Here are previews of plays taking place from October 8-15, 2024 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
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George Street Playhouse presents Pulitzer Prize Finalist, "What the Constitution Means to Me" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse has announced the complete cast and creative team for its production of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama, What the Constitution Means to Me, written by Tony Award nominee Heidi Schreck (Uncle Vanya), and directed by Laiona Michelle (Little Girl Blue). What the Constitution Means to Me will begin previews on September 24, 2024, and open on September 27 for a limited run through October 13, 2024.
"Duel Reality" by The 7 Fingers comes to McCarter Theatre (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Duel Reality, from Montreal's famed troupe The 7 Fingers, comes to McCarter Theatre October 9-13, 2024. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, two feuding families engage in a battle of skill, each competition more daring than the last — while a pair of star-crossed lovers struggles to escape the showdown.
Theater Q Asbury to Debut in October with "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Theater Q Asbury, New Jersey's new LGBTQ+ focused theater company, will make its debut this October with Zanna Don't – The Reboot! running from October 10-13, 2024 at the House of Independents in Asbury Park. This fresh take on the 2003 Off-Broadway musical is directed by its original creator, Freehold native Tim Acito, and promises to bring audiences a joyous, funny, thought-provoking celebration which manages to be timely and vintage at the same time.
Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in October. (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, is thrilled to kick-off their 43rd Main Stage Season with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weekends from October 11-27, 2024. The play introduces us to the world-famous Willy Wonka, who is opening the gates to his mysterious factory, but only to a lucky few.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from October 11-20, 2024. Get ready for a musical extravaganza that will dazzle your senses and ignite your imagination. This is a vibrant and joyous spectacle that brings the tale of Joseph and his brothers on their rollicking adventure, filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists.
Magnolia Productions presents "Night Watch" by Lucille Fletcher (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions, a new Monmouth County theater group, is launching their first full season. After the debut production of David Auburn's Proof last June, for which the company received three New Jersey Association of Community Theater Perry Award nominations, they are back with a full season's offering.
Vivid Stage presents "A Very Spooky Special" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. This season, the company will present thirty performances of different kinds, in locations all over the region. Next up is A Very Spooky Special, a Halloween variety show, on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 8:00pm.
Classic American Tales presents stories by Paley, Goyen, Baum, Hecht, Ade, and Wells (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Every Thursday at 4:00pm through October 10, 2024, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents readings of stories, plays, and poetry at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast, 800 Columbia Avenue in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Guests are also treated to lemonade and tasty treats. Cost is $12.00, cash or check at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free.
Bergen County Players presents "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, takes humor back to its roots, combining the time-tested 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville for an all-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (his first Tony Award-winning musical) and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, Forum kicks off BCP's 92nd season on Saturday, September 14 and will run through Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.
East Lynne Theater Company presents Samuel D. Hunter's "A Case for the Existence of God" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company will present Samuel D. Hunter's award-winning play A Case for the Existence of God from September 18 through October 12, 2024. Directed by East Lynne's Artistic Director Craig Fols, the play revolves around two men--one Black, one white; one gay, one straight; both single fathers of young daughters—who form an unlikely bond inside an office cubicle.
Manhattan Theatre Club presents World Premiere of "Vladimir" by Erika Sheffer (NEW YORK, NY) -- Manhattan Theatre Club has announced full casting for the world premiere of Vladimir, written by Erika Sheffer (Russian Transport) and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan (MTC: Proof, Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes). Vladimir runs from September 24 to November 10, 2024 at New York City Center Stage I (131 West 55th Street).
Two River Theater presents "American Mariachi" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for American Mariachi, a moving comedy full of humor, heart, and joyful live music, written by José Cruz González (If by Chance, The Extraordinary Ms. ZLuna Captures the World), directed by James Vásquez (Two River's smash hit Hair, Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), arrangements by Cynthia Reifler Flores (American Mariachi, Seabiscuit). The production runs from September 28 through October 20, 2024.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents "Jersey Boys" (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents Jersey Boys, the first show of Paper Mill's 2024-2025 season. Directed by Michael Bello (We Are the Tigers, associate director of The Who's Tommy and Jersey Boys UK/US tours and off-Broadway), Jersey Boys begins performances on Wednesday, October 2 ahead of a Sunday, October 6 opening night. The run continues through Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Paper Mill Playhouse.
NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "Pen Pals" starring Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) by special arrangement with Lisa Dozier Shacket, will continue its 27th Season with an added special presentation of the world premiere of Pen Pals by Michael Griffo, directed by SuzAnne Barabas. Performances run from October 3 through October 20, 2024. The production stars Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar.
Mile Square Theatre presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by John Minigan will play a four-week limited engagement at Mile Square Theatre from October 3-20, 2024. This is the classic tale of Ichabod Crane, the lovelorn schoolmaster in a town on the Hudson River, who confronts a Headless Horseman on a shadowy night. The story is told by one man who embodies all the characters of Sleepy Hollow, including the lovely Katrina Von Tassel and the burly Brom Bones.
