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New Jersey Stage:
Daily Edition 05-20-24

NJ Stage Daily Update

Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!

If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have info@newjerseystage.com on your media list for coverage.


theatre


Where is Al Capone When You Really Need Him? "Guide to Love and Murder" at Shakespeare Theatre
 

No, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is not a play about the heyday of killings in the U.S. by Al Capone, John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson or any other notorious U.S. 1930s gangster. It is a play by Robert Freedman about an unusual set of murders connected to the disinheritance of a mom from a wealthy family in good olde London, England, in the early part of the twentieth century and what happens to her very, very angry son, and just about anybody he comes in contact with.

 



New Jersey Theatre Alliance Announces 2024 Career Accelerator Program Fellows
 

New Jersey Theatre Alliance ("the Alliance"), has announced their second annual cohort of Career Accelerator Fellows: Ronni Hom, Alisha Sheth, and Asia Todd. The three Fellows are participating in a 6-month paid experience comprising placements with professional theatres and the Alliance itself to learn about theatre management in real-world contexts.

 



Middlesex County's Plays-In-the-Park 2024 Season
 

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park returns this summer to the stage at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Edison, presenting three beloved musicals: Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

 



Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Cats"
 

(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!



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music


2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Interview with Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Marissa Nadler
 

Here is the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Interview with Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Marissa Nadler hosted by Festival Director Al Nigrin:

 



The Vogel presents Blackmore's Night
 

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Blackmore's Night with special guests The Wizard's Consort on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 8:00pm. Legendary guitarist formerly of Deep Purple and Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore, and award winning vocalist Candice Night created a new genre of music for all ages..., inspired by many melodies of the Renaissance period, and Blackmoreized into contemporary music. They call it Renaissance/Folk/Rock. This is the sound of Blackmore’s Night.

 



Makin Waves with Chad Sabo: "A Product of My Environment"
 

A musical fixture of the Asbury Park music scene for 15 years, multi-instrumentalist Chad Sabo has been blessed with a variety of great musical projects, such as The Cold Seas, an indie alternative rock trio with guitarist Erik Rudic and drummer Nash Breen. Taking a break from The Cold Seas allowed Chad to create an excellent solo debut album, "Joyride," which he released in February. But before he could tour behind the 10-song collection, he got a gig as the bassist in Armor for Sleep with whom he will have been on the road all spring and summer. The opportunity serves as a Cold Seas reunion because both Erik and Nash are in Armor for Sleep too.

 



Rick Michel's "Sinatra Forever" LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center
 

It's a gorgeous May 8, 2024 afternoon at Holmdel, NJ's PNC Bank Arts Center as "Old Blue Eyes" fans ready themselves for Rick Michel's Sinatra Forever tribute show. Sinatra Forever is the first in a series of free afternoon concerts at the PNC Bank Arts Center for New Jersey residents aged 55 and over. All shows are presented by the Garden State Arts Foundation under the direction of VP Ron Gravino, who is ably assisted by Cookie Santiago and Bob O’Brien.

 



Xtreme Queen: The Legacy of Freddie Mercury to Perform at Drew Concert Hall
 

(MADISON, NJ) -- Embark on a timeless rock odyssey with Xtreme Queen: The Legacy of Freddie Mercury, coming to Drew Concert Hall on Wednesday, October 19, 2024 at 8:00pm. Xtreme Queen's commitment to authenticity and fervor for live music transforms every performance into a memorable voyage through the legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen.




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2024 Princeton Festival Opens June 7th with Opera Superstar Angel Blue
 

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Two-time GRAMMY Award®-winning soprano Angel Blue opens this year's Princeton Festival on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 8:00pm. Her star power and glorious voice set in motion this 16-day showcase for the performing arts which includes fully-staged performances of Mozart's comic opera Così fan tutte, Broadway cabaret with Santino Fontana, orchestral music, Baroque and chamber concerts, dance with American Repertory Ballet, a Juneteenth celebration, and more.

 



"Just Magical!" Al Stewart and The Empty Pockets LIVE! at The Vogel
 

Time passages: Inside the Count Basie Center for the Arts Vogel performance space in Red Bank, NJ this Tuesday, May 7, 2024 evening, music lovers ready themselves for a concert by Al Stewart and The Empty Pockets band. Al Stewart is a Scottish singer/songwriter who rose to fame in the '60s and '70s by developing a brand of folk rock featuring characters and events from history. The Empty Pockets is a Y2K-era rock band from Chicago which has backed up artists including Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and appeared on PBS's Soundstage with Kenny Loggins.

 



Soup Can Magazine Returns to North to Shore with Candemonium, a Music Festival and Food Drive
 

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- This summer, Soup Can Magazine is thrilled to return to Atlantic City with Candemonium, a free music festival and food drive aimed at rocking the stage while raising awareness for a worthy cause.

 



Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Black SwanP" by Mike Noordzy
 

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Black SwanP" from the EP "Dark Sparks", released earlier this year.

 


comedy


The Newton Theatre presents Big Apple Comedy Club #56
 

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Big Apple Comedy Club returns to The Newton Theatre on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 8:00pm.  The 56th edition includes performances by Matthew Broussard, Kerri Louise, JJ Ramirez, and Ted Alexandro.

 


film


2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Q+A with Film is Dead. Long Live Film! Director Peter Flynn
 

Here is the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Q+A with Film is Dead. Long Live Film! Director Peter Flynn, Festival Judge Morgan Kalmbach and Festival Director Al Nigrin:

 



First Look Review - COMA
 

The lockdowns of the COVID pandemic feel like a lifetime ago and yet we're still seeing the release of films that were shot under those restrictive conditions. While most of us were making sourdough bread and wearing our PJs all day long, the world's filmmakers were busying themselves by shooting whatever they could in the confines of their homes. Bertrand Bonello was no different. In 2021 he shot Coma in his home and a secluded forest. In contrast with most of the filmmakers who did likewise, Bonello has created something worthwhile here, a film that is often baffling, frequently entertaining and ultimately touching.

 



2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Fencing for the Edge Video Interview with Director Holly Buechel
 

Here is the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Fencing for the Edge Video Interview with Director Holly Buechel hosted by Festival Director Al Nigrin. It was recorded at EBTV:

 



2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Shame on You Video Interview
 

​​​​​​​Here is the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival Shame on You Video Interview with Director Jeffrey Himpele and Producer Fred Wherry hosted by Festival Director Al Nigrin. It was recorded at EBTV:

 


art


Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch presents Art by Sandra Rabben
 

(LONG BEACH ISLAND) -- "Artistic Reflections," an exhibit of acrylics by local artist Sandra Rabben, will be on display throughout the month of June at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch.



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community


Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage From May 12-18, 2024
 

Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from May 12-18, 2024. Each week we publish about 70 articles, including several original columns and features, along with news releases for events happening throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 6 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean).

 



2024 Annual Hamilton Arts Festival to Take Place June 13-22
 

(PATERSON, NJ) -- The Paterson Performing Arts Development Council (PPADC) presents the 2024 Annual Hamilton Arts Festival (HAF). Now in its fourth season, the festival runs June 13–22, 2024, and features a series of events designed to promote and showcase the works of underrepresented and underserved artists from theater, film, and other disciplines.

 



State Theatre New Jersey presents Jersey Talent
 

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Jersey Talent on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 8:00pm. Jersey Talent—hosted by Claudio Mir and Sarah Ferreira—is a new talent show in New Jersey for ages 5-25. Ten finalists, including singers, dancers, a pianist, a rock band, and more, will perform live at the historic State Theatre. The winner of Jersey Talent wins a spot as a featured performer at the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 10. Tickets are $15.

 


FEATURED EVENTS

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or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Erth’s

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Kean Stage - Wilkins Theatre
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: community

Click here for full event listing

 

Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

George

George Street Playhouse presents "Small"

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: theatre

Click here for full event listing

 

Blackberry

Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2025

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Sun

Sun Ra Arkestra

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Lucrecia

Lucrecia Pays Homage to Former Bergen County Resident and Reigning Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz

"Life is a carnival! It's much more beautiful to live it singing." If you're unfamiliar with my life's mantra, perhaps you’d recognize it if I were instead to say "la vida es un carnaval, es más bello vivir cantando." Now put a salsa beat under it and add the iconic voice of the Queen herself, Celia Cruz. Sound familiar? One would hope.



Jersey

Jersey Arts Podcast: Dancing through the Air: 'Noli Timere' Marks World Premiere at McCarter Theatre

"Noli Timere" is Latin for "be not afraid," and the name of the world premiere presentation from Director and Choreographer, Rebecca Lazier and Sculptor, Janet Echelman. The collaboration features eight multidisciplinary performers dancing up to 25 feet in the air within a voluminous, custom-designed Echelman net sculpture.



bergenPAC

bergenPAC hosts Ukraine Odesa National Ballet US Tour 2025: Don Quixote

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Step into over 200 years of history with the legendary Ukraine Odesa National Ballet as they bring the timeless classic Don Quixote to life at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Founded in the early 19th century, the Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre stands as one of Ukraine's oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions, preserving a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Showtime is 7:00pm.



MPAC

MPAC presents Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 7:30pm. With over two billion streams, pop-culture inspired instrumentalists Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) has helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Are Your Ready For It? A Taylor Experience Starring Traci Marie, paying tribute to Taylor Swift's iconic Eras Tour on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 7:00pm. This is a fast paced, energetic, captivating show, that features a live band tribute to the most successful tour in music history.