Apr. 21, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
The newly renovated Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC) at Queensborough Community College reopened for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on April 15. The first performance to be held in the theater since renovations began just before the start of the pandemic was the Bronx Wanderers.
Photo by Dominick Totino
According to QPAC Executive and Artistic Director Susan Agin, the renovations consisted mainly of removing existing barriers in order to better accommodate attendees with disabilities in compliance with the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The scope of the renovations focused on creating a wheelchair-accessible theater entry, seating and restrooms. The existing elevator was also replaced in order to meet ADA compliance. Other renovations included enlarging the QPAC lobby to include a new ticket booth and refreshment area, auditorium renovations to replace acoustical finishes and new seats.
Photo by Dominick Totino
“QPAC is not just a theater,” Agin said. “QPAC is a symbol of hope, inspiration, education and joy in the community — 57 years and counting. The cultural heart of Bayside is beating once again!”
Photo by Dominick Totino
Lifelong learning for both QCC students and the community at large is promoted at QPAC by providing educational and entertaining opportunities throughout the year. It provides an array of programming that aims to entertain, educate and enrich the lives of attendees. Having been diligent in the process of coming to understand the needs of its community, QPAC’s diverse offerings have been carefully engineered to match the eclectic tastes of its rapidly growing audience.
Photo by Dominick Totino
The Bronx Wanderers attempt to transport their audiences back to the 50s, 60s and 70s through their performances of popular rock songs from those eras. Gold-record producer Vinny Adinolfi and his two sons founded the group in 2006, when the sons were 10 and 14 years old. Adinolfi’s sons were gifted musicians even back then and the three of them have only gotten better over the years.
Queensborough Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College is located at 222-05 56th Ave. For more information, visit qpac.qcc.cuny.edu.