Open House Preview Weekend: A first hand look at the new Hamilton Stage in Rahway NJ

This weekend is the Open House Preview at Hamilton Stage, the much-anticipated new 199-seat theater in the Rahway Arts District. The preview event offers residents and visitors a sneak peek inside the new venue and celebrates its imminent grand opening in September, when the inaugural season kicks off with over 100 scheduled performances.  On Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, guests can “take a self-guided tour through music and theater rehearsals, explore the art of stage make-up, converse with professional performing artists, learn about Nai-Ni Chen’s Signature Dance Camp, and be among the very first to see this beautiful new state-of-the-art performance space.”  No reservations are required, no costs are involved, and visitors can come anytime during the open hours.

Those of us who live in Rahway may remember the former Bell building on Hamilton Street, the bones of which have been transformed into this remarkable theater. In addition to the fully equipped theater, Hamilton Stage will also contain spacious public spaces, a large rehearsal hall, dressing rooms, classroom and office space, and on-site parking.The new theater will soon become home to select theatre companies, dance companies, and other performing arts groups.

The Principal Artistic Affiliate American Theater Group is an ambitious new performing arts company that will offer musicals and spoken plays, the New American Musical Reading Series (with Artistic Advisor Stephen Swartz, composer of Wicked,Godspell, and Pippin), and theater education programs beginning next fall. Artistic Affiliates include: American Repertory Ballet, Ballets With A Twist, StrangeDog Theatre and Vital Theatre Company; and the Artistic Engagement Partner is Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.

There are a variety of exciting activities planned for the weekend Open house Preview that the entire family can enjoy.  The graceful Nai-Ni Chen of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will be meeting guests and information will be available about her Signature Dance Camp for children and teens; teaching artist Chesney Snow, an award-winning performer and the founder of the World Beatbox Association, will offer a class on beatboxing and verbal percussion; Angelina Ballerina will be on site for pictures with her young fans; StrangeDog Theatre Company will be rehearsing an original play, and the Jerseyaires, a local barbershop chorus, will participate in a professional coaching session. Guests can even try their hand at professional stage make-up with the help of make-up and costume design artists. 

Open House Preview hours are May 19, 10am-4pm, and May 20, 12pm-4pm. Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway, NJ. For more information on this event, visit the Hamilton Stage website: hamiltonstage.com.