Pump Boys & Dinettes
Paper Mill Playhouse - 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn
A raucous good time! A musical full of joy‚ a little bit of heartbreak‚ and lots of hilarity. This visionary tribute to life by the roadside takes place on North Carolina’s Highway 57. Somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna stands a rest stop. The four hardworking fellas at the gas station have been known to do some auto repairs‚ but only when aided by some great tunes and a few beers. Next door there’s the Double Cupp Diner‚ where the Cupp sisters offer up their famous home cooking and gift for song. A celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton‚ and catfish!
Presented by Paper Mill Playhouse from April 6 to May 1.
My Name Is Asher Lev
George Street Playhouse - 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Faith – Tradition – Art. Which wins out?
Asher Lev is a young Jew growing up in post-war Brooklyn. His artistic talent was apparent from an early age, and he can’t imagine himself doing anything else. He must create art at any cost, regardless of the will of his family, his community and tradition. The award-winning play by Aaron Posner based on the best-selling novel by Chaim Potok.
George Street Playhouse presents My Name Is Asher Lev from April 12 through May 1. The production stars Bob Aria, Miles G. Jackson, and Lena Kaminsky. It is directed by Jim Jack.
Old Love New Love
Luna Stage - 555 Valley Road, West Orange
A mother and daughter navigate the choppy waters of infidelity under very different circumstances: Gloria’s husband Colin has fallen for another Alzheimer’s patient at the facility where he resides. Michelle’s husband Matt has strayed after losing a local election and wrestling with his unfulfilled ambitions. A play about what we can’t remember and what we can forgive, Old Love New Love explores what happens when old love faces new challenges.
This world premiere by Laura Brienza is presented by Luna Stage April 7 through May 8. Nancy Robillard directs the production.
Pericles
Two River Theater - 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank
Shakespeare’s thrilling and epic tale of adventure, shipwreck and romance. When Pericles uncovers the King’s dark secret, he is forced to flee his Kingdom and navigate the roaring sea and its islands’ lovers, magicians & pirates. Brought to life with original songs by Rinde Eckert, choreography by Dan Knechtges, and directed by David Schweizer, this production will be an exhilarating and mystical event you will not want to miss!
The production stars J. Clint Allen, Phillipe Bowgen, Rinde Eckert, Ellen Harvey, Kevin Mambo, Nikki Massoud, and Mary Testa. Two River Theater presents Pericles from April 16 through May 8.
A Lovely Sunday For Creve Coeur
South Camden Theatre Company - 400 Jasper Street, Camden
A Lovely Sunday For Creve Coeur is a seldom seen heartwarming comedy from American master playwright Tennessee Williams. The play, written later in his career, portrays four women in 1930’s St. Louis Missouri as they struggle for independence in their quest to find love and happiness. Set at a time when the role of women in American society was in flux the four women all choose different paths to do what was necessary to secure their futures and ensure their prosperity.
Performances run April 29 through May 15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.
White Guy On The Bus
Passage Theatre Company - 205 East Front Street, Trenton
Why is wealthy suburban Ray riding the bus every day? What does he want with fellow bus-rider Shatique? And what does his wife have to do with it? Bruce Graham’s fearless and incisive play takes a no-holds-barred look at hidden and not-so-hidden racism within us all.
Passage Theatre Company presents White Guy On The Bus May 5 through May 22. Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. The production is directed by Michelle Tattenbaum.
Villainous Company
NJ Repertory Company - 179 Broadway, Long Branch
When Claire returns home from an afternoon of shopping, she discovers that one of her packages is missing. Coincidentally, just as she is calling the store, a staff member stops by to return the item, then manages to invite herself inside. Before long, larceny and trickery abound as the two women, soon joined by a third, compete in a scintillating and suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse.
The New Jersey Premiere of Villainous Company by Victor L. Cahn from May 5 through June 5. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm; and Sundays at 2:00pm.
Out Of Sterno
The Garage Theatre Group - 960 River Road, Teaneck
In their seven years of marriage Hamel has forbidden her to leave their tiny apartment or speak to anyone, but Dotty is so very happy to spend her days in the same dizzy cycle. When a phone call from a mysterious woman threatens to tear her marriage apart, Dotty must venture out into the vast city of Sterno and try to discover what it is to be a “real” woman. Wickedly funny.
Some strong language. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Performances run May 5 through May 22 on Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:30pm.
Mr. Lincoln
East Lynne Theater Company - 500 Hughes Street, Cape May
This production was so popular in 2015 that it returns in 2016 with Tom Byrn reprising the role of the President. The Lincolns were enjoying a comedy at Ford’s Theatre when John Wilkes Booth entered the President’s box. In Herbert Mitgang’s play, Lincoln’s life flashes before him, from his early days as a lawyer, to President of the United States as John Wilkes Booth aims his pistol.
The production is directed by Gayle Stahlhuth. Performances run from May 11 through May 21. The production travels to Bloomsburg Ensemble Theatre in Pennsylvania after the run in Cape May.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Algonquin Arts Theatre - 173 Main Street, Manasquan
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box while learning that winning (and losing) isn’t everything.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents this TONY and Drama Desk Award Winner for Best Book from May 13 - May 22.
How I Became A Pirate
The Growing Stage - 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Sail off on a fantastic musical excursion when a band of comical pirates lands at North Beach looking for an expert digger to join their crew. Braid Beard and his mates enlist young Jeremy Jacob, as they try to find the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy finds that adventuring can be lots of fun, but also learns that love and home are treasures you can’t find on any map!
The whole family will love this delightful and swashbuckling musical adventure! Performances run from May 13 to May 22 on Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00PM.
