Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/18/2023

Photo by Michael Franken
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre (Pamela Ward-Executive Director), a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Manasquan, has emerged triumphant as the recipient of the prestigious Asbury Park Press 2023 Best of the Best Award for Live Theater in Monmouth County. This accolade serves as a testament to the theatre's unwavering commitment to excellence in the performing arts and its dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of the community.
The Asbury Park Press Best of the Best Awards are highly coveted, celebrating businesses and organizations that consistently deliver outstanding service and leave an indelible mark on the community they serve. Algonquin Arts Theatre's recognition in the Live Theater category underscores its status as a premier destination for patrons seeking exceptional live performances.
Known for its captivating productions, innovative programming, world-class arts education initiatives and commitment to fostering artistic expression, Algonquin Arts Theatre has been a pillar of the local arts scene for years. This award is a reflection of the hard work and passion exhibited by the theatre's talented team, including actors, directors, musicians, crew, board and staff.
Photo by Michael Franken
"We are thrilled and honored to receive the Asbury Park Press Best of the Best award for Live Theater," said Pamela Ward, Executive Director at Algonquin Arts Theatre. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the continued support of our patrons. We believe in the transformative power of the arts, and this award motivates us to continue bringing exceptional live performances and arts education to our community."
Algonquin Arts Theatre has become synonymous with quality entertainment, offering a diverse range of productions that cater to a broad audience. From classic plays to contemporary musicals, from orchestra to jazz, the theatre has consistently raised the bar for cultural experiences in the region.
As the curtain rises on this well-deserved achievement, Algonquin Arts Theatre invites the community to join in the celebration by attending one of the many offerings this season. The theatre looks forward to continuing its mission of providing enriching, inspiring, and unforgettable live performances for years to come.
Tickets may be purchased at www.algonquinarts.org, by calling 732-528-9211 or by visiting the Algonquin Arts Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm located at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, New Jersey.
Photo by Jerry Dalia
ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.
Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.
AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Hackensack Meridian Health, the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of other businesses and their patrons.

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EVENT PREVIEWS

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Two River Theater presents ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents the 15th anniversary of ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage, from August 6–9, 2026. Curated by José Zayas, the annual festival, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras), will feature five new play readings by acclaimed and emerging Latine playwrights.

Gateway Playhouse to Hold Open Auditions for "9 to 5: The Musical"
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Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park to Host Auditions for "Curious George: The Golden Meatball" on August 12th
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park is holding auditions for its fall 2026 children's production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball on Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00pm at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located inside Roosevelt Park in Edison. Everyone's favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical.

Chimera Productions presents "Job" at Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- New Jersey-based theater company Chimera Productions will present its 17th production, Job by Max Wolf Friedlich, from August 13-15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night. The play, presented in the intimate 60-seat theater inside Princeton's Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, is a psychological thriller that offers a sharp, darkly funny, and unsettling examination of our addiction to work, the internet, the cost of modern life, and what we're willing to sacrifice to belong.
Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents "The Wedding Singer"
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents The Wedding Singer across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. Based on the popular movie, the play takes place in New Jersey in 1985. A wannabe rock star (aka a professional wedding singer) is left at the altar and finally changes his tune.

The Levoy Theatre presents "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. This is the inspiring true story of Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Theater Project presents "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones
(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project will wrap up its 2026 summer season with the first New Jersey production of Kenneth Jones's Alabama Story, about the clash between censorship and civil rights in the Jim Crow South, August 6-16 at the DMK Black Box Theatre. Alabama Story blends fact and fiction.

The Premier Theatre Company presents "Jesus Christ Superstar"
(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents Jesus Christ Superstar in the Rumson School District Auditorium across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. This is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.