Here's a look at the original feature articles and columns published by New Jersey Stage from July 1 to July 31, 2022. In addition to these stories, we publish between 50-60 press releases during the week. This was a busy month for us with over 80 features or columns published in July.
music features
Three Decades Later, Dan Levinson and Dick Hyman Salute the Austin High Gang
by Sanford Josephson
“I have a new album coming out with Dick Hyman,” Dan Levinson said. “We recorded it 30 years ago.”
Lizzie Rose Music presents the Pavilion in the Pines Concert Series for July
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Lizzie Rose Music is presenting The Pavilion in the Pines Concert Series again this summer on their outdoor stage located at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground in Tuckerton. It is located off Exit 58 of the Garden State Parkway. Shows take place in a covered pavilion with seating provided. All shows start at 7:30pm.
Spotlight on Chellcy Reitsma
Chellcy Reitsma is a band based in Malta. Named after the main songwriter, the band has released 10 singles and one four track EP, including music Chellcy released before starting the band. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Chellcy Reitsma.
Spotlight on Holding Poison
Holding Poison is a rock band based just outside of London. The band consists of Matt Blackwell and Jack Findell and they are our latest artist spotlight. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Holding Poison.
Spotlight on Jeremiah McKinley
Jeremiah McKinley is a folk rock duo from Kernersville, North Carolina who plays what Jeremiah Christianlikes to call "dirty folk" - bringing gritty blues vocals and distorted guitars to traditional folk stories. The Penguin Rocks presents this interview with Jeremiah McKinley.
REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at The Stone Pony
by Jennifer Petrics
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats rocked the Stone Pony in Asbury Park for a sold out show this 4th of July weekend. The Future Tour, in support of their third studio album, kicked off in May and runs through late September. As the rain held out, the sky broke into glorious shades of reds and blues, when the band took the stage. Rateliff and the band were in fantastic form— never losing their octane-level energy— or raw and powerful vocals. With a worldly fusion of blues, rock, folk, and soul (not unlike Van Morrison who they’ve covered in the documentary The Last Waltz), they were their own force of nature— rocking the house from start to finish. From the soft horn timbres of songs like You Worry Me and Face Down in the Moment… building up to the raucous, bone shattering tracks like S.O.B., The Night Sweats covered it all.
The 2022 Happy Together Tour LIVE! at MPAC
by Spotlight Central
Inside Morristown, NJ’s MPAC auditorium this Thursday, June 23, 2022 evening, music lovers can be seen dancing to the sound of happy ’60s tunes played on the house PA system as they make their way to their seats. After a two-year postponement, fans of classic 1960s hits are all here for tonight’s 2022 edition of the Happy Together Tour starring The Turtles, Gary Puckett, The Association, The Classics IV, The Vogues, and The Cowsills.
Little River Band LIVE! at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
by Spotlight Central
Throughout the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, Little River Band enjoyed huge chart success with multiplatinum albums and chart-topping hits. To date, the group’s worldwide album, CD sales, and digital downloads top 35 million and, according to BMI, the band’s hit, “Reminiscing,” has registered over five million airplays on American radio.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) Presents "Power of Three" - Classical Music Trio
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- As part of its ongoing “Summer Stars” classical music series, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) will “Power of Three,” a classical music trio, on Thursday July 14 at 7:30pm. The performance takes place at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ. Power of Three will feature works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Claude Debussy, Allison Loggins-Hull, Igor Stravinsky, Valerie Coleman and Camille Saint-Saëns.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Get The Led Out
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The newly renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Get The Led Out: A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep” on Saturday, August 6 at 8:00pm. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage.
“Summer Under the Stars” with the NJSO LIVE! at Ocean County College
by Spotlight Central
It’s a gorgeous June 28, 2022 summer evening on the campus of Toms River, NJ’s Ocean County College. Music lovers seated in lawn chairs and spread out on blankets dot the hillside above a portable stage as they wait for the start of a live “Summer Under the Stars” performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra featuring the music of Mozart, Rossini, and Rogers and Hammerstein.
