New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

PHOTOS from "The Spitfire Grill" at Vanguard


By John Posada

originally published: 11/13/2022

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater is presenting The Spitfire Grill Thursdays - Sundays through November 20 at the 100 seat theater in downtown Montclair.  The play is directed by Tony Award Nominee (Excellence in Education 2022) Janeece Freeman Clark with music direction by Andy Hudson.  Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The Spitfire Grill is a beautiful musical about second chances, as a young woman just released from prison decides to start her life anew in a small town, where she helps to save the town's only restaurant from going under.

Virginia Ann Woodruff* (Broadway: Violet, Leap of Faith, The Color Purple, All Shook Up, Smoke Joe's Café , and numerous National Tours) leads the cast of Vanguard Theater’s opening production of its Mainstage Professional Season, The Spitfire Grill.  Sabrina Cabrera, recently seen in Light Opera of New Jersey’s In the Heights, makes her Vanguard Theater debut as Percy, with Julie Galorenzo* as Effy, Gina Milo* as Shelby, Luke Darnell* as Caleb, and Zack Abbey as Sherrif Joe. *Appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association.

"The songs are shiny with tunefulness, hope, and all-American inflections of country and folk. The score has a gentle American vernacular charm, and the lyrics have a matching ease and simplicity."  -- The New York Times

“The theme running through Vanguard’s Mainstage season is how we connect with our communities, eventually finding the embrace of home within ourselves.  Whether it’s running away from home, or finding a place to call home, all of the pieces we selected this season ask the characters to find deep meaning in how they relate to their environment, and how that impacts their sense of self. This could not be a better time to highlight and spotlight some of the many organizations that provide refuge and a safe space for so many in our own communities,” says Jessica Sporn, Managing Director of Vanguard Theater.  




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



Tickets to Vanguard’s Mainstage Season, as well as “One Night Only” events such as Sip and Sing Showtunes,”(12/8) and many more, are available either by show, by subscription, or through Vanguard’s Spotlight Series, featuring “Out Montclair”Montclair Fund for Educational ExcellenceHyacinth Aids Foundation; and Broadway House for Continuing Care. Each of those organizations have designated “nights out” at the theater, so that their supporters can mingle and enjoy the shows together, while Vanguard highlights their missions.  Click on the organization for ticket packages.

Individual tickets are available here and membership packages, here.  

Here are more photos from the production.

As Vanguard Theater completed its first full year in its new home in Montclair, it quickly became a destination for great professional theater, inspired community collaborations, excellent youth programming, and more. Manifest star Geraldine Leer recently named Vanguard Theater as one of her favorite artistic destinations in Montclair, and, to quote Jay Lustig, “This is the third Vanguard Theater show I’ve reviewed since it opened its new Montclair space last year, and I’ve been impressed by them all.” 

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




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



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Players

Players Guild of Leonia to Hold Auditions for "Where The Time Goes"

​​​​​​​(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia will hold auditions for Where The Time Goes on Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm each night at their theater. This is a World Premiere musical featuring the iconic songs of The Baby Boomer Generation.



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.



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: My Name is Lucy Barton

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
category: theatre


 

The

The Mallard

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

The

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

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

The

The Mallard

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

Good

Good Riddance; A Gnarly Murder Mystery Dinner, Dude!

Friday, July 18, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: theatre


 



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