American Dream’s Theatre

The long-stalled Meadowlands Xanadu retail and entertainment project in East Rutherford, N.J., is not only under way, it includes a music venue that doesn’t need a lot of construction.

Xanadu has been reborn as the American Dream at Meadowlands development thanks to a partnership between New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Triple Five, the company that created Mall of America in Minnesota.

Jill Renslow, Triple Five VP of marketing, told Pollstar the extensive plan, which picks up where previous developers left off, includes a 3,000-capacity, flexible-seating performing arts center.

“The theatre is about 80 percent constructed so a lot of the infrastructure is already in place. We obviously need to finish up the final touches,” Renslow said. “It’s got state-of-the-art sound and lighting. We have the versatility to set up the venue based on what’s needed for the type of show or production we’re offering.

Renslow also said Triple Five will bring acts to the PAC that will complement bookings at the Meadowlands’ two other venues.

“We want to work with the [20,000-capacity] Izod Center as well as [82,500-capacity] New Meadowlands Stadium to create an entertainment destination … so we have something for every audience.”

American Dream at Meadowlands will also feature an indoor ski facility, amusement park, indoor water park, ice rink, cinema, aquarium, comedy club, retail and dining.

Renslow said the goal is to open the first phase of the development by late 2013.