UCPAC Main Stage

The Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Field Band is the official touring big band of the United States Army. Formed in 1969, this 19-member ensemble has received great acclaim at home and abroad performing America’s greatest original art form, jazz.

The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors.

The Jazz Ambassadors has appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Recent notable performances include concerts at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and an appearance on the Colbert Report.

Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet are just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with the Jazz Ambassadors.

The band has been featured in joint concerts with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

The Jazz Ambassadors’ rigorous touring schedule and reputation for excellence has earned it the title “America’s Big Band.”

Join the Shining Stars as they celebrate the great music from across the pond! “Shining Stars, The British Invasion Concert” features a talented cast of performers with special needs whose energy and passion light up the stage! The Shining Stars, who have played to large audiences at UCPAC, Paper Mill Playhouse and Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre, will bring the stage to life with legendary music from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Queen, Spice Girls, One Direction, Led Zeppelin, Adele, Olivia Newton-John and more!

Now in their 12th year, Shining Stars Network is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization that creates opportunities in the performing arts for individuals with special needs. Come and join us for a heart-warming and inspiring performance that will leave you smiling.

Ahoy mateys! Prepare for a high seas adventure with the most amazing crew of scalawags ever to set sail on the Spanish Main in this performance of Skullduggery - A Magical Pirate Adventure sensory friendly show.

Illusionist John Bundy and Morgan conjure up a treasure chest of incredible illusions in this family-friendly, sensory-friendly theatrical show. The magic happens right before your Ayes!

Broadway World said: "Cue award winning illusionists John Bundy and Morgan. Their thrilling mainstage production Skullduggery: A Magical Pirate Adventure! is a swashbuckling pirate adventure that will conjure up a treasure chest of illusions and interactive adventure the whole family will enjoy. This Broadway-style production, combining the science of illusion and storytelling, culminates in a climatic whirlwind of magical amazement...there are few family friendly shows that successfully manipulate the senses, while entertaining the masses. Skullduggery is one of the few productions that accomplish this arduous feat. Perhaps there is a strong connection between illusion and neuroscience, or laughter and distraction. Ultimately, it doesn't matter. One cannot help but buy into the enchantment of Skullduggery. The production evokes what science cannot explain: family magic."

Skullduggery is presented by The Union County Board of County Commissioners. Sensory Friendly theater, music, and dance performances are specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Learn more about UCPAC's Sensory-Friendly Theatre performances

The Doo Wop Project, the dynamic, rave-reviewed celebration of a beloved music genre, has a brand new “DOO!” Starring the 5 engaging, charismatic and dashing Broadway stars from smash hits like Jersey Boys, A Bronx Tale, Beautiful, and Motown: The Musical with their all-star band, this exciting new show (with a brand new setlist) features fresh renditions of classic Doo Wop hits (remember “16 Candles” and “In the Still of the Night”?) as well as “doo-wopified” versions of contemporary hits like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” Of course, they’ll keep some fan favorites in the new show – memorable numbers like “Remember When” and “That’s My Desire”.

If you’ve seen The Doo Wop Project before, you're in for another night to remember. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’ll be treated to a fantastic evening of the greatest music in American pop and rock history…from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today!

Eddie B soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity starting with his series of comical videos titled "What Teachers Really Want to Say". In a matter of hours, those videos sparked the attention of educators all over the country when they realized that they were not alone and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud.

Shortly after, Eddie decided to take his videos to the stage selling out comedy clubs, theaters, and arenas with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” in 2017-2018 and the “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour” in 2019- 2020. When the worldwide pandemic made it impossible for Eddie to see his fans in person he began performing his "Teachers Only" comedy virtually! When things got back to normal, Eddie B went back out on the road to give educators more of his unfiltered comedy beginning with his " Teachers Only Summer Break Tour", and the hilarity continues with his "Teacher's Only Comedy Tour '24"!

Eddie B has established himself as the official voice of teachers across the globe. Educators from America to Africa, Dallas to Dubai, New York to New Delhi (and beyond) are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s uncensored, raw, and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an actual teacher!

Super Jam Oldies is a Mother’s Day afternoon treat featuring 60 years of R&B, Soul and Gospel. Delight in the sounds of the past from smooth soul to a Disco Inferno! Sing along to the oldies both you and your mom know and love. This rare lineup of musical icons features legendary performances by: Russell Thompkins Jr. and the Stylistics (Betcha by Golly, Wow), Wilbert Hart Formerly of the Delfonics (La-La Means I Love You), Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (If You Don’t Know Me by Now), The Intruders (I’ll Always Love My Mama) and The Trammps Featuring Earl Young (Disco Inferno).

Hosted by one of the most recognizable personalities in radio and a mainstay at WBLS Doctor Bob Lee, this Mother’s Day is sure to be a hit! If you enjoy great music and great shows, you won’t want to miss it! There is a Special Opportunity to Meet the Artists as well! Look for the Meet & Greet ticketing option when purchasing.

As a bonus, your ticket purchase benefits United Way of Greater Union County, which envisions a community where all children and families achieve their potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. Thank you for helping to improve lives and build strong communities.

Grease Sing-A-Long is a UCPAC Third Thursdays 35mm Classic Film Series Presentation

Calling all T-Birds and Pink Ladies! Come see Grease Sing-A-Long, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, in 35mm on our big screen. Sing along with the songs you know and love ("Summer Nights," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're the One that I Want", and more), and then get ready to rock at our after-party, a 50's style sock hop on our stage after the movie! Prizes for best outfit and best dancers! Themed drinks, photo ops, and more. Free popcorn!

Grab your gang and come revisit your memories of this classic movie and make brand new ones you'll never forget!

Rated PG-13

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Tickets: $13 (includes After-Party)
Day of Show: $18 (includes After-Party)

After-Party Only Ticket: $6
Day of Show After-Party Only Ticket: $8

Presented by New Jersey Opera Theater

Before there was The Lord of the Rings, there was The Ring Cycle, of which DIE WALKÜRE is a part. A series of four operas by Richard Wagner, The Ring Cycle is based loosely on Norse mythology.

The story revolves around a magic ring that grants the power to rule the world, forged by Alberich from the gold he stole from mermaids in the River Rhine. Crushed by his loss, Alberich lays a curse on the ring: until it returns to him, it will inspire restless jealousy in those who won it and murderous envy in those who don't, thus condemning all the possessors of the ring.

Several mythic figures struggle for possession of the ring, including Wotan (Odin), the chief of the gods. Wotan’s scheme spanning generations, to overcome his limitations, drives much of the action of the story. DIE WALKÜRE is where all of Wotan’s earthly and celestial children get caught up in his mess from the curse of the ring. During DIE WALKÜRE Act 1, we get to meet Wotan’s earthly love children and learn of their cursed past. Yes, Wotan had an affair with a mortal woman, which really upset his Goddess wife, Fricka, which we hear about in Act 2. Wotan’s other daughter, Brünnhilde, is forced by her father to do something to make Fricka happy, but she disobeys her father and stepmother. (BACKSTORY: Yes, Brünnhilde and her 8 sisters are the love children of Erde, not Fricka. Oh, that Wotan! So do you see where this family dynamic is going?!) Because of Brünnhilde’s betrayal, all hell breaks loose, which brings us to The Ride of the Valkyries in Act 3. To find out how Alberich’s curse has destroyed this celestial family, please come to the show!

Did you know? Wagner wrote both the libretto and the music over the course of approximately 26 years, from 1848-1874, and although the individual operas (DAS RHEINGOLD, DIE WALKÜRE, SIEGFRIED AND GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG) are performed as standalone shows, Wagner wanted them to be performed as a series.

COSPLAY INVITATION:
This production will take place during the 1920s to pay tribute to the history of Union County Performing Arts Center’s Main Stage, which was built in 1928 and is currently celebrating its 95th anniversary. To keep the 1920s atmosphere, we will use the theater’s original "Biggest Little Wurlitzer" organ with the New Jersey Opera Theater Orchestra. Please come dressed in your favorite 1920s (think The Great Gatsby and Boardwalk Empire) attire! A 1920s-style Jazz Band will play during two intermissions with cocktails and appetizers. Come celebrate our incredible evening of Wagner and Jazz!

New Jersey Opera Theater Cast:
Siegmund: Joseph Mayon, Sieglinde: Elisabeth Shoup, Hunding: Steven Fredericks, Wotan: Charles Schneider, Brünnhilde: Elizabeth Perryman, Fricka: Lorraine Helvick, Gerhilde: Tara Jamshidian, Ortlinde: Analía Corpas, Helmwige: Roseanne Ackerley, Waltraute: Anna Viemeister, Siegrune: Mary Hochgesang, Grimgerde: Chantelle Grant, Roßweise: Julianne Froehlich, Schwertleite: Brittany Walker, Stage Direction by Dennis Oliveira, and Conducted by Hugh Keelan.

To purchase accessible seating, please call UCPAC's Box Office at 732-499-8226.