New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Center Players to Open Season with "Steel Magnolias"

originally published: 09/20/2023


(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players will begin its 2023-24 season with a Signature Series production of the enduringly popular Steel Magnolias. The comedic drama will run weekends from October 13 to November 5, 2023 at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street in downtown Freehold.

Robert Harling's 1987 play takes place in a beauty salon in Louisiana where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; eccentric millionaire Miss Clairee, and the local social leader M’Lynn, whose daughter Shelby is about to marry a “good ole boy.” What begins as a comedy eventually turns tragic, and the sudden realization of the characters' mortality and underlying strength through friendship makes the play truly touching and memorable. A 1989 feature film adaptation of Steel Magnolias starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine and an unknown Julia Roberts.

Directed by Sharon Coyle and Mark Papa, the Center Players cast features a local, award-winning cast: Andrea Bell Wolff (Truvy), Christa Collier (Annelle), Jennifer Hyman Zimmerman (Clairee), Julia Angeliadis (Shelby) Samantha Ambler (M’Lynn) and Rachel Hamilton (Ouiser).

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are priced at $28-$30 and can be purchased at www.centerplayers.org or by calling 732-462-9093.

“Mark and I are honored to tell the story of these incredible characters, especially Shelby who is based on the playwright’s late sister. We bring our own personal life stories and experiences to this project and we are thrilled with our exceptional cast which brings these funny, inspirational and deeply human characters to life,” noted Coyle. “I had a chronic disease as a child, like Shelby, and a champion of a mom, much like M’Lynn, so these themes certainly resonate with me, and I’m sure with many others.”




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



Following Steel Magnolias, Center Players will present a multi-generational and multi-cultural musical holiday event on December 8-10, featuring different performers at 2:00pm and 7:00pm shows.  Tickets will be available shortly.

Celebrating its 22nd season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning organization, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play reading events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants. For tickets and more information go to: www.centerplayers.org.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Music

Music Mountain Theatre presents the monster-hit musical "Young Frankenstein"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- From the creators of Broadway's record-breaking musical comedy sensation The Producers comes Young Frankenstein, the monster-hit musical based on the classic film comedy by Mel Brooks. Music Mountain Theatre presents the musical in a limited engagement of 11 weekend performances from June 20 through July 6, 2025.



Surflight

Surflight Theatre presents "9 to 5, The Musical"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is beyond thrilled to be staging the forever timeless 9 to 5, The Musical from June 18 to July 6, 2025. Based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the 1980 film by Colin Higgins, Kelli Barclay directs and choreographs this staged adaptation following three iconic older women who decide to stick it to their boss once pushed to their breaking points.



Raconteur

Raconteur Radio presents Theatrical Adaptation of "The Hobbit" at Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch

(BARNEGAT,NJ) -- Feel like taking a journey through Middle Earth? Raconteur Radio presents a special theatrical presentation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.



Cape

Cape May Stage presents "Love, Loss, & What I Wore"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore from July 5-11, 2025. Based on Ilene Beckerman's bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) – now in its 45th year–will present its first show of the company's Mainstage Season, Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," from June 19 to July 12, 2025 with a special performance to honor Veterans on June 27. The heartwarming love story features Liz Mattera, an East Lynne veteran, as Louise, and New York-based actor Xander Furman as Jack, with Mark Edward Lang (ELTC's "Possessing Harriet") directing and lush period costumes by NYC designer Travis Chinick.



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.


Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody?

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 



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