Here are previews of plays taking place from December 12-18, 2023 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. Click on the title to go to the full preview. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
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George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Having Our Say, the Tony Award-nominated play by Emily Mann (A Streetcar Named Desire, Anna and the Tropics). Having Our Say is adapted from the book by Sarah (Sadie) L. Delany & A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany with Amy Hill Hearth and is directed by Laiona Michelle (Her Portmanteau). The production begins previews Tuesday, November 28, 2023, with opening night set for Friday, December 1 for a limited run through Sunday, December 17, 2023.
The Growing Stage presents "Ella Enchanted" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey will present a holiday production of Ella Enchanted from December 1-17, 2023 on Saturdays and Sundays with a special opening night performance on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30pm. Written by Karen Zacarias with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, Ella Enchanted is adapted from the book by Gail Carson Levine and introduces us to Ella of Frell, who is given the "gift" of obedience by Lucinda, her misguided Fairy Godmother.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "ELF: The Musical" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents its holiday show, Elf: The Musical from December 2 through December 17, 2023. Based on the 2003 film, Elf: The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.
McCarter Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol" starring Joel McKinnon Miller (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, starring veteran stage and screen actor Joel McKinnon Miller (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Big Love) as Scrooge. For more than four decades, McCarter has welcomed more than a million audience members from across Central New Jersey and beyond to experience Charles Dickens' timeless classic. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present, and future with this family friendly production that runs December 6-24, 2023 in the Matthews Theatre.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "A Midwinter Night's Dream" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will conclude their 61st season with a slightly altered version of Shakespeare's most popular comedy A Midwinter Night's Dream. "Re-seasoned" by Bonnie J. Monte and Joseph Discher, with direction by Brian B. Crowe, this production is rife with magical winter wonderment and fun for the whole family. This holiday season do not miss being transported into the dazzling and frosty world of Shakespeare's hilarious romantic comedy that is sure to warm the coldest hearts. This production will run December 6-31, 2023.
CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" (CRANFORD, NJ) -- We're off to see the Wizard! This December, the beloved tale of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, comes to CDC Theatre to enchant families during the holidays. CDC Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023).
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Who's Holiday!" (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Who's Holiday! across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023). This is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.
OCC Repertory Theatre Presents "Broadway for the Holidays 3" at Grunin Center (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Back by popular demand! Celebrate the holidays Broadway-style when the OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents Broadway for the Holidays 3 at the Grunin Center for the Arts from December 8-17, 2023. Tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors.
Cape May Stage presents "A Tuna Christmas" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents A Tuna Christmas from November 15 through December 30, 2023. Spend the holidays in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas! With twenty-two different characters, dozens of costume changes, and just two actors, this play is a fun-filled, satirical look inside the workings of a small town at Christmas.
Mile Square Theatre presents "The Christmas Tree Farm" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents the World Premiere of The Christmas Tree Farm by Adam Szymkowicz from November 30 through December 23, 2023. This is a heartwarming, bittersweet comedy about love and joy. Get a glimpse of your neighbors in a collection of delicious, bite-sized scenes including a breakup, a breakdown, a meet cute, four Santas, high school sweethearts, a film director and a group of carolers - all taking place at a Christmas Tree Farm! The production is directed by Rachel Dart.
Vanguard Theater presents "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- To kick off their third Mainstage season in Montclair, Vanguard Theater Company (VTC) presents the Tony Award-winning musical play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Vanguard Theater will be transformed into Emerson's, a seedy bar in South Philadelphia. Guests will be up close and personal, seated just a few short steps from the music and the history, to take in every word and note of this intimate portrait of the celebrated Lady Day. The production runs Thursdays through Sundays from November 30 through December 17, 2023.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "An American in Paris" (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays & Players presents An American in Paris, a Tony-winning Broadway musical, from December 1-16, 2023. This is the romantic, dance-filled story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and an indomitable European city... all set to the immortal score from George and Ira Gershwin. The production stars Monica Matteo in the role of Lise Bouvier, whose previous work at the theater includes Urinetown and Cabaret.
Ritz Theatre Company presents World Premiere of "Hollystalk" (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- This Christmas, The Ritz Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of its second-ever original holiday panto, Hollystalk (Or, How a Giant of a Mistake Became the Best Christmas Surprise!), a fast-paced and fun-filled musical romp inspired by Great Britain's beloved theatrical tradition of holiday pantomime. The show runs at The Ritz from December 1-17, 2023.
First Avenue Playhouse presents "A Christmas Chaos" (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents A Christmas Chaos by Michael Wehrli in December. When the Royal Shakespeare Company doesn’t show up to perform their stirring rendition of a Christmas Carol it’s up to this intrepid band of hapless actors and technicians to put together their own production in less than seven hours.
