The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) greets the New Year with a red hot lineup! Here’s what’s coming up in January:
On the Mainstage, Grammy-nominated artist, band leader, and certified acrobat of the bass Lee Rocker brings his brilliant artistry to SOPAC on Sunday, January 19 at 7:30PM; Then to cap off the month, world-renowned hypnotist Erick Känd delights audience of all ages with his Comedy Hypnosis Show on Friday, January 31 at 7:30PM.
And in the Loft, SOPAC’s acclaimed Cabaret in the Loft series continues with Tony favorite Donna Vivino on Saturday, January 18 at 8PM, while SOPAC curator, Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, bassist & engineer John Lee welcomes the New Year’s first Jazz in the Loft event on Sunday, January 26 at 7PM featuring the Nat Adderley, Jr. Quartet.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the New Year with so many talented performers from different genres and disciplines,” says SOPAC Executive Director Lana Rogachevskaya. “I hope these shows offer our community members a little warmth and fellowship away from the winter cold!”
If you’d like to preview, review, or attend any January performances, please contact Lauren at lauren@sopacnow.org.
Explore SOPAC’s January 2025 Programming
Cabaret in the Loft
Donna Vivino
SAT, JAN 18 at 8PM
A new Jersey native, Donna Vivino recently portrayed Jersey in the original cast of Alicia Keys’ Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. She made her Broadway debut at just 8 years old, originating the role of Young Cosette in Les Misérables. Since then, she has built her career playing iconic leading ladies, including Elphaba in Wicked, Grizabella in CATS, Diana in Next to Normal, and Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. She received a 2024 Grammy nomination as a lead vocalist for Sondheim Unplugged. On film and television, Vivino appears on The Sopranos, Law & Order, and most recently the feature film Ezra with Robert Deniro and Bobby Canavale.
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Lee Rocker
of The Stray Cats
SUN, JAN 19 at 7:30PM
Grammy-nominated artist, Stray Cats founder, and Bass Player Hall of Famer Lee Rocker brings his brilliant artistry to SOPAC! Rocker has spent his career preserving and evolving the legacy of Rockabilly music – singing, playing, spinning, and jamming on his giant upright bass. Expect the unexpected when this legendary artist performs live at SOPAC!
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Jazz in the Loft
Nat Adderley, Jr. Quartet
Curated by John Lee
SUN, JAN 26 at 7PM
Curated by Grammy Award-winning producer John Lee, Jazz in the Loft features award-winning artists from the greater SOMA area and beyond who are master improvisers and consummate band leaders. Blues, Bebop, Bossa — as long as it’s swinging, you’ll hear it at SOPAC! This performance features the Nat Adderley, Jr. Quartet.
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Get Hypnotized!
The Erick Känd Comedy Hypnosis Show
FRI, JAN 31 at 7:30PM
Laugh, participate, and experience an altered state of reality when you Get Hypnotized at SOPAC! During this performance, acclaimed hypnotist Erick Känd invites audience volunteers to be hypnotized, undergoing a complete transformation and becoming the stars of the show. The ensuing pandemonium will delight attendees and spark endless laughter!
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