(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) has welcomed thousands of patrons back to its newly renovated theater after reopening last month. Construction on the historic facility began in March, and the new season kicked off on October 12 with a packed auditorium for The Price is Right Live! tour. This month featured a string of sold-out shows when legendary crooners Johnny Mathis and Paul Anka returned to enchant patrons, followed by salsa icon Victor Manuelle, and rockers Air Supply and YES.

“We couldn’t wait to welcome our community back to their home for the best live entertainment, so the response so far has been truly gratifying,” Alexander Diaz, bergenPAC’s new executive director, said. “The theater restorations came out beautifully, and now we’re focusing on adding so many great headliners to our lineup.”

The new season has also included opportunities for current and former Performing Arts School at bergenPAC students to shine. The Show Choir added a special energy when it joined Mania: The Abba Tribute show for a few numbers on October 28. Then on November 6, Gianna Grosso, an alumna of the school’s summer musicals, sang a duet with Broadway star Linda Eder and performed a solo. The Show Choir also opened the show.

The Show Choir is part of the Performing Art School’s Young Professionals Vocal Academy. Grosso returned to the Taub Stage at bergenPAC after starring as Belle in 2018’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and as Anita alongside movie star Rachel Zegler in 2017’s West Side Story. She was recently cast for a lead role in a Norwegian Cruise Line production of Six the Musical.

“Performing with Linda Eder was magical. I will hold that day in my heart forever,” Grosso said. “I am beyond grateful to Linda for all that she is and for how special she made it for me and am thrilled to have performed on the bergenPAC stage in the beautiful, newly renovated theater.”

The Park Ridge native received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University and teaches at the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC, in addition to performing professionally.

The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC offers programs throughout the year for all ages and expertise. Whether they aspire to perform professionally like Vocal Academy students Vince Ermita (Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway), and Felice Kakaletris and Sophie Knapp (NBC's Annie Live!), or just have dancing with their friends, there’s a place for everyone at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC. 

Tickets for upcoming shows are available at: www.ticketmaster.com or call the Box Office (201) 227-1030.

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat bergenPAC is the area’s cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC attracts a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance and theater by industry professionals. It is through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons that the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School are able to thrive and enrich our community.

PHOTOS: (TOP) courtesy of bergenPAC (OTHERS) courtesy of Love Imagery