Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from January 13-19, 2026 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Music, Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Film, Books, Community, Event Listings.
Most of the preview articles found here were created by New Jersey Stage, but you can send press releases to [email protected] to have your shows considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase.
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.
Friday, January 16 - UCPAC presents a screening of "The Godfather Part II" in 35mm. (RAHWAY, NJ) -- Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) presents a screening of The Godfather Part II in 35mm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Here's your chance to see one of the greatest films of all time on the big screen.
The National Tour of Chicago, the Musical comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center This Weekend. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The National Tour of Chicago, the Musical comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with four performances from January 16-18, 2026. Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Same Time, Next Year". (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is delighted to open the new year with one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the American stage, Same Time, Next Year, running for six performances only from January 17-25, 2026.
Saturday, January 17 - State Theatre presents Tusk: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. (NEW BUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Tusk: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tusk has been crisscrossing the country since 2008 as the number one Tribute to Fleetwood Mac in the world. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note-for-note renditions that no other Fleetwood Mac tribute on the touring scene today can come close to duplicating.
Youth Performers Find Their Voice in ShowKids Invitational Theatre's "High School Musical". (GLEN GARDNER, NJ) -- ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT) brings the high-energy Disney favorite High School Musical to the stage this winter, featuring a double cast of talented young performers at Voorhees High School in Lebanon Township. The production runs for two weekends, January 17–25, 2026, and celebrates friendship, teamwork, and the courage to break out of the expected.
Sunday, January 18 - Roomful of Blues to Celebrate New Record at Lizzie Rose Music Room. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Rhode Island-based horn-driven blues, jump, swing and soul band Roomful of Blues will celebrate the release of their new Alligator Records album, Steppin' Out!, with a live performance at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm
Sunday, January 18 - Vivid Stage to Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with a Reading of "Pretty Fire" on January 18th. Saint John's Lutheran Church of Summit is located at 587 Springfield Avenue in Summit, New Jersey
Sunday, January 18 - International Ballet Stars to perform "Swan Lake" at UCPAC. (RAHWAY, NJ) -- Classical Arts Entertainment presents a performance of Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3:00pm. Step into this story of love, magic, and triumph, brought to life through the powerful choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Thursday, January 15 - The Newton Theatre presents Queensrÿche. (NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Queensrÿche on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The band first burst onto the music scene in 1982 with the release of their self-titled 4 song EP "Queensrÿche". They very quickly gained international recognition and performed to sold out audiences around the world. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Thursday, January 15 - Westminster Conservatory recital to feature composer-pianist Eric Houghton on January 15th. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will resume in the new year with a solo recital by pianist and composer Eric Houghton, a member of the Westminster Conservatory faculty. The performance will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey. It is open to the public free of charge. Showtime is 12:15pm.
Friday, January 16 - NJPAC presents Grammy Winner Avery Sunshine. (NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Avery Sunshine, an extraordinary singer known for her captivating music that resonates with audiences everywhere. Join in the celebration of Avery's GRAMMY® win on Friday, January 16, 2025, at 8:00pm as she performs in the Victoria Theater.
Friday, January 16 - The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Crys Matthews. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents an evening of country, Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass music with award-winning troubadour Crys Matthews on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Saturday, January 17 - Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young. (BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Arts Center presents Gold Rush: The Music of Neil Young on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band brings the spirit, sound, and soul of Neil Young to life like never before. This extraordinary tribute event captures the essence of one of rock's most iconic figures, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
Saturday, January 17 - The Poconos Punk Rock Flea Market Returns to the Sherman Theater on January 17th. (STROUDSBURG, PA) -- Get ready to embrace the edgy, eclectic, and vibrant punk rock culture at the Poconos Punk Rock Flea Market, taking place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Sherman Theater! This one-of-a-kind event is set to feature over 50+ vendors showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry, vintage clothes, t-shirts, stickers, vinyl records, and more.
Saturday, January 17 - Centenary Stage Company presents the Six One Five Collective. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents the Six One Five Collective as part of the Winter THAW Music Festival on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. The Six One Five Collective, performing in the spirit of the Highwaymen and Little Big Town, is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning group of artists that has blossomed into one of Music City's best.
Arden Children's Theatre presents "A Wrinkle In Time". (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- This winter, Arden Children's Theatre invites families to journey across time and space with an exciting adaptation of Madeline L'Engle's beloved book, A Wrinkle in Time. Adapted by John Glore, winner of the Newbery Medal, A Wrinkle in Time has inspired generations of readers, and even a major motion picture, since its publication. Now, the Arden brings this timeless classic to its stage for the first time. The production runs from December 3 through January 25, 2026.
Manhattan Theatre Club presents "Bug" by Tracy Letts. (NEW YORK, NY) -- Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) presents the Broadway premiere of Bug, written by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts (August: Osage County, The Minutes) and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer (Prayer for the French Republic at MTC, The Band's Visit). The production begins performances on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Opening night is Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The Ritz Theatre Company presents "Company" by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth. (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Company by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth weekends from January 9 to February 1, 2026. The musical asks the question: what does it mean to be alive, alone, and in love in the city that never sleeps?
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Grease". (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Grease weekends from January 9 through February 1, 2026. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates 50s high school, romance, and coming of age.
Westfield Community Players presents "Time Stands Still" by Donald Margulies. (WESTFIELD, NJ) -- Westfield Community Players presents Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies across three weekends from January 10-24, 2026. The play focuses on Sarah and James, a photojournalist and a foreign correspondent trying to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy.
Bergen County Players presents "Seascape" by Edward Albee. (ORADELL, NJ) -- Escape the cold and head to the sunny sand as Bergen County Players (BCP) raises the curtain on Seascape, which earned playwright Edward Albee his second Pulitzer Prize in 1975. The limited run of only five performances is directed by Dottie Fischer of Tenafly. The show runs from January 10-18, 2026 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "True West" by Sam Shepard. (NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for True West on Sunday, January 11 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. This American classic by Sam Shepard was nominated for the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The production will be directed by John Fraissinet.
Bergen County Players to Hold Auditions for "The 39 Steps". (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) will conclude its 2025-26 season on its main stage with The 39 Steps, a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 classic film, with a dash of Monty Python's zany humor. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning, laughter-filled treat will be directed by Steve Bell of Hackensack. Open auditions will take place from January 13th through January 19th.
Doughboy Foundation to present a One-Night-Only Event Created by and Starring Tony Award Nominee Melissa Errico - "The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on the Great War". (NEW YORK, NY) -- Broadway favorite and Tony Nominee Melissa Errico will present a special one-night-only public presentation of The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on the Great War on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at New World Stages. The event is presented by Doughboy Foundation, dedicated to preserving the legacy and memory of World War I. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts presents "All Shook Up". (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts presents All Shook Up from January 13-14, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night. This is a hilarious and heartfelt musical with an original book by Joe DiPietro, creator of the Tony Award®-winning musical Memphis.
Ruth Stage presents "At Home at the Zoo". (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ruth Stage is roaring back to the Jersey Shore Arts Center with a theatrical event of rare significance: Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo — the complete and fully realized version of The Zoo Story, presented with the approval of the Edward Albee Estate. Performances take place January 15-17, 2025 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center.
The Barn Theatre presents "Misery". (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Misery weekends from January 16 to February 1, 2026. The play by William Goldman is based on the novel by Stephen King in which a romance novelist is kidnapped by his obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, who demands he write a new Misery novel.
Shakespeare 70 presents "Arms and the Man" at Kelsey Theatre. (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Shakespeare 70 presents Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw weekends from January 16-25, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. One of Shaw's most enduringly popular comedies follows a hunted soldier who, seeking refuge in a young lady’s boudoir, starts in motion a series of unlikely comedic events.
