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The Broadway Lecture Series at Stageworks to feature Jennifer Holliday

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 04/04/2023

(POMPTON LAKES, NJ) -- “One Night Only!” Tony & Grammy Winning Legend Jennifer Holliday comes to Pompton Lakes on Saturday, April 15th to share stories and advice from her 40+ long career as part of “The Broadway Lecture Series at Stageworks.” This series, created by Robert Bannon, is an ongoing chance to get up close and personal with some of Broadway’s Best. 

“There is such a demand for quality advice and such a curiosity of what life is like on Broadway, but there is no easy, affordable, accessible way for theater fans and aspiring theatre performers to get the information, so “The Broadway Lecture Series” was born. It debuted last year at Montclair State University with Tony Winning Star of “MJ” Myles Frost. The chat moderated by Bannon allowed Myles to tell his story, share his advice, take questions, and meet and greet the fans in attendance. 

The new season, just announced and currently on-sale, will move to Stageworks at Studio 2-3-7 in Pompton Lakes, NJ. This Non-Profit Community Theatre is home to full staged productions, classes, camp, and more. According to Bannon, it just seemed like the perfect place to hold these conversations and encourage the next generation of performers and fans! Tickets are on sale at www.stageworksnj.org.

The Line Up:

Ms. Jennifer Holliday - “And I am telling you, you do not want to miss this!” Grammy/Tony Winning Superstar Jennifer Holliday makes her Broadway Lecture Series debut to talk about her iconic run as Effie in “Dreamgirls.” She has sold millions of records, performed for Presidents and Royalty, and is a Broadway Icon! Do not miss the chance to hear her story and meet her! April 15th at 7:00pm.

Kerry Butler - From “Beetlejuice” to “Xanadu” to “Hairspray” is there anything Kerry Butler can not do! Fresh off the stage of “Beetlejuice” Kerry will be giving advice on how to do it all! She sings, acts, dances, and does it all with ease! Hear how she started her career that led her to a Tony Nomination and how she became one of Broadway’s Biggest Stars!

Eden Espinosa - The Iconic Voice that is Eden joins The Broadway Lecture Series! She made a splash as Elphaba in “Wicked,” was in the final Broadway Cast of “Rent,” and tore down the roof in “Bklyn.” Before she returns to her jaw dropping performance in the new, soon to be classic “Lempicka” catch her inspiring story of her climb to one of the most iconic voices on stage.  

The lecture series is an interactive chat about what it takes to make it to the bright lights of the stage. Questions from the audience will be collected to make this a truly interactive experience. Packages are available for all four events at a discounted rate!

This not to be missed conversation, will be followed by a VIP Meet & Greet for a limited amount of tickets. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap a picture with Jelani. VIP tickets also include seats in the first few rows of the auditorium.  

The Broadway Lecture Series is created by Unfinished Business LLC. and Actor/Singer/Talk Show host Robert Bannon. Robert is the creator & host of “The Roundtable” as well as its sister programs “Quarantine, Cabaret, & Cocktail,” & “The Broadway Lecture Series.” He has interviewed everyone from Chita Rivera to Perez Hilton, Heather Headley to Bianca Del Rio and more. The debut Lecture featured Tony Award Winner Myles Frost who spoke to a sold out crowd about his time in “MJ”.

More Lecture Broadway guests are to be announced. This program will happen numerous times throughout the year to bring the Best of Broadway to the students, the community, and theater fans alike.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

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(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show!

The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"

(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
Fool Moon Theatre presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"

Fool Moon Theatre presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"

(MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents the award-winning madcap musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. Winner of five Tony Awards, this is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret

(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.

Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical"

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Shrek: The Musical

Sunday, July 12, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


My Fair Lady

Sunday, July 12, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Sunday, July 12, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


Vivid Summer Solos: "Long Drive Home" by Stephen Kaplan

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ



 

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