Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/08/2016
The Hudson Shakespeare Company, now in their 25th season, begins their tour with their first ever history cycle with “Richard II”, Shakespeare’s story of a king (Ryan Molloy) who thinks himself God’s representative on earth and the clash with his blue collar like cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (Rhiannon Lattimer). First written in 1595, “Richard II” is the first in what is known as Shakespeare’s major or second history cycle which is followed by “Henry IV, Part 1”, “Henry IV, Part 2” and “Henry V”.
More cult leader than king, Richard rules his kingdom without any regard for his subjects except for those sycophants who he personally chooses for his inner circle. While Richard lords over his country with reckless abandon, the seeds of civil war are sown as the recently banished Henry Bolingbroke returns to England to claim an inheritance that was taken from him by Richard. Bolingbroke, who has no patience for empty speeches, self-serving pomp, and divisive policies quickly launches a series of military offenses and wins disaffected followers in the process. The political philosophies and personal views of the ceremonious endowed by God incumbent and the no-nonsense pragmatist clash and the future of a country hangs in the balance.
One of its most interesting historical claims to fame is that it was used as propaganda to fuel its own civil war that never happened. In 1601, a former favorite nobleman of Queen Elizabeth I, Earl of Essex had had enough of her policies and decided that she needed to be taken out. He and his friends organized a rebellion and needed to have London’s people on their side. The conspirators hired Shakespeare’s company to perform Richard II as Elizabeth had been compared to Richard’s less than stellar ruling qualities. The conspirators hoped that seeing the play would cause a riot to occur that would help that military takeover but it never materialized. Essex and his group were arrested but Shakespeare’s theater company was not found to be guilty in the plot.
The show is free to the public and performing at the following parks and libraries:
- Thursday, June 9th @ 7pm Historic Harismus Cemetary Jersey City, NJ
- Friday, June 10th @ 7pm Van Vorst Park, Jersey City, NJ
- Saturday, June 11th @ 2pm Mahwah Library, Mahwah, NJ
- Monday, June 13th @ 7pm Montclair Library, Montclair, NJ
- Tuesday, June 14th @ 7:30pm Monument Park, Fort Lee, NJ
- Wednesday, June 15th @ 7:30pm Atlantic Street Park, Hackensack, NJ
- Thursday, June 16th @ 7pm Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ
- Monday, June 20th @ 7pm Kenilworth Library, Kenilworth, NJ
- Tuesday, June 21st @ 7:30pm Monument Park, Fort Lee, NJ
- Wednesday, June 22nd @ 7:30pm Atlantic Street Park, Hackensack, NJ
For outdoor showings its recommended to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Seating provided for indoor shows. For more information call 973 449 7443 or visit www.hudsonshakespeare.com.
Hudson Shakespeare Company is now in its 25th season of traveling Shakespeare and continues its history cycle in July but with a twist. The next play up is “Edward III” which tells the story of Richard’s grandfather and father, Ned, the Black Prince. Shakespeare wrote several scenes in the play that has been recently added to his Complete Works. The company finished out its silver season with a Henry IV parts 1 and 2, combining both plays into one 2- hour showing.
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
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!
For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
(BRIDGETON, NJ) -- For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream from November 13-20, 2026 at the Ashley McCormick Theatre in the Hopeloft in Bridgeton. A whimsical comedy where fairies, lovers, actors, and our audience collide in an enchanted forest, blending magic, romance, and mischief. The production is directed by Heidi Dugan.
The Maplewood Strollers presents "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers present Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street weekends from November 13-22, 2026. Attend the dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge set against the backdrop of 19th century London.
Readington Community Theatre presents "Anatomy of a Murder"
(WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ) -- Readington Community Theatre presents Anatomy of a Murder by Elihu Winer across two weekends from November 13-22, 2026 at Rockaway Reformed Church. In a quiet town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a small-time lawyer is pulled into a sensational case that quickly grips the entire community.
The Barn Theatre presents Roald Dahl's "Matilda, the Musical"
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Roald Dahl's Matilda, the Musical weekends from November 13 to December 5, 2026. The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Villagers Theatre presents "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot"
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents The Last Days of Judas Iscariot in The Andrew Russoniello Black Box weekends from November 13-21, 2026. Set in a time-bending, darkly comic world between heaven and hell, the play reexamines the plight and fate of the New Testament’s most infamous and unexplained sinner.
Holmdel Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, and What I Wore"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Holmdel Theatre Company presents Love, Loss, and What I Wore from November 13-15, 2026. Told through a series of personal stories and monologues, Love, Loss, and What I Wore reveals how the clothes we wear often become intertwined with who we are and the moments we never forget. The show celebrates the humor and heartbreak of everyday life, reminding audiences that while fashion trends may come and go, the experiences that connect us are timeless.
