New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Literature to Life Performs at Two Free Events Across New York City Public Libraries in October

originally published: 10/03/2024


(NEW YORK, NY) -- This month, Literature to Life (LTL) will bring two of its Signature titles to two events that are free and open to the public, hosted in New York City and Queens public libraries. The first event, presented in partnership with the Literary Freedom Project, will take place on Saturday, October 5 at 1:30pm at Bronx Library Center. The second will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 3:30pm at Langston Hughes Library as part of their annual Literary Arts Festival.

On October 5th at the Bronx Library Center, LTL will present a selection of James Baldwin's iconic novel If Beale Street Could Talk. Told from the perspective of its young heroine, this is the story of one family’s fight for justice in a society where institutional discrimination has the power to destroy lives, a theme that resonates today with audiences from all walks of life. Adapted and directed by Co–Founding Artistic Director Elise Thoron, the production features a powerful performance by actor Channie Waites. Directly following the performance, a community discussion will be led by Company Manager Kelvin Grullon.

Tickets are free but pre-registration is required: https://www.showclix.com/event/Beale-Street

This project is co-presented by the Bronx-based Literary Freedom Project, an arts organization focused on the significant role cultural identity plays in the development of intelligent, creative, and engaged communities. LFP hosts One Book One Bronx, a weekly book club that facilitates restorative conversations on a diverse selection of books. The discussions reflect the borough's racial, economic, and gender demographics and aim to build bridges for engagement while reigniting a passion for reading. This year, One Book One Bronx honors the lasting legacy of activist, scholar, and writer James Baldwin with a series of discussions, panels, screenings, and wellness, focusing on a wide range of literary works and ideas. This LTL event is being held in conjunction with this initiative.

LTL will return to Langston Hughes Library on October 19, presenting mini-performances of If Beale Street Could Talk and its newest title, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez, performed by Elizabeth Raquel Ramirez. The performances will be part of the library’s Literary Arts Festival. This year's theme is "Power of the Written Word," and events include a spoken word artist, an author conversation, a banned books discussion, and performances. The festival is from 12:00pm-5:00pm, and LTL’s performances will close out the day, beginning at 3:30pm. There will be a post-show conversation led by Teaching Artist Ana Maria Jomolca, who adapted and directed I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

Literature to Life (LTL) is a performance-based literacy organization that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. Initially conceived as the educational program of the renowned American Place Theatre, LTL is now an independent organization with a mission to perform great books that inspire young people to read and become authors of their own lives.With a roster of books by authors such as Richard Wright, Lois Lowry, James Baldwin, Junot Díaz, Kao Kalia Yang, and more, LTL performs nationally in performing arts centers, schools, libraries, and correctional facilities.




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

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.



Montclair

Montclair Township Declares 'Montclair Theater Day' Ahead of Vanguard Theater's Inaugural Festival

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Known for its vibrant and lively arts scene, the town of Montclair continues to find new and meaningful ways to celebrate creativity within its community. One of the town's newest initiatives includes the inaugural Montclair Theater Festival, presented by Vanguard Theater and The Essex County Board Of Commissioners. This eagerly anticipated event is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in Montclair's historic Fourth Ward.



This

This Weekend – Vanguard Theater & Essex County Launch the First-Ever Montclair Theater Festival: Once Upon a Stage!

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The inaugural Montclair Theater Festival: Once Upon a Stage makes its highly anticipated debut this Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in the heart of Montclair's historic Fourth Ward. Brought to life by local creative powerhouse Vanguard Theater in partnership with the Essex County Board of Commissioners, this one-day celebration promises an unforgettable blend of live theater, interactive activities, family fun, and local flavor for people of all ages.



Dragonfly

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" in Metuchen and Plainfield

(METUCHEN, NJ) -- Not long after a revival of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town closed on Broadway, New Jersey audiences will have the chance to see the classic drama close to home. Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will present the classic play in both Metuchen and Plainfield in July. Directed by Dragonfly's Artistic Director Catherine LaMoreaux, Our Town invites audiences into the heart of small-town America through the everyday lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.



Gateway

Gateway Playhouse to Showcase a Weekend full of One Acts

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse will host "Party of One (Acts)" from July 11-13, 2025. The one-act plays are a series of vignettes taken from Tracy Wells' A Trip to the Moon, with each story set during the Summer of '69, specifically around the moon landing.



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 Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
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"

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

The

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

Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 



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