Came to see Spyro Gyra, celebrating 50 yrs tonight with some friends. And this place is new to the area 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. read more

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

great shows! check it out! we love it! music, theater, fun! try them out and you'll be happy.

I took my dad to see a show here, and the experience was great. We saw Purlie inside the Hamilton Theater, which is a smaller & more intimate part of UCPAC. When we checked in, the hostess noticed that my dad had mobility issues and kindly upgraded him to a better seat in a more accessible location. That thoughtful gesture really stood out. The theater itself is very nice. It is small, cozy, and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. They also have snacks for sale, which is a plus. Handicap parking is conveniently located right by the front door, making access easy for those who need it. If you're a veteran, I highly recommend checking out VetTix, where you can often find discounted ticket prices for shows here. If you're looking for a no-frills theater to enjoy concerts, musicals, and other performances, this is the place to go. Highly recommend! read more

This is a classic movie theater almost 100 years old that had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair but was restored to its former glory. This organization actually has another much smaller venue about a block away on Hamilton Street. You may want to park there, 360 Hamilton St. if attending a show on the main stage downtown. Or, if your show is starting around 8 pm, consider coming to Rahway a few hours earlier and dining downtown (for example, 8 of us last evening had great meals at Il Forno a Legna). The main theater has a capacity of around 1300, seats are comfortable, good views from all seats, very good sound system. We have attended several shows here during the past decade and always have been happy (we prefer rock or blues performances). Last night, we saw/heard the Robert Cray Band. Great show. Great sound system. Please, book more shows like this! Obviously people love them, the place was packed. read more

Union County Performing Arts Center - Cray - Performing Arts Near Me - Rahway, New Jersey

I love this Michael Jackson tribute band!! This was an exciting night with one of my favorite bands. The seating is auditorium style. They sold light refreshments and alcohol and non alcohol beverages. We had pretty good seating. You can choose your seating online. Parking was a bit of a challenge unless you arrived really early. We eventually found residential street parking not too far. I follow this band frequently. Will be seeing them again in January, where they will be performing in Virginia. This band and the saxophonist will have you moving & grooving rather in your seat or on a dance floor. Can't wait to see them again!! Check them out and see for yourself. read more

Union County Performing Arts Center - Who's Bad Tribute Band. - Performing Arts Near Me - Rahway, New Jersey

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This old school theater has curb appeal! Located in the downtown area where it looks nice, but venture a block or two down and you might wanna run back. Came here for a comedy show and the amphitheater style seating is set up to see and hear the act. It's an older style theater on the inside. Would be nice if they updated the carpets. FYI: Parking is tough. You may have to park wayyy down into the neighborhood so plan accordingly, because it's not the safest. read more

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This theater was built in 1928 so it has a long history. We know the present director so it's always nice to get comped to see Cedric the Entertainer. Seats are comfortable and the view was obviously good in the orchestra. Snack bar seemed to be well run, prices are indicative of an all star event. Restrooms were clean. The place was packed. There are over 1200 seats in this theater. read more

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Went to the Black & White A Silent Film Extravaganza the other night at the UCPAC'S and it was a Fabulous evening and really enjoy watching the shorts and listening to the organist. It was Magnificent. read more

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Very old classic style theater from the 1920s. We sat in the mezzanine and had a great view of the stage. Staff is friendly and there was minimal hassle getting in and out. Parking is scarce and the shady neighborhood makes you nervous parking on the street. Concessions take forever because it's two people in a tiny area trying to crank out goods to the masses, I would have loved a drink but missed the first 15 minutes of the show waiting in line. read more

Beautiful historic theater in Rahway NJ. Went to see Tony Danza and he was fabulous. Told us some history of the place. Original name was the Rahway, opened in 1928 for vaudeville and motion pictures. So walk in the lobby and just let yourself imagine the opening night with all its grandeur. Everyone was dressed up as opening night was reserved for Elites. Don't rush to your seat, really take in the magnificent theater. When I walk in a place like this I always try to visual what it was like the year it opened. Just beautiful. All the seating is well planned and not an obstructed view in the whole place. The acoustics were great. The staff was very helpful. Hope to attend another event soon. read more

We went to the Union County Preforming Art Center to see Antony Rodia and the show was absolutely fantastic there was not a bad seat in the theater it was a great night out would highly recommend this venue read more