Full of Shampoo and Sass, "Steel Magnolias" Takes the Stage at Kelsey Theatre in October (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Shampoo, free advice, and witty repartee fills the air at Truvy's beauty salon when the Yardley Players present Steel Magnolias October 4-13, 2024 at the Kelsey Theatre on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College (MCCC). The play explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy's small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other's lives.
Centenary Stage Company presents "The Weir" by Conor McPherson (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will open their Professional Theatre Series for 2024-2025 with a production of Conor McPherson's The Weir, from October 4–20, 2024 in their Sitnik Theatre. The Weir is set in a bar in Sligo, Ireland, where local men swap spooky stories in an attempt to impress a young woman from Dublin who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house, and then she spins a yarn of her own.
Musical by PHISH Frontman Trey Anastasio to play The Jersey Shore Arts Center (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- NENAproductions Theater Project is opening its 21st season at the Jersey Shore Arts Center as the theater company in residence with a show unlike any other, with the all-American musical Hands on a Hardbody. Based on the real-life documentary by the same name, this musical centers around a days-long endurance contest where one person will win a Nissan Hardbody pick-up truck by keeping a hand on it the longest.
Vanguard Theater presents "Cordially, Indisposed" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater presents Cordially, Indisposed by Doriane Swain across two weekends (October 4-5 and October 11-13, 2024). Come witness the remarkable fusion of science, alchemy, love, and madness. There will be laughter. There will be blood. There might be love... Or at least cake.
Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "James and the Giant Peach" (EDISON, NJ) -- This October, join Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park for a production of James and the Giant Peach, a children's musical based on Roald Dahl's classic book. Performances take place October 5-6; October 12-13; and October 19, 2024.
PHOTOS from "Macbeth" at The Curtain (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Curtain, Jersey City's premier classical theatre, has released promo photos for their upcoming adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, featuring West End and Royal Shakespeare Company actor Jamie Ballard (Harry Potter in The Cursed Child on the West End) in his American stage debut as Macbeth, Aria Shahghasemi (Broadway's Prayer for the French Republic, upcoming "The Penguin") as Macduff and Christianna Nelson (The Curtain's Romeo & Juliet) as Lady Macbeth.
Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in October (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, is thrilled to kick-off their 43rd Main Stage Season with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weekends from October 11-27, 2024. The play introduces us to the world-famous Willy Wonka, who is opening the gates to his mysterious factory, but only to a lucky few.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Clue" in October (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents Clue for a three-week run from October 11-27, 2024 with performances Friday through Sunday. This murder mystery comedy is based on the 1985 film from Paramount Pictures, based on the classic Hasbro board game, and is the thirteenth mainstage show of MMT's 2024 season.
Westfield Community Players presents "You Can't Take It with You" (WESTFIELD, NJ) -- Westfield Community Players presents its first show of the season, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, You Can't Take It with You across three weekends (October 12-13, October 19-20, and October 25-26, 2024). In the play, Grandpa Vanderhof and his wacky family, the Sycamores, have been happily living their zany lives in New York for many years. They and their friends are a madcap group of eccentrics, marching to the beat of their own drum with pride and joy.
First Avenue Playhouse presents "A Streetcar Named Desire" in October (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents A Streetcar Named Desire across three weekends in October (October 12-13, October 18-20, and October 25-26, 2024). The classic play was was written by Tennessee Williams during a period of change in America after World War II. It was first produced and published in 1947 and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for that year.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Thursday, October 10, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 10, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 10, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 7:30pm - The Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Magnolia Productions presents "Night Watch" at Navesink Library Theater, 149 Monmouth Ave, Navesink
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Theater Q Asbury presents "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" at House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Theater Q Asbury presents "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" at House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 4:00pm - The Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Improvised Broadway Musical at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Magnolia Productions presents "Night Watch" at Navesink Library Theater, 149 Monmouth Ave, Navesink
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Theater Q Asbury presents "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" at House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 8:00pm - A Very Spooky Special at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Magnolia Productions presents "Night Watch" at Navesink Library Theater, 149 Monmouth Ave, Navesink
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Duel Reality at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Sunday, October 13, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Theater Q Asbury presents "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" at House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "Macbeth" on the Main Stage for the first time in two decades (MADISON, NJ) -- When three mysterious strangers confront a noble general on a barren heath, the fate of a nation is changed forever. Ambition, power, and madness drive Shakespeare's thrilling masterpiece, Macbeth, appearing this fall on the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) for the first time in two decades. The strictly limited run plays at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from October 16 through November 17, 2024.
OCC Repertory Theatre presents "Madness, Murder, and Mayhem" ...from the dark recesses of Shakespeare's mind (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ocean County College Repertory Theater Company presents Madness, Murder, and Mayhem... from the dark recesses of Shakespeare's mind across two weekends (October 18-20 and October 25-27, 2024) at Grunin Center's Black Box Theater.
Art House Productions Presents "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions in collaboration with Half-Light Productions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Rajiv Joseph's compelling play, "Gruesome Playground Injuries," directed by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens. In a time when empathy and understanding are more crucial than ever, this play seeks to foster connection and dialogue. Performances run weekends from October 18 to November 10, 2024.
October Ensemble presents "TWISTED: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier" (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- October Ensemble presents TWISTED: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier across two weekends (October 18-20 and October 25-27, 2024) at the Jersey Shore Arts Center's Café Theatre. Hop on your flying carpet, because this musical parody retells the classic tale of Aladdin... from the villain’s point of view! This is an R Rated "Magical Kingdom" musical parody!
Luna Stage presents the NY premiere of "Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Luna Stage proudly presents the New York premiere of Jenny Lyn Bader's Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, running Off-Broadway October 18 – November 10, 2024 for 25 performances in a limited engagement at 59E59 Theaters, Theater B, located at 59 East 59th Street in New York City. Previews begin October 18 for an October 24 opening.
The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents "Into the Woods" (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents Into The Woods over two weekends, October 18–20 and October 25–27, 2024. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This will be the ninth production for the community theater group and will be led by Director Kathy Connolly with Musical Director Matt Ebersole, Choreographer Samantha Amaral and Assistant Director Victoria Keiser.
East Lynne Theater Company presents "Tales of Mystery and Suspense" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company is set to thrill and chill audiences with "Tales of Mystery and Suspense," a menagerie of spooky short stories by Stephen Crane, Guy de Maupassant, H.P. Lovecraft, and, of course, Edgar Allan Poe. Curated and edited by James Rana and directed by Craig Fols, artistic director of East Lynne, these mysterious and scary stories will be brought to life in staged readings for two weekends only: Fridays and Saturdays, October 18-19 and 25-26, 2024.
Bell Theater presents "Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies" starring Jessica Sherr (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as actress and playwright Jessica Sherr channels one of the greatest stars of our time with her one-woman show, Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies, at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Masquerade Theatre presents Heros & Villains Showcase (RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Heros & Villains Showcase on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Sneaking into the spooky season, the showcase theme is here to save the day! But perhaps some performers have other schemes to play... Performances take place at 2:00pm and 8:00pm.
Music Mountain Theatre to Hold Masquerade Gala on October 19th (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is holding a Masquerade Gala at the Historic Lambertville House on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Broadway's Rob Richardson will serve as the host. All proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the nonprofit community theatre and performing arts center. The event begins at 7:00pm.
The Theater Project and Cranford Library's "New Plays/ Staged Readings" Monthly Series continues October 19th at Cranford Community Center (CRANFORD, NJ) -- The Theater Project and the Cranford Library continue the autumn 2024 New Play Readings series on October 19, 2024 at Cranford Community Center’s 110-seat theater. This month's play is Listen, by Brigid Amos: when a brilliant but unstable artist brings his Bob Ross-inspired landscape painting to a Brooklyn Gallery, he finds himself pulled between the friends, family, and colleagues who want to exploit his reputation as a cutting-edge abstract artist or preserve it. The event begins at 2:00pm.
American Theater Group presents "My Italy Story" by Joseph Gallo (RAHWAY, NJ) -- NYC-based actor Michael Notardonato, soon to be featured in a new Netflix series, will star in American Theater Group's (ATG), endearing play My Italy Story by NJ playwright Joseph Gallo. The 2024-25 Season Opener will be directed by Charlotte Cohn, who most recently helmed ATG's world premiere Canned Goods. The one-man show will run October 24-27 at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, and November 1-3, 2024 at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge.
Theater League of Clifton presents "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" (CLIFTON, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present its main stage production of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 in the newly renovated Clifton School No. 3 auditorium, located 365 Washington Ave. in Clifton (adjacent to Paulison Avenue). Performances run October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024.
Bordentown Regional High School presents "The Witch's Princess" (BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- The comedic adventure The Witch's Princess by Don Zolidis will be presented October 25th-26, 2024 at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. This play will be performed by the award-winning theatre students of Bordentown Regional High School. Showtime is 7:30pm each night.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors" (PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Get ready for a spine-tingling blend of laughs and thrills as Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. This fast-paced version of Bram Stoker's classic tale will run from October 25 to November 2, 2024 at duCret Center of Art, located at 1030 Central Avenue in Plainfield, NJ.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Kinky Boots" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Tony Award-winning hit Kinky Boots weekends from October 25 to November 17, 2024. Based on the 2005 film and inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, an aspiring young businessman who is forced to give up his dreams of living the London city life in order to save his late father's family business in Northern England.
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