ORCHESTRA OF ST. PETER BY THE SEA TO PERFORM @ UCPAC

Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea WHEN: Dec. 5 at 8 p.m WHERE: UCPAC's Mainstage, 1601 Irving Street in the heart of Rahway's Arts District and easily accessible to major roads and public transportation. TICKETS: To purchase tickets, call the box office at 732-499-8226 or visit the website at www.ucpac.org A holiday tradition continues at Union County Performing Arts Center when RSI Bank presents Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea.  Father Alphonse Stephenson (above) conducts the Jersey Shore's favorite orchestral ensemble in a concert of holiday classics to benefit the UCPAC. Father Alphonse's very first orchestra was formed in New York's Theater District while he served at St. Malachy's, the Actor's Chapel. In 1980, the late Broadway director and choreographer Michael Bennett engaged him as conductor and music director of his smash hit, A Chorus Line.  Recently retired as Chaplain, Brigadier General and Director of the Joint Chaplaincy Staff at the National Guard Bureau, he also served as Air National Guard Assistant to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains at the Pentagon.

To kick off the holiday season, the UCPAC will hold a free Holiday Bazaar in the UCPAC Mainstage lobby on Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. Renowned artist and Rahway native Lloyd Garrison will have holiday cards and artwork available for purchase. UCPAC trustee and author I. Joseph Hyatt will autograph copies of his book, Life and Death of a Movie Theater, as well as other titles. Local author Al Shipley will be on hand to sign copies of his books about Rahway history. The Friends of the UCAC will have a variety of holiday gifts on sale. The UCPAC box office will remain open so shoppers can purchase gift certificates and tickets to upcoming shows.