Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/08/2017
(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- The landmark Hopewell Theater has re-opened after undergoing an extensive eight-month fit-out renovation, which includes a new lobby, box office, concession stand, as well as a state-of-the-art cinema system with surround sound, prep kitchen, and expanded theater seating area and balcony. Now fully refitted as a deluxe showcase for music, cinema and the performing arts, the Hopewell Theater will serve as an intimate arts venue and gathering place for the greater Hopewell Valley area.
The theater lobby now features a full concession stand where patrons can purchase gourmet small plates and deserts along with traditional theater snacks such as popcorn and candy. The Theater has hand-picked its menu from a variety of local, favorite restaurants that will present special dishes at the concession stand, including Brick Farm Market, The Bent Spoon and The Peasant Grill. Patrons can enjoy a meal or snack during the show in comfortable cabaret-style banquette seats, leather chairs with tables, or traditional plush fixed theater seats. The theater’s sophisticated interior design is a mix of urban-style meets classic country with a sense of casual elegance.
The theater’s expanded vision includes a carefully-curated programming schedule that will showcase independent films, some followed by Director Q&A or paired with a reading or concert, and live music on a weekly basis performed by local and regional singer-songwriters. There will also be TED-style talks and a variety of discussions from books to visual arts to self-improvement and wellness. Audiences will have access to talent through the intimate productions offered. Artists will have access to the theater which will be rented out during the day to encourage adult artists, musicians, filmmakers and artist networks who need a home to either practice, show work, or come together to create.
The theater’s fall program schedule features a unique blend of musical genres, movies and multimedia experiences including the 2017 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour, the Alloy Orchestra playing musical accompaniment to the classic film “The Lost World”, performances by literary songsmith Dan Bern, Cajun/Creole musicians The Bunkhouse Boys, and more.
Coming to the Hopewell Theater:
Music
Sept. 14 - Christine Tobin
Sept. 21 - Kaki King
Sept. 28 – Antje Duvekot
Oct. 5 – The Bailsmen
Oct. 12 – Driftwood
Oct. 20 – Bennett Wales and The Relief
Oct. 26 - Amythyst Kiah
Nov. 2 – Isle of Klezbos
Nov. 10 – Bunkhouse Boys
Nov. 16 – Dan Bern
Film
Sept. 8-13 - Whose Streets
Sept. 12 - May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers
Sept. 15 - NY Film Critics Series: Year by the Sea
Sept. 15 +16 - The Lure
Sept. 16 + 17 - Napping Princess
Sept. 24 - Arthouse Theater Day: Revolting Rhymes
Sept. 24 - Arthouse Theater Day: Martha & Niki
Sept. 24 - Arthouse Theater Day: The Road Movie
Oct. 7 - Sex & Broadcasting: a film about WFMU + discussion
Nov. 4 - Discovery and Adoption: the Hanji Box
Live Multimedia
Sept 22 - Alloy Orchestra Plays The Lost World
Oct. 21 - Experience Pine Barrens: Film + Discussion
Hopewell’s historic theater is being re-launched by the production team of Sara Scully, and business partner Mitchel Skolnick. Scully oversaw the fit-out renovation and will serve as Executive Director. “Our aim is that this theater will serve a wide range of artists and community members and be a resource and intimate, inviting sanctuary to enjoy the arts,” says Scully.
About the Hopewell Theater
The Hopewell Theater offers a range of unique cultural experiences, from independent film and live music to guest speakers, artists and performances. Patrons can dine-in on small plates from local restaurants or just come for the show. A landing spot, a launch pad, and an incubator, the Hopewell Theater is also a place where artists can play, practice, perform or show their passion project on the big screen. The theater is available to rent, at both hourly and day-rates.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.HopewellTheater.com or at the box office at 5 S Greenwood Ave, Hopewell, NJ. Box office can be reached by phone at 609-466-1964.
PHOTO: A sellout crowd of dignitaries and community members attended the Hopewell Theater’s grand re-opening and were treated to the sounds of Bovine Social Club. Pictured are (left to right): Mitchel Skolnick, Partner of the Hopewell Theater, Sara Scully, Executive Director of the Hopewell Theater, and Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano. Photo credit: Daniel T. Gramkee Photography
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
FEATURED EVENTS
