New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


The Arts Go Live at Avenel Performing Arts Center


By Karen Nowosad

originally published: 05/24/2019

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.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



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.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



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


Let's Go to the Theater helps people learn more about about live theater and develop appreciation for this art form. Karen M. Nowosad is the founder of the site. The enjoyment Karen gets from going to the theater is something she wants to share with others.

FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Theresa

Theresa Caputo

Friday, February 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: community

Click here for full event listing

 

MAC’S

MAC’S Art of Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser

Sunday, February 16, 2025 @ 12:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: community

Click here for full event listing

 

Theresa

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community

Click here for full event listing

 

Theresa

Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience

Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community


Click here for full event listing

 

Miss

Miss Grand New Jersey

Sunday, February 23, 2025 @ 5:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: community


Click here for full event listing

 

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Garden

Garden State Wineries Host Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend

(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Garden State Wine Growers Association – a coalition of 60+ New Jersey wineries and vineyards supporting the Garden State's wine industry through information, resources, and advocacy – is hosting a weekend of Valentine's Day themed events all centered around wine and chocolate.



Timbuctoo:

Timbuctoo: NJ's Free Black Community Before the Civil War

(MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ) -- On Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00pm, Historian Guy Weston will be presenting Timbuctoo: NJ's Free Black Community Before the Civil War at the South Brunswick Senior Center. Timbuctoo was settled in 1826 by formerly enslaved and free Black people with the assistance of Quakers. Most Timbuctoo residents owned their land, and the community established their own school and an AME Zion Church.



Darkside

Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Expo Brings: "Til Death Do Us Part" Night Alt-Market on Saturday

(BENSALEM, PA) -- Love is in the air… but so is the scent of darkness. On Saturday, February 15, 2025 the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market and Darkside Art & Oddities Expo present "Til Death Do Us Part," a Valentine’s Day-themed night market that blends romance with the macabre. The event takes place at Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, PA.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents A Night in Lights Benefit Gala

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey will host A Night in Lights: State Theatre New Jersey Benefit Gala on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Proceeds from the gala directly support its mission to provide transformative arts education programs, affordable ticketing initiatives, and community outreach efforts that bring the joy of live entertainment to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Held at the historic State Theatre, the evening includes dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and an intimate performance by Tony® Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O'Hara.



Presidents'

Presidents' Day Weekend in Cape May features dozens of tours, activities, events

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Presidents' Day Weekend, February 14-17, 2025, includes Valentine's Day this year, and there's a surprising array of things to enjoy in Cape May with tours, activities and events presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). The organization's main mission is promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May County residents: this holiday weekend is a good time to explore your hometown.










Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky