Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/06/2017
"If someone in the year 1916 told me that in 1917 I'd be in the army, I would have thought him insane," said Charles Edward Dilkes (1887-1968).
Meet Dilkes, poet Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918), pilot Kenneth Russell Unger (1898-1979), nurse Amabel Scharff Roberts (1891-1918), "Hello Girl" Grace Banker (1892-1960) and other Americans who went to Europe when the United States entered World War I a hundred years ago. "A Year in the Trenches" is based on Dilkes' book "Remembering World War I: An Engineer’s Diary of the War," and other historical sources. Dilkes was born in Philadelphia, but spent the rest of his life in NJ after the war. Others from NJ are in the play, including two brothers from Cape May. Live music from the period is performed throughout.
The script for this world premiere, written by James Rana and developed with Gayle Stahlhuth, was commissioned by the NJ Historical Commission and the NJ State Council on the Arts. Staged readings of a one-hour version of "Trenches"have already been performed at The Bickford Theatre in Morristown, NJ, sponsored by the NJ Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival, the Ocean County Public Library in Toms River, NJ, sponsored by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, and at McGuire Air Force Base/Fort Dix to commemorate its 100th anniversary. On October 17, two performances will be at the Ocean County Community College. One performance is already sold out.
"A Year in the Trenches" with interviews with the creative team is going to be highlighted on an upcoming segment of "State of the Arts" on NJTV.
The talented cast of six includes two actors who are new to the company: Osborn Focht and Ryan Genauldi. Focht's credits include "Paul Simon's The Capeman," on Broadway and "The Magdalene, Kristina the Musical" at Carnegie and Royal Albert Halls and recorded on the Decca label. His film work includes playing Verne in "Bad Parents." Genauldi, a graduate from Drew University, recently performed in "Not Now, Darling" at the Bickford Theatre.
The rest of the cast has worked before with ELTC. Jennie Bissell ("Strictly Dishonorable"), was in "The Power of Darkness" at The Mint Theater Company in NYC and recently completed her MFA in Classical Acting at the Shakespeare Theatre/George Washington University. Matt Baxter Luceno ("Within the Law"), has worked for La MaMa E.T.C. and the Red Bull Theater in NYC. Regional work includes "King Lear" with Stacy Keach at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. Mike Newman ("Biography"), was in "Life is a Dream" in NYC and "Peter and the Starcatcher" at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in NH. Tara Reuter ("Dracula"), was in "Arsenic and Old Lace" at The Heights Players in Brooklyn and "Love, Sex, and the IRS" at The Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
This marks James Rana's fifth collaboration as a playwright with Gayle Stahlhuth and ELTC. Two seasons ago, ELTC produced his world premiere adaptation of "Huckleberry Finn," and last season he played Van Helsing in "Dracula." Recently he performed in Off-Broadway's "The Government Inspector" and is in the upcoming Broadway musical "The Band's Visit," based on the 2007 film.
Stahlhuth is directing. This play marks the 100th show she's produced for ELTC since becoming the company's artistic director in 1999.
"A Year in the Trenches" runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM from September 20 - October 14, except there is no show on Wed. Oct. 4; a show on Sun. Oct. 8 at 7:30; and on Wed., Oct. 11 there is a 2:00 matinee and no evening performance. The location is the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May. Information/reservations: 609-884-5898 or www.eastlynnetheater.org. The opening night after-show party is at Aleathea's Restaurant at The Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street.
The Cast of "A Year in the Trenches" on the first day of rehearsals: Matt Baxter Luceno, Osborn Focht, Mike Newman, Ryan Genauldi, Jennie Bissell, and Tara Reuter.
Photo credit: Gayle Stahlhuth
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Roswell That Ends Well
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIf you’re feeling all alone in the universe – or even if you’re not – Triangle’s newest musical comedy is for you! Join us as Triangle explores what it means to have friends in high – or should we say “sky”? – places. Extraterrestrial visitors, crazy conspiracy theories, and intergalactic shenanigans power this year’s annual laugh-fest of witty jokes, lavish production numbers, and, of course, Triangle’s famous kickline. Can interplanetary goodwill blossom in the dystopian desert of our current times? Get your Triangle tickets now and learn if
Roswell That Ends Well!
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
EVENT PREVIEWS
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 from November 10 to December 20, 2026. Celebrate the season with this spectacular holiday production filled with the music, memories, and traditions audiences have cherished through the years.
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Fool Moon Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" at The Eagle Theatre on November 12th
(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents a special, one-night-only presentation of the hit play Love, Loss and What I Wore on Thursday, November 12 2026 at Eagle Theatre. This exclusive event is a benefit for the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Middlesex College presents "She Kills Monsters"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex College Visual, Performing and Media Arts presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from November 12-18, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center - Studio Theater in Edison. She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly.
CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher from November 12-14, 2026 at Philhower Chapel at Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley. This is an exciting new original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White
(BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical"
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical weekends from November 13-28, 2026. In this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic, The Herdmans – widely known as the "worst kids in the history of the world" – crash Sunday School lured by the promise of free snacks and end up hijacking the annual church Christmas pageant!
