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New Jersey Stage Articles and Columns For November 2021

originally published: 12/05/2021

Here's a look at the original feature articles and columns published by New Jersey Stage from November 1 to November 30, 2021. In addition to these stories, we publish between 50-60 press releases during the week.

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MUSIC FEATURES

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Dennis Mackrel Assumes New Role at New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Program

by Jay Sweet
Dennis Mackrel is a noted drummer, composer, arranger, and educator who has recorded and performed with some of the biggest stars in jazz, including Count Basie, Joe Williams, McCoy Tyner, and George Shearing. Recently, he was appointed the first Artis ...

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Inside "At The Movies II" by Mint 400 Records

It’s not often that we think about how important the music that was written for films is to our culture. As Mint 400 Records releases its second full compilation of songs written for movie soundtracks it will remind fans of the fascinating scope that movie soundtrack so ...

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MPAC Presents Little Feat On November 13th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- For over 50 years, Little Feat has fused California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly, and New Orleans swamp boogie into a unique musical gumbo all their own.  Little Feat comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, November 13 at 8:00pm. ...

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"Absolutely Epic!" Melissa Etheridge LIVE! at BergenPAC

by Spotlight Central
Music lovers are lining up outside BergenPAC in Englewood, NJ this Friday, October 22, 2021 evening for a live concert by singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. ...

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Photos from Foreigner at State Theatre New Jersey

by James DeSalvo
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The iconic classic rock band Foreigner came to the State Theatre New Jersey on Friday, October 29, 2021 and photographer James DeSalvo was on hand to take some photos.  The band is known for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems like  “Juk ...

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“They’re Better than Good — They’re Great!” The Glenn Miller Orchestra LIVE! at the Grunin Center

by Spotlight Central
The sold-out crowd at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts is ready to sing ’n swing this Saturday, October 23, 2021 evening with a concert of big band jazz presented by The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. ...

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Members of The Wag Talk About Their Christmas Spectacular Show Coming To The Strand

by Gary Wien
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) — There's nothing like a good old fashioned holiday special, and The Wag's Christmas Spectacular is steeped in the traditions of holiday TV shows of the past. The Wag will bring back the memories of these specials while pu ...

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William Paterson University presents Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy on November 21st

(WAYNE, NJ) -- Legendary drummer and musician, Carl Palmer is touring the US in November. These shows, which will feature only Palmer and his band, mark the return to live performances since the onset of the pandemic. The tour comes to William Pat ...

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Makin Waves with Little Hag: ‘Brutal Is Not a Phase’

by Bob Makin
Makin Waves 2018 Female Artist of the Year Avery Mandeville continues to thrive on Hoboken-based Bar/None Records as Little Hag, which is both her stage and band names. The Jersey Shore indie songstress recently released her latest LP on Bar/None, which has worked with suc ...

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Brook Arts Center presents Motor City Revue's Motown Holiday Edition On December 3rd

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- A little more than half a century ago, a new sound took shape in and around Detroit that revolutionized the music industry. Today, the Motor City Revue faithfully recreates that signature Motown sound and, in the process ...

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"A+" Judy Collins LIVE! at MPAC

by Spotlight Central
The audience at MPAC in Morristown, NJ, this Sunday, October 24, 2021 evening is getting ready for a concert of classic folk-rock music from legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins. ...

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Brook Arts Center presents Ronstadt Revue on August 6th

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- Brook Arts Center presents Ronstadt Revue on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 7:00pm. The band covers every style of music that Linda Ronstadt performed during her illustrious 40+ year career. The extraordinary singer Gesenia Erolin not only has t ...

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"A Giant Among Giants!" Paul Anka Sings Sinatra LIVE! at MPAC

by Spotlight Central
Music lovers are ready and waiting this Tuesday, October 26, 2021 evening inside the auditorium of Morristown, NJ’s MPAC. They’re all here for a night of music by the legendary singer/songwriter Paul Anka in a performance entitled Anka Sings Sinatra: ...

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Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards to Perform at Hopewell Theater on Friday

(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards come to The Hopewell Theater on Friday, November 12 at 8:00pm. Expanding on the boundaries of what an indie-folk band can be, the band took their extensive string music background, added their knowle ...

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Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents "Classical Christmas" on December 5th

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Back by popular demand after two years of waiting: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, (CPNJ) known for its “lavish sound” and “excellent programs” (U.S. 1) brings holiday classics to your very own backyard! No ...

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Almost U2 To Perform At Brook Arts Center on March 12th

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- Born from the Asbury Park-based band Misfit Johnny comes Almost U2, a tribute to the live experience of the iconic band U2. The band pays homage to U2 with spot-on accuracy and attention to detail. With music spanning U2’s entire music catalog ...

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1968 Album By Joe Pesci Gets Released Digitally

Decades before New Jersey native Joe Pesci won an Oscar for “Goodfellas,” cracked us up in “Home Alone” and the “Lethal Weapon” films and made “the two yoots” – uttered by his character Vincent Gambini in the 1992 hit comedy “My Cousin Vinny” – an essent ...

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"It's a Party!" Foreigner LIVE! at STNJ

by Spotlight Central
Patrons entering the gleaming State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ, this Friday, October 29, 2021 evening are welcomed into a fully-renovated theater. With new carpet, seats, and restrooms — along with a new elevator, donor lounge, and additional accessible seating  ...

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Renee Maskin Talks About Her First Official Solo Record and Future Plans

by Gary Wien
Renee Maskin has been a big part of the Asbury Park music scene for many years as both a solo performer and lead singer and guitarist of Lowlight. Her first official solo release is "When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings" - a song written by ...

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The Closet Carpenters Present Their 8th Annual Christmas Concert On December 11 at Brook Arts Center

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Closet Carpenters will present their 8th Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Brook Arts Center.  Showtime is 8:00pm.   Singer Jody and Joh Lisa and members of Lost in Pla ...

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MPAC Presents Jonathan Antoine’s Christmasland Live! on December 1st

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Chart-topping British Tenor Jonathan Antoine performs music from his new holiday release Christmasland and more spanning a range from pop to classical at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Wednesday, December 1 at 7:30pm. Tickets ran ...

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Capital Singers of Trenton presents Handel’s "Messiah" on December 12th

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Capital Singers of Trenton, under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., will present Handel’s Messiah with soloists, chorus and orchestra and other holiday works such as O Radiant Dawn by MacMi ...

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“My Happy Place! The Weeklings’ Beatles Bash LIVE! at the Grunin Center

by Spotlight Central
The sold-out crowd at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts is ready and waiting this Friday, November 5, 2021 evening for a live Beatles Bash performance by The Weeklings, a group of top-flight Jersey musicians known for performing picture per ...

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“Loved It, Loved It, Loved It!” Gladys Knight LIVE! at STNJ

by Spotlight Central
Inside STNJ in New Brunswick, NJ this Saturday, November 6, 2021, one of the most celebrated singers in pop music history, “The Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight, is just about to begin a live performance of classic hits representing her long and storied musical c ...

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“They Made Me Wish I Was a Teenager Again!” The Temptations and the Four Tops LIVE! at STNJ

 

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by Spotlight Central
Inside the beautifully restored STNJ auditorium in New Brunswick, NJ, this Sunday, November 7, 2021, a packed house anxiously awaits the start of a concert by two legendary Motown musical groups — The Temptations and The Four Tops. ...

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Cherish the Ladies Perform Their Celtic Christmas Program at William Paterson University on December 4

(WAYNE, NJ) -- Cherish the Ladies will perform as part of William Paterson University’s WP Presents series on Saturday, December 4 at 8:00pm in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on the campus in Wayne. Cherish the Ladi ...

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Rosanne Cash LIVE! at MPAC

by Spotlight Central
Music lovers are in their seats this Wednesday, November 10, 2021 evening at MPAC in Morristown, NJ, anxiously awaiting a live concert by Rosanne Cash. One of music’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters, Cash has scored 21 Top 40 country hits, including 11 #1 singles. Her landmark 2009 album, The Lis ...

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"Insanely Good!" Pat Metheny's Side Eye LIVE! at STNJ

by Spotlight Central
Music lovers inside the historic State Theatre New Jersey auditorium in New Brunswick, NJ this Friday, November 12, 2021 are primed to experience an evening of innovative jazz presented by guitar phenom Pat Metheny and his trio, Side Eye. ...

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MUSIC COLUMNS

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/4/21

by Danny Coleman
Steve Tyrell; know'em? Well, you should because he has worked with some of the largest names in the entertainment and music industries, has written and produced music with legendary icons, won a 9 and even had his talents on display on the big screen but his latest effort, a tribut ...

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "How Sweet It Is" by Taylor Simon King

by Bob Makin
Taylor Simon King is a celebration of legendary troubadours James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King. Their version of “How Sweet It Is” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. ...

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Kittens and Fish are a Winning Combination at The Stone Pony

by Danny Coleman
A noteworthy show on Saturday November 13 takes place in Asbury Park, NJ and that is Samantha Fish with River Kittens at The Stone Pony. Recently, Mattie Schell of River Kittens spoke about the upcoming show and the interesting partnerships this duo has formed. ...

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/11/21

by Danny Coleman
Words such as “Gifted” and “Influential” with a “Warm expressive voice” have been used to describe Tom Rush. Artists like James Taylor and Garth Brooks have listed him as one of, if not their top influence and he will be appearing at The Sellersville Theater in Sellersv ...

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: “Energizer” by Rockstar Racecar

by Bob Makin
“Energizer,” the fourth single from “Senior Citizens,” the just-dropped fourth album by the young North Jersey punk rock band Rockstar Racecar, is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. ...

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/18/21

by Danny Coleman
“I’m taking a bite of a croissant as I speak to you , please forgive me,” and so began a lively, spirited and humorous conversation with Go-Go’s drummer and now author Gina Schock. “I’m very busy, really happy and good and everything is happening and it’s wonderful! I ...

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: “Julie the Redeemer” by The Successful Failures

by Bob Makin
On their own FDR Records, Bordentown-based The Successful Failures have released their ninth LP, “James Cotton Mather,” their third in as many years. The 12-track collection’s first single, “Julie the Redeemer,” is the Makin Waves Song of ...

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...11/25/21

by Danny Coleman
The year was 1978, a then teenaged future writer was prepping to go to his first ever concert at Jadwin Gym on the campus of Princeton University. That concert was Emerson, Lake & Palmer; an event which not only left a lasting impression but also increased a hunger for live music w ...

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: “No Way to Live” by Colossal Street Jam

by Bob Makin
In anticipation of “No Way to Live,” Colossal Street Jam’s next album early next year, the title track is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.  ...

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THEATRE FEATURES

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One of the Great Ones -- "A Bronx Tale" at Axelrod PAC

by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com
"A Bronx Tale, The Musical" was written by Chazz Palminteri with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The show initially premiered in 2016 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in — you guessed it — New Jersey, followed by a two-year run on Broadway ...

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Axelrod PAC presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

(OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (APAA) presents its first musical, The SpongeBob Musical, at the Axelrod Performing Arts (APAC) Center for two weekends, beginning Thanksgiving weekend: November 27 through December 5, 2021. Based on the popular N ...

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Vivid Stage presents the World Premiere of "Water in My Hands"

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, formerly Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present the world premiere production of Water in My Hands by Emma Gibson from December 2 through 12. All audience memb ...

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August Wilson’s "Radio Golf" Returns to Two River Theater, Continuing the American Century Cycle Legacy of Plays

by Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com
The critically acclaimed production of August Wilson’s play Radio Golf  is back at Two River Theater after being forced to shut down early in its March 2020 run. Radio Golf is the 10th and final play o ...

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Doug Harris Talks About "It's Only A Play" at George Street Playhouse

by Charles Paolino
A critic once complimented Doug Harris, who has a principal role in the new George Street Playhouse production of It’s Only a Play, for his “smooth charm.” Harris figures that critic “must have been allowed to drink inside the theater.” ...

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"Elf, The Musical" Brings Holiday Cheer To Manasquan

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- The Algonquin’s 2021-2022 Broadway Series is on sale now, featuring five productions. Elf the Musical opened on November 21, 2021 and the remaining shows through December 12 are expected to sell out soon. Based on the cherished 2003 New Lin ...

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State Theatre presents "Anastasia" - The New Broadway Musical

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Anastasia - The New Broadway Musical with four performances from December 3-5.  From the Tony® Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, Anas ...

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FILM FEATURES

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Spotlight On The New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2022

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, presents the New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2022, which marks its 40th Anniversary, on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays ...

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ART FEATURES

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Artist Jonte Drew on Feeling like a "Black Sheep" and the Power of Arts Education

by Rachel Alban, JerseyArts.com
Hailing from Paterson, NJ, Jonte Drew is a visual artist whose work often explores issues around masculinity and physicality as they relate to the perception of Black men. A graduate of William Paterson University, where he received bot ...

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"The First Water is the Body" and "After the Falls" — Exhibitions Present Visual Celebration of Indigenous People

by Shen Shellenberger, JerseyArts.com
The First Water Is the Body and Athena LaTocha: After the Falls, the exhibitions on view through January 23, 2022, at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, were organized by VACNJ curator Mary ...

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Climate Artists and Scientists from Mongolia Attempt to Communicate What Others Have Not

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com
When I went to Google Maps to see how long it would take to get to Mongolia, the app could not calculate – not by bus, not by car, not walking, cycling, even plane. When I simply Googled the distance, I learned it is 6,426 miles from N ...

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Inside and Outside - Yongshin Cho’s Solo Art Exhibition

by Amy Hunam Yun
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Video artist Yongshin Cho’s solo art exhibition Inside and Outside is on view at Riverside Gallery (390 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ) from November 1 through November 27. This exhibition consists of video art installations, which explore the bo ...

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Dionne Warwick Inspires an Arts Exhibit In Newark, Visits for In-Person Tour

by Rachel Alban, JerseyArts.com
Dionne Warwick's distinctive voice has been part of American pop music for more than 60 years. With more than 100 million record sales, 80 billboard hits, six Grammys, and one lifetime achievement award, Warwick has been credited with “bridging th ...

 

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DANCE FEATURES

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American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker Returns in 2021

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- American Repertory Ballet is excited about the return of The Nutcracker this holiday season!  Performances kick off at McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, November 26 through 28, and continue through December with stops at the Union County Pe ...

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The Great Return - Fall Dance Plus at NBPAC

by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com
These are exciting times in the world of performance. The jubilation is palpable as stages return to live shows. This weekend, seven choreographers and their student dance companies present their work at the stunning New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. ...

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Christmas Must Be on the Way: the Nutcrackers Are Back

by Bruce Chadwick
The temperature has dropped to the 20s at night. Snow showers have been spotted in Sussex County, families are already shopping, trees in front lawns are being decorated with multi-colored lights, Santa’s elves are hard at work at the North Pole and chestnuts are waiti ...

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Christmas Must Be on the Way - the Nutcrackers Are Back

by Bruce Chadwick
The temperature has dropped to the 20s at night. Snow showers have been spotted in Sussex County, families are already shopping, trees in front lawns are being decorated with multi-colored lights, Santa’s elves are hard at work at the North Pole and chestnuts are wait ...

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COMMUNITY FEATURES

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Spotlight On MPAC's 2021 Holiday Shows

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has a diverse lineup of holiday events this season. From New Jersey Ballet’s 50th anniversary of Nutcracker to the George Gee Swing Orchestra, vocal powerhouse Jonathan Antoine to ukelele master Jake Shimabukuro, MPAC has event ...

 

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