NOTE: This review is for The Hamilton Stage, on Hamilton St., not the main UCPAC theatre on Irving St. I saw a blues/rock duo here on New Years Eve, Peter Karp & Sue Foley, with their band. The theater is similar to the South Orange Performing Arts Center. It seats about 200 people, which provides an intimate artist/audience atmosphere. The sightlines to the stage and the acoustics are excellent. The padded seats are a little cheezy, however, I sat for over four hours (with a couple of intermission breaks), and it was OK. The lobby is spacious, and the concession sells beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, candy, and chips. You are allowed to take your beverages into the theater during the performance. Half-liter bottles of water are $2, a 6 oz. pour of wine was $6. They served complimentary champagne on New Years Eve, as much as you wanted, which was cool. It has its own free parking lot in the back which accomidates about 100 vehicles. The venue is actually on a residential side street, a few blocks from the commercial district (Irving St.), so there is limited street parking, as well. Ticket prices for this event were $25, with no extra handling charge. BTW, the band was great. A entertaining live act, with lots of energy and spontaneity. Their two CD's, one of which I bought after the show and got autographed, are not as memorable. read more

I paid $20,000 dollars deposit for 2 shows which were taking place in March and May 2020. The theatre obviously became closed due to COVID. Now the director Brian himself is not willing to refund the money!! When asked for a credit... he said he will only give $3000 toward a future show!!! That means the theatre is keeping my $17,000 even when they were closed!!! Union County Arts is taking advantage of this pandemic and stealing my hard earned money! We are dancers and have not been working for 4 months!! Beware!! Never book this theatre!! They will find ways to keep your money!! @attorneygeneral @The New York Times read more

This theater is old but is kept up nicely. Hopefully renovation is in the near future. Prepare to utilize street parking at least a few blocks away which usually doesn't have meters. I feel safe when I'm walking to and from my parking spot. Seating is tight and uncomfortable. Sound system is good. There are restaurants nearby. read more

This place is in dire need of a renovation. Seats are small, old, and uncomfortable. I could feel the springs in my seat poking me as I sat. read more

Just saw the "Midtown Men" at UCPAC. It was fantastic. This was a fundraiser for Catholic Charities and 100% of the ticket sales went to the charity. Bravo! read more

Went to see Dennis DeYoung perform there on 7/18/14.. Its a good place to see a show... The only downpart was the ticketaker being a little pushy since there was a ticket snafu which was on their part... read more

One of the best "little known" venues for the performing arts in New Jersey. They have two facilities namely the Main Stage which is a completely renovated old vaudeville Theater and the smaller and more modern Hamilton Stage which is frequently used for plays. They have a good variety of performances including some big names. We have been to both venues and saw many very good acts. read more

golden gloves 2017 event orchestra seats were comfy and had plenty of leg room the stage was right at eye level so I saw the front to the back of the stage parking was a breeze because they have a prive lot security was tight crowd was obnoxiously loud. security should have put them in check. only 1 small dirty bathroom for almost 1500 patrons would return read more

It's a nice theatre - seems the majority of the acts they've been booking lately are people who were big in the 90's - but that makes sense since the prudential center and NJPAC is 10 min north, and the state theatre in New Brunswick is 10 min south - the 'mezzanine' seats are just higher up stadium seating (front row mezzanine is NOT closer then rear orchestra) - wish I would've known that before I went to the show I prob wouldve spent a few dollars more for closer seats. They didn't let us go to our seats until about 15 min before show time which I thought was odd but wasn't a huge deal. As for parking, if you get there earlyish you can find close by street parking but keep in mind the meters are enforced till 7pm - there's a parking deck a few blocks away (by the train station) very well lit streets and safe feeling walking to and from even late at night. read more

I caught a Boyz II Men concert here, and couldn't have had a better time. The theatre is small, so any seat in the house will give you a great view of the performers. Sound was amazing, but Boyz II Men always sound great, even after 20 years! All seats are clothed and comfy, and they allowed fans to run up to the front to sing along with the band during a few songs. It is clean and has some ornate features and gold structures so it felt classy. You can purchase strong drinks and some snacks here as well. read more

Went to see The Doors. The band was awesome but I will never go to this theater again. The staff is entirely comprised of senior citizens who are cranky and up way past their bedtimes. The group in front of me stood up to dance and cheer and were immediately told that there was no standing up... Really? Since when? When they stood again later during Light My Fire the usher got the Rahway Police to tell them to sit down. This, of course, made the 8 of us get on our feet. Eventually the "powers that be" just moved on to harass another section. read more

i came here to see ferris buellers day off and it was so much fun! huge theater with that old school feel. they showed the three stooges first which was interesting. you get a ticket for free popcorn which tastes better than amc lol. great theater! read more

