Mayo Performing Arts Center | Morristown

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a premier cultural venue located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. It serves as a vibrant hub for performing arts in Northern New Jersey and plays a significant role in the community by offering a rich variety of performances, educational programs, and events. Since its reopening in 1994, MPAC has established itself as a centerpiece for arts and entertainment, drawing over 200,000 visitors annually with more than 200 performances across multiple genres, including music, theater, dance, comedy, and family shows.

Historical Background

The venue originally opened its doors in 1937 as The Community Theatre, part of Walter Reade’s cinema chain in New Jersey. This grand movie palace was designed during a golden era for theaters and featured elegant architecture and a large auditorium intended to showcase films and live performances. Over the decades, however, the theater faced decline and eventually fell into disrepair by the late 20th century.

A committed group of local volunteers and arts advocates spearheaded a revitalization effort in the 1980s and early 1990s to save the theater from closure. Their dedication culminated in the theater’s reopening in 1994, reimagined as a performing arts center that would support a wide range of cultural programming beyond cinema.

In 2011, the venue was renamed the Mayo Performing Arts Center in honor of A. Dale “Bud” Mayo, whose leadership and contributions significantly advanced the performing arts in New Jersey. The center’s historical and architectural importance was further recognized in 2016 when it received the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, affirming its status as a cherished cultural landmark.

Venue Facilities and Features

MPAC’s main auditorium has a seating capacity of 1,319 and retains much of its historic charm while incorporating modern technology. The stage and sound systems have been updated to meet contemporary production standards, allowing for a diverse range of performances from intimate concerts to large-scale theatrical productions.

The center also houses the Starlight Room, a 1,730-square-foot reception space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light and stunning views of Morristown. This room is often used for private events, receptions, and pre-show gatherings, accommodating up to 60 seated guests comfortably.

Another distinctive part of the facility is the Art Upstairs Gallery, a 1,300-square-foot space dedicated to rotating exhibitions by regional artists. This gallery serves as an important cultural venue that showcases visual arts alongside the performing arts, enriching the community’s creative landscape.

Programming and Performances

MPAC offers an extensive and diverse season of events, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and interests:

Music: Concerts range from jazz, classical, and pop to rock and world music. The center has hosted legendary performers such as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, Yanni, and The Righteous Brothers.

Theater: The stage welcomes touring productions of popular musicals and plays including hits like "RENT," "Stomp," "The Sound of Music Live!," and "Mamma Mia!"

Comedy: Renowned comedians such as Jay Leno, Kathy Griffin, Jeff Ross, and Hasan Minhaj have performed at MPAC, providing laughter and entertainment to local audiences.

Dance and Family Shows: The center regularly features ballet companies, dance troupes, and family-friendly programming, making it a welcoming space for audiences of all ages.

Education and Community Outreach

The Mayo Performing Arts Center places a strong emphasis on arts education and community engagement. It operates a performing arts school offering classes in musical theater, acting, and voice for children as young as three years old and upwards. These educational programs are designed to nurture talent, boost confidence, and provide opportunities for creative expression.

Beyond its school, MPAC runs Arts in the Community, a series of free concerts and outreach events that bring live arts experiences to underserved communities and various locations throughout the region. The center’s educational outreach programs reach over 40,000 children and families annually, demonstrating a deep commitment to making the arts accessible and impactful for people of all backgrounds.

Visitor Information

Box Office and Ticketing: The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and also opens two hours before performances to accommodate last-minute ticket purchases and customer service needs. Tickets can be bought in person, by phone, or online, with various membership and subscription packages available to frequent patrons.

Parking: For convenience, MPAC offers dedicated parking lots for select events, including spaces at the Presbyterian Church lot and the Verizon lot. Reserved parking can be purchased ahead of performances, typically 2–3 weeks in advance. Several municipal parking lots are also within walking distance of the center.

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with accommodations for patrons with disabilities including wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and accessible restrooms.

Location and Transit: MPAC is conveniently located about a 0.4-mile walk from the Morristown NJ Transit Rail Station, making it accessible via public transportation for visitors coming from nearby cities and towns.

Significance and Impact

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is more than just a performance venue; it is a cultural beacon for Morristown and the surrounding region. It preserves a historic theater while serving as a modern facility for diverse programming and community engagement. The center's mix of national touring acts, local artist showcases, and educational initiatives makes it an essential part of the cultural fabric of Northern New Jersey.

Its ability to attract high-profile performers alongside fostering community arts education has helped sustain and grow an active audience base. The MPAC also plays a key role in the local economy by driving tourism, creating jobs, and supporting nearby businesses such as restaurants and hotels.

In summary, the Mayo Performing Arts Center stands as a testament to the power of historic preservation combined with a forward-looking mission to bring the performing arts to all members of the community, enriching lives through entertainment, education, and cultural experiences.