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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays
August 5-11, 2025

originally published: 08/05/2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from August 5-11, 2025 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.

Send press releases to [email protected] to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. 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. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents National Theatre: Broadcast in HD - "A Streetcar Named Desire"  (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents the National Theatre: Broadcast in HD of A Streetcar Named Desire on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in the Pollak Theatre. From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "RENT" - (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents RENT by Jonathan Larson, from August 10–18, 2025. RENT is back in an all-new production, bringing its powerful story of love, friendship, and resilience to the Jersey Shore. With unforgettable songs like "Seasons of Love" and a message that resonates as strongly today as ever, this Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is the must-see event of the summer.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Classic American Tales presents "Tales at the Dormer House"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 12 through October 16, 2025, Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents "Tales at the Dormer House" in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories by American authors. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Cost is only $12.00, cash at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free.

Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park Unveils Lineup for 2025 Summer Season  (EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park returns this summer to the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located at Roosevelt Park, presenting three popular Broadway musicals: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, and Grease.

"Heathers, the Musical" returns to NYC this summer  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Producers Bill Kenwright LTD., Paul Taylor-Mills and Jerry Goehring are pleased to announce that after smash hit runs in London and on tour throughout the UK, a new production of Heathers the Musical will make its eagerly awaited return to New York City in June.

Without a Clue Productions presents "Mrs. Roper Romp" and "A Golden Girls Murder Mystery: A Family Affair" at Resorts Casino Hotel  (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Without a Cue Productions heads to the Jersey Shore this summer with two cult classics coming to Atlantic City. Come for the caftan muumuus and stay for the Janet and Jack Tripper cocktails, as Mrs. Roper Romp brings the wild 70s fun to Resorts Casino Hotel. Don your best Mrs. Roper costume (and red curly haired wig!) and win fun prizes as you play party games and dance to Yacht rock inspired by the iconic hit show Three's Company. From the 70s to the 80s and early 90s, get ready to celebrate your favorite Golden Girls.

Cape May Stage presents "Sexy Laundry"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Sexy Laundry by Michele Riml from July 16 through August 24, 2025. The relatable storyline follows Alice and Henry, a long-married couple, attempting to reignite the spark in their relationship by escaping to a trendy hotel with a copy of the book Sex for Dummies in hand.

NJ Rep Presents the World Premiere of "How My Grandparents Fell In Love"  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of How My Grandparents Fell in Love, a heartwarming and timely new musical by playwright Cary Gitter and composer Neil Berg, directed by NJ Rep Artistic Director SuzAnne Barabas. The production runs from July 17 through August 10, 2025.




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Surflight's Children's Theater presents "The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight children's theater has been eagerly waiting to take you down to the Bikini Bottom in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. Performances take place July 23-27 & August 13-17, 2025 at 6:00pm each night.

Classic American Tales presents solo shows about Lincoln's assassination and Adam, "the first man," plus a workshop and lecture  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From July 24 through August 5, 2025, the nonprofit Classic American Tales (CAT) presents four different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and The Cape May Public Library.

Bell Theater presents "Steel Magnolias" with Broadway Star-Filled Cast  (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- A beloved celebration of friendship and community, Steel Magnolias has become an American cultural classic on stage and screen. Robert Harling's original play comes to Bell Theater at Bell Works this summer with a starry cast of Broadway icons, including Charlotte D'Amboise, Amy Spanger, Nancy Opel, and Kathy Fitzgerald. This production of Steel Magnolias runs at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel from July 25 through August 10, 2025.

Challenge your inner sleuth in Cape May during "Clueless at the Physick Estate: Death of the Party"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- When the guest of honor at the birthday party is found dead, everyone is suspect. Was it the daughter, the business partner, the maid, or someone else? Hear their stories and accusations and see if you can guess "whodunit" in the interactive murder mystery "Clueless at the Physick Estate: Death of the Party" this summer at the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Street) in Cape May, as this original mystery unfolds from room to room.

Surflight Theatre presents "West Side Story"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents the classic musical West Side Story from July 29 - August 17, 2025. As many people know, West Side Story is a musical adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, set in 1950s New York City. The musical follows two groups: the Jets, and the Sharks, as they rival through racial injustice and territorial turmoil. Click here to see photos from the production.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents "Clue, the Musical"  (HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Clue, the Musical from July 29 - August 14, 2025. The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon.

Renowned West End Actor, Rohan Tickell, to Star in "Every Brilliant Thing" at East Lynne Theater Company  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Acclaimed London-based actor Rohan Tickell is bringing his extraordinary talent to Cape May's award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company, to star in Duncan Macmillan's globally celebrated play Every Brilliant Thing, running July 31 to August 30, 2025 at the new Clemans Theater for the Arts.

