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Health & Fitness

Living Local: Rahway's Hidden Gem - Union County Performing Arts Center

Rahway is fast becoming known for its arts scene and I'm lucky enough to be right in the heart of it all. Follow my blog for an insider's perspective on arts & cultural events, dining, and more.

This year, my New Year’s resolution is to fight the urge to hibernate post-holiday season, so I’m making sure to put a few fun and entertaining items on my calendar for the upcoming months.  In the past, concern about inclement winter weather has caused me to hesitate when buying event tickets.  Luckily, there is a gem of a theater in Rahway that is so close to home there won’t be any issue if and when the white stuff does fall.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a beautifully restored 1928 vaudeville theater, originally called the Rahway Theater. Over the years, it fell into some disrepair, but recently this building was renovated to restore its splendid grandeur. As a silent movie palace of the Golden Age, the theater still features its original organ, the Mighty Little Wurlitzer, which is played regularly by celebrity organists and UC PAC volunteers. Beyond the elegance of its interior, the theater is a comfortable place to see performances. The main stage theater is moderately sized, with just over 1300 seats. (At a recent show, featuring comedian Nick Cannon, I sat in the upper mezzanine section and was able to see and hear the show with ease.)

Recent upgrades to the building include a new heating and air-conditioning system, as well as backstage improvements to the sound, lighting and counterweight systems. A large addition houses THE LOFT at UC PAC, a smaller black box theater for intimate performances and concerts, plays, and poetry readings.

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In the last year alone, UC PAC’s performance line-up has featured some top acts. Days after her Grammy win in March 2011, Esperanza Spalding performed at UC PAC to a sold out crowd.  Then in October, R&B legends and four-time Grammy winners Boyz II Men treated a full house to a tremendous show. Six-time Grammy winner blues legend Buddy Guy rocked the house a month later in November.

Shows coming to UC PAC’s main stage this winter include Defending the Caveman (02/25), the longest running solo play on Broadway, SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE: The Music of Stevie Wonder (03/08), featuring an all-star jazz ensemble, and The Charlie Daniels Band (03/23), known for his country-rock hits of the 1970s.

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Concerts in THE LOFT at UC PAC are far smaller, with seating for approximately sixty people.  The Split Level Concert Series presents evenings with singer/songwriters: Jim Boggia (02/18), Jill Sobule (03/17), Amy Correia (04/14), and Ana Egge (04/21).

When I plan my night out, I’ll make sure to include a reservation at one of the excellent neighborhood restaurants in Rahway. For an elegant pre-theater dinner, I’d choose Luciano’s Italian Ristorante or The Rail House 1449. Both restaurants offer great food, service and extensive wine lists. For a post-show cocktail or light meal, there are a number of other great restaurants and lounges to choose from, including Patria Mixology Lounge (recently reviewed in the NY Times), Zagat-rated Cubanu, Flynn’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse, and The Waiting Room.

So come snow, sleet, rain or hail, I’m prepared to brave the elements knowing that excellent dining and entertainment are waiting for me so close to home!

For more information and to see Union County Performing Arts Center’s full schedule of events, visit www.ucpac.org

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