Here are previews of plays taking place from July 16-23, 2024 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. Click on the title to go to the full preview. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
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Premiere Stages presents "Still" - a play based on true events in 1850s NJ (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the premiere production of Still by Benjamin V. Marshall, the recipient of the 2023/24 Liberty Live Commission, July 11-28 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Directed by Marshall Jones III, Still will feature actors Ashley Nicole Baptiste, D. Malik Beckford, Brian D. Coats, Perri Gaffney, Carl Hendrick Louis, and Nafeesa Monroe. Click here for a feature on the play.
Vivid Stage Presents Summer Solos Every Week in July at the Visual Arts Center of NJ (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage presents Summer Solos readings every week from July 1-24, 2024 at the Visual Arts Center of NJ at 68 Elm Street in Summit. Performances in the series will take place on the lawn of the Arts Center at 6:30pm. Patrons are invited to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner. The rain and extreme heat location for all performances is the Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ.
OCC Repertory Theater presents "All Shook Up" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- It's 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy known as All Shook Up will be presented by OCC Repertory Theater Company across two weekends (July 12-14 and July 19-21, 2024) at the Grunin Center for the Arts.
The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents Legally Blonde the Musical (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents Legally Blonde the Musical over two weekends, July 12–14 and July 19–21, 2024. This fabulously fun, award-winning musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
"Cats" at Algonquin Arts Theatre (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Cats from July 13-28, 2024. The classic musical features Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. Prepare for a purr-fectly mesmerizing performance of the world-renowned musical sensation - Cats! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
"Million Dollar Quartet" to Rock Bell Theater in Holmdel (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center will present the smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet from July 19-28, 2024 at the new Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. With a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, Million Dollar Quartet recreates the true story of a one-night impromptu jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
PHOTOS from "Footloose" at Surflight Theatre (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is presenting the musical, Footloose from July 9-28, 2024. Based on the classic 80s film, the play follows big-city teenager, Ren, relocates from Chicago to the small rural town of Bomont, where its inhabitants have imposed an unjust ban on Rock 'n' Roll and dancing. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Anything Goes" at Music Mountain Theatre (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) is presenting a three-weekend run of Anything Goes from July 5-21, 2024. Anything Goes, the classic 1930s musical comedy, is the ninth mainstage show of MMT's 2024 season, with direction and choreography by Louis Palena. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Scott Ehrenpreis Shares His Inspiring Mental Health Journey in solo show, "Clowns Like Me" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Mental illness is no laughing matter, but in the new solo show Clowns Like Me, audience members are encouraged to laugh, cry and enjoy the ride into the unknown. Clowns Like Me will have its New York Off-Broadway Premiere at the DR2 Theatre this summer. The witty, timely, and inspiring story is based on Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis’ true life struggles with mental illness and its stigmas. The play was written by Jason Cannon, who also directs. Previews begin on June 21, for a limited engagement through August 18, 2024.
Shakepeare Theatre of NJ presents "The Book of Will" by Lauren Gunderson (MADISON, NJ) -- How far would you go to honor and preserve a friend's legacy? What if that friend was William Shakespeare and his plays were about to be lost to history forever? Lauren Gunderson's acclaimed play The Book of Will shines a light on the amazing true story of two ordinary men whose love for their friend and his genius continues to influence our world four centuries after Shakespeare's death. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present The Book of Will at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from July 10-28, 2024.
Centenary Stage Company's Summer Musical Series Includes 'Grease' and 'I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change' (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- This summer, Centenary Stage Company presents the 2024 summer musical series featuring Grease and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Performances for Grease will run July 11–21 and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change will run August 1-11 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus in Hackettstown.
NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "The Bookstore" by Michael Walek (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of The Bookstore by Michael Walek from July 11 through August 4, 2024. The play takes place in a small independent bookstore in New York City, like the ones we all love to frequent and are rapidly dying out. Carey, the owner, rolls up the grate, unlocks the front door, carries in boxes, turns on the heater, turns on the kettle, and turns on the lamps and her computer. And so her day begins.
Centenary Stage Company presents "Grease" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company kicks off their summer musical series with Grease from July 11–21, 2024 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus. Here is Rydell High's senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding "Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" in bobby socks and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this musical.
