(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Mid-September was supposed to be a return to normal for South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Instead of beginning a steady run of shows at the venue, all shows throughout September are being rescheduled due to extensive damage from Tropical Storm Ida. SOPAC and the surrounding downtown South Orange Village experienced extensive damages from flooding and heavy rains. This, of course, follows a year in which the pandemic forced the cancellation of last season.
As they work through recovery and remediation, the SOPAC website will be updated and they will be reaching out to ticket holders directly about the status of their event. At this time, they anticipate being able to re-open and welcome you back to SOPAC for events and performances beginning October 1.
On September 1st when Tropical Storm Ida reached the region, there was a performance takeing place at SOPAC. Three SOPAC staff remained on premises throughout the evening and into the morning. They provided shelter and assistance to NJ Transit train passengers who were returning home and they immediately responded to water coming into the building through the entrances, through the west-facing windows and through the roof.
The venue is hugely indebted to the immediate response and efforts of the staff members who remained at SOPAC overnight. Without their immediate response and ongoing efforts, damages sustained to the building would have been far greater. The flood damage also reached their personal cars in the NJ Transit parking lot, which were ultimately totaled.
SOPAC staff continued to work long hours and through the holiday weekend with the optimistic outlook that we could reopen for performances starting September 10. A remediation crew was quickly identified and brought on site. However, once the damages were thoroughly assessed, and the extent of necessary repairs determined, we were left with no choice but to cancel events for the remainder of the month.
Summary of Damages: walls & insulation in lobby & theatre; carpeting in lobby and theatre; orchestra pit; production equipment; first floor restrooms; elevator shaft; and roof damage which expedites the need for replacement
How You Can Help: Now is the time to show your support for SOPAC. Please consider making a donation or becoming a SOPAC member today. You can also gift a membership to someone. Your support will assist SOPAC’s recovery efforts as are forced to delay their reopening yet again. It has been a difficult year, but we are working efficiently to repair and replace the damaged items and areas in our theatre including the carpets, orchestra pit, production equipment, and roof. SOPAC will also provide financial assistance to the staff members whose cars were totaled while they worked through the storm.
