SOPAC Announces 2011-2012 Season, Includes Ben Vereen & More

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) announces its prospective schedule for the upcoming 2011-12 season. From Broadway legends Ben Vereen and Tom Wopat to SOPAC's own resident theatre company Midtown Direct Rep, the season promises a plethora of theatrical events. Also on the roster this year are several jazz concerts including the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors and the Jazz Knights of West Point. As always, SOPAC continues to bring today's top performers in the fields of classical music, dance, and family programming.

This year marks the launch of SOPAC's "IN The Loft" Series - eight jazz/blues concerts set in an informal, club café atmosphere in the upstairs Loft. "With the advent of IN The Loft, SOPAC is offering a casual, affordable and fun concert series that helps demystify both jazz and blues music," explains Michael Bollinger, SOPAC's Executive and Artistic Director.

For the complete 2011-12 calendar, see below or visit http://www.SOPACnow.org.

2011-12 SEASON: SEPTEMBER 2011 - MAY 2012

South Orange Performing Arts Center is located at One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ, 07079. All artists and prices are subject to change at the time of this release. For more details on the upcoming season, including a complete schedule and ticket information, visit SOPACnow.org, or contact the SOPAC Box Office at 973.313.2787 (ARTS)

THEATRE in OCTOBER

THU 10/6 & FRI 10/7 @ 8PM - MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #1
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The first of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, Significant Others, is a new play by Jason Odell Williams. This is a 2 person serio/comedic play that follows one man as he navigates the women in his life - all played by the same actress. Cast TBA.

Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.

THU 10/13 & FRI 10/14 @ 8PM - MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #2
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The second of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, The Rubber Room, is a new play by Gary Garrison and Roland Tec. This is a 5 person, 1 act play that explores the struggle of suspended NYC public school teachers. This show is designed to be played in rep with multiple actors all cast in the same role. On any given night of performance, different actors are scheduled to perform, making each performance a theatrical experiment. Cast TBA.

Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.

THU 10/20 & FRI 10/21 @ 8PM - MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #3
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The final Midtown Direct Rep reading to be presented at SOPAC this month, Deep is the Ocean, is a new musical by sister and brother team, Pia and Peter Cincotti. This is a large scale, 2 act musical described as "An Environmentally Friendly Jersey Shore Middle Aged Love Story." Cast TBA.
Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.

SAT 10/22 @ 8PM - STEPPIN' OUT w/ Ben Vereen
Cabaret
Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Ben Vereen.)

"It's always pleasant to spend time in the company of a survivor, a pro and a performing prince. Ben Vereen is all three." -The New York Observer

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Tony Award winner Ben Vereen. His legendary performances on stage and screen transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. A musical autobiography of Vereen's life in showbiz, Steppin' Out features Broadway classics, songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and a very special tribute to his longtime friend and mentor, Sammy Davis, Jr.

THEATRE in NOVEMBER

SAT 11/5 @ 8PM - Jessica Kirson & FRIENDS
Comedy
Tickets: $25

THEATRE in MARCH

THU 3/1 - SAT 3/3 @ 8PM
SUN 3/4 @ 2PM - SETON HALL THEATRE: "BABY" THE MUSICAL
Theater

Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets
Book by Sybille Pearson
Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby
Directed by Professor Peter Reader
Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

THEATRE in APRIL

SAT 4/14 @ 8PM - Adam Pascal + Anthony Rapp
Cabaret
Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.)

THU 4/26 - SAT 4/29 @ 8PM
SUN 4/29 @ 2PM - SETON HALL THEATRE: HARVEY
Theater
Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets

By Mary Chase
Directed by Professor Deirdre Yates
Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

THEATRE in MAY

SAT 5/12 @ 8PM - Tom Wopat
Cabaret
Tickets: $30, $40, $50

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