First time visit…read more Limited street parking Clean and quiet Bar is available Seeing a theater Murder Mystery

It is a very nice and modern theater inside the art center. No bad seats in this small space. The…read morestage and sound is excellent. Lobby has a bar and the play I went to see was very well done.

Theater was clean and well kept. The theater space itself isn't huge but sound for our kids' show…read morewas just fine, and seats didn't feel crowded nor did the kids seem to have visibility issues in adult chairs even when adults were seated in front of them. Staff were organized and friendly. I had my purse searched upon entry; all bags were looked at. My ticket was purchased through Vivid Seats, and apparently they didn't provide me a legit theater-issued QR so I had to visit the box office. They were friendly and promptly issued me printed tickets. Lobby was a con because it's just small and cramped. This old building probably didn't have to house as much food and merch purchasing back in its day but the multiple concession lines were blocking people from just getting to the theater and accessing their seats. They have tons of low quality junk food for sale. The huge group sitting next to us had chicken fingers, fries, a ketchup smell that wouldn't go away... it was honestly ridiculous the food they allow in people's laps just to turn profits. I was surprised these people were buying full huge meals (that had to cost $40+ each for junk) at 3:30pm to hold it in their laps for a 1.75h kids' show. Whatever. Point is, if you haven't eaten and want to pay $40 for crap that will linger in your body, you will not go hungry here. Clean bathrooms were the right size to allow a packed house to process themselves in the 20min intermission timeframe. This includes the ladies room, which always takes longer, and it was for a kids' show, which adds even more time. I recommend pairing your visit with the Rutgers Zimmerli Art Museum if you have time. They are open until 6pm most nights.

Great night at THE State Theatre! I won tickets for a Ladies Night concert with Raheem DeVaughn and…read moreEric Benét, orchestra level, row P, seats 109/110. Perfect view of the stage, but I don't think it really matters much where you are seated due to the design of the auditorium. The opener was a rising singer/songwriter named Aniyyah, born and raised in New Jersey. Aniyyah's DJ had some technical issues loading her music at the start of her set, but wow, she has a voice on her. She, along with Raheem DeVaughn and Eric made for a fantastic show. They are all extremely talented vocalists, but Raheem DeVaughn without a doubt stole the show with his stage presence. Eric Benét however truly surprised me. His voice is absolutely incredible live. The State Theatre did a major renovation back in 2020 and the interior was previously renovated in 2004. It's as if we have a piece of Broadway right in the middle of New Brunswick, New Jersey. I felt like I stepped right into the 1920s with their vintage design and architecture. The acoustics inside the theatre are phenomenal. I'm not sure if it was my seating, but the sound was so crisp and well balanced. I can understand why any artist would choose this theatre as their preferred venue to perform in. One important note is their designated passageway to the closest parking deck which would otherwise be a long walk in the freezing cold. We were able to use the enclosed heated hallway as a shortcut which leads directly from the garage to the State Theatre located on Livingston Ave. We almost walked right past the entrance to the passageway, so I wanted to make sure I shared it with anyone who has read this far into my review : ) It's been many years since I've come to see a show here, and I had an enjoyable experience. I look forward to checking out any of their other events in the near future.

Did the Centerstage musical and LOVED it! He worked hard and made friends. He learned a lot.read more

September 2024 update. We still love Center Stage and spend most of our week there these days…read more My daughter who I mentioned in an earlier review loved dancing there so much she is now one of their company dancer. My son who had just started tried a few classes on and off and he found his thing as a hip hop dancer. Both kids love center stage and their teachers too! We will probably be part of the center stage family for years to come. I still also highly recommend center stage for all dancers!

I went back in Feb to see Smokey Joe's Café. Great show and great theater. It's a nice intimate…read moresize.

From the owner: East Brunswick's Community Theaterread more

Had the incredible privilege of seeing Sweeny Todd here today and can't come up with enough…read moreaccolades. Villagers Theater is a small venue, seating at the most 250 people. If today's performance was any indication of the quality of what goes on there, I am going back a lot. Community theater is alive and well in Somerset. The acting, vocals, music, sets and costuming was beyond. I have seen many, many Broadway performances and, quite honestly at $20 per ticket and avoiding the schlep into Manhattan, this offers as much if not more entertainment value. It certainly equalled or exceeded anything I have seen at Bergen PAC or Papermill. If anyone reading this review is even remotely considering attending a performance at this gem, I recommend purchasing tickets now. What a terrific way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 5 enthusiastic stars. Amazing. Really amazing.

The seats could definitely be more comfortable. There was nowhere near enough knee room, and we…read morehad an aisle seat. However, there isn't a bad seat in the house for a good view. And the quality of the Avenue Q production was well over the top!!!!! The concession stand is inexpensive, but they were out of many things on the menu. The lobby was very small, so people had to wait outdoors to get in. The weather wasn't too bad when we were there, but if it were cold, hot or inclement, it would have been a problem.

Yes! I took a trial lesson here. The instructor was helpful and knowledgeable as well as kind and…read morepatient. I felt very comfortable. It's very, very $$$$$$ or I'd sign up in a heartbeat

My daughter has been a student at SOR for the past 2 years give or take. She has been able to try…read moreout different instruments, finally finding the keyboards. The instructors are so good with kids and can teach using their own interests. Once of the first things my daughter learned to play was the theme from the Super Mario Brothers game. She's now learning the Blues. Teddy is awesome - and patient; and my daughter is very comfortable with him. I recommend SOR to anyone who asks. On another note, the house band came to play at a fundraiser we are very involved in. The talent of these kids was a shock to so many who watched them walk in and didn't know what to expect. The band played for an hour and we must have had 15 people comment to us on how much they sounded like Jimmy Page, Nancy Wilson and so many of the others they covered. They were amazing. 2 of them are national SOR all stars too, so we actually had celebrities on stage! The drummer did a solo that was reminiscent of Mickey Hart or Bill Kreutzmann, only not 45 minutes long and the bass and electric guitars were just as amazing. These kids can rock.

I was there for an industry event for the food industry. It's located just outside the Dayton…read moreindustrial area inside a business strip mall area close to the Wawa. Not the easiest to find or to park. The team at Grape Escape prepared some very nice appetizers and buffet dinner complimented by their various wines. I enjoyed their Cabernet Savnignon which took a bit to get used to. Ed Ventura is the owner and wine master. He knows what he's doing and was able to answer questions from a very inquisitive group. Basically they don't sell bottles of wine. What they do is provide training and classes for wine making as well as the opportunity to make your OWN wine using their facility and grapes. The grapes are mostly imported from different regions including South America. The grapes are crushed there and fermented into different types of barrels including American Oak. You can purchase an entire barrel or as little as an 1/8 of a barrel. I don't know the cost, but apparently they have a loyal repeat customer base. You can then bottle off your own brand of wine for social events or private use. I found the entire event to be educational and inspiring.

Highly recommended! Want a fabulous fun hands on winemaking experience where the end result is…read moregreat wine. Come by the Grape Escape. As Ed, the owner, shares his passion and knowledge you enjoy the winemaking experience. I've been making wine for the past 10 years. I've made over 10 varieties and enjoy every single one. Come join the fun, buy a gift certificate, bring friends or come on your own. If you choose the Grape Escape, I assure you you will not be disappointed.

Came to see Spyro Gyra, celebrating 50 yrs tonight with some friends. And this place is new to the…read morearea and a very intimate venue holding shy of 200 people. The seating is perfect for even me. Good room for my knees not too feel cramped. The sound system is excellent and clear. It made perfect to hear each instrument. Excellent parking lot. Can come in the back and front to get in the venue. They sell snacks and beverages prior to the show in the lobby. Great date night, girls night, if looking for a comedy show, music concert, or play type event. Check the calendar and buy tickets on line or at the box office prior to the event. Definition I'll be back here.

Beautiful theater with parking not far. You smell the nostalgia lol. They do have a cafe offers…read moresnacks and drinks. Came to see Swan Lake. Can't wait to go bac

First time visiting the Avenel Performing Arts Center and found it easy to locate off Rt.1 with…read moreplenty of free parking. The building itself is on the site of the old General Dynatics factory and pays tribute to it's history with a very industrial appearance and feel. Seating approximately 200 patrons, the acoustics were fine for Sunday's John Jorgenson/ Herb Pederson bluegrass event. Comfortable seats and a friendly staff of volunteers made for a pleasant afternoon. Start time at 3pm was nice. Highly recommended and hope to return. 1

QR Code for playbill…read more https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVnMAuS6Y/zMHt-7Uy0hyHPUgajP1QAQ/view?utm_content=DAGVnMAuS6Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor#4 Support local theatre! The show was wildly interactive and funny! Cast stayed in character throughout the intermission. I felt like I was part of the show.

Bobby has been spinning turntables since dinos roamed the earth! Aside from being a great DJ, he's…read morea funny MC! I was asked last minute to host a party and I wasn't prepared. Bobby must've sensed how stressed I was and immediately (and willingly!) took over. He saved my butt and reassured me that things will be fine - thank U! Lol. He excels at an impromptu party and his speech/performance make it seem like he was rehearsing for days lol I would recommend him to anyone who wants a triple threat - someone who can rotate the current eargasms, host, and keep the party alive! He's your man!

We attended a sweet 18 party he had done last year. My brothers threw me a baby shower two weeks…read morebefore my due date earlier this month. During crunch time; I had to go to the hospital almost everyday two weeks before the shower for check up cause my OB thought he had to deliver the baby early. Everyone in my family was anxious and baby shower planning including discussing what kind of atmosphere I wanted to create, the guest lists, games, and music took a back seat. We got good news a day before the shower and went ahead with the shower! The day of the party was hectic and stressful for everyone! While setting up the place he had asked me what I wanted to do. I confessed I didn't have time to plan out the day completely.I told him we were expecting 150 people, the music I played for the baby, and the games my family wanted to play. He suggested different ways of executing each plan and we discussed each step. Once the party started I kept losing track of time And couldn't keep up. He'd find me and remind me of what was coming up from the mock planning we did and asked for a go ahead and gave me a time frame so everything would be set up by the time he'd announce the next thing on the agenda. Everyone had such a great time and everything went so smoothly they thought we had all the time in the world to plan! My stress level was next to nothing and even I had time to dance with the guest and actually ENJOY it. By the next day, the hospital where I worked heard about the party and the guests wouldn't stop talking about it. He went above and beyond his professional responsibility and I'm completely grateful!