By Jesse North & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 09/02/2020
In March of 2020, the art world came to a virtual standstill. As COVID-19 continues to affect many aspects of our lives, the theatre industry tries to figure out what the future looks like. We dropped in on Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, who was set to star in Paper Mill Playhouse's production of "Sister Act" right when the pandemic hit. We talked to her about how she's stayed creatively active during this time and what she sees for the future of theatre.
About the author: Jesse North is a journalist whose coverage through video and print includes breaking news, politics, crime, and entertainment, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the arts. In addition to JerseyArts.com, Jesse’s work has been seen on NBC News, Us Weekly, Broadway.com, Entertainment Weekly, People, and 92nd Street Y. | Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
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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
Berrie Center presents "The Lillias White Effect" featuring Broadway's Lillias White
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts presents "The Lillias White Effect" featuring Broadway's Lillias White on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:00pm. In this show, Lillias pulls back the show curtain to tell humorous, poignant and inspiring stories from both her personal and show business life that she has never shared before, onstage or off.
North Star Theater Company presents Fast-Paced Comedy Thriller, "The 39 Steps"
(OGDENSBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company presents The 39 Steps from April 30 to May 3, 2026 at the NSTC Studio Theater. This is a wildly inventive comedy thriller adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. Directed by Bert Piper, this high-energy production features a talented cast bringing dozens of characters to life in a whirlwind of quick changes, physical comedy, and theatrical ingenuity.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Matilda, the Musical"
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Matilda the Musical from May 1-3, 2026 at the Fair Lawn Community Center. Based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book, Matilda the Musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers.
Phoenix Productions presents "Beautiful, The Carole King Musical"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Beautiful, The Carole King Musical from May 1-3, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. This is the inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Seton Hall Theatre presents "Company" by Sondheim and Furth
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Sondheim and Furth's beloved dark comedy Company takes the stage at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in a vibrant new student production from Seton Hall Theatre. Performances run from April 30 to May 3, 2026.
George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit will honor Emily Mann with the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit on Wednesday, May 6th will honor Emily Mann, playwright and former Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre Center, with the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement. This distinguished honor has only been awarded twice before in George Street Playhouse's over 50-year history.
South Street Players presents Ken Ludwig's "A Comedy of Tenors"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- South Street Players presents Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors across two weekends from May 1-9, 2026. "Laugh after laugh greets one improbable scene after another. Ludwig knows no ridiculous limits." - BroadwayWorld.com
Vanguard Theater presents Illuminating New Voices
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater presents Illuminating New Voices across two weekends from May 2-9, 2026. This is a curated weekend of new work presentations. The selected pieces give artists the opportunity to hear their work aloud and engage in a supportive development-focused environment.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Meredith Willson's The Music Man for four performances from May 8-10, 2026. There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.
Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents "Wizard of Oz" at SOPAC
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents Wizard of Oz at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) from May 8-10, 2026. We're off to see the wizard! Follow the yellow brick road to the SOPAC stage for a delightful adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic MGM film.
UPCOMING EVENTS
George Street Playhouse presents "My Lord, What A Night"Friday, May 01, 2026 @ 7:30pmNew Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) New Brunswick, NJ
