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The Return of Upstage Magazine... Ten Years Later

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/15/2014


(BELMAR, NJ) -- A little over ten years ago, a publication called Upstage Magazine began covering the arts in Central New Jersey. The monthly newspaper contained news and features on both local and national artists, shining a spotlight on a region that included several Equity theatres, performing arts centers, comedy clubs, and numerous rock and roll venues. The independent publication eventually reached a circulation of 25,000 and earned an Asbury Music Award for Top Music Publication before its run was over. Fast-forward to today and Gary Wien, the original publisher of Upstage, plans to bring the magazine's concept back as New Jersey Stage… only this time as a digital magazine.

"I believe the time has come to take advantage of the benefits of going digital," said Wien. "Instead of simply talking about a new film, we'll be able to show the trailer; instead of one photograph for a story, we can offer an entire gallery; and we'll be able to take people inside the making of a new theatrical production with backstage videos. It's exciting!"

New Jersey Stage is raising funds for the new magazine via an Indiegogo.com crowd funding campaign - the campaign, which hopes to raise $3,000, is in its last two weeks.

"We've got great rewards for those who contribute to the campaign," said Wien. "There are theatre ticket packages from NJ Rep and George Street, film festival packages, autographed CDs and books, concert tickets, and great promotional packages for artists that include advertising, photography, and press release services."

New Jersey Stage is one of two new digital magazines to be produced by Wine Time Media. The other will focus on wineries along the east coast.

"New Jersey Stage is sort of the rebirth of Upstage Magazine," said Wien. "That magazine gave many artists their first press coverage and we intend to do the same with this publication. And to be able to do it digitally is simply amazing… Just imagine someone reading an article they like in a digital magazine. With the click of a button, they can simply email a link or the actual magazine to a friend. They can post the link on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter and help spread the word to thousands instantly. Articles can literally circle the globe — within a few minutes, more people could read that article and get copies of the magazine than you could ever print!"

In addition to the monthly digital magazine, New Jersey Stage covers art, music, theatre, film, comedy, poetry, literature, and museums throughout the state on a daily basis at http://www.NewJerseyStage.com.


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EVENT PREVIEWS

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present a three-day Spotlight play reading event featuring works by New Jersey playwrights at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center from July 6-8, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night.

Live On Stage Productions presents "Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert" at Cape May Stage

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Live On Stage Productions presents Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert at Cape May Stage from July 4-10, 2026. This show celebrates the remarkable bond between Ethel Merman and Mary Martin — two of Broadway’s brightest stars.
Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon

Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "London Suite"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.

The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system. 
Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

Misfits Theatre Co. presents "She Loves Me"

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Co., a community theater organization dedicated to producing bold, entertaining, and accessible theater for audiences of all ages, presents its inaugural book musical production, She Loves Me at Matawan Regional High School from July 10-12, 2026.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents "Sense and Sensibility" outside duCret Center of Art

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center invites audiences to experience Jane Austen's beloved classic Sense and Sensibility in a charming outdoor production this summer at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield. Performances take place July 10-12, 2026.

Howell PAL Theater Company presents "Grease"

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Howell PAL Theater Company presents the classic musical Grease weekends from July 10-12, 2026 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Grease is a love song to the 1950s and a cornerstone of the American musical comedy form.
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at Van Vleck House and Gardens

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Fair Stage" by Megan Gogerty

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
Summit, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ


My Fair Lady

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ



 

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