A brand new venue for live performance in New Jersey is now open and in full operation. The Avenel Performing Arts Center is bringing a new vitality to the area. Located at 150 Avenel Street, the Avenel Performing Arts Center (APAC) brings the hope of enhancing the arts in in the area. According to an article in Woodbridge Patch.com, “Woodbridge Township hopes the arts center will become a cultural destination for all of New Jersey, and a hub for professional theater, music, comedy and dance.” APAC has many things going for it that will help achieve that goal.
The APAC is on the former site of the General Dynamics plant which was an active manufacturing site until it was abandoned in the 1960’s. After the plant closed, Avenel struggled to reassess itself. There are several things Avenel had going for it that helped make the adjustment and now are important to the success of APAC.
First is a solid, well established residential community. Avenel has neighborhoods filled with housing, schools, and churches where life long friendships are built. Already evidence of the community’s interest in this Center is there. According to APAC’s Executive and Artistic Director Anthony Wilkinson, the community support has been fabulous. He says he feels the enthusiasm for the arts and it is “encouraging and heartwarming to see.”
Another thing is the Avenel Train Station which is a part of New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line. Nestled between the Rahway and Woodbridge stops, Avenel Train Station gives residents good access to commute to New York City. Since the station is a short walk to APAC, it will continue to attract people to the area. Also, it allows good access for people who choose to ride the rails to attend shows.
Beginnings - As early as 2007, Woodbridge Township began studying redevelopment of the area. When plans were developed, Woodbridge Township received a $6 million arts grant from Middlesex County for the development of the Avenel Arts Center. The grant was awarded by the Middlesex County Cultural & Arts Trust Fund.
The building is very impressive as it uses an architectural style that pays tribute to Avenel’s industrial past. APAC has 13,500-square-feet of multiple performance areas and dining accommodations. The Main Performance Hall seats approximately 200 people. There is also a separate performance room and a pre-function/lobby area that can open to the exterior space for larger gatherings and events. Groups of 30 or more will find this space perfect for a pre or post show gathering.
It was nearly three years ago that Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac met Anthony Wilkinson while he was doing a presentation at Colonia High School. The two men discussed the position of Executive & Artistic Director. Mr. Wilkinson accepted the position realizing it was a great opportunity to see a theater develop from the ground up and contribute to its success.
Mr. Wilkinson comes to the job with strong background in the arts. A graduate of NYU’s College of Arts and Sciences for English and Creative Writing, he spent a number of years as a writer and eventually Associate Director of ABC Daytime’s One Life To Live. He earned three Daytime Emmy Awards for his work. He also established a solid reputation in the theater world by originating the very popular production My Big Gay Italian Wedding.
Shows - Speaking with Anthony Wilkinson is a pleasure. His enthusiasm for his work and the Avenel Performing Arts Center is evident. The first show, Dixie’s Tupperware Party,opened APAC in early April. His assessment of the opening weeks for APAC: things are going well. He is excited about the upcoming programs that are planned. He also reports that the community has expressed that they are impressed with the quality of the shows. In addition to administrative responsibilities, he continues to pursue the creative theatrical side of his own life. Housewives of Secaucus, a spoof on the reality show genre is on the schedule for May 30 – June 2. He wrote it. His show My Big Gay Italian Wedding will play June 27 – July 3.
There is a wide range of shows planned for this year. During the month of June alone there are singers including Grammy Nominee Alexandra Silber and American Idol Finalist and Tony Nominee Constantine Maroulis. June also has Mentalist and Illusionist Wayne Hoffman, stand-up comic Penny Arcade, and an unscripted theatrical awards show, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.AvenelArts.com, by telephone, 732-314-0500, or in person at APAC.
Curtains Bar and Restaurant - There are a lot of things done right at the Avenel Performing Arts Center. One of them is the in-house inclusion of a full-service bar and restaurant right in the building. Appropriately named Curtains, the restaurant is accessible whether or not someone is going to see a show. In fact, five nights a week, there is entertainment in the main seating area of the restaurant. The schedule for the entertainment is available on APAC website. Cabaret style singers including some who sing on Broadway are scheduled to appear.
There is a full-service bar with seating. Happy Hour is on Tuesday -Friday 3:00 -6:00 pm and after 9:00 until closing, and all day Sunday. Half-Price Appetizers and drink specials are available.
The restaurant menu has a nice range of selections including appetizers, salads, burgers, pastas, entrees, and desserts.
Additional Information - To get to the main door of the Avenel Performing Arts Center, turn down Station Drive and make the first left into their parking area. There is self-parking available in this area.
Additional self-parking is also available across the street approximately ½ block away at 105 Avenel Street behind the Avenel First Aid Squad Building.
Complimentary valet parking service is also available.
To learn more about APAC, visit their website, avenelarts.com
