Brook Arts Center

A classic vaudeville theater, the Brook Theater was opened in 1927. That was the same year the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, hit the silver screen This signaled the beginning of the end for vaudeville. Even though it was opened at the tail end of the era, The Brook was home to a wide variety of acts. Headliners, including Tony Bennett and Jackie Gleason entertained packed houses, which at the time, was an 850 seat theater. While most theaters built in that era have been demolished or converted to movie multiplexes, the Brook Arts Center remains unchanged and stands as a 1920-era Landmark

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A classic vaudeville theater, the Brook Theater was opened in 1927. That was the same year the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, hit the silver screen This signaled the beginning of the end for vaudeville. Even though it was opened at the tail end of the era, The Brook was home to a wide variety of acts. Headliners, including Tony Bennett and Jackie Gleason entertained packed houses, which at the time, was an 850 seat theater. While most theaters built in that era have been demolished or converted to movie multiplexes, the Brook Arts Center remains unchanged and stands as a 1920-era Landmark. On May 11, 2011, an historic, faithful reproduction of the theater’s marquee was installed. It includes two state-of-the-art Daktronics digital side panels that display upcoming events. This work was completed with a Historic Preservation Grant from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. Year-round Activities: include several entertainment venues, including concerts, movies, and plays.

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