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Film Review - "The Runner"

Kevin Macdonald's The Runner is the latest in a wave of thrillers in which a hapless protagonist is forced to become an accomplice to a crime, receiving orders from an anonymous villain over the phone. The formula worked quite well in Drop and Carry-On, but crucially, those movies were anchored by lead turns from capable actors in Meghann Fahy and Taron Egerton. Expecting a performer as limited as Gal Gadot to carry a movie on her own is asking for trouble, especially when the script is as shoddy as the one provided here by screenwriter Mark Gibson.



Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from September 6-12, 2026

Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from September 6-12, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles, including original columns and features, promoting events and covering arts news taking place throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, and Union).



The Bronx Wanderers LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Bronx Wanderers performing at The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on September 1, 2026.



New Jersey Festival Orchestra announces 2026-27 Season

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO) has announced its 2026–27 season, promising an exciting series of concerts that celebrate America, the holiday season, Broadway, and the enduring power of live orchestral music. Under the baton of Maestro David Wroe, the 44th season continues NJFO's tradition of blending beloved masterpieces with innovative, accessible programming designed to delight longtime patrons and welcome new audiences.










FEATURED EVENTS


The American Soldier

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center
Toms River, NJ

RENTAL EVENT -- As part of the VA New Jersey Health Care System’s Veterans Resilience Arts Trail for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, VA New Jersey Health Care System and OCC’s Veteran and Military Resource Center are proud to present The American Soldier.

 

Dementia Man, An Existential Journey

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ

Is it possible to believe in a meaningful future with a neurocognitive disease?

 

Lou Antonucci - "You, Me, & Harry" Celebrating The Music of Harry Chapin​

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

"You, Me & Harry" offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the music of Harry Chapin, transcending the typical tribute show. By integrating lesser-known anecdotes and backstories with a captivating solo musical performance, this show delves into Harry Chapin's multifaceted career - not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a storyteller, filmmaker, and, most importantly, as a humanitarian. His music resonates deeply, embodying truth, emotion, and purpose.

 

Will Hoge

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre's blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination.



 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 35mm

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ

Raised in the sewers of New York, bathed in radioactive ooze, and trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – are heroes in a half shell!



 

The Rascals 60th Anniversary Tour

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ

Celebrate 60 years of The Rascals featuring original frontman Felix Cavaliere. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Grammy Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Songwriter Hall of Fame members, The Rascals are widely considered the best “blue-eyed soul” group to come out of the 1960s and their music is the soundtrack of a generation. The Rascals have 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 hits, and three No.1 hits that include “Groovin’,” “People Got To Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.”



 

Flawless

Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ

A writer and an AI software designer battle to create the next great play in this cautionary tale about the impending intersection of technology and creativity.

 

Trace Adkins

Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ

Over the course of his three-decade reign in Country music, MULTI-PLATINUM hitmaker Trace Adkins has emerged as a full-fledged icon whose reach spans far beyond the genre’s borders.



 

Moana Sing-Along Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series

Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
Rahway, NJ

Doors: 6 PM – Before the movie, have a seat at our craft table and make something fun to take home!

Film: 7 PM



 

Gary Gulman: Grandiloquent

Friday, September 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ

Grandiloquent is Gary Gulman’s hilarious new show about insecurity, empathy, self-acceptance and how a thoughtful boy learned to use humor, reading and writing to cope with the consequences of his parents’ blunders. Learn why a seemingly confident middle-aged man feels most comfortable in a large room where a thousand strangers are laughing at him. 

 





EVENT PREVIEWS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY | KIDS

To narrow results by date, categories,
or region of New Jersey click here.
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents a reading of You've Got Hate Mail by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00pm. The reading takes place at The American Hotel and is directed by Sharon Coyle.

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- New Jersey artist James Dalton will read "Ginsberg's Howl" with the Ginsberg Beat Connection on Monday, September 14th at The Rotunda as part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The event takes place at 7:00pm.

(RED BANK, NJ) -- After 28 years as a recording artist, singer-songwriter Chris Knight remains boldly empowered to make music that always delivers the unflinching truth. In fact, the man raised in Slaughters, Kentucky uses a simple, direct barometer to regularly check his muse: "If I can't believe myself, I won't sing the song."

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents singer-songwriter Chris Knight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 7:30pm. Special guest Chance Stanley will open the night.

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Send Me No Flowers from September 16 through October 22, 2026. When George Kimball, a Westchester commuter with a flair for hypochondria, overhears his doctor discussing a heart patient, he’s convinced his time has come.







LATEST FEATURES

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY | KIDS



(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- For four days this October, Jersey City will become one giant art destination as the 37th Annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST) returns October 1–4, 2026. The citywide celebration will bring together artists, galleries, studios, exhibitions, murals, performances, tours, and cultural experiences across all six wards of Jersey City, inviting residents and visitors to discover the people and places that make Jersey City a dynamic arts community.



(EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Orchard Park by David Burke presents some high-quality original blues when respected New Jersey-based bluesman James 'JB' Barnes and his BBD Rhythm & Blues Band perform there in concert on Friday, September 25, 2026. Showtime is 7:00pm. Admission is free.



If you've ever wondered if it's too late to make a change, today's guest may give you renewed faith in second acts. Liz Glazer is a former tenured law professor turned actor and standup comic.



(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Roseville Outreach Community Corporation presents the 6th Annual ROCC FEST - From Praise to Presence jazz gospel concert on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Roseville Church in Newark. The event begins at 6:00pm and is headlined by Anthony Nelson.







LATEST COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Home in Your Heart" by Gary Shaffer

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Home in Your Heart," the latest single from veteran Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Gary Shaffer.


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/10/2026

"I'm very good, how are you doing?" Laughed John Ondrasik also known as Five for Fighting as his Five for Fighting String Quartet Tour readies to come to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania with multiple shows beginning September 20 in Newton, NJ at the Newton Theatre.


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Long Live the Low" by Sean Kiely

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Long Live the Low," the title track single of the forthcoming LP from Jersey City-based singer-songwriter Sean Kiely.

* Events This Week in New Jersey

* This Week in Music

* This Week in Theatre

* Top 15 Most Read Stories from the Past Week




Daily Edition 09-11-26

Here is a look at the articles published over the weekend. The Daily Edition comes out Monday through Friday.