Whether you’re looking for a romantic date idea or just want to experience the magic of the theater, plan a night out with these itineraries for dinner and a show in New Jersey.
NORTH
Dance, jazz, R&B, opera—it’s all at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark’s premier entertainment and performance venue, hosting events in both its intimate Victoria Theater and its grand Prudential Hall. At the sophisticated Italian eatery Nico Kitchen + Bar located nearby, choose from an array of prix fixe menus, whether you want the matinee menu or a 3-course performance menu.
If you’re visiting Morristown, you’ve got to plan an evening at Mayo Performing Arts Center, which hosts more than 200 performances each year, ranging from sing-alongs and family events to orchestral concerts and pop star performances. Housed in a 1937 red brick building with stately white columns, this elegant setting is ideal for a night at the theatre. Before or after your show, pick one of the many restaurants along South Street for a bite to eat.
CENTRAL
If you’re looking for big-name artists and high-quality performances, the State Theatre in New Brunswick is the place to visit. Buy a ticket to a Broadway show, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performance or a production by international theater or dance troupes. Top off your luxurious experience with a pre-theater prix fixe dinner at The Frog and the Peach, serving seasonal farm-to-table fare in an upscale environment.
For an intimate, community experience, check out Deal Park’s Axelrod Performing Arts Center, where documentary screenings and youth performances fill the calendar alongside musicals and more. Or, in nearby Asbury Park, go for a more casual (but unforgettable) experience when you catch a live performance at The Stone Pony, a legendary bar and music venue dating back to 1974. This iconic venue is famous for launching the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt, and to this day, top stars take over its stage. Before or after the show, savor upscale comfort food, from a New York Strip Steak to a roasted half-chicken, at Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room located nearby.
SOUTH
There’s something for the whole family at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, where the performance calendar features a lineup of Broadway productions and even a whole season full of children’s theater. Stroll along Broadway for a quick meal at one of the many little eateries.
Housed in a 1800s church, the Cape May Stage offers a glimpse into the eclectic community of Cape May while featuring everything from mysteries and dramas to love stories and Broadway remakes. Take advantage of the Dinner and a Show promotion, featuring special deals and prix fixe menus paired with a theater ticket.
If you’re looking for dinner with a show, Elaine’s in Cape May is a boutique hotel, restaurant and dinner theater all in one. Make a reservation in this Victorian mansion for an evening of offbeat theatrical productions and gourmet meals.
