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The Return of Upstage Magazine... Ten Years Later

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

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the 2024 Tony® Award-winning Best Play, Stereophonic, for four performances from March 28-29, 2026. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom.
Nutley Little Theatre presents a Staged Reading of "With a Capital C" by Lawrence Paone

Nutley Little Theatre presents a Staged Reading of "With a Capital C" by Lawrence Paone

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- On Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 7:00pm, Nutley Little Theatre presents a free staged reading of With a Capital C - an original script written by Drew University Alum, Lawrence Paone and directed by another Drew Alum and NLT member, Mead Winters. There will be a talkback with the author immediately following the performance.
Centenary Stage Company presents a Staged Reading of "Big Money" on April 1st

Centenary Stage Company presents a Staged Reading of "Big Money" on April 1st

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents a staged reading of Big Money by Lauren Ferebee on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre as part of its Women Playwrights Series (WPS). This is a sharp and timely new play that dives into the high-stakes world of advertising, ambition, and moral compromise.
Who Is Karen Andre? Ruth Stage Brings Ayn Rand

Who Is Karen Andre? Ruth Stage Brings Ayn Rand's "Night of January 16th" to Asbury Park!

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Ruth Stage continues its residency at the Jersey Shore Arts Center with Night of January 16th, presented from April 2-4, 2026. This follows the company's acclaimed productions of Edward Albee's The Zoo Story and At Home at the Zoo. In Ayn Rand's gripping courtroom drama, Karen Andre stands accused of murdering her powerful and enigmatic lover, Bjorn Faulkner.
Passage Theatre Company to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Larry Hilton Stage on April 8th

Passage Theatre Company to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Larry Hilton Stage on April 8th

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company is proud to host the naming of the Mill Hill Playhouse stage, to forevermore be known as "The Larry Hilton Stage," in honor of great donor, patron, producer and friend of the company Lawrence M. Hilton. Mr. Hilton was a beacon for Passage Theatre for nearly 40 years and a steward for all art, music, theater, and education in his hometown of Trenton, NJ.
Lewis Center for the Arts

Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater & Music Theater presents "The Comeuppance" by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University presents The Comeuppance by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and Princeton alumnus Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Class of 2006. Performances take place April 3-4 and April 10 at 8:00pm and April 11 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm at the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center.
"It

"It's Never Too Late," A New Musical Exploring Hope and Second Chances, Debuts at Kelsey Theatre in April

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- The power of hope, reinvention, and second chances takes the stage when Theater To Go presents the world premiere, limited engagement of the new Lou DiPietro musical It's Never Too Late, across two weekends from April 3–12, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus.
Brundage Park Playhouse presents "Titanic, The Musical"

Brundage Park Playhouse presents "Titanic, The Musical"

(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse presents Titanic, The Musical from April 9-12, 2026. Epic and majestic, with moments of heartbreaking intimacy, Titanic captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams.
Roundtable Theater Company presents "Jagged Little Pill"

Roundtable Theater Company presents "Jagged Little Pill"

(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Roundtable Theater Company presents the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill from April 9-12, 2026 at the George Frey Center for Performing Arts in the Fair Lawn Community Center. Set in modern-day Connecticut, this contemporary musical utilizes the genius of Alanis Morissette's 1995 album of the same name to tackle some of today's most important issues.
Centenary Stage Company presents 2026 Women Playwrights Series in April

Centenary Stage Company presents 2026 Women Playwrights Series in April

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents the 2026 Women Playwrights Series (WPS) across three Wednesdays from April 1-15. This year's series will feature staged readings of Big Money by Lauren Ferebee; Breeders by Megan Campisi; and Not It! by Kathleen Coudle-King.

 

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