New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

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.


Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


George

George Street Playhouse presents An Old-Fashioned Family Murder

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: theatre


 

Dracula

Dracula

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

interACT

interACT Theatre Productions presents "DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE"

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts
10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
category: theatre


 

CDC

CDC Theatre presents "The Shark Is Broken"

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 8:00pm
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
category: theatre


 

The

The Growing Stage presents "Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical"

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

NJ

NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "The Drop Off" by James Anthony Tyler

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) is proud to present the world premiere of The Drop Off, a powerful new comic-drama by James Anthony Tyler, recipient of the 3rd Annual Horton Foote Playwriting Award. Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, performances will run October 30 through November 23, 2025, and opening night will be celebrated on November 1 at 7:00pm.



Jersey

Jersey Arts Podcast: Shakespeare Theatre's Frankenstein Reveals the Story Behind the Story

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Frankenweenie, Poor Things... the story of Frankenstein has been adapted many times over and continues to find new relevance with each interpretation. Playwright David Catlin's version, called Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, does double duty by presenting a story within a story.



"Grease"

"Grease" Is The Word

​​​​​​​For the next two weekends, the Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys of Rydell High School will be joyfully singing and dancing their way through "Grease," one of the world's most beloved musicals, at the Spring Lake Theatre. If this past Sunday's performance is any indication, audiences are in for an exuberant treat.



McCarter

McCarter Theatre presents "300 Paintings" by Comedian Turned Artist Sam Kissajukian

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Sometimes a breakdown coincides with the biggest breakthrough. In 2021, Sydney comedian Sam Kissajukian quit stand-up, rented an abandoned cake factory, and became a painter. Over the course of a six-month manic episode, he created 300 large-scale paintings—unknowingly chronicling his mental state in real time.



PHOTOS

PHOTOS from "The Rocky Horror Show" at Algonquin Arts Theatre

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents The Rocky Horror Show from October 10–19, 2025. Audiences are invited to do the "Time Warp" again as this outrageous, rock-filled cult classic comes to thrilling life on the Algonquin stage. The production features Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O'Brien.