Rutherford, NJ - Felician University Golden Falcons are known for their drive, determination, and school spirit—but beyond the campus greens of Lodi and Rutherford, New Jersey lies a thriving arts scene that makes this part of the Garden State a hidden gem for fans of theatre and comedy. Nestled just minutes from New York City, Felician students and alumni are uniquely positioned to take advantage of world-class entertainment, from legendary Broadway stages to comedy clubs that have launched iconic careers. Whether you're unwinding from finals or looking for weekend plans off campus, this exclusive guide brings you the best musicals, top comedians, and iconic venues within reach.
Theatre Venues Near Felician University
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) – Newark, NJ
Built: 1997
Capacity: Prudential Hall (2,868 seats)
NJPAC is one of the largest performing arts centers in the country and just a short drive from Felician. The venue hosts Broadway tours, stand-up comedy, concerts, and dance companies, and it plays a central role in New Jersey's arts landscape.
The Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood, NJ
Built: 1926 (originally as the Englewood Plaza movie theatre)
Capacity: Approx. 1,367 seats
Known as bergenPAC, this venue blends historic charm with a robust performance lineup. Broadway-style shows, national comedians, and musical acts take center stage throughout the year.
Broadway Theatres – Manhattan, NYC
Location: ~30 minutes from Felician by train or car
Felician Golden Falcons can easily reach legendary Broadway houses such as the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Gershwin Theatre, and Minskoff Theatre. These venues host the biggest productions in the world, just a quick hop over the Hudson.
The Best Musicals You Can Experience Nearby
Since its 2003 debut,
Wicked has become one of Broadway's biggest success stories. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, it tells the prequel story of the witches from
The Wizard of Oz, focusing on Elphaba and Glinda. The musical includes showstoppers like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good," and has earned three Tony Awards and a Grammy.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's
Hamilton burst onto the Broadway scene in 2015, blending hip-hop and history to retell the life of Alexander Hamilton. It features powerful songs like "My Shot" and "The Room Where It Happens." With 11 Tony Awards and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it redefined the modern Broadway experience.
Blue Man Group offers a sensory explosion of music, technology, and humor. Debuting in the late '80s and reaching global fame in the 1990s, the show has been performed in more than 25 countries. It doesn't follow a traditional narrative, but its percussion-heavy, visually rich experience appeals to all ages.
Based on Victor Hugo's epic novel,
Les Misérables debuted on Broadway in 1987. It features iconic songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "One Day More." The show won eight Tony Awards and is one of the most beloved musicals in theatre history.
ABBA fans rejoice—
Mamma Mia has been a worldwide hit since it opened on Broadway in 2001. With feel-good hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me," this jukebox musical tells the tale of a bride searching for her father on a Greek island. Though it didn't collect major Tonys, it grossed over $600 million on Broadway.
Debuting in 2019,
Beetlejuice transforms the Tim Burton cult classic into a visually wild musical comedy. With songs like "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name," the show was nominated for eight Tony Awards and developed a loyal fanbase for its irreverent humor and spooky aesthetic.
Revived in 1996,
Chicago is a biting satire of celebrity crime and media spectacle. The musical features enduring numbers like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango." It has won six Tony Awards and is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
What if Juliet never died? That's the premise of
&Juliet, which debuted on Broadway in 2022. The musical features pop hits by Max Martin, including "Roar" and "Since U Been Gone," and reimagines Shakespeare with a feminist, upbeat twist. It won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design and continues to grow in popularity.
This powerful musical debuted on Broadway in 2016 and explores themes of mental health, connection, and social anxiety. Written by Pasek and Paul, it features emotional songs like "You Will Be Found" and "Waving Through a Window." The show earned six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Adapted from the 1985 film,
Back to the Future opened in London's West End in 2021 and reached Broadway in 2023. With original songs by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard and classics like "The Power of Love," it combines sci-fi nostalgia with theatrical flair. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Hadestown combines Greek mythology with Americana and folk influences, reimagining the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice. It began on Broadway in 2019 and swept the Tony Awards with eight wins, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Anaïs Mitchell's haunting lyrics and music set it apart from anything else on stage.
Comedic Headliners Performing Nearby
A household name since the 1990s, Jerry Seinfeld has built a legendary career around observational humor. Co-creator of
Seinfeld, one of television's most successful sitcoms, he's returned to his roots in stand-up, performing at iconic venues like the Beacon Theatre. His material remains sharp, witty, and universally relatable.
One of the fastest-rising stars in comedy, Taylor Tomlinson gained acclaim with Netflix specials
Look at You and
Quarter-Life Crisis. She blends self-deprecating humor with reflections on anxiety, relationships, and modern adulthood. Her comedic voice resonates with college students and young professionals alike.
With exaggerated physical comedy and stories rooted in family and culture, Sebastian Maniscalco has become one of the most animated comedians in the business. He has sold out Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, and his routines on everyday awkwardness have earned him global fans.
Known for his food jokes, clean delivery, and self-deprecating wit, Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy-nominated stand-up icon. His specials like
Beyond the Pale and
Mr. Universe have made him a favorite for all ages. He frequently performs in major cities, including New York, and is a regular at theaters across New Jersey.
TicketSmarter Discount for Golden Falcons Fans
Felician Golden Falcons can enjoy their favorite musicals and comedians for less with an exclusive TicketSmarter offer. Use promo code
GOLDENFALCONS5 at checkout to receive
5% off tickets to any show featured in this guide. Whether you're laughing at Sebastian Maniscalco or marveling at
Wicked, you're guaranteed a great night out.
From Broadway's glitzy lights to cozy theaters in New Jersey, Felician University students and alumni have a front-row seat to some of the best entertainment in the world. Whether you're catching
Hamilton in Manhattan or watching Taylor Tomlinson perform nearby, the region's cultural offerings are as ambitious and dynamic as the Golden Falcons themselves. So go ahead—take a break from the books or the court and let the stage take the spotlight.
