originally published: 01/09/2025
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) welcomes two luminaries of stage and song for this season's Cabaret in the Loft series: Donna Vivino on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:00pm and Dominic Scaglione, Jr. on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Both artists’ careers reflect a range of work on and off Broadway, throughout New Jersey and the NYC metropolitan area, and across the country. Recently concluding an acclaimed run as Jersey in Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical musical Hell’s Kitchen, Vivino has portrayed Cosette in Les Misérables, Elphaba in Wicked, and Grizabella in CATS. Recently, she earned a 2024 Grammy nomination for her role as lead vocalist for Sondheim Unplugged. Born to sing and croon, Scaglione, Jr. has portrayed Frankie Valli in the Chicago and Las Vegas companies of Jersey Boys as well as serving in the role on Broadway for a six-year run.
“I am so excited to welcome Donna and Dominic to our celebrated Cabaret in the Loft talent roster,” says series curator Matthew Luminello. “I have no doubt both artists, with deep New Jersey roots, will dazzle our audiences with their talent, charm, and storytelling.”
Entering its third year, Cabaret in the Loft is quickly becoming a SOPAC audience favorite! Drawing on the wealth of talent from the greater SOMA area, “where Broadway comes home to sleep” (The New York Times), curator Matthew Luminello assembles a series of intimate storytelling and unforgettable performances perfect for any Broadway lover. Grab your friends and family for this 54-Below experience west of the Hudson, right here in South Orange!
SOPAC Loft Multibuy Package - Patrons may choose three or more events across four series: Laughs in the Loft, Cabaret in the Loft, Jazz in the Loft, and Healing Sounds in the Loft to unlock exclusive savings tailored to their tastes. Discounts include two levels: Three events for 15% savings, or five events for 20% savings.
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Donna Vivino - A new Jersey native, Donna Vivino recently portrayed Jersey in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. She made her Broadway debut at just 8 years old, originating the role of Young Cosette in Les Misérables. Since then, she has built her career playing iconic leading ladies, including Elphaba in Wicked, Grizabella in CATS, Diana in Next to Normal, and Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.
Her veteran stage career features voluminous Broadway and National Tour credits, including Hairspray, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame Becomes Me opposite Martin Short. She received a 2024 Grammy nomination as a lead vocalist for Sondheim Unplugged. On film and television, Vivino appears on The Sopranos, Law & Order, and most recently the feature film Ezra with Robert Deniro and Bobby Canavale, and guest stars on FBI: Most Wanted on CBS.
Dominic Scaglione, Jr. - Renowned for headlining the Broadway production of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, Dominic Scaglione was born more than 40 years after Frankie Valli, but feels a deep connection to the legendary Four Seasons frontman. Both artists were raised in Essex County in Italian-American families, and both became singers with heart-stopping falsettos. Scaglione Jr. has portrayed Valli in the Chicago and Las Vegas companies of Jersey Boys as well as serving in the role on Broadway for a six-year run. His SOPAC set features classics from The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, and more!
Featured Programming
Cabaret in the Loft: Donna Vivino - Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. This Cabaret in the Loft performance features Donna Vivino, recently on Broadway in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen and appearing in the feature film Ezra, starring Robert De Niro.
Cabaret in the Loft: Dominic Scaglione, Jr. - Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 7:30pm. This Cabaret in the Loft performance features Belleville native Dominic Scaglione, Jr., renowned for headlining the Broadway production of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. His SOPAC set features classics from The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, and more!
The South Orange Performing Arts Center offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community.
SOPAC is an accessible cultural destination that presents world-class artists in an intimate and welcoming environment. The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall is a 439-seat mainstage theatre with superb acoustics, sight lines and seating. Audiences remark that performances in this space are like having their favorite artists right in their own living room. Artists acknowledge that the atmosphere encourages conversations with audiences. The Loft at SOPAC is a 2,185 square-foot multi-purpose space used for performances, rehearsals, classes, and special events.
The unique architecture of SOPAC’s building, which includes a stunning 3-story glass-enclosed atrium, is also home to the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. Beyond the building, SOPAC co-produces local events such as South Orange Summer Nights and serves students and schools through its arts education residencies.
SOPAC is invested in arts education. SOPAC serves students and schools in our region through a School Performance Series, performing Arts Residencies and annual juried art exhibits entitled INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition and INSPIRING MINDS. SOPAC also collaborates with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts each year to host the Region 5 Poetry Out Loud competitions. The Seton Hall University Arts Council presents a diverse range of events at SOPAC with seasoned professionals, students, and faculty.
Nearly ten years in the making, SOPAC first opened its doors in 2006. South Orange Village Trustees, in partnership with Seton Hall University, envisioned SOPAC as the center of an ambitious redevelopment plan. Through visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment, SOPAC has become a cultural centerpiece for the region, an economic driver for the community, and a catalyst for artistic opportunity.
COLUMNS
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 21-27, 2025
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 21-27, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
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