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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

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- This summer, bergenPAC's Performing Arts School will light up the Taub Stage with the beloved Broadway classic Annie, running July 31 through August 2, 2026. Auditions for the production will be held on Wednesday, May 13th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Digital audition submissions will also be accepted now through May 13th. Callbacks will be on May 20th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
The Theater Project presents a Staged Reading of "House Rules" by Jack McGrath on May 16th

The Theater Project presents a Staged Reading of "House Rules" by Jack McGrath on May 16th

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 New Play Readings series will present a staged reading of Jack McGrath's House Rules on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Cranford Community Center's 110-seat theater. The play tells the story of Bobby Ray – a man who has walked across America to return "home" to try and avert a family tragedy. The problem is that the family he returns to refuses to recognize him, and his homecoming has come 10 years too late.
Stage Players presents "Alice By Heart"

Stage Players presents "Alice By Heart"

(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Stage Players (ages 13-17) at Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Alice By Heart from May 14-16, 2026 at Haddonfield Methodist Church. From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
American Theater Group presents "The Unwitting Magician"

American Theater Group presents "The Unwitting Magician"

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) will once again present The Unwitting Magician, a special work in development by Jeremy Dobrish, May 16-17, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center. The piece was successfully presented last December as part of ATG's Free Monday Night Play Reading Series.
The Levoy Theatre presents "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical"

The Levoy Theatre presents "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical"

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical from May 15-17, 2026. Based on the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Book Series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Studios Films, the musical contains a Book by Kevin del Aguila; Music and Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.
Red Bull Theater presents a reading of "Cymbeline, Refinished" on May 18th

Red Bull Theater presents a reading of "Cymbeline, Refinished" on May 18th

(NEW YORK, NY) -- The award-winning Red Bull Theater will conclude their spring Revelation Readings Series on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 7:30pm with Cymbeline, Refinished by William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw and directed by Michael Sexton.
Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on May 19th

Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on May 19th

(LEONIA, NJ) -- Liberty Arts Theatre presents "I Know What I Give My Life For" (The Short Life Of Walter Klingenbeck) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at American Legion Post #1 in Leonia. Admission is free, showtime is 7:30pm. The production is presented by Roland Weimer.
The Maplewood Strollers presents "Much Ado About Nothing"

The Maplewood Strollers presents "Much Ado About Nothing"

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers presents Much Ado About Nothing across two weekends from May 15-24, 2026. Wit flies, sparks ignite, and love is anything but simple in this classic by William Shakespeare.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "Annie KIDS"

Main Street Theatre Company presents "Annie KIDS"

(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Annie KIDS on May 23-24, 2026. The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world's best-loved, Award-winning musicals.
Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present "Liberty Madness" at State Theatre

Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present "Liberty Madness" at State Theatre

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present an original live production of Liberty Madness at State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a dynamic, magical stage play that tells the story of America’s haunted past.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS






 

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