SOPAC’s New Season Offers Something for Everyone

Broadway legends, homegrown acts, collegiate performances and a “dramatic fool” are just few of the many acts offered by the (SOPAC) this season.

With the 2011-2012 season still in its infancy, SOPAC is trying to deliver on all cylinders for their guests.  Executive Director Michael Bollinger has meticulously chosen a selection of acts with hopes of expanding the scope of who comes to SOPAC.

I think it’s a pretty good season, it’s pretty diverse,” said Bollinger.  “We have some R&B, some country, some ‘Irishy’ stuff going on and lots of jazz.  The trick is getting people in (to SOPAC) the first time.  I think once we get them in there the first time, we have a real good chance that they will go ‘wow, this is a really nice theater’ and ‘wow, this is a really great area.’”

With smaller theaters and a more intimate setting, Bollinger likens the experience of some of the shows “as if they are playing right in your living room.”  One of the first big acts that the center has coming up is , this Saturday, October 22, a Tony Award winning Broadway star known for his work on the show Steppin’ Out.

“Ben Vereen is just a killer performer,” said Bollinger.  “I listened to a CD, which is a version of the show that he does, and he just makes you smile.  I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

In addition, other Broadway stars coming to SOPAC this season are Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, original cast members of the Tony Award-winning musical RENT, on April 14.  Tom Wopat, best known for his role on The Dukes of Hazard, will make an appearance at SOPAC on May 12.

“If you like theater, well this is theater,” exclaimed Bollinger.  “They are all in their own ways, Broadway legends.  If you follow theater at all, you will know these names.”

The performing arts center will be offering “SOPAC Sessions” this year which will include multiple comedy acts and musical acts of all different genres.  South Orange native Jessica Kirson will be there on November 5 bringing a mix of comedy with her.  The Manhattans, an R&B vocal group from Jersey City, will be visiting on November 12.  Also R&B singer Eric Roberson will be there on February 18. 

SOPAC will present some singer songwriters with Suzanne Vega on January 28 and Pam Tillis on March 10.  Clint Eastwood’s son, jazz musician Kyle Eastwood, will visit on March 24 and theater legend Malachy McCourt will be visiting on March 9 to talk about his life.

A new offering this year by SOPAC is the “in the Loft” series.  Upon taking over the job, Bollinger was told of the importance of using the Loft, the area above the theaters that is much more intimate and private as compared to the bigger theaters.  SOPAC will now be offering various dates featuring “Blues in the Loft” and “Jazz in the Loft.”  These performances will offer an “up-close perspective on today’s blues and jazz musicians.”  Tickets are also discounted down to $15.

SOPAC will be offering multiple kids acts this year.  An act that Bollinger is particularly impressed with is Drew the Dramatic Fool, who will be visiting the building on November 19.  Primarily for kids, the act takes aspects of the old silent films and comedies to entertain the children.  In addition, Drew will come to schools the week before to work with students on how to create their own silent films.  He then shows the movies created by the kids before his act.

SOPAC will be offering a new membership program this year as well for residents of South Orange and Maplewood.  Residents of the towns who enroll in the program will be given discounted tickets and benefits.  Also new subscription packages are available for anyone looking to go to a specific type of show.

Tickets are available online on their website or by phone by calling (973) 313-ARTS (2787).  In addition, the box office is located in the main lobby Monday-Saturday 12-6 p.m.