Bergen Performing Arts Center

Well I slogged out to NJ from NYC, by bus of all means, so I had to be into the band, and I sure was. Citizen Cope. Just him tho, no band.
The seats here need updating but the space is wonderful and the acoustics quite good. Also, the staff is amazing. The nicest ushers you’ll ever meet. None of the NYC bs. Everybody is very laid back.
NOW the venue is not responsible when the morons in the back row, top end white trash,
wouldn;t shut their fucking ignorant mouths. Here we have this amazing singer, just him and his guitar, and I have to hear the murmur of the nitwits over Cope’s beautiful voice, despite mutliple people yelling at them to keep it down.
At intermission, I went to the ushers, who took me to the manager and he told me to move where ever I could find an open seat, which I did and it was better than the one I had.
Then kudos to him, I saw him berating the white trashers. One was getting hostile too, but he didn’t back down for a sec. Of course he did have a 400 pound cop with him. Guess I’d be bold too.
Anyway, love how they handled the whole situation. But when you serve booze people drink too much and get stupid, making the rest of us suffer.
Yet, I will be back here. Plus where can you see top end talent for 35 $? NOt in NYC.

This place was okay. It’s very stuck in the eighties. No interior décor to speak of. The acoustics were very muffled. The band sounded stuck in the stage and the sound did not expand over the audience at all. They need some enhancements on the wall to carry the sound. As with most community theaters the bathrooms are tiny and not enough stalls. Not very friendly bartender. Seats were fine. But I felt like I was at a high school auditorium and not Theater for professional musicians

We were at this theater recently for a Rob Thomas concert. We live in Morris County and, since the Bergen Performing Arts Center is a bit far for us, this was the first time we visited it. We were happily surprised by how easy it is to find parking. It seemed like most people had no trouble finding where to park. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, so you can make it a going-​out evening and have dinner in one of these restaurants. In our case, we went to Noches de Colombia and had a wonderful Colombia meal with sangría. The performing arts center is an old theater, so when you reserve the seats, please be careful (especially if you’re not using the center’s website). My husband reserved our seats using a third party and didn’t get what he wanted. The seats can be a bit tight. Management was great though. They solved our issue (my husband is a big guy) by providing us with larger folding seats, which were actually very comfortable. Kudos to the management for great costumer service. Not something you see every day when you visit certain theaters or performing arts center in NJ. The sound quality was great and we had a wonderful time. We’ll go back to BPAC!

worse sound i never heard!!! could not understand a word the groups sang
went to the happy together tour!!!
they should be ashamed to charge $ 90.00 a ticket
worse sound i ever experienced everyone we spoke to agreed ruined what we hope we be a great evening
asked for management explain just got lip service
even the girl that sold tee shirts was embarrassed
they will never see us again!!!
do not waste your money much better places in new jersey to see a show
at least 50 people walked out of the show!!!
just a bunch of yenta’s trying to take your money

I would rate this one towards the bottom of experiences for the group of MPAC and the State Theatre for NJ. All pretty similar in size and they all seem to get a pretty decent list of talent running through every year. The acoustics need help and this is probably my biggest issue with these smaller places and I think the State Theatre could be first in line with doing the best job on this front. Otherwise the BPAC is old, which is not bad in itself, but showing the signs of wear is a different thing. I know they are looking at many upgrades and money is always an issue for places like this so it is my hope to see this place evolve in a great direction over the years to come. If you become a donor, and the minimum level of donation is not terribly high, you get much better access to tickets as well as the VIP lounge. Something to think about even if you might be here even just a couple of times during the course of a year.

