Park Performing Arts Center
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The Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC), located in the center of Union City, dates back to 1915, when Rev. Joseph N. Grieff, pastor of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, performed "The Passion Play" as a gift for global peace. It has long been regarded as the country's most outstanding passionate drama and its longest-running performance of its sort.
The Park Theatre was established in 1931 by the German congregation of Holy Family R.C. Church to host the yearly show. The acoustics and decor of this Broadway-style theatre, which could accommodate 1400 people, were excellent. During the Great Depression, Rev. Grieff had film projectors installed, and the Park Theatre exhibited popular movies of the time for extra cash. Despite the bulk of the cast members of "The Passion Play" being summoned to serve in World War II, the play proceeded, and the Park Theatre stayed open.
As older generations departed Union City and its neighboring metropolitan areas in the 1960s and 1970s, interest in the Park Theatre faded. As a result, the Park Theatre became a non-profit corporation in 1983 to provide high-quality artistic, cultural, and educational programming for the diverse communities of northern New Jersey to preserve the historic theatre and serve a new generation of Latinos and multi-ethnic audiences moving to Hudson County.
The Passion Play Auditorium is still identified as such by signage and paintings on the original floor and main entrance of the newly rebuilt Park.
Since nearly a year ago, a group of dedicated volunteers/donors and art experts have been working relentlessly to restore the Park as a viable arts destination. Cleaning, repairing, repainting, replacing carpeting, and improving lighting fixed the theatre. At the same time, its managers planned various shows and activities to make the Park a financially self-sustaining facility while respecting its history.
On March 7, Union City commissioners and Rev. John Docherty of the Holy Family Parish broke the ribbon on the repaired art gallery (Gallery at the Park), followed by tours of the theatre and performances in a restored mezzanine lounge area.
The main theatre was set to open a month later, with thrilling performances planned throughout the Spring. A section of the old marquee that long-time locals remember from outside the theater has been restored and is exhibited in the newly renovated lobby.
Nevertheless, everyone is aware of what occurred a few days later. Everything was placed on pause due to the epidemic.
However, whenever it became practical, the volunteers returned. Using masks and camouflage, they continued to prepare and improve the theatre for its reopening while also planning several shows, performances, and events. Up next is the Total Image Beauty Academy in Union City.
The costumes and props from the Passion Play have been saved and arranged in the hopes of resuming the yearly performance. In addition, many more concerts, shows, and events are planned to make it a self-sustaining arts facility once the artists and audience are safe.
While theatrical performances will have to wait for the time being, the Gallery at the Park reopened in October, following COVID criteria. The Gallery now has an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London, which premiered in March. Learn more by visiting their website at parktheatrenj.org.
The Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC), located in the center of Union City, dates back to 1915, when Rev. Joseph N. Grieff, pastor of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, performed "The Passion Play" as a gift for global peace. It has long been regarded as the country's most outstanding passionate drama and its longest-running performance of its sort.
The Park Theatre was established in 1931 by the German congregation of Holy Family R.C. Church to host the yearly show. The acoustics and decor of this Broadway-style theatre, which could accommodate 1400 people, were excellent. During the Great Depression, Rev. Grieff had film projectors installed, and the Park Theatre exhibited popular movies of the time for extra cash. Despite the bulk of the cast members of "The Passion Play" being summoned to serve in World War II, the play proceeded, and the Park Theatre stayed open.
As older generations departed Union City and its neighboring metropolitan areas in the 1960s and 1970s, interest in the Park Theatre faded. As a result, the Park Theatre became a non-profit corporation in 1983 to provide high-quality artistic, cultural, and educational programming for the diverse communities of northern New Jersey to preserve the historic theatre and serve a new generation of Latinos and multi-ethnic audiences moving to Hudson County.
The Passion Play Auditorium is still identified as such by signage and paintings on the original floor and main entrance of the newly rebuilt Park.
Since nearly a year ago, a group of dedicated volunteers/donors and art experts have been working relentlessly to restore the Park as a viable arts destination. Cleaning, repairing, repainting, replacing carpeting, and improving lighting fixed the theatre. At the same time, its managers planned various shows and activities to make the Park a financially self-sustaining facility while respecting its history.
On March 7, Union City commissioners and Rev. John Docherty of the Holy Family Parish broke the ribbon on the repaired art gallery (Gallery at the Park), followed by tours of the theatre and performances in a restored mezzanine lounge area.
The main theatre was set to open a month later, with thrilling performances planned throughout the Spring. A section of the old marquee that long-time locals remember from outside the theater has been restored and is exhibited in the newly renovated lobby.
Nevertheless, everyone is aware of what occurred a few days later. Everything was placed on pause due to the epidemic.
However, whenever it became practical, the volunteers returned. Using masks and camouflage, they continued to prepare and improve the theatre for its reopening while also planning several shows, performances, and events. Up next is the Total Image Beauty Academy in Union City.
The costumes and props from the Passion Play have been saved and arranged in the hopes of resuming the yearly performance. In addition, many more concerts, shows, and events are planned to make it a self-sustaining arts facility once the artists and audience are safe.
While theatrical performances will have to wait for the time being, the Gallery at the Park reopened in October, following COVID criteria. The Gallery now has an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London, which premiered in March. Learn more by visiting their website at parktheatrenj.org.
