Here's a look at the original feature articles and columns published by New Jersey Stage from October 1 to October 31, 2022. In addition to these stories, we publish between 50-60 press releases during the week.

music features

Jay Siegel's Tokens and Vinnie Medugno LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center

by Spotlight Central

Music lovers are ready and waiting this Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Holmdel, NJ’s PNC Bank Arts Center for an afternoon concert by the legendary singer and producer, Jay Siegel, and his Tokens, along with Staten Island, NY entertainer Vinnie Medugno.

William Paterson University presents The Helio Alves Quartet

(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Helio Alves Quartet comes to the Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University as part of their Jazz Room Series on Sunday, October 9th at 4:00pm. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, pianist Helio Alves combines the rhythmic complexity of modern Brazilian music with the edgy energy of contemporary jazz. The quartet includes Helio Alves: Piano; Chico Pinheiro: Guitar; Joe Martin: Bass; and Alex Kautz: Drums.

New Jersey Festival Orchestra 2022-2023 season opens with "The Good, The Better and The Best!"

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The 2022-2023 New Jersey Festival Orchestra season, under the baton of David Wroe, opens dramatically on November 5th in Westfield with “The Good, The Better and The Best,” presenting favorite movie themes and more in a festival of Italian masterworks.

Jukebox Saturday Night LIVE! at the Grunin Center

by Spotlight Central

The stage is set this Saturday, September 24, 2022 evening at the Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River, NJ for a sentimental journey provided by Jukebox Saturday Night, a retrospective of big band music from the 1930s, ’40s, and ‘50s.

White Eagle Hall Events In October

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- This October, White Eagle Hall presents an exciting schedule of events for everyone. Originally constructed in 1910 and reopened in 2017 after a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 800-person capacity music venue in Jersey City currently has 12 shows scheduled this month.

bergenPAC Student Show Choir to Perform with MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)'s Performing Arts School Show Choir will take the stage with MANIA: The ABBA Tribute on October 28 as part of the theater’s grand reopening this Fall.

Live Review: Cate Le Bon at Union Transfer in Philadelphia on October 6, 2022

by Al Nigrin

I finally got to see Welsh singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cate Le Bon after missing her shows that took place earlier this year. I was turned on to Cate by my friend Yasha Goldentyer after he sent me a video link of her doing a fabulous cover of Bill Nelson’s Do You Dream In Colour at one of her recent concerts. I said to myself: Who the hell does covers of Bill Nelson songs? I was instantly hooked. So, I scooped up Le Bon’s six albums and dived into her very eclectic and enchanting music. Many have compared her to The Talking Heads, Kate Bush, Faust, and other art ensembles but Le Bon’s music and lyrics are truly her own and very original. Le Bon is a not just a musician, she is also an accomplished furniture maker as she learnt to make solid wood tables, stools, and chairs from scratch while making her highly acclaimed 2019 album Reward. Her songs are crafted in a similar manner: a lot of pain staking intricacy and detail involved in both. In an interview with Pitchfork, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco stated that Le Bon was "one of the best out there making music now."

Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents Los Lobos

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents Los Lobos on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 8:00pm in the Pollak Theatre. The journey of Los Lobos began in 1973, 50 years ago this year, when David Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, and pretty much anything with strings), Louie Perez (drums, vocals, guitar), Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar), and Conrad Lozano (bass, vocals, guitarrón) earned their stripes playing revved-up versions of Mexican folk music in restaurants and at parties.

Post Malone's Stellar Performance: An Extraction of Love in Philly

by Jennifer Petrics

Post Malone, in support of his fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache, continued his “Twelve Carat Tour” #TCT in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center Thursday, October 6 with supporting act Roddy Ricch. Both artists offered an explosive, supercharged performance. With a tetralogy of chart-topping hits spanning over only 6 years (ranging from White Iverson to I Like You…), Post gave it his all, with a passion set into overdrive, and musically leaving nothing behind. It was a night of celebration, love, and community… and we’re absolutely here for it!

Michael Amante and The Soundtrack of Our Lives LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center

by Spotlight Central

It’s a gorgeous fall afternoon this Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Holmdel, NJ’s PNC Bank Arts Center. It’s the perfect setting for a free concert by singer Michael Amante and The Soundtrack of Our Lives featuring stage and screen performers Al Sapienza and Deborah Rennard.

Brooklyn Rider LIVE! at the Grunin Center’s Black Box Theater

by Spotlight Central

There’s a sense of intrigue inside Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts’ Black Box Theater this Thursday, September 29, 2022 evening as music lovers await a performance by the classical string quartet, Brooklyn Rider.

MPAC presents Phillip Phillips

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Since releasing his five-time platinum debut single “Home” in 2012, Phillip Phillips has scored multiple chart-topping albums and taken his expansive brand of earthy, guitar-fueled rock to stages worldwide. Phillip Phillips’ The Where We Came From Tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $29-$59.

MPAC's 28th Season Anniversary Gala LIVE! Starring Hamilton's Renée Elise Goldsberry

by Spotlight Central

Excitement is in the air in Morristown, NJ this Friday, September 30, 2022 evening as concertgoers make their way inside the Mayo Performing Arts Center for tonight’s 28th Season Kickoff performance by the multi-talented singer/actress Renée Elise Goldsberry.

"Life Affirming!" The Wood Brothers LIVE! at MPAC

by Spotlight Central

Although it’s rainy and cold in Morristown, NJ, this Tuesday, October 3, 2022 evening, inside the MPAC auditorium, the atmosphere is warm and inviting as audience members ready themselves for a concert by the roots music group, The Wood Brothers.

State Theatre presents Johnny Mathis

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The newly renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance Tour on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00pm. Opening for Mathis is special guest, Gary Mule Deer. Tickets range from $49-$233.

Gorillaz’ Animated “Island”

by Jennifer Petrics

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Night one of the Gorillaz 2-night show at The Met in Philly, on Friday, October 14th, was a Feel Good experience of Momentary Bliss, from the band that incorporates cool monster-human hybrid animation into their art. In anticipation of the virtual band’s eighth album, Cracker Island (set for release on February 24th featuring artist collaborations from Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, Stevie Nicks, and more), the Gorillaz embarked on a world tour to unveil new music in a live, immersive setting.

MPAC presents Preservation Hall Jazz Band on November 10th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- New Orleans fixture Preservation Hall Jazz Band presents “Pass It On – 60th Anniversary Musical Celebration,” at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 7:30pm.. Tickets range from $29-$69.

Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap LIVE! at the Strand Theater

by Spotlight Central

The line is long this Friday, October 7, 2022 evening as music lovers wait to enter Lakewood, NJ’s Strand Theater for a Stars of the Sixties concert by Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone along with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.

MPAC presents The Rascals featuring Felix Cavaliere & Gene Cornish

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The next chapter of The Rascals is about to begin – two of the founders of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll band are once again taking to the stage to continue their legacy that started 57 years ago. The Rascals bring their Time Peace Tour to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $49-$89.

The PM Effect: Taking Stock in Post Malone

by Jennifer Petrics

Charts dominator (with three diamond singles and nine Grammy nominations) Post Malone performed two back-to-back sold-out shows last week (10/12 and 10/13) at Madison Square Garden, NY. Recently, I wrote about the supercharged Philly show. One of the topics I missed touching on is the bevy of entrepreneurial projects under Malone and music mogul/manager Dre London. Together, they are taking the world by storm and reinventing a way to connect artists to consumers, by creating a space for their brands.

PHOTOS from Hoobastank and Lit's "Tried-N-True" tour at MPAC

by Julie Hoffman

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- SoCal alt/rock bands Hoobastank and Lit came to the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Tuesday, October 18 as part of their “Tried-N-True” tour, alongside Alien Ant Farm and The Ataris’ vocalist Kristopher Roe. Photographer Julie Hoffman was on hand to take photos.

In The Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50: A Fan’s Review

by Al Nigrin

I have been a huge fan of the progressive rock band King Crimson for over 45 years and I have seen them over 10 times since 1981. The film In The Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50 got glowing reviews after it premiered at the South By Southwest Festival back in March. So, when the film had its worldwide theatrical and stream release on October 22, I was ready to check it out.

A Conversation with Wayne Nelson of Little River Band, Appearing on October 29 at UCPAC in Rahway

by Spotlight Central

Little River Band is coming to the Garden State on October 29, 2022 to perform at Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. Throughout the ‘70s and ’80s, the group enjoyed huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and well-known hits including “Help Is On Its Way,” “Lady,” and “Happy Anniversary.” To date, LRB’s worldwide album sales, CD purchases, and digital downloads top 35 million and, according to BMI, the band’s hit, “Reminiscing,” has registered over five million airplays on American radio.

Charlie’s First Night in Hometown at the Basie

by Jennifer Petrics

Sunday, October 23rd, Charlie Puth kicked off night one of the CHARLIE One Night Only tour to a packed house in his hometown, Red Bank, NJ, at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The artist came out strong with Charlie Be Quiet! and Light Switch (the TikTok song of the year) for the first two tracks before diving into a plentitude of number one hits.

Vivid Stage presents “Lovers, Heroes and Villains” cabaret on November 12th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, professional Theatre in Residence at Oakes Center in Summit, presents the Vivid Cabaret: “Lovers, Heroes and Villains” on November 12, 2022 at the Madison Community Arts Center. The cabaret will be an intimate evening of songs, featuring your favorite lovers, heroes and villains from the musical canon. The event begins at at 8:00pm.

Matt O'Ree Band returns with "Hand In Glove"

by Gary Wien

The Matt O'Ree Band is back with Hand In Glove, set for release on November 3rd. In my opinion, it is by far the band’s most musically ambitious and solid release to date. It is also the best to utilize the talents of Eryn O’Ree on lead vocals. The way the album switches back and forth from Matt on lead vocals to Eryn gives the album a special quality. This is the band's first studio album since Brotherhood in 2016.

Asbury Park Music History Fundraiser at Wonder Bar to Benefit Three Charities

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The roots of Asbury Park’s historic music scene run miles and miles deep. But the other aspect of Asbury that runs just as deep (if not deeper) is the community of creatives, artists and musicians who consistently support each other, as well as give back to the local nonprofits that are preserving the City’s heritage. Whether you are an Asbury resident or visitor, a musician or music lover, a supporter of the arts or someone who adores Asbury Park ... you will want to be at The Wonder Bar on Saturday, November 19 for The Asbury Park Music History Fundraiser.

Jackson Pines To Headline Stone Pony w/ Friends on November 5th

by Joe Makoviecki, singer/songwriter & guitarist of Jackson Pines

On Saturday, November 5th, my band Jackson Pines will headline the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ for the first time. We’re super excited to bring our band and a few of our friends to play with us that evening, and Gary at NJ Stage has allowed me to tell you about the night in my own words. Far from being the first time we’ve played there, it is the first time we’ve been invited to curate the night’s acts and anchor the evening with our music.

Spotlight on Hootin

Hootin (i.e. Nick Houghton) is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the west coast of Canada. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Nick Houghton.

Spotlight on Skidders, aka Steve Skidmore

Steve Skidmore is a songwriter, producer, and guitarist who performs and records as a solo artist named Skidders. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Steve Skidmore.

Spotlight on Deep Talk

Deep Talk is a band featuring Christina Li and Jordan Maslov. They say their music is a mix of indie rock, alt pop, post-punk. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Deep Talk.

Spotlight on Faded Shades

Faded Shades is an alt rock trio from Kent playing a swirling mix of 90’s inspired jangle pop rock bangers! The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Faded Shades.

Spotlight On Truth & Tragedy

Truth & Tragedy is a post-hardcore 5-piece from Bamberg, Germany. Their music is a mixture of alternative genres including (post-)hardcore, metalcore and pop-punk. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Truth & Tragedy.

Matt O'Ree Band To Have Album Release Show at Grunin Center

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Matt O’Ree Band comes to the Grunin Center for the Arts on Thursday, November 3 to celebrate the release of their long-awaited seventh album, “Hand in Glove.” The band will perform at 7:00pm in the Gia Maione Prima Foundation Studio Theatre.

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 10/3/22

by Lazlo

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Alex Tea, Dan Shifrin, Messy Humans, Rov, LATEWAVES, Katye Kellye and the Interruption, and Bike Routes.

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...10/6/22

by Danny Coleman

“I hope Google Maps knows,” laughed Cory Branan as he discussed getting to his upcoming 4 p.m. gig at Cats Luck in Neptune City, NJ on October 21, recording during the pandemic and more.

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "So Damn Happy" by Lou Panico

by Bob Makin

Asbury Park rocker Lou Panico seems to be living the title of his latest single, “So Damn Happy.”

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 10/10/22

by Lazlo

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Banding Together 2022 Compilation, Jason Didner, All Systems Go, Hello Whirled, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, and Cyborg Amok.

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...10/13/22

by Danny Coleman

"I'm not sure how much you've read or seen about us as a group but we are practically one of New Jersey's best kept secrets," laughed Danny Vechesky of 52nd Street, the "World's longest running" Billy Joel tribute. "We've been around a long time; 28 years and I started the band back in 1994 after "The River of Dreams" came out."

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "It’s Not Too Bad" by Bruce Tunkel

by Bob Makin

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Bruce Tunkel contributed “It’s Not Too Bad” to BlowUp Radio’s annual “Banding Together: Benefit For The Spondylitis Association of America” digital compilation. The tune also is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 10/17/22

by Lazlo

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Alex Julia, Reese Van Riper, and Wizard of Loneliness.

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...10/20/22

by Danny Coleman

“We found it in our vault, which we've been going through in recent years and it's something that we've been meaning to put out for quite some time and we finally did," said a thrilled Dennis Diken, drummer of The Smithereens. "This was recorded during an interim period; we worked on it in early ‘93 and eventually later that year we signed with RCA Records and we actually recorded two albums worth of material. The songs that did not appear on "The Lost Album” were actually re-recorded for “A Date with The Smithereens” once we got signed with RCA.”

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Hey" by Colossal Street Jam

by Bob Makin

Colossal Street Jam will turn fans onto their forthcoming album, “No Way to Live,” on Oct. 26 with a special laser light show designed and synced to the LP by Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College in Toms River. The latest single, “Hey,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 10/24/22

by Lazlo

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Loyalty To Me, Diamond Waves, Elk City, The Jack Moves, Hit Like A Girl, Val Emmich, and Jon Caspi & The First Gun.

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...10/27/22

by Danny Coleman

“No, I believe we played there a few years ago," began the creative juggernaut that is Karla Bonoff as she discussed her upcoming November 11 appearance at the New Hope Winery. "I'll have one musician with me, Nina Gerber who's quite well known on the west coast; she's a great guitar player and she goes back to playing with Kate Wolf when she was quite young, she's wonderful and a lot of people do know of her."

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Whole Lotta Nothin" by Matt O'Ree Band

by Bob Makin

Matt O’Ree will celebrate the release of “Hand in Glove,” their first studio album in seven years, on Nov. 3 at Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River. Their recent single, “Whole Lotta Nothin,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 10/31/22

by Lazlo

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Commons 2, Pat Veil, Who On Earth, aesha, Hodera, and Suit of Lights.

A Look at the Language of “Her Portmanteau” at George Street Playhouse

by Charles Paolino

Most of us who see the play that opens the season at the George Street Playhouse—“Her Portmanteau” by Mfoniso Udofia—will be hearing the Ibibio language of Nigeria for the first time.

PHOTOS from "Murder on the Orient Express" at Surflight Theatre

by John Posada

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- All aboard! The exotic Orient Express is hurtling down the tracks to a murder! Surflight Theatre is presenting Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig) now through October 9th. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

PHOTOS from "Once On This Island" at CDC Theatre

by John Posada

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- Cranford’s CDC Theatre is presenting the Tony Award winning musical Once On This Island on Friday and Saturday nights from October 7-22. The play comes from the award winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Anastasia, Ragtime). This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, earned eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. Photographer John Posada was at a rehearsal to take photos.

Premiere Stages presents "Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family"

(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents the premiere production of Certain Aspects of Conflictin the Negro Family by Ty Lie Shider, the recepient of the 2021/22 Liberty Live Commission, on October 13-23 under the tent at Kean University’s Liberty Hall Museum (1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ.). Tensions reach an all-time high between Newark residents and police, racial and civil unrest begins spilling into Plainfield, New Jersey in the Long Hot Summer of 1967. Clif and Peach moved their family to Plainfield for the promise of a better future, but as the riots begin, the family contemplates a return to the South..