Somerset Valley Players presents "Drinking Habits". (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players presents Drinking Habits by Tom Smith weekends from January 16 through February 1, 2026. Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce.
Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Shrek, The Musical". (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Shrek, The Musical weekends from January 16-31, 2026. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film.
Villagers Theatre presents "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". (SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents The Mystery of Edwin Drood across two weekends from January 16-25, 2026. Based on Charles Dickens' final unfinished novel, this hilarious whodunit by Rupert Holmes invites the audience to solve its mystery by choosing the identity of the murderer.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Merrily We Roll Along". (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Merrily We Roll Along weekends from January 16 through February 8, 2026. Sondheim's semi-autobiographical musical turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success. It is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.
Bergen County Players to Host Post-Show Q&A with Executive Director of the Edward F. Albee Foundation on January 16th. (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) will host a special post-show talkback with Jakob Holder, Executive Director of the Edward F. Albee Foundation. The Q&A with audience and cast members will follow the Friday, January 16, 2026 performance of Albee's Pulitzer Prize-Winning Seascape. The play features a recently retired couple who are debating the future when they are suddenly joined by a pair of human-sized lizards.
Magnolia Productions presents "Becky's New Car" by Steven Dietz. (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Becky's New Car by Steven Dietz from January 16-18, 23-24, 2026 at the Navesink Library. The play asks the question: have you ever been tempted to flee your own life?
Playhouse 22 presents "Yes, Virginia". (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Yes, Virginia, a heartfelt comedy by Stan Zimmerman and Christian McLaughlin, the creative minds behind many episodes of "The Golden Girls", "Gilmore Girls", "Roseanne" and "Married with Children", is coming to Playhouse 22 for performances across two weekends from January 16-25, 2026.
Two River Theater's A Little Shakespeare presents "As You Like It". (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's signature arts education program, A Little Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Noelle Marion returns to the helm with As You Like It. Now in its 13th year, A Little Shakespeare engages young artists with the work of the Bard, in an abridged production directed and designed by theater professionals, and performed and supported backstage by high school students. This year's production runs from January 17-25, 2026.
Philadelphia Theatre Company presents "Havana Hop" - A Family-Friendly, Interactive Celebration of Music, Movement, and Heritage. (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) continues its 51st season with Havana Hop, a high-energy, one-woman performance written, choreographed, and performed by Paige Hernandez, a multidisciplinary artist acclaimed as a performer, director, choreographer, and playwright. The show features original music by Nick "Nick tha 1da" Hernandez and Kris Funn. Directed by Danielle Drakes, there are three performances from January 17-18, 2026, at PTC's Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
The Theater Project presents a Staged Reading of a new play by Lynn Aylward. (CRANFORD, NJ) -- The Theater Project's Playwrights' Workshop will launch its winter/spring series of New Play Readings series on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Cranford Community Center's 110-seat theater. The script-in-hand staged readings are free to the public, and they include post-performance conversations with audience, author, cast and director. Showtime is 2:00pm.
Thursday, January 15 - Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Ryan Davis. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Ryan Davis January 15-17, 2026. With rave reviews from fans and comedy insiders alike, the Charlotte native has become one of the country's best young stand-up comics.
Friday, January 16 - Catch a Rising Star presents Kevin Dombrowski this weekend. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Catch a Rising Star presents Kevin Dombrowski on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026 with performances at 7:30pm each night. Kevin is a standup comedian that constantly finds himself in the wrong place at the right time for comedy.
Sunday, January 18 - Ugly Pancake Tight 5 Workshop Graduation Show. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Ugly Pancake Productions presents the Ugly Pancake Tight 5 Workshop Graduation Show at Wild Air Beerworks on Saturday, January 18, 2026. Come hear their new and veteran students try out their brand new "Tight 5" minutes of material. Doors are at 8:00pm, showtime is 8:30pm.
