By Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 07/29/2021
A new play based on a beloved, old character takes The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s outdoor stage. “Snug” expands on the lives of the mechanicals from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with merriment, mischief, magic, and love. JerseyArts.com correspondent Maddie Orton talks with the cast and creator of "Snug" about life imitating art and creating theatre despite challenge after challenge.
For tickets and more information on “Snug,” visit www.shakespearenj.org.
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Discover Jersey Arts is a multifaceted program dedicated to increasing the awareness of and participation in the arts in New Jersey. For more information, visit www.JerseyArts.com.
Jersey Arts TV is presented by ArtPride New Jersey in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
About the author: Maddie Orton is an Emmy-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker. She has worked on several PBS shows including: "Take on Fake," "NJTV News," "MetroFocus," "WLIW Arts Beat," and "Treasures of New York." A life-long theater lover, Maddie created the documentary "I Can't... I Have Rehearsal," exploring New Jersey's arts education through high school musicals. She studied theater and American Studies at Rutgers University, and lives in the great Garden State with her husband and kiddo.
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Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
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"
(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.
George Street Playhouse to Offer Livestreams of "My Lord, What a Night" this weekend
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse (GSP) is partnering with the League of Live Stream Theater (LOLST) to broadcast its acclaimed production of My Lord, What a Night during the final weekend of performances (May 15-17, 2026).
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.
New Jersey Repertory Company presents a staged reading of "Portrait of a Woman in Repose" by Nicky Glossman
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company presents a staged reading of "Portrait of a Woman in Repose" by Nicky Glossman on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the West End Arts Center. The production is directed by James Glossman and features an outstanding cast: Richard Kind, David Strathairn, and Michelle Wilson.
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.
Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour"
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents a reading of "The Best Most Super Fantastic Hiking Tour" by Fay Corinotis on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Admission is free ($10 cash donation suggested).
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"
(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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
George Street Playhouse presents "My Lord, What A Night"Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 2:00pmNew Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) New Brunswick, NJ