Hamilton Stage is a non profit extension of UCPAC (Union County Performing Arts Center). It's a fairly new building, and quite cute. The seating area is quite intimate, it seats 199 people. The sound travels very well, and the stage is quite cozy. The seats could be comfier, but no big deal. Random thought, but I would have liked the doorway to exit t be a bit bigger, but considering the space they're working with and control rooms that need to be attached, it's fine. I didn't really dig the selection of concessions, and not the price either. I believe I paid 2 dollars for a bottled water, which is silly to me, because the bottle was so small. Cans of soda were 3 bucks. I understand the whole non profit thing, and needing to make money to run the place, but I would have appreciated a little more bang for my buck. At least make the water a regular size. *shrug* There's also another stage for rehearsals, which is even smaller, but I didn't take a look at it during my visit. Bathrooms were spacious and very clean, no complaints there. Staff was eclectic, mostly older people sprinkled with some younger theatre aficionados. Quite pleased with the new addiction to the thriving Rahway arts scene. read more

Classic interior dating back to 1928. They host a wide variety of high quality performances at very reasonable prices--and ticketholders get 20% off at many Rahway restaurants! read more

Sticky floors, old dirty seats and too many rude security personnel. The shows deserve a better venue.

Had tickets to a free DL Hugley comedy show over the weekend. Due to the websites horrible directions, which were completely backwards and indicated no street signs only landmarks which had since expired, we missed the show. I am really disappointed int he fact they couldn't provide clear directions. Moreover, they don't even show up on google or any navigation. Im not sure if this is their fault or these application, regardless it was a let down. read more

I'm a big fan of community theatre and this is no exception. I went to see "RENT" this weekend and was extremely satisfied. Price: $15 general admission, gave me middle seat in third row. It was opening night so several local elected officials were present about their sponsorship of performances at this location. PLUS, according to the UCPAC calendar, there will be a new theatre performance every 1-2 weeks for the duration of the season! HOORAY! read more

This is a comfortable theater with affordable ticket prices that is bringing some really interesting programming to the area.

We saw David Johansen there last night. What a great intimate little theatre to see a show at. Great acoustics too. Can't wait to see more shows there in the future. read more

As I'm consumed with melancholy, I'm taken back to my very first concert. It was here at the Union County Performing Arts Center. My boyfriend and I had acquired tickets to see Pat Benatar perform. Unfortunately Hurricane Sandy hit and the show was rescheduled for two plus months later in late January. I was impressed by how great our seats were (they upgraded us due to the unfortunate series of events that led to the extensive postponement). Not only were we really close to the stage, but given the size of the venue I was appreciative at how comfy the chairs were. As we listened and I tried to sing along to the tunes, wonderful memories were created. Unfortubarwly none of the other performances have caught my eye since then I haven't visited a second time. However I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone interested in catching a show here. read more

This place is great. I went to help my nephew's friend sell her CD"s and saw a great performance as well .

Arya Dance recital was held here. Arya saving money to hold performance in a dingy venue with rude staff.

they have a new artistic director* here who is bringing in some really intriguing stuff. having seen the draw on these events in other venues, i know dawson could easily fill this venue on a regular basis. if the arts council allows him some latitude, this venue could definitely be a focal point of rahway's rumored "emerging arts scene." here are some disappointments i found after following dawson to his new venue: - ticket pricing. $20 isn't appropriate for every event. it's better to charge less and sell out than overprice and have no one turn out. - promotion. the only way i ever hear of any of these events is through dawson's own mailing list. they have to get creative and let the arty farty types know they're here. i'm on UCPAC's mailing list and i never seem to get anything about these fun events. - alcohol. some of these events just gotta have drinks. that could be a licensing issue, but still. - decor. this place looks and feels like every other publicly-funded arts council venue, and that's not a good thing. for events involving horror flicks and/or fire eating, there really should be some ambiance. having attended his events elsewhere, alex is really good at creating a whole experience for patrons. he uses decor, lighting, sound, etc, and the difference in this theater was stark. these shows can't just be plunked down into a new generic theater. still, i'm excited to see if the bugs can be worked out for the 2013-2014 season. *not sure i'm factually accurate about dawson's job title here. i had assumed it was artistic director, but i might be wrong. read more