South Orange Performing Arts Center Set to Reopen with Box Office Cinemas in January 2026
Table of Contents
A revitalized cinematic experience is coming to South Orange, New Jersey, as Box Office Cinemas prepares to operate the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) movie theater, with a planned reopening in January 2026. The move marks a significant step in restoring a beloved community hub that has faced recent challenges.
A History of Closures and Reopenings
The five-screen movie theater initially shuttered its doors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While a brief reopening occurred in the summer of 2021, the venue again closed in March of this year, leaving local film enthusiasts without a nearby option.This cyclical pattern underscores the challenges faced by independent cinemas in the post-pandemic landscape.
Box Office Cinemas Expands Footprint
This partnership will establish the SOPAC location as the fifth in the New Jersey/New York area for Box Office Cinemas. According to a company release, the president of Box Office Cinemas, James Kula, stated, “we expect to open Box office Cinemas at SOPAC on or before January 16, 2026, with additional upgrades continuing after opening.” this phased approach suggests a commitment to not only restoring the theater but also enhancing the viewing experience for patrons.
Why did the SOPAC cinema close? The five-screen cinema initially closed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It briefly reopened in summer 2021, but closed again in March 2024 due to ongoing financial challenges and shifting entertainment habits.
Who is involved? Box Office Cinemas, a regional cinema operator, is partnering with the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) to reopen and operate the theater. Key figures include James Kula, president of Box Office Cinemas, and Lana Rogachevskaya, executive director of SOPAC.
What is happening? Box Office Cinemas will take over operation of the SOPAC movie theater, aiming for a January 16, 2026, reopening. The company plans to continue upgrades to the facility even after the initial launch.
How will this impact the community? The reopening is expected to provide a valuable entertainment option for South Orange residents and inject new life into the SOPAC arts center. It represents a significant investment in the local arts scene.
Community Anticipation and Future Plans
The reopening has been met with enthusiasm from local leaders. Lana Rogachevskaya, executive director of SOPAC, expressed the community’s sentiment, noting, “We know how much the community has missed the cinema over the past several months, and we look forward to this long-awaited return.” The reopening is expected to inject new life into the arts center and provide a valuable entertainment option for residents.
The planned upgrades, continuing even after the initial January 2026 launch, indicate a long-term investment in the SOPAC theater and its role within the community.This commitment signals a positive outlook for the future of cinema in South Orange.
Supporting Local Arts journalism
The declaration was reported by NJArts.net,a vital source of arts coverage for New Jersey. Launched in september 2014, the