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2025 presents "Nunsense II: The Second Coming"  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2025 continues with Nunsense II: The Second Coming, running Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 10 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. This is the follow-up to Dan Goggin's original musical comedy Nunsense, continuing the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken.

Spotlight Players presents "Freaky Friday: The Musical"  (MATAWAN, NJ) -- What if you could spend just one day in someone else's shoes... and that someone happened to be your teenage daughter? Or your high-strung mom? That's the hilarious and heartwarming premise behind Freaky Friday: The Musical, coming to the Spotlight Players stage August 1–10, 2025 at the Presbyterian Church of Matawan.

The 7th Annual Rogue Theater Festival to Present 37 New Productions  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Rogue Theatre Festival (RTF) returns with a bold and eclectic lineup for their 7th annual celebration of new works. This year, the festival will showcase 37 original plays and musicals, including fully staged productions, short plays, staged readings, and digital streaming performances. The Flea Theatre in Tribeca hosts this year's festival with performances running August 4-10, 2025 running in association with Abingdon Theatre Company. Staged Readings will be performed in The Pete theatre, series of Shorts and Fully Staged productions will take place in The Siggy at The Flea.




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The First Annual Gene Frankel Theatre Festival to take Place August 4-17  (NEW YORK, NY) -- The inaugural Gene Frankel Theatre Festival will light up NoHo with a festival of new theatrical works. Running from August 4–17, 2025, the two-week festival will showcase an exciting lineup of 25 one-acts and short plays, selected from over 100 submissions. Performances run nightly and on the weekends at the historic Gene Frankel Theatre which has been featuring groundbreaking new work for over seven decades. All featured plays are New York premieres, with many also making their world debut.

Classic American Tales presents stories about the Old West and Harlem and a lecture on Women in Theater  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From August 5-14, 2025, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents three different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and The Cape May Public Library.

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch to present 'WREP – When Radio Entertained People'  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Return to the era when families gathered around the wireless set for "theater of the imagination." The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to host a live presentation by WREP – When Radio Entertained People on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Teaneck New Theatre presents "The Comedy of Errors"  (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Teaneck New Theatre presents The Comedy of Errors as part of Hackensack's Shakespeare in the Park series.  Performances take place on August 6 & 13, 2025 in Atlantic Street Park. Admission is free.

"Nunsense II: The Second Coming" Enters Final Weekend At Centenary Stage Company  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest production of Nunsense II: The Second Coming, enters its final weekend of performances in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. This is the follow-up to Dan Goggin's original musical comedy Nunsense, continuing the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken.

Levoy Theatre presents "Hairspray, The Broadway Musical"  (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Hairspray, The Broadway Musical weekends from August 8-17, 2025. The musical takes place in Baltimore. It's 1962 and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show."

Music Mountain Theatre presents "Man of La Mancha"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Man of La Mancha weekends from August 8-24, 2025. One of the world's most popular musicals, it was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century masterwork Don Quixote and set during the Spanish Inquisition.

Bridge Club Theatre Company presents "Little Women: A New Play"  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Bridge Club Theatre Company presents Little Women: A New Play August 8-9, 2025 in the River Time Amphitheater at Save Barnegat Bay Eco Center in Toms River. It's a bold, contemporary reimagining of Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel, brought to life by a passionate team of local artists and storytellers.

Main Street Theatre Company presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar"  (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar across two weekends (August 9-10 and August 16-17, 2025). A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Thursday, August 7, 2025 @ 7:30pm - National Theatre: Broadcast in HD - A Streetcar Named Desire at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

Saturday, August 9, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Sunday, August 10, 2025 @ 3:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

COMING SOON

The Theater Project presents "And in This Corner... Cassius Clay"  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- In response to the body blows pummeling arts organizations nationwide, The Theater Project will deliver a one-two punch with the premier New Jersey production of And in This Corner... Cassius Clay, the centerpiece of its thirty-first summer season. Idris Goodwin's 2016 award-winning drama will run August 14–24, 2025 at the Oakes Center.

Spring Lake Theatre presents "The Sound of Music"  (SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre presents The Sound of Music from August 14-24, 2025. This beloveded musical that tells the inspiring story of Maria, a spirited young woman studying to become a nun in Austria during the late 1930s.

George Street Playhouse to Host One Night Performance of "My First Ex-Husband" Written and Starring Joy Behar (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse will host a one-night-only performance of My First Ex-Husband, written and performed by Joy Behar. Directed by Randal Myler, it will be presented on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Ruth Stage presents "The Zoo Story" by Edward Albee (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ruth Stage presents Edward Albee's The Zoo Story at the historic Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove from September 4-6, 2025. This searing one-act revival stars three-time Emmy winner Christian Jules Le Blanc (The Young and the Restless) and acclaimed Off-Broadway actor Matt de Rogatis, best known for his explosive turn as Brick in Ruth Stage's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "A Good Farmer" by Sharyn Rothstein (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein weekends from September 5-21, 2025. This is a play about love, friendship, and finding the power to face what divides us.




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The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Parade" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Parade weekends from September 5-28, 2025. mid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the stirring Tony Award-winning musical explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. It features a book by Alfred Uhry and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown.

The Ritz Theatre Company presents "Guys and Dolls" (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Guys and Dolls weekends from September 12-28, 2025.  Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. It is often hailed as the perfect musical comedy.

Players Guild of Leonia presents "Red Speedo" to Open New Season (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia is diving headfirst into their new season with Red Speedo, the razor-sharp, hilarious, and fast-paced play by acclaimed playwright Lucas Hnath (A Doll's House, Part 2). Performances will take place from September 12-28, 2025 at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater in Leonia, home of the Players Guild.

Mary Bridget Davies to reprise Tony-Nominated Role in "A Night with Janis Joplin" at Bell Theater (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel has unveiled the final show in its 2025 season. The rock musical A Night with Janis Joplin will close out the season from October 3-19 following Hedwig and the Angry Inch from June 13-29 and Steel Magnolias from July 25 to August 10. This lineup offers everything from laughter to tears to some all-out rock 'n roll extravaganzas!


EVENT PREVIEWS

(PATERSON, NJ) -- Literature to Life (LTL) has announced their second series of Books Unite: Literature to Life in Paterson, consisting of a book club, two live performances, and an interactive workshop all centered around The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg

Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season

Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company is seeking non-equity singer/actors who are excellent movers/dancers for the 2026 NEXTStage Repertory 2026 Summer Season. The summer season includes The Wedding Singer and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever. Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"

Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"

(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, will be presented on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00pm & 6:30pm at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail.
The Growing Stage presents their 2026 New Play-Reading Festival

The Growing Stage presents their 2026 New Play-Reading Festival

(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage presents their 2026 New Play-Reading Festival from April 23-25, 2026 at The Historic Palace Theatre. The festival presents four unpublished and unproduced Theatre for Young Audiences scripts. This year features works by Samara Siskind, Martin Follose, Grace Ward & Elke Myers, and Jeff Jenkins.
2026 Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival to Take Place April 25th

2026 Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival to Take Place April 25th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Stargazer Performing Arts is proud to announce the plays and playwrights for the 2026 Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival. This is the second year for the festival which showcases original plays written by students ages 13 to 18. Staged reading of the plays will premiere on Saturday, April 25 in the Gia Maione Prima Black Box Theatre at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy in Toms River.
American Theater Group to Honor Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director James Vagias at Gala Benefit

American Theater Group to Honor Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director James Vagias at Gala Benefit

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) will honor its outgoing co-founder and Producing Artistic Director James Vagias at its bi-annual Gala Benefit on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Union Arts Center. Vagias will retire this summer at the end of the 2025-26 Season. A successor will be named shortly.
Old Library Theatre presents "Julius Caesar"

Old Library Theatre presents "Julius Caesar"

(WAYNE, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre presents Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare from April 24-26, 2026. You know the story. The Ides of March. The societal unrest.
Freehold Jewish Center presents NJ Premiere Reading of "The Silence of Our Friends" by Gary Morgenstein

Freehold Jewish Center presents NJ Premiere Reading of "The Silence of Our Friends" by Gary Morgenstein

(FREEHOLD, NJ) — The Freehold Jewish Center (Congregation Agudath Achim) will present the New Jersey premiere reading of award-winning playwright Gary Morgenstein's provocative new play The Silence of Our Friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00pm as a special fundraising event with all ticket proceeds going to the synagogue.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents 2026 New Jersey One-Act Play Festival

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents 2026 New Jersey One-Act Play Festival

(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents its 2026 New Jersey One-Act Play Festival, featuring five world premiere one-act plays by New Jersey playwrights, from April 24-26, 2026 at duCret Center of Art. The annual festival continues Dragonfly's mission of championing local artists, producing new work, and bringing diverse, community-centered storytelling to the stage.

 

MORE EVENTS

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