A quick look at a map shows a short distance between New Jersey and the glitz and glamour of Broadway. Anyone who’s tried to fight traffic into the city, however, can attest that a live theatrical performance in New Jersey beats sitting in traffic for hours to see a Broadway show. These venues in New Jersey are top picks from DCH Montclair Acura for high quality live theater.
State Theatre of New Jersey. The State Theatre in New Brunswick hosts high-quality national and international performing arts. It was built in 1921 and served as a vaudeville and silent film theatre. Entertainers who have performed at the theater include Aretha Franklin, Tom Brokaw, and Jay Leno. The theater was restored and reopened in 1988 as a state-of-the-art performance center. It was again updated in 2003 and made to look close to the original theater.
The George Street Playhouse. The George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick has become an artistic base for established and emerging artists. As part of its effort to reach out to the community, the Playhouse conducts educational seminars, classes, workshops, and residencies.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark opened in 1997 and became one of the ten largest performing arts centers in the United States. The center’s two theaters include Prudential Hall, a 2,750-seat, “breathtakingly glamorous” venue, and the 514-seat Victoria Theater, which hosts smaller productions.
The Ritz Theatre. The Ritz in Haddon Township opened in 1927 as a vaudeville theater and has been producing excellent theatrical performances ever since. The Ritz Theatre Company took over in 1986 and has continued the tradition of theatrical excellence. The Ritz’s mainstage season consists of six productions as well as eleven children’s shows.
Count Basie Theatre. The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank has established itself as an important venue by providing quality entertainment and educational outreach. In addition to Broadway shows, opera, and concerts, the Count Basie Theatre, named after Red Bank’s most famous performer, houses its own performing arts academy.
Darress Theatre. The Darress Theatre, a full-service theater for the arts in Boonton, opened in 1919 as a vaudeville theater. Today, plays, stand-up comedy, and concerts make up the bulk of the Darress’s productions. It is also home to independent and foreign film showings, new releases, and silent films with live organ accompaniment.