Four Badass Women Take On The French Revolution in "The Revolutionists" at The Theater Project (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents The Revolutionists, a zany comedy about four women living boldly through the French Revolution, from July 11-21, 2024. Playwright Olympe De Gouge, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, lose their heads, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in revolutionary Paris.
Classic American Tales presents more "Tales at the Dormer House" in July (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Pulitzer-prize winner and Algonquin Round Table wit, Edna Ferber (1885 – 1968) wrote short stories, plays, and novels, many requiring extensive research. For example, she lived on a riverboat before writing "Show Boat." Many of her novels were adapted into other mediums, including "Show Boat" (musical) and "Giant." (movie). "The Royal Family" and "Dinner at Eight" were just two of the plays she wrote with George S. Kaufman.
Thank You 5 Productions presents "School of Rock" at Kelsey Theatre (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Can a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher transform nerdy fifth graders at an elite prep school into contenders at the Battle of the Bands? The answer will be revealed when Thank You 5 Productions brings "School of Rock" to the stage of Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre, July 12-21, 2024.
Asbury Park Theater Company presents "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company presents I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! by Joe DiPietro from July 13-21, 2024 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. The longest running off-Broadway revue in history has been revised for the 21st century! This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as "the relationship."
Summer Heats Up at Cape May Stage with the New Jersey Professional Premiere of "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents the New Jersey professional premiere of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, a fast-paced, comedic, and modern reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth and sidekick. Written by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill, this lively production is set to open on July 17th and runs through August 25, 2024, with shows Tuesday through Sunday nights at 8:00pm.
Extra! Extra! "Newsies JR." Takes the Spotlight at Dennis Flyer Theater (BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Newsies JR." as part of their Summer Stage program this week. This condensed, family-friendly adaptation of the 1992 Disney film and the 2012 Broadway musical is bound to be a hit with audiences of all ages. Performances will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 7:00pm and Friday, July 19 at 7:00pm at the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater, located at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ.
Center Players presents 'Coyote' - an original musical about love & immigration (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents Coyote, an original musical by Freehold resident Tim McCorry about love and immigration, at the Park Avenue Complex in Freehold, from July 19-28, 2024.
Brundage Park Playhouse presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' in July (RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse presents Disney's The Little Mermaid across two weekends (July 19-21 and July 26-28). This is a stage musical produced by Disney Theatrical, based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name and the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love. It features a Book by Doug Wright; Music by Alan Menken; and Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glen Slater.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Urinetown" (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- "It's a privilege to pee..." are not words one would expect to hear in a musical, but in Urinetown anything goes... or doesn't go as the case may be! Find out exactly what is going on when Aspire Performing Arts Company presents the Broadway musical Urinetown from July 19-21, 2024 at the Barn Theatre in Montville.
The Theater League of Clifton presents Madcap Whodunit "Murder on the Menu" (CLIFTON, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present its second dinner/theater production of the season, "Murder on the Menu," beginning on Saturday, July 20, 7:30pm, at Mario's Restaurant (710 Van Houten Ave) in Clifton.
Jackson Library to Host Staged Concert Version of "The Addams Family" to Benefit Entertainment Community Fund (JACKSON, NJ) -- New Jersey's Jesse Walker, host of the online celebrity show "The Jesse Walker Show," in support of Entertainment Community Fund, will present a staged concert version of the Broadway musical The Addams Family on Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Jackson Library. Performances take place at 2:00pm and 6:00pm.
OffBook Productions to hold auditions for "The Laramie Project" (LITTLE FALLS, NJ) -- OffBook Productions will hold auditions for its upcoming fall production of The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project on July 23-24. The play was first produced by Denver Center Theater Company in February 2000. OffBook's production will run from October 24 to November 2, 2024 at First Reformed Church of Little Falls in Little Falls, NJ, a returning venue for the group's shows.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "What I Thought I Knew" at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Summer Solos: "What I Thought I Knew" by Alice Eve Cohen at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit
Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 1:30pm - Premiere Stages presents "Still" by Benjamin V. Marshall at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm - National Theatre: Broadcast in HD - Nye at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 12:00pm - Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents "Legally Blonde the Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Million Dollar Quartet at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Cats at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm - All Shook Up at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Friday, July 19, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Premiere Stages presents "Still" by Benjamin V. Marshall at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Cats at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Million Dollar Quartet at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 2:00pm - All Shook Up at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Premiere Stages presents "Still" by Benjamin V. Marshall at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents "Legally Blonde the Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Million Dollar Quartet at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Cats at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm - All Shook Up at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Premiere Stages presents "Still" by Benjamin V. Marshall at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents "Legally Blonde the Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 2:00pm - All Shook Up at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Cats at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Premiere Stages presents "Still" by Benjamin V. Marshall at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Million Dollar Quartet at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Sunday, July 21, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Million Dollar Quartet at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Black Box presents a Staged Reading of "Seascape" by Edward Albee (TEANECK, NJ) -- In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box presents a dynamic staged reading of Seascape (1974, Pulitzer Prize) on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at Debonair Music Hall. Admission is free, but seating is limited; please reserve seats in advance. On an isolated stretch of beach, a late-middle-aged couple facing the dubious redoubt of retirement muses about their shared life and the narrowing road ahead. She sketches; he naps; they gently parry and riposte.
bergenPAC's Performing Arts School presents "The Wizard of Oz" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)'s Performing Arts School presents The Wizard of Oz from July 26-28, 2024. Join them for a magical journey over the rainbow with this enchanting production. Watch as Dorothy and her newfound friends—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Emerald City.
Phoenix Productions presents "West Side Story" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents West Side Story from July 26-28, 2024 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. Don't miss this classic musical in which Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City.
Chatham Playhouse to Host 30th Annual Jersey Voices: One-Act Festival (CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players (CCP) will host its 30th annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival with six performances between July 26 and August 4, 2024. This year's production will include seven original short plays written by New Jersey playwrights. The evening of seven one-act plays enables writers to showcase original scripts while allowing directors and actors to experiment with new roles.
Dover Little Theatre presents "Pterodactyls" (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents "Pterodactyls" by Nicky Silver across three weekends from July 26 to August 10, 2024. This is an absurdist black comedy about the demise of the Duncan family, and, by extension, the species.
New Jersey Lyric Opera Returns to Kelsey Theatre for Summer Opera Festival (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- New Jersey Lyric Opera (NJLO) returns to Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre for a second year with a weekend of opera favorites on MCCC's West Windsor Campus, July 26-28, 2024 during the Summer Opera Festival. Set with a wide range of emotions and melodies, the festival weekend features presentations by talented artists from the tri-state region and beyond. The weekend includes the presentation of three opera's, plus the Gala Spectacular, a showcase of opera favorites.
East Lynne Theater Company presents "Dial M for Murder" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May will produce an updated version of "Dial M for Murder" by Jeffrey Hatcher for five weeks this summer. Performances take place Wednesdays through Saturdays from July 31 to August 31, 2024 at 7:00pm.
Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Confessions of a Showgirl (AVENEL, NJ) -- The Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Confessions of a Showgirl from August 1-3, 2024. Starring Maren Wade from NBC's America's Got Talent, this cabaret brings to life the quirky, hilarious and unfiltered account of a modern-day showgirl, onstage and off.
13th Annual Crossing Borders Festival Preview (RED BANK, NJ ) -- Two River Theater's highly acclaimed Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival of new plays by Latine playwrights is set to run Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4 in Two River's Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz Theater. In its 13th year, the festival is the theater's annual joyful celebration of the power, diversity, creativity and talent of Latine theater artists. All festival events are free to the public.
Pebble Players presents first college age production with "Alice By Heart" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Pebble Players launches its first college age production with limited performances opening August 1-4, 2024. From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
BCCT presents Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr." at Grunin Center for the Arts (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- BCCT presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. from August 2-4, 2024 at the Grunin Center for the Arts. From classic literature to the Academy Award-winning film and Broadway musical, Ariel's undersea journey is a beautiful love story for the ages. Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends.
NJ Rep to Hold Auditions for 2025 Season (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company will hold auditions for their 2025 season on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6 for the 2025 season by appointment only. No walk-ins please. Auditions will be held at New Jersey Repertory Company’s West End Arts Center (132 West End Avenue) in Long Branch, NJ. Free parking and entrance to the building is in the parking lot off of Sairs Avenue.
