Date Night At New Jersey Performing Arts Center

As baby makers let’s face facts: life can get a little mundane and routine, no matter how few dull moments our kids allow. Many times spouses or partners simply become the other parent you live with — your business partner around the house, not the love of your life. So how do you shake this off to light some sparks and relearn the fun of being an adult? Try going out on the town in New York City, one of the greatest cultural epicenters of the world. Single people do it all the time. They call it, “dating.”

NJPAC, otherwise known as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center just happens to be one of my favorite places to go when I need to remind myself I’m an adult and am able to enjoy myself and my wife’s company in ways that don’t involve Dora the Explorer, an xBox, or high school athletics. Since it’s opening in 1997, NJPAC has been the home of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and hosts all genres of arts and entertainment, from classical and dance to jazz, cabaret and pop.

The Center is comprised of three spaces: the breathtakingly opulent Prudential Hall, which seats 2,750, the urban chic Victoria Theater which seats 514 and The Chase Room which provides an intimate setting, spectacular views and is host to NJPAC’s cabaret series.

Parking is ample and affordable by New York standards and even more affordable if you purchase it in advance online with your tickets (available only though the NJPAC website). By far, Prudential Hall is my favorite of the three venues. With a modern lobby that is a marriage of wood and metal as soon as you cross into the space you know you’re somewhere special. Having sat in nearly every section, from the nosebleed balcony seating to center stage in the eighth row of the Orchestra, there truly are no obstructed views. Nothing beats being in the first-tier box seats which in this writer’s opinion, provides an enhance level of intimacy with the performer on stage and the one you love beside you. But beware, tickets sell out quickly thanks to the lower price point that comes with being across the river from the Big Apple.

Although this isn’t about the kiddies, it’s worth mentioning that NJPAC has a reputable Arts In Education Program that includes and Teen Jazz Program and a summer Youth Performance Workshop. Newark is a literal stone’s throw from New York City, easily accessible via the New Jersey Transit leaving from Penn Station and PATH trains leaving from Midtown and Lower Manhattan if you do public transportation or any of the bridges and tunnels that connect to New Jersey, if you prefer to drive. If you manage to leave work on time you may even have time to snag a great pre-show dinner at a local Soul Food favorite Je’s or prix fixe dining at  Theater Square Grill, Theater Square Bistro and outdoor patio fare (during summer months only) at Calcada, all located on the NJPAC campus.

Even if you’re married with children you don’t have to be an outsider looking in when it comes to much that New York City and its surroundings have to offer. NJPAC is a wonderful, affordable performing arts center. A great place to take the one you love to remind them that you love them. It’s a modern day majestic theater in similar grandeur to the Publix theatres of yesteryear.

Check out the current October 2009 lineup that includes talents such as R. Kelly, Pink Floyd: The Wall, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Smokey Robinson by visiting www.njpac.org.

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