The Shakespeare Theatre presents Two One-Act Gems by Alice Childress

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will bring two very different but superb one-act plays, Florence and Mojo, by Alice Childress to its Main Stage. Alice Childress, often acknowledged as the only 20th-century African-American woman to have written, produced, and published plays for four decades, was at the height of her powers in the 1950s and 60s. Her broad literary universe spanned over 40 years and earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her novel A Short Walk. Florence and Mojo will be on the Main Stage from October 26 – November 13.

Zara Phillips No-Holds Barred

by Shen Shellenberger, JerseyArts.com

British-born New Jersey-resident Zara Phillips – wearer of multiple hats like singer-songwriter, author, playwright, filmmaker, public speaker and adoptee rights advocate – will present the U.S. premiere of her current one-woman play, "Somebody's Daughter," based on the 2018 book of the same name Saturday, Oct. 21, at Hopewell Theater and again Saturday, Dec. 10, at Outpost in the Burbs.

PHOTOS from "God of Carnage" at Pegasus Theatre Company

by John Posada

(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- Pegasus Theatre Company is currently presenting Yasmina Reza’s scathing hit comedy God of Carnage, weekends through October 23. Reza, known for cleverly turning mundane social situations into riotous comedies, quickly strips away all social niceties in God of Carnage to expose two couples trapped in the chaos of marriage and parenthood. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The Wolves at McCarter Need Sharper Teeth

by Bruce Chadwick

Sarah DeLappe’s play The Wolves: Fierce, Fearless, Female, a story about a women’s high school soccer team, needs bigger claws and sharper teeth.

PHOTOS from "On Your Feet!" at Paper Mill Playhouse

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse is presents On Your Feet! from October 9 through November 6, 2022. The show follows the lives of pop superstars Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Both Cuban immigrants in Miami, Emilio and Gloria fall in love, struggle to overcome family obstacles, and work tirelessly to take their Latin sound to the American mainstream. Featuring such chart-topping hits as “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” and “1-2-3,” On Your Feet! is an exuberant, joyful celebration that’s bursting with heart.

Shakespeare Theatre's "The Caretaker" is a Gem of A Production

by Bruce Chadwick

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Caretaker, by Harold Pinter, is a play about a nobly minded pair of London brothers who take in a homeless man and give him a bed in the bedroom of one, food and a chance at a new life as the caretaker of their house. It is a 1960 play and resonates today because homelessness, no matter where you look, is still a major problem in England, and America. In New York City alone, there are 52,000 homeless people, one of the highest totals in years.

Special FREE Performance of "American Soldier" at Monmouth University on Veteran's Day

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Douglas Taurel brings his one-man show, The American Soldier, to Monmouth University's Pollak Theatre on Friday, November 11th at 8:00pm. Taurel powerfully brings home the impact of war on the people who live it day in and day out. He plays each character with passion, nuance and heart. This is a special FREE performance on Veteran's Day, but advance registration is required.

PHOTOS from "Inspecting Carol" at Chatham Community Players

by John Posada

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players will kick off their 101st Season with the hilarious “Inspecting Carol” by Daniel Sullivan and the Seattle Repertory Theater. The production runs from October 14-23, 2022. Photographer John Posada was at a dress rehearsal to take photos.

PHOTOS from "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" at Music Mountain Theatre

by John Posada

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is presenting A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder from October 14 - 30. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00pm. This knock-'em-dead, uproarious hit was the most Tony-nominated show of the 2014 season with ten nominations and four wins, including Best Musical. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

On Your Feet for "On Your Feet"

by Bruce Chadwick

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Everybody, up on your feet, hands in the air, hips grinding, body bouncing. It's time for On Your Feet: the Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, a romping, stomping musical about the lives of Latino singer Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio, who shook up the American music world with a string of Latino beat hits in the 1980s and a sensational stage show that played around the world

A Look at "Eden Prairie, 1971" at NJ Rep

by John Posada

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company presents the National New Play Network premiere of Eden Prairie, 1971 written by Mat Smart. Directed by Evan Bergman, the play stars Andrea Gallo, Oriana Lada, and Emilio Cuesta. Performances run from October 20th through November 20th. Photographer John Posada was at a dress rehearsal to take some photos.

PHOTOS from "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" at Center Players

by John Posada

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players explores love, marriage and infidelity with a production of Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers weekends through October 30. The play launches their 2022-23 season at Center Playhouse, 35 South St, in downtown Freehold. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

'On Your Feet!' For The Recounting of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s Life Story

by Flisadam Pointer

The gloomy fall weather couldn’t stop the Miami heatwave from sweeping through Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse! The critically acclaimed stage production On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan by playwright Alexander Dinelaris made its New Jersey debut this month. With a career spanning six decades, the securement of 38 number one hits, and nearly 16 millions albums sold in America alone, the “Queen of Latin Pop” Gloria Estefan’s story is well documented or so you may think.

State Theatre New Jersey presents "Tootsie"

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The newly renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents the hilarious Tony Award®-winning musical, Tootsie, for four performances from November 4-6. Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it Tootsie! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

PHOTOS from "Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens" at Catalyst Theater Company

by John Posada

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- The Catalyst Theater Company presents Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens at the duCret School of Art in Plainfield with performances on October 20-22, and October 27-29. The show will finally debut after a long awaited hiatus due to Covid with a special pre show cabaret every night. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

REVIEW: "On Your Feet" at Paper Mill Playhouse

by Adam F. Cohen

Gloria and Emilio Estefan, international recording stars, producers, promoters, restauranteurs, found romance and the rhythm in their humble Little Havana beginnings that brought them worldwide fame. Gloria, a Cuban-American singer and actress is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and has been named one of the Top 100 greatest artists of all time by both VH1 and Billboard. Estefan's record sales exceed 75 million worldwide, making her the second best-selling female Latin artist in history and one of the best-selling female singers of all-time.

PHOTOS from "Richard II" at Luna Stage

by John Posada

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage is presenting the World Premiere of Zachary Elkind’s new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard II from October 20 to November 13 on the MainStage. Streamlined to a fleet 90 minutes, the play features four actors playing 16 roles, and highlights the humor and urgency of this taut, intimate, heartbreakingly political tragedy. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

REVIEW: "Her Portmanteau" at George Street Playhouse

by Charles Paolino

​​​​​​​If you happen to be visiting a home where a family argument erupts, your instinct might be to get out as politely but swiftly as possible.

"Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family" Focuses on NJ History of 1967

by Karen Nowosad

(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents a new play, Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family, by TyLie Shider. Mr. Shider is the recipient of the 2021/22 Liberty Live Commission. The Commission is awarded biennially, in partnership with Kean University’s Liberty Hall. It seeks to develop and produce new plays that celebrate New Jersey’s rich and diverse history.

PHOTOS from "Machinal" at Hudson Theatre Works

by John Posada

(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- Hudson Theatre Works presents Machinal by Sophie Treadwell from October 20 to November 6, 2022 at the Theatre at the Wilson School in Weehawken. In this 1928 feminist tour-de-force, a young woman struggles to find her place in a society that was not made for her. Treadwell uses theatrical expressionism to portray a world that has become impersonal and unfeeling; a world that only has room for those who are willing to submit and conform. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Squeezing JFK Airport on to the Small Stage at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, Taxi Stands Included

by Bruce Chadwick

The actress on stage in the play Her Portmanteau at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick picks up the telephone to discover that her sister, whom she has not seen in years, has arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, and is waiting for her to pick her up. The actress in the apartment hangs up the phone and walks upstairs on a hidden staircase. The lighting downstairs goes dark and the lighting upstairs is turned on to reveal, in all of its noisy glory, JFK Airport. She is suddenly in front of a set of airport elevators and the top half of the stage looks just like JFK Airport. I could not believe my eyes. The airport is nearly 5,000 acres in size and there it was in front of me, re-created on this tiny stage. I never saw anything like it.

PHOTOS from "Fly By Night" at Old Library Theatre

by John Posada

(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre is presenting Fly By Night across two weekends (October 21-23 and October 28-30). This is a new musical about a star-crossed prophecy. There's a lot of music, just not a lot of light. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

PHOTOS from "The Addams Family" at The MAC Players

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC PLAYERS, Middletown Arts Center’s community theater group, is presenting The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy across two weekends (October 21–23 and October 28–30). The play is based on the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and features Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The MAC Players production is directed by Kathy Connolly with musical direction by Nicholas Jupinka and choreography direction by Samantha Amaral.

REVIEW: "Her Portmanteau" at George Street Playhouse

by Adam F. Cohen

The multilayers of family are vibrantly on display in George Street Playhouse’s production of playwright Mfoniso Udofia’s “Her Portmanteau.” The dynamics, relationships, language and slights linger after the houselights rise.

