By Mabel Pais

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey, will hold its annual gala, a special evening with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons on Sunday, October 15 starting at 5:00 p.m. Honoring Lloyd Rosenberg AIA (American Institute of Architects), President & CEO of DMR Architects and Liz Corsini MPH (Master of Public Health), Nonprofit Executive Leader; Hosted By Emmy Award Broadcast Journalist Lori Stokes. bergenPAC is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey 07631.

The original Jersey boys – Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – synonymous with New Jersey, a group that is an American treasure, will perform many of their unforgettable, timeless hits “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ’63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and more.

bergenPAC will honor Lloyd Rosenberg, AIA President & CEO of DMR Architects, set to receive The Standing Ovation Award. He is the driving force behind the firm whose vision executed the recent renovations at bergenPAC, transforming the performing arts center into a modern state of the art cultural center while preserving its historical brilliance. Liz Corsini, MPH, Nonprofit Executive Leader, will receive The Legends Award. Liz Corsini’s partnership with bergenPAC and Bergen Family Center during the pandemic brought a wide range of essential programs to the community, benefiting individuals of all ages. Corsini worked with bergenPAC’s Performing Arts School, assisting in executing bergenPAC’s mission of bringing arts education to underserved communities during the pandemic.

bergenPAC’s Board Chair Valerie V. Huttle shares, “bergenPAC’s gala is our major celebration of and for empowering the arts in our communities, achieving our mission that the arts should be accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. Through our fundraising efforts, we strive to create and sustain life-changing arts education programs and world class entertainment that are inclusive and available to everyone.”

bergenPAC’s fundraising gala is an experience designed to celebrate the majesty of bergenPAC’s arts education programs, achievements, and the joys of coming together. Be part of an evening that encapsulates elegance, allure, and a touch of magic. Get ready to be swept away into a world of culture and enchantment, where the memories made will linger long after the night has drawn to a close.

TICKETS

For more information or to purchase tickets for the GALA, visit bergenPAC.org.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

On March 15, 2022 bergenPAC had the groundbreaking to renovate and restore one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States – the 30,000-square-foot performance venue.  bergenPAC’s renovation included new and upgraded theater seats, an expanded lobby/bar, an upgraded premier state of the art lighting system, an upgraded mezzanine-level with new bathrooms, as well as a full restoration of the historic music hall. Improvements were also planned for the Performing Arts School’s programs recording studios.

Construction was set to begin in March and extend until Fall 2022. The renovation happened while continuing to present approximately 200 annual live performances for 2022-23. During the renovation, bergenPAC’s Performing Arts School continued to be open.

Special guests like Darlene Love (America’s great vocalist) and more notable performers were present at the groundbreaking ceremony with a performance by student Vince Ermita (who plays young Simba in Disney’s Broadway production of ‘The Lion King.’

RENOVATION

On December 21, 2022 Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Chair of The Board of Trustees, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, announced the naming of the renovated bergenPAC lobby with a dedication ceremony held on Saturday, December 17, honoring Eileen K. Murray, to dedicate its newly renovated lobby in honor of her parents with the unveiling of the Bridget H. and James P. Murray Lobby.

The $15 million Capital Campaign includes the complete restoration of the Main Hall, preserving one of America’s beloved historic theaters to its 1926 architecture and design. Significant upgrades and enhancements include the repair of the proscenium, which was hand-painted, columns restored to their brilliance from the 1900s, new comfortable seating, and a state-of-the-art sound system.

The Capital Campaign is ongoing. bergenPAC’s nonprofit mission is to make live entertainment and arts education accessible to the community. bergenPAC is expanding its education program “Voices in Harmony,” a performance opportunity for adults and children with special needs.

HISTORIC RE-OPENING

On April 8, 2023 JAY LENO celebrated the reopening at bergenPAC with a historic drive through the town and ribbon cutting. Leno attended a private reception at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz Automotive Dealership in Englewood, NJ and drove the AMG EQS Sedan from the dealership to bergenPAC to cut the ribbon. He then gave his performance to a sold-out audience of over 1300 people.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)

Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the area’s cultural mecca.

The theater’s legacy started in 1926 when it opened as the Englewood Plaza movie theater. In 2003, a small group of dedicated individuals led by Frank Huttle III helped preserve this special theater and rechristened it the Bergen Performing Arts Center.

The historic Art Deco-style theater boasts one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, attracting a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in its crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reaches more than 30,000 students and community youth annually.

The Performing Arts School provides community youth, aged 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance, and theater by industry professionals. bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School can thrive and enrich the community through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons.

Follow bergenPAC online:

Website: bergenPAC.org

Facebook: facebook.com/#!/bergenpacfan

Instagram and Twitter: @bergenPAC

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)