My wife and I attended an Art Garfunkel concert last night at the Bergen PAC. If you are like me a baby boomer that grew up with Simon and Garfunkel you will not be disappointed. His voice though not 100% is still unique, ephemeral and full. His rendition of the Boxer, Sounds of Silence, Parsley Sage, Kathy’s Song, Homeward Bound etc. will transport you back to your youth. When you close your eyes and hear Garfunkel’s renditions you are reminded at how essential his contribution was to early S&G. In addition to singing he reads some poetry to set up some songs and is genuinely self effacing and comes across sincere and anxious to connect to his audience. It is just Art and a wonderful accompanist from Nashville named Tab Laven. His guitar playing had a rich full sound with accomplished finger picking reminiscent of Paul Simon. Garfunkel is a cultural icon and he knows it. Enjoy.
Bergen PAC is OK — it is not the Beacon Theater but for Bergen County it is fine. Parking is easy, there is a train station across the street with free parking at night for concerts. Don’t park in the shopping center or you will be towed. Acoustically it is OK. It is one of those old movie theaters with a high ceiling and a balcony. There is a convenient refreshment concession that offers wine and beer in the lobby. The volunteer is staff is friendly and the place seems well run.
Craig Padover /​Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

We attended the Merle Haggard show last night and was impressed with how well run this facility is. A comfortable 1300 seats, easy to park and a very friendly staff. Bob was seating everyone and could not have been better for the job. He obviously enjoys conversations with everyone, treating them more like friends than customers. Merle Haggard did an excellent show, running just under 2 hrs with one of his sons as the warm-​up act. Bar was doing a brisk business, looked like everyone was having a great time. Couldn’t ask for anything more from this joint. Looking forward to another show there.

We went there to see GREGORY POPOVICH’S COMEDY PET THEATER. The theatre itself was very nice. Parking is a little bit problem as meters are only good for 2 hrs. If your show is longer it will be hard to find a place to park. They don‘t have ballet parking. I will give 3 stars for the show because I am a cat lover and owner and I choose this show to see the cats. Unfortunately the cat act was the last 5 minutes and the first 55 minutes was a simple clown show.

BergenPAC always has amazing acts, artists, performances and events. I know they’re always busy working hard for the community and I enjoy going to their jazz shows especially! It’s an essential spot in the county.

I’ve been here for plenty of performances and I completely love the set up and the warm and welcoming staff. It’s close to parking and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Jackyl… great show.
The BPAC is an old theater, not to big, great sound.

This is a great theater. Small and intimate one of my favorite places to see a concert. And they line up some great bands. Love it here.

The Bergen PAC deserves –50 stars…
Charging $ 60 to see Slaughter is unacceptable…
Also offering $ 10 tickets with an $ 8 service is unacceptable.
Time for a class action lawsuit…

Wow, what a sad experience I had here recently. I bought four tickets to see Crystal Bowersox and I’m not sure I got to hear her.
The sound here is probably the worst I have heard anywhere. When I say anywhere, let me say that I am a regular patron at every large theater that has live music within an hour drive. I attend at least a dozen concerts a year.
I just read on Unilocal a review by Barbara S. who complained about the sound «I could not understand a single lyric», Bruce S. said «Every act we’ve seen there is the same story with a terribly boomy bottom end, muddy mid-​range and little definition anywhere» These reviews are stating exactly what I heard as well.
At the beginning of the show the audience was yelling to the stage to fix the sound. During the concert you could see the band constantly telling someone off-​stage to turn up Crystal’s mike.
I will not ever be going back to this venue but will instead continue to catch music at places like:
— Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts — Morristown
— Count Basie Theatre — Redbank
— BB Kings in NYC
— NJPAC — Newark
— The Tarrytown Music Hall — Tarrytown NY

Been going here for many years and enjoy seeing shows here. If you get on the mailing list you will find something you like. Got there early to park on the street and walk to anyone of many places in the area.

Went to see a show here for the first time and was pleasantly surprised with the layout. Had a good view of the stage and thought the ticket prices were reasonable. Acoustics were fantastic. Parking can be a problem depending upon when you arrive. Got there fairly close to the start time and lot across street was full so needed to do a bit of driving around to find on street parking. Got where I needed to be with plenty of time to spare so wasn’t a deal breaker.
Security after the show could be less pushy. We were approached on our way out of the bathroom asking when we were leaving, I live an hour away so not sure why I was being pushed out the door. 10 minutes after the show ended. I didn’t feel that using the bathroom was out of line.
Depending upon the act performing there, I would probably return.

