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
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Irving Berlin's Holiday INN" 
(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Irving Berlin's Holiday INN across two weekends from December 13-22, 2024. This musical tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut... but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Beetlejuice JR" 
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- It's Showtime! The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage when Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Beetlejuice JR. from December 20-22, 2024 at Fair Lawn Community Center. Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway musical, Beetlejuice JR. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, who is grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with death.
Kean Theatre Conservatory presents "Rent" on Thursday 
(UNION, NJ) -- Kean Theatre Conservatory presents Rent on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Enlow Recital Hall. The product of a semester-long rehearsal period, this will be smartly staged as a concert performance. Suggestions of costumes, scenery, and props will add to the overall effect which is intended to be focused on the actors' process. Showtime is 7:30pm.
'White Christmas' at Paper Mill Playhouse is a Holiday Classic 
The time honored classic movie White Christmas comes to life this month at Paper Mill Playhouse. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical is an enjoyable show for the entire family. The production, which is based off of the movie, uses music and lyrics by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin and a book David Ives and Paul Blake. This holiday favorite is a delight to see.
Jersey Arts Podcast: Ferrell Studios Premieres Their First Full Length Play: 'The Shape of Things' 
Founded by Luke Ferrell in 2022, Ferrell Studios offers exceptional and affordable performing arts education and theatrical productions. They offer a variety of classes and programs, including acting, musical theatre, playwriting, film and television acting, public speaking, and theory and criticism as well as private lessons for those who want to focus on a specific area of study.
A Holiday Showstopper: Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Co. presents "Broadway for the Holidays 4" 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company! This month, "Broadway for the Holidays 4" returns to the Black Box Theater at the Grunin Center for the Arts, located on Ocean County College's main campus in Toms River. Performances run across two weekends from December 12-22, 2024.
WHATCo Nabs 35 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Award Nominations 
(WEST HUDSON, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) announced it has received 35 nominations across 15 categories for its productions, performers and creators in the BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards for 2024 honoring regional productions, touring shows and more. And fans, friends and family can once again help decide who will win!
Jersey Arts TV: Small but Mighty Cast of 'A Christmas Carol' Entertains Audiences at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ 
'Tis the season for festive holiday outings and lucky for us the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has risen to the occasion with their take on "A Christmas Carol."
music
Borgata presents A John Legend Christmas 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- A John Legend Christmas comes to the Borgata Event Center on Friday, December 20, 2024. Performing alongside a four-piece-band, Legend will deliver holiday classics from his hit album, A Legendary Christmas. Showtime is 8:00pm.
NJPAC presents CeCe Winans 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Only a few days before Christmas, CeCe Winans will light up your holiday with joyful music at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The 12-time GRAMMY® winner will perform in Newark on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 8:00pm and Saturday, December 21 at 8:00pm. She will be joined on the bill by special guests Roman Collins and Debbie Winans.
Sinatra Scholars Talk Frank and Remember Riddle at Swingin' Tribute 
(AVON BY THE SEA, NJ) -- A swingin' Saturday afternoon event, filled with musical memories of Frank Sinatra, kicked off the holiday season on the right sentimental note, as Mr. Sinatra's heavenly 109th birthday approaches.
James D'Amico's Sun Concerts and The Strand Theater present Almost Queen on January 11th 
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- James D'Amico's Sun Concerts and The Strand Theater present Almost Queen on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 8:00pm. They are the most authentic Queen tribute show since the days of Queen themselves.
The Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference to Return in March After Five-Year Hiatus 
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- After a five-year hiatus, the Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference will return on March 28-29, 2025, bringing music, mentorship, and performances back to historic Congress Hall and 16 live music venues across Cape May.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna New Year's Eve Concert on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 5:00pm. This is a joyful, lively experience and an annual State Theatre New Year's Eve tradition for 17 years.
Chris Batten & The Woods release New Christmas Song 
New Jersey’s own "Dad Rock" heroes, Chris Batten & The Woods are closing out a prolific year with their 4th new single of 2024 — "Christmas (Here With You)". The song was released on December 6th.
Jersey Arts Podcast: A Rockin' Christmas with Twelve Twenty-Four at the Levoy Theatre 
Known for their electrifying renditions of classic holiday music, Twelve Twenty-Four combines the festive spirit with high-energy rock performances that will leave audiences of all ages wanting more. They are the longest running Trans Siberian Orchestra Tribute band having begun in 2002, over twenty years ago!
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Must Be Santa" by The Weeklings 
Elvis was the Pelvis. Jerry Lee was Killer. The Beatles were The Fab Four. Well, The Weeklings are The Mashers, kings of the musical mashup.
film
New Release Review - "Conclave" 
You know that leftover bit you stumble across when you've just finished assembling a piece of flat pack furniture? Some little plastic doohickey that looks like it should be important, but which doesn't seem to play any vital role in the shelving unit you just put together. Conclave, director Edward Berger and writer Peter Straughan's adaptation of Robert Harris's 2016 novel, is the leftover doohickey of 2024 cinema. It looks like an important film, with its elegant visuals and impressive cast, but it doesn't seem to have any function. It's neither serious nor soapy. It's a Murder She Wrote episode without a murder. It's 12 Angry Men without the debates and arguments. It's a movie about Catholicism that plays like it was made by Presbyterians. I don't know why it exists. It's by no means the worst film of 2024, but it might be the most pointless.
dance
The Roxey Ballet Returns with 'The Nutcracker' Holiday Classic and a Sensory-Friendly Performance 
The Roxey Ballet is thrilled to bring back its holiday classic, "The Nutcracker." This acclaimed annual favorite has become a tradition of area residents and holiday visitors alike. The magical Christmas ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky returns to the Villa Victoria Theater in Ewing, New Jersey, for its 29th season from November 30th to December 8th, 2024. The Roxey Ballet is also proud to present a sensory-friendly performance on December 14th, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children, adults, and families with special needs. Virtual performances are also available.
art
Annual Mercer County Teen Arts Festival to Take Place May 2nd 
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- On May 2, 2025, hundreds of young artists and performers will have the opportunity to experience the Mercer County Teen Arts Festival. This annual festival provides High School and Middle School students from Mercer County’s public, private, parochial, and independent schools the opportunity for a day of full arts immersion at the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College.
community
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage From December 1-7, 2024 
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from December 1-7, 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 8 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, and Ocean).
Monmouth County Park System to Hold Pine Barren Bonfires 
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System invites area residents to enjoy a winter evening gathered around a Pine Barren Bonfire on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Turkey Swamp Park Council Ring, Georgia Road, Freehold. Experience the flames dancing in the night, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the feeling of warmth and companionship around the fire. The evening also includes games, s'mores, and a full moon! Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Literature to Life Awarded $40,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts 
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Literature to Life recently received a Support for Organizations grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support its creative work in the amount of $40,000. This award will fund LTL's work in schools and communities throughout New York City. Through New York State's continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state.
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Immersive The Hollowing screens at the 2025 New Jersey Film Festival on February 1st!
Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Announces the Third Annual American Music Honors Recipients
Remember Jones to Be First Performer at Mantoloking Road Playhouse with JONES SINGS JONES!
Dan Aubrey to give a talk on Joseph Bonaparte at Trenton City Museum
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The life and loves of noted area 19th century beauty Annette Savage will be the topic of a talk Saturday, February 9, 2025 at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Titled "Le Jeu de l'Amour," the program, led by journalist and writer Dan Aubrey, will explore how Napoleon’s brother and former King of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte, and his American mistress, Annette Savage, found passion and pain in the Trenton and Bordentown region of New Jersey. The event runs from from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
