Comedian Jay Leno Cuts Ribbon On Newly Reopened Bergen Theater

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Comedian Jay Leno marked the grand reopening of Bergen Performing Arts Center on Saturday by cutting a ribbon with a pair of what he called the "finest precision scissors ever made."

BergenPAC — the Englewood theater that has attracted performances by legends such as Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin — is back, "bigger and brighter than ever," with $10 million worth of improvements, officials of the theater said at the reopening event over the weekend.

"(Today), we celebrate a rebirth, or renaissance, in a world-class theater, thanks to the dedication of our board, staff, volunteers, and of you, our patrons," BergenPAC board chair Valerie Vainieri Huttle said.

Founded to be "your home" for live entertainment and quality arts education, Huttle said, BergenPAC is a jewel of a theater that should be celebrated.

"We should all be proud and take a bow as we celebrate what we've accomplished," Huttle said. "Let's continue to keep the arts alive here in Bergen County and beyond by supporting (BergenPAC)."

The evening's main-stage entertainment, Leno, had helped support BergenPAC throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and in the facility's restoration, founder Frank Huttle said at the ceremony.

"In March 2020, we didn't know if we'd be here," BergenPAC Executive Director Alexander Diaz said. "But it was the tenacity, the drive, and the need to have a performing arts center and school that (BergenPAC) will continue to thrive in downtown Englewood."

"And that was led (in large part) by Valerie (and husband) Frank Huttle," Diaz said.

New state-of-the-art upgrades were installed throughout the nearly 100-year-old theater, imbuing the facility with a "newer feeling" to welcome patrons, Huttle said.

"So, continue to support us, and continue to be a part of our home," director Diaz said. "Because this is your home, too."