(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Two of New Jersey's premier arts organizations, State Theatre New Jersey and George Street Playhouse, have announced the launch of the New Brunswick Arts Flex Pass, a brand-new ticketing option designed to give audiences the freedom to experience the very best of both theaters—with exceptional savings and unmatched flexibility. The New Brunswick Arts Flex Pass is now available through both venues' box offices and websites.
The New Brunswick Arts Flex Pass offers theatergoers the opportunity to enjoy two productions of their choice at each venue—for a total of four performances—while saving 20% on regular ticket prices. Audiences can mix and match their choices from State Theatre New Jersey's acclaimed national Broadway tours and George Street Playhouse's captivating and original productions; all conveniently located in downtown New Brunswick's vibrant arts district.
"This partnership highlights the incredible range of live theatre available right here in New Brunswick," said Sarah K. Chaplin, President & CEO, State Theatre New Jersey. "The Flex Pass gives audiences an easy and affordable way to experience everything from Broadway blockbusters to world-premiere plays—all just steps apart."
"We're excited to collaborate with our neighbors at State Theatre New Jersey to offer audiences this one-of-a-kind arts experience," said Edgar Herrera, Executive Director, George Street Playhouse. "The Flex Pass makes it simple to enjoy both of our seasons, with built-in savings and the flexibility modern audiences want."
The State Theatre's Broadway series includes Mrs. Doubtfire; Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! By Hal Holbrook; Elf The Musical; Kinky Boots; Stereophonic; Meredith Wilson's The Music Man; and Spamalot.
George Street Playhouse's season includes An Old-Fashioned Family Murder by Joe DiPietro, starring Sally Struthers; Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show!; What Became of Us; and My Lord What a Night.
To order the Flex Pass, start by choosing any two George Street Playhouse productions and any two State Theatre New Jersey productions from the season lineups, and receive 20% savings already reflected in the ticket prices. Patrons can then select their preferred seating locations during the ordering process. Patrons can also add more shows from each organization at the same 20% savings. Once the order is placed, each theater will contact the patron directly with their seating information. Tickets will be available for pickup at the Will Call window at each theater one hour before the performance time. For more information, click here.
After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre's historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey. Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than 6.5 million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs feature high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.
State Theatre New Jersey's programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
For more than 50 years, George Street Playhouse has produced groundbreaking new works, inspiring productions of the classics, and hit Broadway plays and musicals that speak to the heart and mind, with an unwavering commitment to producing new work. As New Brunswick's first producing theatre, George Street Playhouse became the cornerstone of the revitalization of the City's arts and cultural landscape. Entering its 52nd season, the organization has a rich history of producing nationally renowned theatre and fills a unique theatre and arts education role in the city, state, and greater metropolitan region. George Street Playhouse announced the appointment of Edgar Herrera as Executive Director in 2023.
George Street Playhouse moved to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in downtown New Brunswick in 2019 featuring two state-of-the-art theatres—The Arthur Laurents Theater with 253 seats and The Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater which seats 465—and myriad amenities. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center marks a new era in the esteemed history of George Street Playhouse. Founded by Eric Krebs, George Street Playhouse, originally located in an abandoned supermarket on the corner of George and Albany Streets, was the first professional theatre in New Brunswick. In 1984, the Playhouse moved to a renovated YMCA on Livingston Avenue, and in 2017 took temporary residence in the former Agricultural Museum at Rutgers University during construction of its new home.
The Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway. In 2018, George Street Playhouse was represented on Broadway with Gettin' the Band Back Together which premiered on the Playhouse mainstage in 2013. American Son, produced by George Street Playhouse in 2017, opened on Broadway in 2018 starring Kerry Washington and Stephen Pasquale, and was seen on Netflix. Other productions include the Outer Critics' Circle Best Musical Award-winner The Toxic Avenger. In 2015, It Shoulda Been You opened on Broadway and Joe DiPietro's Clever Little Lies opened off-Broadway. Both shows received their premieres at the Playhouse. Other productions include the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League Award-nominated production of The Spitfire Grill; and the Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof by David Auburn, which was developed at the Playhouse during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays.
George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.
