New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

NJ Festival Orchestra brings Broadway to Westfield on June 26

originally published: 06/14/2021


(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- Don’t wait until fall to celebrate Broadway’s return! Get a jumpstart in Westfield on Saturday, June 26th when NJ Festival Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro David Wroe, is bringing Broadway back with a rousing outdoor performance of favorites from the Great American Songbook. 

Back to Broadway promises a rousing review of songs from great Broadway shows. Featuring guest soloists from Broadway and beyond, and set in the splendor of the rear gardens of one of Westfield’s finest residences, this is THE live outdoor summer celebration for the entire family. 

“This is the music we love and have missed,” commented NJFO Music Director David Wroe. “After a year of quarantine we’re all learning the art of being together once again. NJFO’s Back to Broadway will help you ease back into life with the rhythms of Broadway’s best!” 

The concert features two Broadway stars performing some of the best-loved showstoppers -  the unforgettable “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables, the comedic duo of “Marry the Man Today” from Guys and Dolls, the romance of “So in Love” from Kiss Me, Kate and many, many more.  

Guest soprano Paige Faure has starred as Cinderella on Broadway and has featured in multiple Broadway shows including How To Succeed..., Miss Saigon, and Bullets Over Broadway as well as national tours of Cinderella, A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Little Women, Aida and more. 




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



Joining Paige is Julie Benko, an award-winning actress, singer, and writer. Julie has performed on stages on and off-Broadway and across the country, and is a graduate of NYU-Tisch's Graduate Acting Program. In addition to lending her voice to the 85th Academy Awards and the 70th Tony Awards ceremonies, Julie took home the Gold Medal and the Johnny Mercer Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition.  

 “NJFO prides itself on presenting world-class guest artists, including current Broadway stars, and this event is no exception,” continued Wroe. “We at NJFO are all thrilled  and honored to be partnering with such outstanding performers! 

Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments and enjoy an unforgettable evening of festive live entertainment in the splendid rear garden setting of NJFO Board President Keith S. Hertell. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 5:30pm to set up and enjoy the evening sun. 

VIP seating is available for those who wish to take advantage of a limited access to a reserved section of NJFO chair seating close to the stage. VIP ticket holders will also receive early access to Part 2 of NJFO’s “New Beginnings” video concert several weeks in advance of release to the general public. 

All patrons are requested to read the Public Health Recommendations provided by the CDC and wear a mask if unvaccinated. 

Back to Broadway takes place on Saturday, June 26 at 7:30pm in the rear gardens at 241 E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield.  Tickets ($35 for general lawn admission, $65 for VIP reserved seating) may be purchased online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org, by phone 908 232 49400, or in person at the NJFO office, 224 East Broad St in Westfield. Box-office hours for phone and in person sales are Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. 




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info




EVENT PREVIEWS

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert at Christ Church in Short Hills on May 3rd

Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert at Christ Church in Short Hills on May 3rd

(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Christ Church in Short Hills will present a solo concert recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Chelsea Chen, on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:00pm. The special concert will feature a selection of traditional organ compositions along with contemporary music.
T.K. Blue to Celebrate Randy Weston

T.K. Blue to Celebrate Randy Weston's 100th Birthday at Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison

(MADISON, NJ) -- In the history of jazz, no American musician's career has been more interconnected with the continent of Africa than that of the great pianist and composer Randy Weston. Weston, whose centennial birthday was celebrated on April 6, 2026, was a giant, not only as a creative and spiritual force, but standing six feet, seven inches, an imposing figure in the venues at which he performed throughout the world.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra to present a program Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra to present a program Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Zimmerli Art Museum on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00pm. The program will honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday

Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Willie Nile Band on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The New York Times once called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." Jersey City based artist Debra Devi will open the night.
Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday

Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Lily Vakili will celebrate the release of her Live Wire EP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at The Francis Kite Club. Doors are at 8:00pm; Showtime is 8:30pm.
RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 7th

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's (RVCC) Student Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:30pm. The concert will be held in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The group is directed by RVCC faculty member Jeremy Sweet.
The Lovin

The Lovin' Spoonful to Perform in Newton

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Lovin' Spoonful will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. They were America's answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard's top-10 charts virtually overnight.
Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

(FORT LEE, NJ) -- Ann Talman brings her award-winning show Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile to the Barrymore Film Center on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. Ann joined Actors' Equity with co-star Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 when she landed the plum role in The Little Foxes playing Miss Taylor's daughter on Broadway. The Little Foxes traveled the world for eighteen months including six months in London and their loving friendship lasted for the rest of Miss Taylor's life.
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of the Eagles.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS