Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center — Attraction in Carteret

I know they just opened so maybe they’re still trying to get settled but the experience at this venue was overall chaotic and unprofessional. The website did not have doors open time which I believe confused many people as 2/3s of the audience arrived 20-30 minutes after the show had begun. The security team stopped me for having a bag, which only had a laptop and wallet inside and was more than happy to let them search, however they gave me a hard time about it. There was also no xray or metal detector screenings which I would have assumed a standard safety practice at most venues in this day and age so if you are someone who is uncomfortable in large crowds I wouldn’t recommend coming here for the lax safety standards alone. Additionally someone either from the venue or from the performer team had two large camera equipment boxes and bags stationed in the main walkway preventing people from easily getting to and from the entrance of the auditorium to the seats and led to multiple people tripping which was a safety hazard. Instead of relocating and finish setting up his camera in a safer and well lit location the employee turned on his phone flashlight during the performance and tried to assemble his equipment in the dark while also flailing about which largely distracted from the performance. When I voiced my concerns to another employee (black shirt, light washed ripped jeans, black hair, gauge style earrings) I was addressed with profanities. The security and attendants were not enforcing any type of safety of keeping walkways clear or directing people to their assigned seats. I had also purchased seats specifically in the balcony in the first row on the aisle near emergency exits ahead of time to not be in the lower section amongst the crowds as I am uncomfortable in large crowded settings and like having the added peace of mind of being able to quickly leave if something negative were to occur. However, the venue closed the balcony and relocated everyone to other seats outside of the ones that were purchased which defeated the purpose of picking my specific seats. Lastly the downstairs seating was akin to a high school auditorium and the seats were folding chairs, like a cleaner more modern version of starland ballroom. I would not recommend attending any shows at this venue at this time, if you want a professional and safe experience at venues of the same size I would recommend the Count Basie, Vogel or the New Brunswick theater. For those who plan on coming, the bathrooms and venue was overall very clean and had easily accessible parking at a garage across the street for reasonable price ($20). The parking garage and street leading to the garage were well lit and felt safe even at night. The bathrooms are located downstairs but there are two easily accessible elevators in the main floor so it is...

Let's start with having to wait outside in the freezing cold past the posted time for doors to open because "another event had not let out yet", pretty sure they just weren't ready for us. Paid $29.50 each for the "Bistro" dinner which included, baked ziti, eggplant parm, salad, bread, pork roll up things, sausage and pasta and chicken thighs, all of which are served to you buffet style. Dessert consisted of a tray of italian cookies and small tiny dished of bread pudding. Drinks (soda and bottled water only) were an additional $4 each. Coffee (only caffeinated) and tea were included. I say all of this because I wish we would have known what we were getting for the price because I could not find any info regarding the menu. I even emailed asking and had the question completely ignored. I do recommend either purchasing the over priced "Bistro dinner" or eating before getting to the area because there is not a single restaurant near the center. Now we move on to the show doors opening and everyone finding their seats. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that as adults most of us have been to a show or two and actually know how to read and are able to find our own seats. The ushers took their jobs very seriously here and were very demanding that you tell them your seat number so they could show you to your seats. It's ok, really I can handle finding seat #32 in row m left section. I do not need to be reprimanded for not asking for help. The show was great, the seats are ok, they are built for tiny petite people to sit comfortably. I was seated next to a grown man, not even large, and literally could not move the entire night because of being squished. The show lets out onto the main floor where, surprisingly there are not bathrooms. Not one. You have to go upstairs where there one men's and one woman's bathroom. The parking garage which is directly across the street was great. Although, there is a need for more than one pay machine when leaving. With shows, everyone gets out at the same time so there was quite a line at the pay machine. Over all, we will be back, but now more educated as to...

GET THE LED OUT - Lets get right to what other reviews don't talk about. Beer - 10 bucks, Parking 20 bucks (Cash Only) 29 Washington Garage- Humans take the cash. You can sit & drink inside your car at the garage. No bathroom in the parking garage. The walk is less then a block to venue. Inside you are greeted with lots of stairs. Skip them and walk to the back where the bar is located and there are two large elevators. We were Upper LA seats 5,6,7 next to the sound boards. I also sat all they way up nose bleed seats, row M and L they still had a great views and awesome sounds. The main bathrooms are LL level. Once again walk to the back and grab the elevators down. Where you will find another bar called "The Underground" I guess you can rent it out for wedding receptions etc. The bathrooms are huge. Yes they have family bathroom on main lobby but they had lines because no one knew where the main bathrooms were. Maybe put a sign at the family bathroom that the main bathrooms are lower level? My only beef was the line at the bar. They need to switch it up at the bar. They need two sections - Beer & Wine section and then MIX drinks. The mix drink folks were too chatty with the help and slowed up the whole process. Took us almost 25 min to get a beer, others were mumbling the same thing, about the wait. This place is awesome and we cant wait to go back. No more long trips to NJPAC in...