I came to the Bergen PAC on a tour for an artist that was doing a show there, so my experience was more on the performance side than the patron side, but I still got a great feel of the place.
Upon entering, it looks like your typical old performing arts theater. Nothing too fancy, but nothing below standards, either. The lobby isn’t what you’d call tiny, but it gets absolutely slammed if the show is near capacity. If there’s a live show going on, and the artist has merchandise available, it really slows down traffic coming in and out and gets a little crowded. Bars were staffed with more than enough people to handle a large crowd, and the security team there are some of the biggest guys I’ve seen doing security at shows, and were super professional.
The theater is wonderful. Has a great vibe, great seeing, and a pretty good sound system. Even the people in the balcony seemed to be loving the show, and that’s where it usually sounds bad. The lighting rig is nothing special, so unless an artist brings in their own lighting, don’t expect an over the top light show.
Even when there were problems with unruly patrons, security took care of it quickly and there were no major problems to hinder shows or cause any safety concerns to guests.
Overall, this is one of the better run Performing Arts Centers around, and the staff extremely helpful, nice, and accommodating. If you see an artist you like coming to Bergen, don’t pass up the chance to see them perform here!

I loved this place. This whole little town is adorable and worthy of a second look around.
Parking was easy. Diana Krall’s performance was sexy. Space was intimate and venue was lovely.
Private event held in small lounge was great. The bubbly was flowing and I got a gift bag. Great, great night.

Don Rickles Performance, 6÷20÷2013
Simply astounding! Resplendent in his tux and black tie, «Mr. Warmth» is preceded by his famous orchestra’s intro theme as he slowly saunters onto the stage of the Bergen Performing Arts Center where a full house awaits his presence! Introductory video is shown highlighting his stage career. For fans, we need not be reminded who we came to see this evening as the air is filled with the electricity of anticipation awaiting Don’s walk onto the stage.
As a life-​long fan, I never had the opportunity to meet The Master of Insults in person yet, here I was, my wife surprising me with this unexpected treat, sitting among the loyal throngs, watching the master recreate portions of an act that he has played out countless times in Vegas, Atlantic City, NY and around the globe.
And now, in the suburbs of NJ!, as the 18 piece Vegas-​like orchestra warms up, you can easily envision the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr., Dino Martin, Sinatra and others, surrounding Mr. Warmth, on stage at the Copacobana, the SANDS, bringing him into their close-​knit circle, not to have him as an added attraction, but to HONOR him! The excitement builds, the entire audience of the PAC stands, ovations continue, and his show has not even begun!
Jacket and hand-​tied bow tie come off early, a smart rendition of Gagney’s Yankee Doodle Dandy is displayed later on; a quick two step tap dance with song, Rickles leads the orchestra with his own rhythm, then engages audience members in a stint that brings us back to WWII, in the islands of the Pacific (he is a veteran), the laughs continue throughout the show; Rickles feeds off the rewards for his tireless talent and wit, now he is in his groove, loving every minute of it!
It becomes clear early on that Don holds nothing back, despite his age of 86, he is the consummate stage professional, poise, dance, song, one-​liners, audience interaction with the likes of a polished gem; there is only ONE Don who continued to replicate acts that were performed in Vegas; nothing is spared here at the PAC, bring in the palm trees, pass around the cocktails and we have recreated an era in which Don Rickles holds the key to; the Pack is gone, yet he brings back those memories as he stands alone on the stage; yet, not really alone as his audience lets Don know that they are there for HIM for tonight and forever!

Bergen Performing Arts Center — what a great place to see a local concert in Englewood without having to schlep to NYC! I recently saw Chick Corea, Wanda Sykes and Ron White — Chris Botti is coming up in the spring, can’t wait.
Theater holds about 1200 and regularly sells out for headliners. Pricing runs from $ 29 to over a hundred a ticket depending on the performer and seating, but you really can’t get a bad seat in the house.
Lots of free public parking right across the street — don’t even think of parking in the supermarket parking lot behind the theater or you’ll get towed. Trust me on this one.