PHOTOS from "Destigmatized" at Studio Playhouse

by John Posada

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents Destigmatized with performances on October 21st and 22nd at 8:00pm and October 23rd at 3:00pm at Studio Playhouse in Montclair. Modeled after The Vagina Monologues, Destigmatized has introductory and closing scenes, as well as group scenes based off interviews conducted with the women and uterus owners, and original monologues written and performed by both theatre company’s members. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "A Christmas Story: The Musical"

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will present its holiday show, A Christmas Story: The Musical from December 3-18. From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, A Christmas Story: The Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage.

PHOTOS from "The Play That Goes Wrong" at Dover Little Theatre

by John Posada

(DOVER, NJ) -- The smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong is being presented by Dover Little Theatre (DLT) across three weekends (November 4-6, 11-13, and 18-19). This hilarious play is co-directed by Larry and Ruthanne Pelham. The Play That Goes Wrong introduces us to the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, an amateur theatre troupe which puts on a new production each year. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Shakespeare Theatre of NJ Highlights Two Plays by African-American Playwright Alice Childress

by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents two one-act plays, “Florence” and “Mojo: A Black Love Story,” by Alice Childress Oct. 26 to Nov. 13 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison, New Jersey.

PHOTOS from "Third" at Nutley Little Theatre

by John Posada

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre is presenting Third by Wendy Wasserstein across three weekends (October 27-30, November 3-6, November 10-12). The production is directed by Brendan Stackhouse. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

PHOTOS from "The Rocky Horror Show" at Music Mountain Theatre

by John Posada

On October 28th and 29th, The Rocky Horror Show returned to Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ for two sold-out performances.

A Look Back into African American History and Luck in Life, Good and Bad

by Bruce Chadwick

Alice Childress wrote plays, books and newspaper columns for more than 40 years and is considered one of the premier chroniclers on African American backstories, tales buried by time but tales priceless and emotion wrenching still. Bonnie Monte, executive director of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, is always looking for unapplauded work and found two of Childress plays, Florence and Mojo, and combined them for a duo of plays. They opened last weekend at the theater, housed at Drew University, in Madison.

film features

Sign the Show screens at the Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival on Sunday, October 2

by Alexia Fraser

Sign the Show: Deaf Culture, Access, & Entertainment, by Cat Brewer, is a delightfully informational documentary that brings to light the struggles that individuals in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community face when trying to gain access to interpreters at live shows. Whether it be concerts, festivals, plays, or comedy shows, this movie covers all the bases on how one should supply access to interpreters when scheduling large-scale events. Even though I may never know what it’s like to be deaf, this film has given me a better understanding of what it is like to live in their world.

Savings Strays screens at the Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival on Saturday, October 8

by Al Nigrin

Michelle Dragun’s short documentary Savings Strays screens at the Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival on Saturday, October 8. Here is my interview with her:

Borough Approves Plans for Carteret Stages, a Movie Studio Component of $1 Billion Waterfront Redevelopment

by Bob Makin

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The borough planning board recently approved a preliminary site plan for Shrewsbury-based J. Bezzone Inc. to develop a 1.2 million square foot, 15-story multi-use project on a portion of the former DuPont site in the Chrome Waterfront Redevelopment Zone north of Veterans Pier and Carteret Waterfront Park.

State Theatre presents "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents a screening of the cult classic movie musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, October 22 at 11:00pm. Prior to the screening, the State Theatre is hosting a pre-show party with a full-service bar and DJ from 9:00pm to 11:00pm. The evening will be hosted by Rutgers University’s Cabaret Theatre. Tickets are $15 and includes a goodie

 

LATEST NEWS

NJPAC presents Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science As A Way Of Knowing

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Interested in exploring the mysteries of our Universe? Don't miss out on the chance to see world renowned astrophysicist, professor, and New York Times best-selling author of the Hayden Planetarium Neil deGrasse Tyson at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 3:00pm.

---

Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents Star Wars Inspired - May The 4th Corrupt You

---

Revisit the Hindenburg's Final Flight at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

---

NJPAC presents An Evening with Richard Dawkins and Friends

Click here for more event previews

New Jersey Stage

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and on our RSS feed

---

Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Ad Rates | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy