New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

"Duel Reality" by The 7 Fingers comes to McCarter Theatre

originally published: 09/29/2024


Photo by @Ekopics

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Duel Reality, from Montreal's famed troupe The 7 Fingers, comes to McCarter Theatre October 9-13, 2024. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, two feuding families engage in a battle of skill, each competition more daring than the last — while a pair of star-crossed lovers struggles to escape the showdown. 

In Duel Reality, the audience is invited to imagine a world where star-crossed lovers are circus stars, their love story unfolding through graceful and death-defying acrobatics. This cirque-infused performance dazzles the senses and stirs the heart, as two feuding families engage in increasingly daring battles of skill—while the star-crossed lovers struggle to escape the escalating conflict. The performance distills the classic love story to its core conflict and transforms the stage into a sporting arena, with the audience/spectators taking sides and cheering on their team.

McCarter Theatre Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen calls it “a truly multi-generational show that offers an unforgettable night of theatre for all ages.” Recommended for ages 7 and up, this 75-minute performance is perfect for families, with no intermission to break the spell of its one-of-a-kind daredevil theatrical extravaganza.

Performances take place October 9 at 7:30pm; October 10 at 7:30pm; October 11 at 7:30pm; October 12 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; and October 13 at 2:00pm.  Tickets are available for purchase online. McCarter Theatre is located at 91 University Place in Princeton, New Jersey.

The production has limited engagements in Boston, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Princeton before continuing to international stages in Canada, Germany, and France. The new production has received critical acclaim in its U.S. debut: “Wonders never cease with The 7 Fingers. Every time they take the stage—or soar above it—they test the limits of possibility.” - The Boston Globe




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



"FIVE STARS. An extraordinary display of mind-blowing acts of balance, control, musicality and pure talent." -- Theatre Weekly

Duel Reality was originally produced and created with Virgin Voyages, Commissioning Partner ArtsEmerson. The production is directed by Shana Carroll (2024 Tony Award Nominee).

The 7 Fingers are renowned for their work on Broadway, including Water for Elephants and the Tony Award-winning revival of Pippin (2013). Directed and choreographed by Shana Carroll, Duel Reality is more than just a show; it’s an extraordinary display of balance, control, musicality, and talent that has been lauded by Theatre Weekly as a “mind-blowing” act.

McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres and a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages.

A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Kaufmann & Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop all had their premieres on the McCarter stage, paving the way for a long history of collaborations with playwrights to launch remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world. The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. Of the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 5,000 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust educational offerings in Princeton, Trenton, and in schools throughout the region. McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.




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




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Speranza

Speranza Theatre Company presents "Princess Pals"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Speranza Theatre Company, joined by students from Speranza Studio's Summer Acting Intensive, presents its summer stage production, Princess Pals, from July 11-19, 2025 outdoors at the Museum of Jersey City History at The Apple Tree House. Written and directed by Nick Radu-Blackburn. Happily Ever was just the beginning... turns out "after" isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Bored after their fairy tale endings, princess-frenemies embark on a mischievous adventure. Can they put their differences aside to save their kingdoms, all while dealing with an unexpected twist?



"RIFT"

"RIFT" Returns To Luna For Two Nights Only Before International Debut At Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage's commissioned World Premiere play RIFT is headed to the Edinburgh Fringe for a four-week run at Traverse Theatre this August. On July 18-19, 2025 at 8:00pm each night, the powerful and timely new play returns to Luna for two benefit performances to support the company's travel to Scotland.



PHOTOS

PHOTOS from "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Pleasant Valley Productions

(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Pleasant Valley Productions (PVP) is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's iconic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar at the Oscar Schindler Performing Arts Center (OSPAC). The production runs July 11-12 and July 17-19, 2025. This groundbreaking musical, which revolutionized the world of theatre, tells the story of the final week of Jesus' life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.



Centenary

Centenary Stage presents Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville from Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 20 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Featuring a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, this play combines tropical vibes and feel-good humor with a collection of the singer-songwriter’s most beloved hits.



The

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

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present the unstoppably joyous musical, Hairspray, over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, with musical direction by Lauryn Boyle and choreography by Samantha Amaral, the award-winning Broadway musical promises a fun-filled evening of laughter, energy and unforgettable dance numbers.



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.


The

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

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

The

The Mallard

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

The

The Mallard

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 3:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre