Grab your friends, family, and neighbors and come celebrate this spring at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)!

Celebrate new theater works and the greater SOMA LGBTQIA+ community in two brand new events this spring at SOPAC.

SOMA backStage Reading Series: June 3 & June 4

The SOMA backStage Reading Series emerged from SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust member Dana Spialter and her local theater company SOMA Stage.  This series will present readings of new plays and musicals written by or starring South Orange and Maplewood’s (SOMA’s) theater professionals in the Loft at SOPAC.  After each work’s matinee performance, audience members are invited to participate in a talkback and share their thoughts with the creative teams.

This spring’s inaugural series includes readings of two new works:

New Musical: REVIVAL
By Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen
Saturday, June 3 at 7:30PM & Sunday, June 4 at 3PM (followed by a talkback)

Be the first to hear Chris Miller (Broadway: Tuck Everlasting) and Nathan Tysen’s (Broadway: Amélie, Tuck Everlasting) newest musical. Miller and Tysen introduce their newest protagonists, fiddler Elin Hermannson and Manhattan socialite Margaret Elliott in their journey to reawaken Hermannson’s passion for music.
Free event, with a suggested donation of $15. 
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New Play: STILL
By Lia Romeo
Saturday, June 3 at 3PM (followed by a talkback) & Sunday, June 4 at 7:30PM

Be the first to hear Lia Romeo’s (Playwriting Fellow at Juilliard) newest play. Follow Romeo’s newest protagonists, exes Helen and Mark as Mark runs for Congress and Helen hides a secret that could derail his campaign. This is a play about lost love, reproductive rights, political differences, and the ways people change…or don’t.
Free event, with a suggested donation of $15. 
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Inaugural SOPAC Pride Weekend: June 9 – June 11

In partnership with North Jersey Pride, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents its inaugural LGBTQIA+ Pride Weekend on Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 11, celebrating SOMA’s robust LGBTQIA+ community.  This weekend is a celebration of the robust, passionate, and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in and around SOMA.  All are invited to bust out their rainbow gear, bring their friends, and celebrate living their best, most authentic life at SOPAC!

The weekend’s line-up highlighting exclusively LGBTQIA+ artists is as follows:

Jessica Kirson
Friday, June 9 at 8PM
Comedian Jessica Kirson in a black shirt holding a microphone brushing hair off her face.

Stand-up comedian and South Orange native Jessica Kirson is a powerhouse on stage!  Winning the coveted Nightlight Award for “Best Stand Up Comedian” in New York City, she’s a hilariously relatable performer of sheer silliness, vulnerability, and ridiculous characters.  Don’t miss your chance to laugh the night away with Kirson!
Tickets starting at $27. 
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AKENYA
Saturday, June 10 at 8PM

“Far ranging sonic nomad” (Chicago Tribune) and singer-songwriter AKENYA makes her SOPAC and NJ debut at SOPAC’s first ever LGBTQIA+ Pride weekend!  In her decade-plus career, AKENYA has emerged as a songwriter and singer deftly moving among Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B influences, including guest appearances with Chance the Rapper, Saba, Nubaya Garcia, and many more. Following the concert, dance the night away with AKENYA at The Night Before Pride Party.  If you purchase tickets to both AKENYA’s concert and The Night Before Pride Party, you will receive a 25% discount off the total ticket price (to redeem this offer, use code PrideNight25 at time of purchase).
Tickets starting at $31.
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The Night Before Pride Party
With DJ Ryan The Person
Saturday, June 10 at 10:30PM

Let’s get this party started! Grab your friends, throw on your rainbow gear, and dance the night away at The Night Before Pride Party in the Loft at SOPAC! Celebrate the vibrant and passionate LGBTQIA+ community with a fabulous night of great music provided by CJ Ryan The Person.  And don’t miss your chance to mingle with up-and-coming R&B powerhouse AKENYA, who will attend the Party immediately following her performance on the SOPAC Mainstage. If you purchase tickets to both AKENYA’s concert and The Night Before Pride Party, you will receive a 25% discount off the total ticket price (to redeem this offer, use code PrideNight25 at time of purchase).
Tickets are $35.
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Tony Awards Viewing Party
Sunday, June 11 at 7PM

Get your crew together, wear your red carpet best, and celebrate Broadway’s biggest night with your friends and neighbors at SOPAC!  View the 76th Annual Tony Awards on the big screen.  Friends and supporters of North Jersey Pride receive exclusive early access to tickets, so act fast and secure your seats today!
Free event, with a suggested donation of $15 and required RSVP. 
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Women Who Shine at SOPAC

Throughout the spring, SOPAC celebrates fantastic female artists, beginning on Thursday, April 13 with pianist Michelle Cann, who will take audiences on a journey thought Chicago’s Black Renaissance (presented by Seton Hall University Arts Council; April 13).  Then Tiffany, the 80s icon known for hits such as “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been,” brings her new album Shadow, The Pop Art Show to SOPAC on Saturday, April 15.

Grammy-nominee Emily King will make her SOPAC debut on the same night as her album Special Occasion releases—Friday, May 5.  One of Broadway’s biggest stars Laura Benanti returns to SOPAC on Sunday, May 7, with her mother Linda Benanti in their humorous show about mother-daughter relationships, “Mothers Know Best.”  Then, on Friday, May 19, ingenious, Indie-Folk Sondheim revisionist Eleri Ward will make her SOPAC debut.

Finally, on Friday, June 23, Pulitzer Prize winner Maggie Haberman returns to SOPAC to speak about national affairs journalism and share her perspective on power and politics in Washington, D.C.

“Every day is a good day to celebrate women,” says SOPAC Executive Director Stephen Beaudoin.

“All of us at SOPAC are thrilled to be presenting such powerful, creative, game-changing female-identifying artists and performers this spring on the SOPAC Mainstage and in the Loft at SOPAC.  Every single one of these artists is worth experiencing live: from the wistful and gorgeous reinventions of Stephen Sondheim classics by Eleri Ward to Broadway royalty Laura Benanti (with her mom Linda!); from sonic nomad AKENYA and comedian Jessica Kirson in our first-ever LGBTQIA+ Pride weekend to New York Times journalist and best-selling author Maggie Haberman and many more.

I’m truly excited to celebrate, showcase, and lift up these incredible women.”

 

Women Composers of Chicago’s Black Renaissance
Michelle Cann, Piano
Presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council as part of their Classical Concert Series
Thursday, April 13 at 7:30PM

Don’t miss the chance to hear a pianist the Boston Music Intelligencer praises as “a compelling, sparkling virtuoso,” and La Scena Musicale lauds as being “technically fearless with…an enormous, rich sound.”  Michelle Cann presents Seton Hall University’s Classical Concert Series on Women Composers of Chicago’s Black Renaissance, a journey through both word and music.
Tickets starting at $5.
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Tiffany
Shadows, The Pop Art Show
Saturday, April 15 at 8PM

Don’t miss legendary 80s Pop star Tiffany’s SOPAC debut! Known for Rock and Pop infused hits such as “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been”, Tiffany is ready to bare her soul and invite listeners to walk with her into the light with her eleventh studio album, Shadows.  And after the concert, keep the energy and fun going at the 80s throwback dance party in The Loft at SOPAC!
Tickets starting at $39. 
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Emily King 
Special Occasion Tour
Friday, May 5 at 8PM

Don’t miss this Grammy Award nominee’s SOPAC debut on the same night as her album Special Occasion releases! Like so many of music’s most essential singer-songwriters, Emily King has a near-magical gift for digging into life’s deepest sorrows and uncovering unexpected beauty and illuminating truth. And act fast to get the Emily King VIP Experience, which includes an invitation to the pre-show sound check, a special two-song acoustic performance, an official, autographed VIP laminate, and so much more.
Tickets starting at $38. 
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Laura & Linda Benanti in 
Mothers Know Best
Presented as part of SOMA Stage at SOPAC partnership
Sunday, May 7 at 3PM

Experience Tony-Award winner Laura Benanti, as she joins forces with her mother, Linda Benanti, in a touchingly humorous show about mother-daughter relationships.  Together, they will take the audience on a musical journey through the special relationship between a mother and daughter.
Tickets starting at $39.  
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An Evening with Eleri Ward
Presented as part of SOMA Stage at SOPAC partnership
Friday, May 19 at 8PM

Eleri Ward took social media by storm with her groundbreaking fusion of Broadway and Indie-Folk and her “incandescent” reimagination of Sondheim classics (American Theatre Magazine) on her new album A Perfect Little Death.  Don’t miss her SOPAC debut!
Tickets starting at $29. 
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An Evening with Maggie Haberman
Sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
Friday, June 23 at 8PM

One of the most influential voices in national affairs journalism today, Pulitzer Prize winner Maggie Haberman opens audiences’ eyes with a remarkably informed perspective on power and politics in the nation’s capital.  Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Maggie Haberman speak at SOPAC, with SOPAC Board member and community advocate James Davis, III as moderator.  (SOPAC Members can participate in an exclusive meet & greet beforehand, join the SOPAC family today!)
Tickets starting at $40. 
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Kids + Family Fun, Dynamic Music, Events in the Loft at SOPAC and so much more!

Explore SOPAC’s energetic and diverse event offerings perfect for the whole family!

Kids + Family Series
The Heart & Soul of Magic
No Smoke, No Mirrors Tour featuring Ran’D Shine and Jamahl Keyes
Saturday, April 1 at 1PM

Breathtaking, mind-blowing, and astonishing are just a few words that describe The Heart & Soul of Magic. This show features two world-class magicians, Ran’D Shine and Jamahl Keyes, in a unique production that weaves a tapestry of psychological illusions, comedy and music to create an immersive amazing experience that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Tickets starting at $18. 
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Kids + Family Series
The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety
The World’s Most Unique 2-Person Circus Show!
Sunday, April 2 at 1PM

The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety is a fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages showcasing incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, circus stunts, contortion, magic, and audience interaction all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy.
Tickets starting at $23. 
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Laughs in the Loft
Featuring comedians Matt Jenkins, Chris Lamberth, Sonya Via, and Ray Gootz
Wednesday, at 7:30PM

Join us for Laughs in the Loft, a monthly series featuring stand-up comics from our own backyard, Brooklyn and beyond!
Tickets starting at $22. 
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Jerome Jennings Sextet
Presented by WBGO Kids Jazz Concert Series
Saturday, April 8 at 1PM

Join WBGO Radio as it celebrates its 44th birthday and Jazz Appreciation Month with the return of the WBGO Kids Jazz Concert Series!  The Jerome Jennings Sextet, led by Emmy Award-winning composer and drummer Jerome Jennings, will present a concert exploring Jazz melodies and inviting audience participation.
Free admission (all adults must be accompanied by at least one child).
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Jazz in the Loft 
Vince Ector’s Organatomy Trio+
Sunday, April 16 at 7PM

Enjoy an evening of “soulful mainstream Jazz” (Jazz Wise) with Vince Ector’s Organatomy Trio+, including Pat Bianchi on keyboard and Bruce Williams on alto and soprano sax.  This is a Jazz in the Loft event you don’t want to miss!
Tickets starting at $20. 
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Seton Hall Theatre presents
Disney’s Freaky Friday
Presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council as part of the Seton Hall Theatre Program
Thursday-Saturday, April 27-29 at 8PM & Sunday, April 30 at 2PM

Join us for Seton Hall Theatre’s production of Freaky Friday, a new musical adaptation of the classic novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films.
Tickets starting at $5. 
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Kids + Family Series
The Jungle Book
Saturday, May 6 at 1PM

Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this tale will delight the young and the young at heart!
Tickets starting at $18. 
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Seton Hall University Annual Spring Concert
Presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council within the College of Communication and the Arts
Monday, May 8 at 7:30PM

Enjoy Seton Hall University Chorus’, Chamber Choir’s and Orchestra’s “Celebration of Spring” concert!  They will present everything from Mozart and other classical composers to well-known film scores.Tickets starting at $5. 
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Richie Furay
Buffalo Springfield & Poco Legacy Show – The History of Richie Furay
Saturday, May 12 at 8PM

W/ VERY SPECIAL GUEST: John Ford Coley of England Dan & John Ford Coley…2022 & 2023 mark the milestone 50th anniversary releases of the landmark POCO albums, A Good Feelin’ To Know & Crazy Eyes, before Richie left the band to form Souther-Hillman-Furay.  This special concert celebrates a retrospective of Richie’s acclaimed musical career with his 8-member rockin’ electric band(Back To The Garden) joining Richie and his daughter Jesse on vocals, his long time keyboard player Jack, and newer band member Dan on guitar & vocals.
Tickets starting at $75. 
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Motor City Revue
The Ultimate Motown Tribute
Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30PM

Motor City Revue takes audiences on a journey back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound. This 11-piece tribute band will have you dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others.
Tickets starting at $25. 
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BoDeans
Thursday, May 18 at 7:30PM

In this 75-minute guided Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath, take a journey of sound and energy to recalibrate and balance the flow of energy throughout your entire body and lead you into deep rest and relaxation.
Tickets starting at $29. 
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SOPAC presents
Healing Sounds in the Loft
Sunday, May 21 at 5PM & 8PM

Take off your shoes, get comfortable in your body, and go on a journey of connection to self through this beautifully calming Reiki Energy Crystal Sound Bath with sound bowl modality healer Sasha Green. With only 44 spots available per session, act fast to secure your spot today!
Tickets starting at $24. 
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Best of Laughs in the Loft
Friday, May 26 at 8PM

Join us for a specially curated Laughs in the Loft show on the SOPAC Mainstage!
Tickets starting at $20. 
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Best of the Eagles 
The Eagles Tribute Band
Saturday, June 24 at 8PM

Founded in 2012 by world-class musicians from central New Jersey, the Best of the Eagles (BOTE) is more than just a tribute band. It’s a band that encapsulates the aura of one of America’s classic rock bands. Witness the magic of the Best of the Eagles at SOPAC!
Tickets starting at $29. 
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Cabaret in the Loft
SOPAC Celebrates Pride
Sunday, June 25 at 7PM

Join us for our first-ever Drag show in SOPAC’s 16-year history!
More information to come!

 

 

 

 

For more information about our upcoming events, check out our full calendar.Â