Union County Performing Arts Center facts for kids
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Rahway Theatre
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Facade of the Rahway Theatre
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1601 Irving St., Rahway, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | David M Oltarsh |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001509 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 13, 1986 |
The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a cool place in Rahway, New Jersey. It used to be a fancy old movie theater called the Rahway Theatre. UCPAC is a non-profit center, which means it's run to help the community, not to make money.
Rahway is a small city west of Staten Island. It's known for its arts scene. In fact, USA Today once called Rahway's downtown one of the best small town arts scenes in the country! UCPAC was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it's an important historical building.
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History of UCPAC
The building first opened in 1928 as the Rahway Theater. It was a place for both live shows, called vaudeville, and silent movies. Vaudeville shows had many different acts, like singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians.
The theater was designed in a style called Classical Revival by an architect named David M. Oltarsh. It was built to be a grand "movie palace." These were huge, fancy theaters that made going to the movies a special event.
Inside, UCPAC still has its original Wurlitzer pipe organ. This is a huge musical instrument that used to play music for silent films. It's so special that it's on the American Theatre Organ Society's National Registry of Significant Instruments.
In the 1970s, the building started to get old and run down. But in 1984, a local group worked hard to save it and bring it back to life. Then, in 2006, Union County invested money to make the Mainstage even better.
Performance Spaces at UCPAC
The UCPAC has four different places where shows and events happen.
Mainstage Theater
This is the biggest space at UCPAC. It can hold 1,334 people. It's where many large concerts and performances take place.
Hamilton Stage
The Hamilton Stage was built in 2012. It's located near the Rahway River, a short walk from the Mainstage. This theater has a modern proscenium stage. A proscenium stage is like a picture frame around the performance area.
This stage can seat up to 199 people. It's perfect for smaller plays and concerts.
The Loft at Mainstage
The Loft is a smaller, more intimate space. It's located on the second floor of the Mainstage building. It was built in 2008 and can hold about 65 people.
The Fazioli Room
This room is at the Hamilton Stage. It's a large space, about 40 by 60 feet. It has big windows and mirrors along one wall. It's often used for rehearsals.
The Fazioli Room has a special Fazioli piano. There are only two of these high-quality pianos in all of New Jersey! This room can hold between 55 and 75 people.
The Café at UCPAC
The Café is a cozy spot at UCPAC. It often hosts the Jazz Club, where you can hear live jazz music.
Shows and Events
UCPAC hosts many different kinds of shows. Famous musicians and comedians have performed here. Some of the well-known names include:
- Johnny Cash
- Martina McBride
- Willie Nelson
- B.B. King
- Joan Jett
- Pat Benatar
- Kenny Rogers
- Vanessa Williams
- Joan Rivers
- Louie Anderson
- Sinbad
- Cedric the Entertainer
Classic Films
The Main Stage at UCPAC is special because it used to be a classic "movie palace." It's the only theater in New Jersey that still shows classic 35mm movies. These are the traditional film reels that were used before digital movies. Before the film starts, you can often hear a live performance on the theater's original Wurlitzer organ!
Rahway Arts District
The area around UCPAC is known as the Rahway Arts District. This means there are many art galleries, studios, and rehearsal spaces nearby. Old industrial buildings have been turned into cool places for artists.
In 2020, the American Planning Association praised downtown Rahway. They said it's a great place that focuses on being easy to live in and walk around. It has lots of shops, food, art, and different cultures.
The Willows Residence for the Arts
The city of Rahway and UCPAC have worked together to create special housing for artists. It's called The Willows Residence for the Arts. This housing is safe and affordable. Artists who want to live there need to show their work to prove they are artists.
Getting There
UCPAC is easy to get to by train. It's a short walk from the Rahway Station. From there, you can take a direct train to New York Penn Station. The train ride takes about 38 minutes.