The ShowRoom presents "Gone, But Not Forgotten" Film Series. (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The ShowRoom presents Gone, But Not Forgotten, a film series honoring the work of five celebrated performers we lost in 2025: Diane Ladd, Gene Hackman, Diane Keaton, Terrence Stamp, and Robert Redford. Spanning drama, comedy, disaster, superhero spectacle, and classic caper, the series offers something for every moviegoer.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Celebrates Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse. The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company celebrates Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse with a lineup of performances in NYC, New Jersey, and beyond! In honor of the Year of the Horse, the Company, with artistic director Greta Campo at the helm, will present two world premieres by choreographers Lawrence Jin and Zhongmei Li.
Sunday, January 18 - Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company to perform "Red Firecrackers" at Jersey City Theater Center at White Eagle Hall on January 18th. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, the renowned international touring dance company founded by Chinese American choreographer Nai-Ni Chen, and now led by Artistic Director Greta Campo and Executive Director Andy Chiang, will perform at Jersey City Theater Center at White Eagle Hall on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Thursday, January 15 - Rialto Center for Creativity presents Broadcast Journalist Mike Emanuel on Thursday. (WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The Rialto Center for Creativity continues its Spotlight Series in 2026 with award-winning broadcast journalist Mike Emanuel, chief Washington correspondent and anchor for FOX News Channel on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7:00pm. Known for his sharp reporting, deep political insight, and ability to illuminate the story behind the headlines, Emanuel will join moderator, Garett Vogel, for a conversation on the creativity inherent in journalism and how his early years in Westfield helped shape his path.
Tuesday, January 13 - Learn to See and Know Others Deeply During David Brooks Virtual Author Talk. (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- If you know a person, what kind of attention should you cast on them? What kind of conversations should you have? What parts of a person’s story should you pay attention to? Join in on an online discussion with bestselling author David Brooks on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 about his book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Murphy Writing of Stockton University presents Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway in January. (GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Murphy Writing of Stockton University will host the 32nd annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway at Seaview Hotel from January 16-19, 2026. The weekend event is one of the oldest and largest writers' conferences in the winter season. Beginning and experienced writers will receive craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, feedback, motivation and inspiration.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Tuesday, January 13 @ 7:30pm - Ana Popovic at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Tuesday, January 13 @ 7:30pm - Tuesday Night Book Club - Truman Capote, In Cold Blood at VIRTUAL, ,
Wednesday, January 14 @ 10:00am - "The Outsiders" at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Friday, January 16 @ 6:00pm - Candlelight Concerts - Best of Bridgerton on Strings at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Friday, January 16 @ 7:00pm - The Godfather Part II in 35mm at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Friday, January 16 @ 8:00pm - Chicago the Musical at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Friday, January 16 @ 8:30pm - Candlelight Concerts - Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Saturday, January 17 @ 2:00pm - Same Time, Next Year at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, January 17 @ 2:00pm - Chicago the Musical at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Saturday, January 17 @ 2:00pm - ShowKids Invitational Theatre presents "High School Musical" at Voorhees High School - Auditorium, 256 County Road 513, Glen Gardner
Saturday, January 17 @ 7:00pm - Freestyle Flashback at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, January 17 @ 7:30pm - GA-20 at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, January 17 @ 7:30pm - ShowKids Invitational Theatre presents "High School Musical" at Voorhees High School - Auditorium, 256 County Road 513, Glen Gardner
Saturday, January 17 @ 8:00pm - TUSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, January 17 @ 8:00pm - Chicago the Musical at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Sunday, January 18 @ 2:00pm - Chicago the Musical at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Sunday, January 18 @ 2:00pm - ShowKids Invitational Theatre presents "High School Musical" at Voorhees High School - Auditorium, 256 County Road 513, Glen Gardner
Sunday, January 18 @ 3:00pm - Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Sunday, January 18 @ 3:00pm - Same Time, Next Year at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Sunday, January 18 @ 7:30pm - Roomful Of Blues - CD Release show at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
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