New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

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


By John Posada

originally published: 10/18/2022

(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.

As war churns in Vietnam, night falls over the tranquil hills and creeks of a small Midwestern town, and a young woman hears a tap at her window. On the same night Apollo 15 makes its lunar landing, a young draft-dodger steals home to Eden Prairie, after a 300-mile trek from Canada.

The man risks arrest to deliver an important message to his childhood friend, Rachel. Both are caught between duty to the ones they love and their own futures. In a moment of national tension that mirrors our own, the young man must defend his choices and grapple with the sacrifices he has made. Mat Smart's stark, passionate drama skillfully questions our notions of bravery and responsibility.

The production team for “Eden Prairie, 1971” includes: Evan Bergman (Director/Associate Artistic Director), Kristin Pfeifer (Production Stage Manager), Patricia E. Doherty (Costume Design), Nick Simone (Sound Design), Jessica Parks (Scenic Design/Props), Jill Nagle (Lighting Design), Rachael Malloy (Assistant Stage Manager), Janey Huber (Assistant Lighting Designer/Assistant Director), James Lockhart (Master Electrician), Brian Snyder (Technical Director), Donna Stiles (Scenic Design Assistant), Blake Robinson (Props Assistant).

Performances are on Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $55. Patrons can purchase tickets online or by calling NJRep at 732-229-3166. New Jersey Repertory Company is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, New Jersey. 

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Celebrate

Celebrate Courage and Authenticity with "She's NorMale – A Transgender Odyssey"

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Geenetica (Geena Buono) brings her heartfelt vision to the stage with She's NorMale – A Transgender Odyssey, a groundbreaking live multimedia musical production premiering Thursday, June 19, 2025 at House of Independents. Showtime is 7:00pm. As part of The North 2 Shore Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, this will be the second year the show kicks off the festival line-up.



Stargazer

Stargazer Performing Arts presents Inaugural Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Stargazer Performing Arts will present the inaugural Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Duncan Smith Theater in Holmdel. This is a brand-new celebration of emerging talent from teen writers across Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. The festival will showcase original plays written by students ages 13 to 18, brought to life in a staged reading by local actors and directed by Stargazer's co-director, Jim DeVivo.



Luna

Luna Stage presents a new solo adaptation of "The Ground on Which We Stand (abridged)"

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents a new solo adaptation of The Ground on Which We Stand (abridged) from June 5-21, 2025. The play was inspired by the history and legacy of The James Howe House, the first home owned by a formerly enslaved person in Montclair. The project was conceived and is directed by Ari Laura Keith.



Studio

Studio Players presents "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon"

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis across three weekends from June 6-21, 2025. Over two hundred Fairytales in two hours... what could go wrong?



Sussex

Sussex County Resident's Original Play Selected to Be Performed at New York Theater Festival's "SummerFest 2025"

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Sparta resident Allison Ognibene, and lead faculty of Theater at Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has written an original play called "Mile 59" that will be featured in the renowned New York Theater Festival, "NY Summerfest" in June 2025 at the Hudson Guild Theater.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Play

Play Festival Reading Series: "Angel's Share"

Thursday, June 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

Hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Thursday, June 19, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Bell Theater
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
category: theatre


 

Play

Play Festival Reading Series: "Lia Del Mar"

Friday, June 20, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

Best

Best of the Eagles

Friday, June 20, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: theatre


 

Hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Friday, June 20, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Bell Theater
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info