon and musician, historian, and Grammy Award winner Elijah Wald at Charles Library for a trip back in time to 1967 … to Alice’s Restaurant. Celebrate Thanksgiving early by learning about Arlo Guthrie’s iconic “song” chronicling how he dodged the Vietnam War draft after being charged with littering on Thanksgiving. The event will feature a conversation between Dr. Williams-Witherspoon and Dr. Wald about the song within its historical and social context, followed by a Q&A with the audience. We will then be treated to a performance of the song by Dr. Williams-Witherspoon, accompanied on the guitar by Dr. Wald, ending with a sing-along of the famous chorus, “You can get anything you want at Alice’s restaurant…” 

Refreshments will be served. 

Our programs are geared toward a general audience and are open to all, including Temple students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, and friends. Registration is encouraged.

Contact Becca Fulop at rebecca.fulop@temple.edu with questions.