Union County Performing Arts Center other

Description

nion County Performing Arts Center is housed in the restored Rahway Theater, conveniently located in downtown Rahway, in close proximity to a NJ Transit train station. This historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. Union County Performing Arts Center has played a vital role in the revitalization and cultural renaissance of the community.

A Classic Vaudeville House: Part of the magic of the Union County Performing Arts Center is experiencing live performances in a vintage 1928 vaudeville and silent movie palace of just over 1300 seats. Lovingly restored to its golden age grandeur, the Performing Arts Center is a monument to an age gone by. The original building is the Rahway Theater, and with its 1,300 seats, it is one of the largest functioning centers for the performing arts in Union County.

One of the special features of the Union County Performing Arts Center is its original Wurlitzer organ. The UCPAC’s organ, a modest Wurlitzer of seven ranks (500 pipes, plus percussives), was the catalyst for the preservation effort from which the Performing Arts Center emerged. Since the 1960s, when it was first restored, the organ has been played regularly, and frequently recorded by celebrity organists and Arts Center volunteers. Because of its enormous sound, though small size, it has become known as the “Biggest Little Wurlitzer.” You can learn more about the history and restoration of our theater organ from the Garden State Theater Organ Society.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a living landmark. The theater is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is now operating as a multi-purpose venue for the performing arts. Union County PAC is also listed on PreservationDirectory.com, an online directory and resource center for historic preservation, building restoration and cultural resource management.