The Wag talk about their Beatles Spectacular at The Strand on July 23rd
by Gary Wien
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag presents a Beatles Spectacular at The Strand Theater in Lakewood on July 23, 2022 at 7:30pm. The show promises two sets of Beatles music with costume changes. If you love the Beatles, there's nobody who does it better than The Wag. You can even hear some of the band's original music in the night's opening set.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Presents Solisti Ensemble
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents Solisti Ensemble on Thursday, July 21 at 7:30pm in the Great Auditorium. The String Ensemble is celebrating its 13th Anniversary Season with works by Mozart, Shostakovich, Carl Jenkins, Astor Piazzolla, Sarasate and G.F. Handel. This eleven-piece string ensemble has garnered a following in Ocean Grove, where it will be back by popular demand after successful performance over the past several summers.
"Pure Enjoyment!" The Bronx Wanderers LIVE! at the Grunin Center
by Spotlight Central
The Bronx Wanderers are in the house this Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts for the first of two shows on a single evening. The group — known for its high-energy renditions of classic pop songs from the ’50s, ‘60s, and beyond — is comprised of a father, Vinny Sr., on lead vocals; his son, Vincent John, on keyboards and guitar; and musicians Fernando Tort on bass, Michael Benigno on drums, and Joe Bari on saxophone, keyboards, and guitar.
Separate Ways the Band LIVE! in Seaside Heights
by Spotlight Central
It’s somewhat misty on the beach in Seaside Heights, NJ this Thursday, July 7, 2022, as music lovers ready themselves for a concert by the Journey tribute artists, Separate Ways the Band. The group’s performance is part of the Jersey Shore resort’s 2022 line-up of free summer concerts scheduled on Monday and Thursday nights throughout the months of July and August.
Makin Waves with Taylor Tote: Art of Solitude
by Bob Makin
Makin Waves 2021 Female Artist of the Year Taylor Tote took some time to chat about her extremely personal new single, “I Like U But …” The infectious, yet heartbreaking tune examines Taylor’s love life in a way that’s as poignant as it is tongue-in-cheek.
The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour: A Wild Excursion Into the Unknown
by Jennifer Petrics
Swaths of fans in red coats splashed through the crowd… interspersed with “XO” shirts. This was just the first indication, or testament, to the legions of fans which The Weeknd has spawned in his career.
moe. LIVE! in Seaside Heights, NJ
by Spotlight Central
It’s a gorgeous summer evening in Seaside Heights, NJ, this Sunday, July 10, 2022 as music lovers ready themselves for a concert on the beach by the world-renown jam band, moe. The group’s performance tonight is the second in the resort town’s Seaside Heights Live series of summer concerts which premiered on June 25 with the Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) presents Concert Organist Michael Hey
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- As part of its ongoing organ recital series, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) will present concert organist Michael Hey, on Wednesday, July 27, 2002 at 7:30pm in the Great Auditorium. This is a FREE concert. The Great Auditorium is located at Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways in Ocean Grove, NJ. All facilities are handicapped-accessible.
Billy Wilkins LIVE! on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk
by Spotlight Central
On the world-famous boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ this Monday, July 11, 2022 evening, visitors stroll the boards enjoying ice cream, pizza, and other treats. Others play games of chance, shop in stores which offer everything from salt water taffy to T-shirts, and enjoy amusement rides designed for adventurers of all ages.
Jagged Little Pill 25+ Years Later
by Jennifer Petrics
On July 21, 2022, Alanis Morissette performed at PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ. Garbage opened the night. Jennifer Petrics was on hand to cover the show.
"Extraordinary!" Dion LIVE! at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
by Spotlight Central
After a two-year pandemic delay, the audience inside Red Bank, NJ’s Count Basie Center for the Arts auditorium this Thursday, July 14, 2022 evening is patiently awaiting the start of a long-anticipated performance by rock and roll icon, Dion.
"Pure Feel-Good Music!" Railroad Earth LIVE! in Seaside Heights, NJ
by Spotlight Central
The weather forecast may have predicted rain, but that hasn’t stopped music lovers of all ages from streaming onto the beach in Seaside Heights, NJ this Saturday, July 16, 2022 evening for a Seaside Heights Live concert by Railroad Earth. Formed in 2001, Railroad Earth is a New Jersey-based musical ensemble which employs a distinctive blend of progressive bluegrass, folk, country, rock, jazz, and Americana music.
