SO Jewish Comedy Night is an irreverent, hilarious holiday celebration showcasing top Jewish comedians Liz Glazer, Myq Kaplan, Elon Altman, and Stone & Stone.
Summit Health Cares presents a Broadway holiday fundraising concert to support Summit Health Cares. This holiday benefit concert raises money to help patients and families fighting cancer. A 4-piece band will provide music from onstage and back up 10 performers who will sing solos.
Irish Christmas in America is a joyful holiday tradition, produced by renowned Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, that brings together some of Ireland’s finest musicians and dancers for an engaging, family-friendly celebration. Praised for its humor, energy, and integrity, Irish Christmas in America is a must-see event that captures the magic of the season and the warmth of Irish culture.
Storm Large is a genre-bending vocalist, writer, and performer whose electrifying stage presence and fearless storytelling have wowed audiences from Rock Star: Supernova to Carnegie Hall. With a voice that soars from rock to cabaret to symphony halls, Storm’s live show is a wild, unforgettable ride through the heart of the American Songbook and beyond.
Sixpence None the Richer returns with their first tour in nearly two decades. "O’Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas” is an evening of Christmas classics delivered in the band’s distinctive blend of indie-rock guitars and dynamic vocals. Audiences will be treated to music from the expansive catalogue of Christmas recordings, and a few surprises along the way. This Grammy-nominated band delivers both nostalgia and innovation in every performance. A special holiday evening to enjoy with friends and family!
John Pizzarelli is the Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist renowned for his fresh, swinging takes on jazz standards, Broadway hits, and pop classics. With a dynamic trio and a repertoire spanning Sinatra to the Beatles, Pizzarelli’s live show is pure musical delight for fans of all ages.
Celebrate the new year early at SOPAC’s Kids + Family Noon Year’s Eve Party featuring The Rock and Roll Playhouse performing the music of The Beatles. Enjoy a lively, interactive concert and a joyful countdown to 2026. Select VIP Tickets to enjoy the VIP After Party for a family dance party, kid-approved chicken fingers, juice boxes, and a cash bar for adults.
Jazz in the Loft welcomes the Evan Sherman Group, led by acclaimed drummer and bandleader Evan Sherman, whose “gentle fire” and deep roots in the jazz tradition have taken him to stages around the world. Experience world-class, swinging jazz in SOPAC’s intimate Loft, where every seat feels like a front-row view.
Tired Souls opens in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. Followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Award Winning playwright and author, Mike Wiley and special guests. The discussion will explore the legacy of civil disobedience, youth activism, and more.
Cabaret favorite Corinna Sowers Adler brings her acclaimed show to SOPAC’s Cabaret in the Loft series. Featuring a setlist that spans American Standards to contemporary Broadway, this uplifting concert invites you to rediscover classic melodies, and perhaps a bit of your own inspiration. Cabaret in the Loft is SOPAC’s intimate, Broadway-style cabaret series—curated by Matthew Luminello and starring SOMA’s renowned performers—bringing the unforgettable energy of NYC’s cabaret scene to the heart of our community.
Pedrito Martinez and Alfredo Rodriguez-two Grammy-nominated Cuban virtuosos-join forces for an electrifying night of Afro-Cuban jazz, soulful storytelling, and genre-defying collaboration. Their performances blend rhythmic fire, improvisational brilliance, and pure musical joy you won’t want to miss.
The SOMA backStage Reading Series brings new plays and musicals from South Orange and Maplewood’s theater professionals to the intimate Loft at SOPAC. This series lets you experience the energy and excitement of brand-new theater in the town “where Broadway comes home to sleep.” True North, by Holly Reed and Kelvin Reed, is a magical new holiday musical. Blending heart, humor, and a touch of holiday wonder, True North is a joy-filled new Christmas musical about the power of belief, the strength of family, and finding your way—no matter how lost you feel.
The SOMA backStage Reading Series brings new plays and musicals from South Orange and Maplewood’s theater professionals to the intimate Loft at SOPAC. This series lets you experience the energy and excitement of brand-new theater in the town “where Broadway comes home to sleep.” Ahoy-Hoy, by Jenny Stafford, is a play about that relatable feeling when someone else invents the telephone three hours before you do. Based on the true story of the invention of the telephone, Ahoy-Hoy is a deliriously unhinged, unapologetic sprint through American ambition, innovation, and the absurd quest for legacy.
Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee Melba Moore is a soulful powerhouse whose soaring voice and trailblazing legacy span Broadway, chart-topping hits, and sold-out shows. Melba shines as one of music and theater’s most inspiring and enduring stars,
Meshell Ndegeocello is a Grammy-winning artist whose fearless blend of jazz, soul, and spoken word has redefined contemporary music. Her latest project, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, is a powerful, genre-defying tribute to Baldwin’s legacy and a testament to Ndegeocello’s status as one of music’s most innovative and compelling voices.
Celebrate the enduring legacy of Blues music at SOPAC’s South Orange International Blues Festival: Winter Edition, curated by local Blues legend Mike Griot. Whether you’re a lifelong Blues fan or a curious newcomer, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening of personal storytelling and electrifying live music. With musical performances from King Solomon Hicks, Blues People, Eliza Neals, and New Moon Acoustic Blues this will be a Blues explosion!
Celebrate rock history with a 20-piece band revival of Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, led by Remember Jones. Expect iconic hits, eccentric theatricality, and a full choir in a concert event capturing the wild, soulful magic of the famed 1970 tour.
National Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Poetry Foundation, and the state arts agencies of the United States. It is a national poetry recitation program for students in grades 9-12 or the age/grade equivalent. Traditionally designed for public, charter, parochial, and homeschool teachers, it encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
Celebrate the talent and growth of South Orange Maplewood School District students at the AileyDance Kids Residency Finale. After learning choreography inspired by Alvin Ailey’s signature style, these young dancers will showcase their progress in an exciting performance. Through a special partnership with the School District and SOPAC, students have worked with Ailey Teaching Artists to explore dance and culture, reflecting Alvin Ailey’s vision of empowering youth to take bold creative risks. Join us for an inspiring evening of dance!
Laugh, participate, and experience an altered state of reality at Get Hypnotized! – The Erick Känd Comedy Hypnosis Show. Self-selecting audience volunteers will be hypnotized and become the stars of the show! During this performance, the lucky volunteers will undergo a complete transformation. The pandemonium is all great fun and will have the audience laughing non-stop from start to finish!
Jazz in the Loft welcomes Grammy-nominated trumpeter and composer Diego Urcola, whose warm sound and passionate, cosmopolitan style reflect roots in Buenos Aires and decades on New York’s top jazz stages. Experience world-class, intimate jazz as Urcola and his group blend Latin rhythms, modern harmony, and soulful improvisation.
Join us for an evening of live jazz featuring the Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble. Students have been honing their skills alongside some of jazz’s most celebrated artists. This performance highlights the hard work of the students and their director, Peter Bauer, emphasizing the vital role of arts education in nurturing young musicians. Thanks to the generous support of the CHS Cougar Boosters and SOPA’s Arts in Education programs which provide valuable opportunities for local youth. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of exceptional music and celebration!
Cherish The Ladies is the acclaimed Grammy-nominated Irish-American supergroup renowned for spirited performances, beautiful vocals, and brilliant step dancing. A SOPAC favorite, they’ve enchanted audiences worldwide with a timeless celebration of Irish tradition and virtuosity. Don’t miss this lively event on the SOPAC Mainstage!
The Three Troubadours is a vibrant tribute concert honoring James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King, performed by powerhouse vocalists and a top-tier band. Featuring iconic songs, fresh arrangements, and storytelling, this show promises a heartfelt journey through America’s cherished musical classics.
Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) and Augustana (Dan Layus) unite for a night of acclaimed songwriting and powerful performance—blending folk-pop, platinum hits, and bold new sounds, each artist forging new creative paths while honoring beloved classics.
Ladies of Laughter is the acclaimed comedy competition and tour that’s launched stars like Amy Schumer and Melissa Rauch. The show features top winners and rising stand-up talents, delivering a fresh, hilarious lineup of women who are redefining comedy across America. This performance features Liz Alterman, Carmen Lynch, Leighann Lord, and Veronica Mosey.
When Alice chases the White Rabbit down a hole, she enters a whimsical world filled with characters like the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, and Queen of Hearts. This musical adaptation sets the whole family on an adventure that celebrates the wonder of imagination.
Tigran Hamasyan is an Armenian jazz pianist and composer known for masterfully blending Armenian folk music with jazz, rock, and classical influences. A virtuosic performer and celebrated innovator, he has won major competitions and international acclaim for his powerful, evocative sound.
Prepare to be amazed by Naturally 7, the groundbreaking vocal group that turns their voices into a full band, performing everything from drums to guitars and horns—live and without instruments. Their latest show and album, N7@ The Movies, reimagines beloved film soundtracks—think Titanic, The Sound of Music, James Bond, and more—with their signature
Jazz in the Loft welcomes the Marel Hidalgo Trio, led by 17-year-old guitar sensation Marel Hidalgo, whose journey already includes major festivals, international clubs, and collaborations with jazz greats. Experience world-class, forward-looking jazz in SOPAC’s intimate Loft, where this remarkable young virtuoso and his trio bring swing, soul, and fearless creativity to the stage.
Healing Sounds In The Loft is a 75-minute, guided Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath at SOPAC, offering a deeply immersive experience in sound healing, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Lie back, get comfortable, and let the therapeutic vibrations invite you into peace and balance.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet-led by Chris and Dan Brubeck-delivers jazz that’s inventive, expressive, and joyful, blending straight-ahead jazz with funk, blues, and world influences. Praised for their contagious energy and musical mastery, they create performances that are both a tribute to jazz tradition and a celebration of its ever-evolving future.
Experience the raw energy of Texas Flood, a premier Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. This dynamic group recreates the magic of Vaughan's performances with precision and passion. Beyond their tribute roots, Texas Flood has evolved to infuse blues classics with their own music and style, creating a unique and captivating show. They take you on a thrilling journey that blends the legends of blues with the future of the genre.
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, now led by trombonist Jeff Bush, delivers the timeless swing and rich ballads that made Dorsey a legend—highlighting iconic solos, classic hits, and the storied moments that launched Frank Sinatra’s career. Experience big band mastery that’s kept audiences happy for generations.
Jazz in the Loft welcomes Yotam Silberstein, whose sound blends bebop and blues with musical influences from South America, North Africa, and the Middle East. Fresh from collaborations with jazz greats and major festivals worldwide, he brings a deeply expressive, globally rich approach to SOPAC’s intimate Loft stage. Jazz in the Loft is SOPAC’s premier jazz series, curated by Grammy-winning producer John Lee and showcasing some of today’s most exciting and innovative artists.
INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition is a visual arts program designed to strengthen the impact of arts and arts education through the local school districts. This annual program offers a comprehensive professional experience to Essex County High School visual art students from submission, selection, exhibition, and possible sale of their artwork. Each year, thousands of submissions are juried by a panel of distinguished artists, photographers, museum curators, and arts advocates. The result is an exciting and eclectic body of work from the perspective of young emerging artists. INSPIRED MINDS is sponsored by the Iris Family. Framing is generously donated by the South Orange Frame Shop.
Celebrate the next generation of dancers at the West Orange High School AileyDance Kids Residency Finale! Through a special partnership with SOPAC, these students have trained under an Ailey Teaching Artist, exploring the expressive movement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This performance is a culmination of their journey, showcasing ensemble works and choreography inspired by Ailey’s legacy. Join us for an evening of passion, creativity, and dance!