South Jersey Theaters

Pick a night, any night. Then pick your favorite cultural or entertainment activity. Chances are you'll find it at one of South Jersey's performing arts venues.
 

If the elaborate restoration of the Renaissance Revival Trenton War Memorial doesn't have you on your feet cheering, the first-rate, theater and musical performances will. Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the Trenton War Memorial has been host to such diverse performers as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Boheme Opera, the American Repertory Ballet, as well as Itzhak Perlman, Second City, and the Bacon Brothers.

Not to be outdone, the equity-affiliated McCarter Theatre livens up Princeton's nightlife with a glittering array of theatrical and musical performances. McCarter's line-up of jazz, dance, international, classical, theater and cabaret series is a Who's Who from around the globe.

Tucked away in Marlton, the 1,500 seat Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center presents state-of-the-art sound and staging facilities, and offers professionally produced Broadway favorites featuring directors and casts straight from the Great White Way.

When the curtain goes up on the family matinee series at Appel Farm Arts & Music Center in Elmer, no matter where you sit, you'll get a great view of the action on stage, so you won't miss a second of the productions specially geared to young theater-goers.

Kids and their parents will be mesmerized when the curtain rises at the Ritz Theatre Company in Oaklyn. Set in a refurbished 1920's old-time historic theater that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, professional and emerging artists produce fun classics for children, as well as more grown-up fare for their parents.

Camden's native son Walt Whitman left an unforgettable artistic legacy which lives on at the Walt Whitman Arts Center in Camden. A gathering place for the visual, performing and literary arts, programs include open mic poetry nights, book and poetry readings by national authors, art exhibitions, dance and musical performances.

These days, everything else in Collingswood is jumping so it is no surprise that the Collingswood Theater (formerly the Scottish Rite Auditorium) is one of the busiest places in town. The community theater productions and big-name concerts are only part of the attraction. The drop-dead gorgeous architecture alone is worth the price of admission.

Sometimes a starlit night is all the set decoration you need. Set in historic Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre presents some of the region's best community theater groups in a relaxing outdoor setting. Show up early to get your tickets and then enjoy a pre-performance picnic.

A night at the theater doesn't need to cost a fortune. The Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood combines quality entertainment with affordable prices. It is also a chance to discover new talent. The summer productions feature children studying in the theater arts program, while the main season stars local community theaters.

And that's just the beginning. There are literally dozens of college theaters and community theater groups that light up the region's stages and at wallet-friendly prices. Search the arts & entertainment links in the Links Directory or check the events calendar for venues and listings. Or visit the South Jersey Cultural Alliance website at www.sjca.net.

Pictured: Lenape Performing Arts Center, Marlton
Courtesy Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center