PHOTOS from The Wag's Beatles Spectacular
by John Posada
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag brought their Beatles Spectacular to the Strand Theater in Lakewood on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Following a set of original songs by The Wag, they moved into Beatles terrority and played songs from throughout the legendary act's career along with a few costume changes. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents "Fanfare and Trumpetings" featuring Organist Gordon Turk and the Philadelphia Brass
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Concluding its popular “Summer Stars” classical music series, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) will present Organist-in-Residence Gordon Turk and the Philadelphia Brass in a program entitled “Fanfare and Trumpetings” on Thursday, August 4 at 7:30pm at the Great Auditorium. Tickets are $17.50 and can be ordered at www.oceangrove.org/stars.
Gordon Lightfoot LIVE! at the Ocean City Music Pier
by Spotlight Central
The Ocean City, NJ boardwalk is bustling with people making their way inside the Ocean City Music Pier this Monday, July 18, 2022 evening for a sold-out concert of live music featuring the legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot.
Union Summer Concert Series Rocks with Foreigners Journey
by Karen Nowosad
I enjoyed my outdoor experience at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s presentation of Much Ado About Nothing so much that I continued on the next week to an outdoor concert. Next stop: GSP Exit 141 where the Township of Union Summer Concert Series at Rabkin Park plays through July.
Bob Burger returns with the wonderful “The Domino Effect”
by Gary Wien
"I thought I was going to have to quit," recalled Bob Burger. "Because it was too painful to play."
"Still as Great Now as He Was Back Then!" Taj Mahal LIVE! at UCPAC
by Spotlight Central
Although the weather outside is pushing 100 degrees, it’s comfortably cool inside the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ this Wednesday, July 20, 2022 evening as music lovers await a concert by multi-Grammy-Award-winning recording artist, Taj Mahal.
music columns
Makin Waves Song of the Week: “Crosstown Traffic” by Debra Devi
by Bob Makin
Off her new “Jamification Station Vol. 1” live EP, Jersey City blues-rocker Debra Devi’s blistering cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic “Crosstown Traffic” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 7/4/22
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 Chris Tiedemann, Deviant Youth, Sammy Kay, Well Wisher, Classic Traffic, and Driving Underwater.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/7/22
by Danny Coleman
We all sing; whether it be in the shower, our car, professionally or even karaoke and many of us have probably had a thought such as, "Yes! I nailed that one!" Well, here is your chance to "Nail" one as Sylvia Moy's Masterpiece Sound Studios Detroit in partnership with Sony Music Publishing launches a "Cover Song Contest" open to any, "Amateur individual, independent singer, musician, singing group or band from any of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico" and what's at stake in this competition is cash, representation by Sony Music Publishing and more.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Empty Space" by Dave Vargo
by Bob Makin
Beloved Asbury Park singer-songwriter Dave Vargo recently infiltrated the United Kingdom iTune Rock Chart with the achingly, hauntingly powerful “Empty Space” from his acclaimed third independent album, “Crooked Miles.”
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 7/11/22
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 Sweaty Lamarr, Diego Allessandro, Katye Kellye And The Interruption, Southpaw, Vincent Brue, GIN WAR, Money For The Toll, Timelord Smith, and Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/14/22
by Danny Coleman
"Yes, we do, “Closer To The Flame" and it came out April 1st in Europe and on April 15 here in the States," said an enthusiastic Riot Act guitarist Rick Ventura as he discussed their new record which was born from the ashes of the past, affected by the present and the always unpredictable future of the industry.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Root" by Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band
by Bob Makin
Bluesy Asbury Park roots-rockin’ garage band Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band are living up to their sound with their newest single.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 7/18/22
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 Steam Enginess, Matthew Mirliani, aisha & echo, Infinity Rat, Marc Ambrosia, Matthew Pelli, Jason Didner, and Wake Up Paradise.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/21/22
by Danny Coleman
"Yeah, the single is out and it's doing very well; I'm really excited about it and it has been getting a lot of great comments and everybody that has heard it really loves it; they love the energy and it has got a great sound. So, it's doing very well; the album is called "American Rocker" and yes, I'm very excited about it."
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Love You Like the First Time" by JT Bowen
by Bob Makin
Asbury Park R&B/soul legend JT Bowen’s first single, “Love You Like the First Time,” from the Arlan Feiles-produced LP, “Dig Deep,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 7/25/22
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 Cybrog Amok, Quinn Kennedy, Solo For Dolo, CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, and Four Dollar Piece.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...7/28/22
by Danny Coleman
“The new single is “a13” and it's the first song on the new record, “Elevator” and “Elevator” is my 25th solo record so it's kind of a special one for us; we play “a13” in the show as well as some other things from “Elevator.” There's in fact, nine things in the show that we've never played before but there's also a lot of the power trio material that people like, like the King Crimson stuff and some other good songs and there's an acoustic section where I do a solo acoustic guitar and voice thing for about 20-minutes and take some question and answers from the audience. So, it's a very good well-rounded show with lots of different things.”
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "I Can’t Wait Any Longer" by Mike Montrey Band
by Bob Makin
“I Can’t Wait Any Longer,” the first of three singles from Mike Montrey Band’s forthcoming album, “Searching For My Soul,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
theatre features
PHOTOS from "Oliver!" at Kelsey Theatre
by John Posada
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Yardley Players will present Oliver! across two weekends (July 8-10, 15-17) at the Kelsey Theatre located on the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor. A perennial favorite, this three-time Tony Award-winning musical appeals to the emotions with its drama, and through its spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “I'd Do Anything” and “Where is Love.” Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos during a dress rehearsal.
PHOTOS from "American Idiot" at Asbury Park Theater Company
by John Posada
The newly formed Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) is presenting Green Day’s American Idiot, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, as the company's debut production. The first weekend of performances took place July 1-3 and photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos. The production returns July 8-10 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and on Sundays at 5:00pm at the Kingsley Theater located inside The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, 1401 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ.
High Schools - for the Rich and for the Poor. Who’s Smarter?
by Bruce Chadwick
Everyday in newspapers we read about problems in high schools for the underprivileged (African-Americans) and schools for the affluent (white). What has to be done to improve schools for the underprivileged and improve them even more for the rich. The poor kids do not let lavish funding, few special programs, poorly paid teachers and are in run down neighborhoods. What can be done to help them? What about the rich kids from affluent neighborhoods? How can those students get into Princeton, Yale, Harvard other prestigious schools? Their high schools get enormous funding, offer all the special programs you could dream of and have the highest paid teachers. Can we help them? Should we help them?
Newark Museum of Art presents Broadway in the Bricks on Friday
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Broadway in the Bricks is a live performance series that brings Broadway’s best and brightest talents to Newark. It returns live on stage Friday, July 8 at The Newark Museum of Art with a special “Jazz Night” honoring Broadway musicals from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Showtime is 7:00pm.
PHOTOS from "Finishing It Off!" at The Theater Project
by John Posada
Four actors play eight characters in twelve monologues showing the faces of eldercare: the families, the caregivers, the cared for, and the neglected. Finishing It Off! by Mary Jane Walsh, is being presented by The Theater Project at the Burgdorff Cultural Center in Maplewood from July 7-17. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos at a dress rehearsal.
"Ain’t Misbehavin’" is Behaving Just Fine in Pittsfield
by Bruce Chadwick
I don't know how old the Barrington Stage in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (in the Berkshires) is, but it cannot possibly ever have jumped as wildly as it has been jumping, up and down, back and forth, in the current production of Ain't Misbehavin, the musical about composer Fats Waller and his Harlem Renaissance music. This is a whopping good musical, a jewel in the crown of musical theater in America, and at the Barrington Stage, in the Berkshires, where so many New Jersey residents vacation, it is just terrific.
Bad Start, Powerful Finish in Superb World Premiere
by Bruce Chadwick
I thought only Superman, with his X Ray vision, could see two plays at the same time. I was wrong. The audiences at the Unicorn Theater, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires, can do it, too. All anyone needs to do is see the world premier play B.R.O.K.E.N CODE / B.I.R.D SWITCHING, by Tara Wilson Noth.
PHOTOS from "Beauty and the Beast" at Spring Lake Theatre Company
by John Posada
The Spring Lake Theatre Company is opening the 2022-2023 season with one of the most beloved stories of all time: Beauty and the Beast. Twelve performances take place across July 7-24. When Belle’s father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, her attempt to rescue him leads her to be captured by the Beast, a fearsome monster long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "Jackie Robinson Steals Home" at Center Players
by John Posada
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players is concluding its 2021-22 season with a production of Jackie Robinson Steals Home at Center Playhouse in downtown Freehold from July 8-17, 2022. The historical drama is set in 1947 at Yankee Stadium where the Yankees are playing the Brooklyn Dodgers and the newest member of the Dodgers is the first African American to play major league baseball -- Jackie Robinson. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
"American Idiot" in Asbury Park is a Winner
by Karen Nowosad
Live theater returns to Asbury Park this month as the Asbury Park Theater Company presents American Idiot. An exuberant version of the Green Day Broadway hit show plays one more weekend in the Kingsley Theater at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Directed by William Whitefield, this show features a cast with singing voices that will knock your socks off! Green Day’s music and Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics are in good hands with Music Direction by Andrew Macirowski. Equally as exciting is the choreography provided by Serena Soffer as the cast puts on a first rate production. This show is a winner that theater goers will love seeing.
PHOTOS from "In The Heights" at Music Mountain Theatre
by John Posada
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- In the Heights is being presented by Music Mountain Theatre weekends through July 24. Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood - a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos of an early performance.
Once Is Enough
by Bruce Chadwick
Most people loved the 2007 movie Once. Most New York critics loved it when the story opened there as a musical and grabbed several Tony Awards. I finally caught up with it Sunday at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires, where so many New Jersey resident go on vacations. For me, Once was enough.
A Summer Delight - "Much Ado About Nothing"
by Karen Nowosad
When summer arrives, outdoor theater beckons to us. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) traditionally runs a play a year outdoors. This practice which started in 2002 continues this year with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Bring your blankets, low back chairs, and picnic dinner to the Outdoor Theatre on the campus of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station. The Greek-style amphitheater has a charm all its own as patrons can enjoy an outstanding production.
PHOTOS from "In The Heights" at The Ritz Theatre Company
by John Posada
The Ritz Theatre Company presents In the Heights, the Tony Award-winning musical (and cultural phenomenon) by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed by Edwin “Rico” Santiago, the production runs at The Ritz from July 15-31. Photographer John Posada was on hand during a dress rehearsal to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "Matilda the Musical" at Pleasant Valley Productions
by John Posada
(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Pleasant Valley Productions is presenting Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical July 15-16 and July 22-23 - each night at 8:00pm - at Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center in West Orange. The production is directed by Elizabeth Rogers, music directed by Daniel Mullen, and choreographed by Nicole Boscarino. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "The Wedding Singer" at Woodbridge Community Players
by John Posada
(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- The Woodbridge Community Players presents The Wedding Singer July 22-24 and July 29-30 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer's sparkling new score does for the '80s what Hairspray did for the '60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years.
There is Much to Say about 'Much Ado...
by Bruce Chadwick
The outdoor stage summer season for the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is going full blast these days with a perky, colorful production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, about which there is much to say. The play is jam packed with the elements that have made the Shakespeare Theatre’s play on its outdoor, amphi-theater stage at St. Elizabeth’s University, just down the road from its indoor and permanent home at Drew University in Madison, successful. There is a gorgeous stage setting, beautiful costumes, actors running up and down the aisles in the audience, people dining on the lovely grassy grounds before and after the show and, oh yes, and it is an element, all of the airplanes, their engine roars making more noise that the applause of the audience, flying overhead.
PHOTOS from "Mary Poppins" at Algonquin Arts Theatre
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- The first production of the 2022-23 season at Algonquin Arts Theatre is Mary Poppins, which runs through Sunday, July 31. One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences.
REVIEW: "Mud Row" at Premiere Stages
by Gary Wien
Imagine that you learn your grandmother’s house was left to you in her will - a house full of bad memories that you haven’t seen in many years. You go to check out the house and realize someone has been living there as a squatter…
B'way's Alex Newell, Mark Evans and Charlotte d’Amboise Serve Up Political Satire in "The Last Supper"
by Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com
A 1995 indie comedy about death has found new life as a musical. "The Last Supper" tells the story of a group of liberal grad students who decide to play judge, jury, and even executioner with conservative dinner guests. Adapted by Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson, the show explores political extremism, punditry, and morality through bitingly dark humor.
PHOTOS from "Rent" at Exit 82 Theatre Company
by John Posada
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Exit 82 Theatre Company is presenting Rent from July 21-31. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. The poignant Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning rock musical by Jonathan Larson follows a group of strong and creative individuals who fight hard for their beliefs through their art. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "High School Musical" at Mystic Vision Players
by John Posada
(LINDEN, NJ) -- Mystic Vision Players, the resident theatre of Linden, is currently presenting Disney's High School Musical to the Linden stage. The play brings us back to East High School and the Romeo & Juliet story of budding romance in front of the footlights with direction by Howard Whitmore, choreography by LHS dance teacher, Barbara Brady, and music direction by Christynn Morris. Photographer John Posada was on hand one night to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "School of Rock" by Phoenix Productions
by John Posada
(RED BANK, NJ) — Phoenix Productions, the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, presented its summer production of School of Rock - The Musical – from July 22-24. Photographer John Posada was on hand one night to take photos.
Algonquin Arts Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for "The Who's Tommy"
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its August musical, The Who’s Tommy, which runs from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 21. A smash-hit on both sides of the Atlantic, Tommy is a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international sensation bursts on the stage in this multi-award winning adaptation of the original chart-topping rock album. Hit songs include "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Touch Me." This show contains adult content.
PHOTOS from "Snow Angel" at Luna Stage's Teen Conservatory
by John Posada
(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage's Teen Conservatory presents Snow Angel by David Lindsay Abaire from July 29-31. Photographer John Posada was at a dress rehearsal to take some photos.
The future may be closer than you think in "The Hummingbirds," a comic-drama of menace
by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com
The future may be closer than you think in “The Hummingbirds,” a comic-drama of menace.
PHOTOS from "The Last Supper" at SOPAC
by John Posada
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The world premiere engagement of the new musical comedy, The Last Supper, is currently on stage at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). The play is about five liberal grad students sharing a house in a conservative college town who, in their efforts to save the world, host a collection of their neighbors for a friendly evening of dinner and discourse. Things do not go well. Performances run Wednesdays through Sundays from July 27 to August 7th. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "It Shoulda Been You" at Old Library Theatre
by John Posada
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department’s resident theatre company is currently presenting the Broadway musical, It Shoulda Been You, at the Fair Lawn Community Center. The show will be presented over two weekends, starting Friday, July 29, and run through August 7th, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Photographer John Posada was at a dress rehearsal to take some photos.
PHOTOS from "Crazy For You" at Music Mountain Theatre
by John Posada
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is currently presenting Crazy For You each weekend through August 21st. Winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical, this laugh-a-minute musical romp is scripted by Ken Ludwig and features the memorable hits of George and Ira Gershwin such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can't Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
film features
46th Newark Black Film Festival Preview
(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Newark Museum of Art continues its legacy to present films that heighten the historic importance of the Black experience in the United States with the 46th Newark Black Film Festival, which takes place July 12-17. The festival features twelve films and present six awards—Long Narrative Award, Short Narrative Award, Long Documentary Award, Short Documentary Award, Experimental Award, and Best Film Award.
Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival Preview
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Fall 2022 New Jersey Film Festival will take place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between September 9-October 16. The Festival will be a hybrid one as it will be presented online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. Each ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person screenings. The in-person screenings will be held in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ beginning at 7:00pm on their show date. There will also be special Filmmaker Introductions and Q+A Sessions available for many of the films.
comedy features
Brick City Comedy Revue's 8th Anniversary Show
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Brick City Comedy Revue is Newark's premier comedy showcase. Hosted by Justin Williams and DJ Gonzalo Silva, the show will celebrate its 8th anniversary on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 8:00pm. The event takes place at Kilkenny Alehouse in Newark and features stand-up performances by LeClerc Andre, Ryan Beck, Kenice Mobley, and Teresa DeGaetano. The musical guest is Krash Battle, an alternative Hip-Hop/R&B artist from Rahway.
art features
Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence
by Shen Shellenberger, JerseyArts.com
Every day, we read an all-too-familiar report on our news feed — another life is lost to gun violence. It is a deadly epidemic.
Two Exhibitions Cross the Lines Between Art, Craft and Poetry
by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com
Behold the titles used by Rina Banerjee. They read like poems.
dance features
Jacob's Pillow - 90 Years Young
by Bruce Chadwick
I have never been to Pike’s Peak, the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Snake River. I have never been to the fabled, historic Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires, in Massachusetts, either. This summer I made it to Jacob’s Pillow, going there to see Swing Out, an impressive, pulsating, simply dazzling dance show about the Big Band dancing of the 1930s. Yes, Benny Goodman still lives. I’m glad I got there and hope I can get there again.
