Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/22/2017
Each month New Jersey Stage takes a look at plays coming to theatres across the state.
Ah, Wilderness!
East Lynne Theater Company, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May
Richard’s letters to his girlfriend, Muriel, contain quotes from Khayam and Swinburne. Finding these letter offensive, Muriel’s father forbids Richard to see his daughter again. Heartbroken, Richard goes on a bender and meets Belle. Is Richard going to turn into his Uncle Sid, or can he be brought back to his senses? This large-cast play takes place during the July 4th weekend in 1906 in a small Connecticut town.
East Lynne Theater Company presents Eugene O’Neill’s only comedy from July 26 through September 2.
The F Theory
New Jersey Repertory Company, 405 Lafayette Street, Cape May
New Jersey Repertory Company presents the world premiere of F Theory, a funny, poignant, thought-provoking play about the power and complexity of lifelong friendship. Co-written by and starring Megan Loughran and Alex Trow, and directed by Ethan Heard.
Two women meet in college and share a lifelong relationship in this wonderful play about what it really means to be a friend.
The play is presented at NJ Rep in Long Branch from August 17 through September 24.
The Gin Game
Cape May Stage, 405 Lafayette Street, Cape May
The winner of the Pulitzer Prize uses the card game as a metaphor for life. The Gin Game takes place on the porch of a retirement home where irascible Weller Martin meets the prim, self-righteous Fonsia Dorsey. Fonsia wins every game and their secrets become weapons used against each other. “The New York Times” called the play “a thoroughly entertaining lesson in the fine art of theatrical finesse. The closest thing the theatre offers to a duel at 10 paces.” It is a funny, intelligent play that will touch your heart even as you laugh at the characters foibles. Age Guide (13 +)
Written by D.L. Coburn, the production is directed by Roy Steinberg and stars Jennifer Harmon and Bill Tatum. It is presented from August 9 through September 22.
What The Butler Saw
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison
First performed in 1969, two years after Orton’s murder at the age of 34, this scathing farce shocked audiences when it was first produced. Now, almost 50 years later, what were racy subjects are far less so, and we are able to both laugh more and see better the acid bullets that Orton fires in a startling pace from beginning to end. This hilarious comedy unveils the fragile state of truth in the hands of those in power, and the power of truth despite our easy ability to twist it.
Presented September 6 through October 1.
Foster Mom
Premiere Stages @ Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
Leslie’s decision to adopt a child is complicated by two factors: a skeptical mother and an unexpected romance. As the relationship with the new man intensifies, so does her conviction about foster parenting. In the end, Leslie must choose between two things she wants desperately: the love of her life and the foster child she’s never met.
Foster Mom was written by Chris Cragin-Day and is directed by Kel Haney. Winner of Premiere’s 2017 Play Festival.
Premiere Stages at Kean University presents this World Premiere September 7-24.
Swimming In The Shallows
Alliance Repertory Theatre, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit
An off-beat quirky comedy about a group of friends exploration into everyday problems, anxieties and modern relationships, be they man-woman, woman-woman or man-shark.
Alliance Repertory Theatre Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of Swimming in the Shallows by Adam Bock. The production is directed by Michael Driscoll and runs from September 8 to September 23 at MONDO in Summit.
A Raisin In The Sun
Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank
On the South Side of Chicago, the Younger family has put their dreams on hold while just trying to get by. When the prospect of a large inheritance starts to seem like a reality, the family members must decide which of their dreams to pursue—and whose must remain unfulfilled. Come see why this 1950s classic about family, race, and the American dream was called “the play that changed American theater forever” by The New York Times.
This play is presented at Two River Theater from September 9 through October 8.
Neil Simon’s California Suite
The Company Theatre Group, 39 Broadway, Hackensack
California Suite is a 1976 play by Neil Simon. Similar in structure to his earlier Plaza Suite, the comedy is composed of four playlets set in Suite 203-04, which consists of a living room and an adjoining bedroom with an ensuite bath, in The Beverly Hills Hotel.
The four parts include “Visitor from New York”; “Visitor from Philadelphia”; “Visitors from London”; and “Visitors from Chicago.”
Directed by Lou Scarpati, The Company Theatre Group presents this from September 8 to September 17.
Chapter Two
Pegasus Theatre Project, 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction
George and Jennie have given up on ever finding love again. But George’s brother Leo and Jennie’s best friend Faye think they’re a match made in heaven. A misdialed phone call and an awkward, at best, extra-marital affair result in this touching and hilarious autobiographical comedy by Neil Simon about falling in love for the second time.
Directed by Jennifer Nasta Zefutie, Pegasus Theatre Project presents Chapter Two from September 15 to September 24 at the West Windsor Arts Center in Princeton Junction.
The Shapes of Things
Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine Street, Hammonton
How far would you go for love? For art? What would you be willing to change? What price might you pay? Such are the painful questions explored by celebrated playwright Neil LaBute in The Shape of Things. A drama that peels back the skin of modern-day relationships to their very core. A 2003 film of the same name starred Paul Rudd, Gretchen Mol, and Rachel Weisz.
Directed by Ed Corsi, the production stars Maggie Griffin Smith, Max Redman, Khalil McMillan, and Kelly Filios. It is presented from September 15 through October 15.
A Year In The Trenches
East Lynne Theater Company, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May
Meet Charles Edward Dilkes, poet Joyce Kilmer, pilot Kenneth Russell Unger, nurse Amabel Scharff Roberts, “Hello Girl” Grace Bunker, and other Americans who went to Europe when the United Stated entered World War I a hundred years ago. Written by James Rana and directed by Gahl Stahlhuth, this play is based on Dilkes’ book and accounts written by others.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the World Premiere of A Year In The Trenches from September 20 through October 14 in Cape May.
Every Brilliant Thing
Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit
You’re six years old. Mom’s in the hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. 1. Ice cream. 2. Kung Fu movies. 3. Burning things. 4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose. 5. Construction cranes. 6. Me. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own.
Written by Duncan Macmillan. This solo show is presented September 21 to October 8.
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!