Bergen County Players presents "A Christmas Carol, The Musical" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will ring in the holiday season with Broadway heavy-hitters Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens's musical adaptation of the timeless Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. Hailed as "soaring, delightful musical theatre with a treasure house of beautiful, evocative music" (Talkin' Broadway), A Christmas Carol, The Musical tells the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge through a lavish and thrilling score. Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics is by Lynn Ahrens, and book is by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent. Musical direction is by Steve Bell, with choreography by Elisabeth Julia. Direction is by Larry Landsman, director of BCP's last season hit Ragtime, The Musical. Performances run weekends from December 2-17, 2023.
'Twas the Night Before...' by Cirque Du Soleil comes to Chicago and NY (NEW YORK, NY) -- Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) announced that the acclaimed family holiday theatrical – 'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil – is returning to both The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Chicago Theatre this holiday season. The holiday themed show will run concurrently at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Chicago Theatre for 28 performances each from December 7 through December 28. Tickets for both engagements go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00am local time.
Studio Players presents "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play" (UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023). Adapted by Liz Zazzi from the Lux Radio Theater archives, the production is directed by Sharon Garry.
Dover Little Theatre Presents "Kinky Boots" (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning hit, Kinky Boots, weekends from December 8-30, 2023. This high-energy and heartwarming show is set to captivate audiences with its dazzling performances, fun music, and powerful messages of acceptance and self-discovery. The production is directed by Ruthanne and Larry Pelham.
Playhouse 22 presents "A Christmas Carol" (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Playhouse 22's annual production of A Christmas Carol returns to the Playhouse 22 stage weekends from December 8-17, 2023. Directed by Ken Paris and adapted by Tony Adase, this production is based on the Charles Dickens' piece by the same name. It is the famous tale of a miserable miser who learns to keep Christmas in his heart with the help of several ghostly visitations.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "A Christmas Carol, the Musical" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents A Christmas Carol, the Musical weekends from December 8-December 17, 2023. In this holiday classic, Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others.
Holiday Fairy Tale "Magic Flowers" Makes Its Annual Somers Point Return (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- "Magic Flowers," an award-winning play that has been produced nationwide and, more recently, become a local annual holiday classic, returns to Studio;Space in Somers Point for performances on Saturdays and Sundays December 9-10 and December 16-17. Short and sweet, "Magic Flowers" is a 30-minute one-act by award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt. This fairy tale quickly became an annual tradition for audiences in both Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Vineyard Theatre partners with The League of Live Stream Theater for Worldwide Live Stream of "Scene Partners" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Sarah Stern, Artistic Director and Suzanne Appel, Managing Director of Vineyard Theatre, are excited to announce that, in partnership with The League Of Live Stream Theater (LOLST), the final four performances of Scene Partners will be streamed worldwide on December 15 at 7:00pm, December 16 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, and December 17 at 2:00pm. This is the first time that Vineyard Theatre has live streamed a current production on stage in their effort to continue to make theatre more accessible physically, geographically and financially to audiences.
Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop presents "Gifts of the Magi" and "Really Rosie" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop class of Fall 2023 will present their productions of Gifts of the Magi and Really Rosie from December 15th – 17th in the Little Theatre at 400 Jefferson Street in Hackettstown.
Ocean Casino Resort presents "My Big Gay Italian Christmas" (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hold on to your cannoli's and get ready for a snowy ride! My Big Gay Italian Christmas by Anthony J. Wilkinson is coming to Ocean Casino Resort's Ovation Hall on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00pm.
Pushcart Players to present "Holiday Tales - A Season of Miracles" in Secaucus (SECAUCUS, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, New Jersey's Emmy-nominated and award-winning touring theater for young audiences presents "Holiday Tales - A Season of Miracles" at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center in Secaucus, NJ on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00pm. This show is a sparkling collection of holiday stories from different cultures.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Staged Reading of "The Snow Queen" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents an elaborately staged reading of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen on Saturday, December 16, 2023 as part of their new series for young audiences titled Classics for Kids! Directed and adapted by Brian B. Crowe, this scripts-in-hand presentation features a cast of many of STNJ's long-time company members and patron favorites. Showtime is 11:00am.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 @ 7:00pm - Disney’s Frozen Jr. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 @ 10:00am - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 7:30pm - The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 8:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 10:00am - A Christmas Carol presented by Yates Musical Theater for Children at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 12:00pm - A Christmas Carol presented by Yates Musical Theater for Children at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 8:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 10:00am - A Christmas Carol presented by Yates Musical Theater for Children at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 12:00pm - A Christmas Carol presented by Yates Musical Theater for Children at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 2:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 2:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 4:00pm - Ella Enchanted, the Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 8:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Ella Enchanted, the Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Theatre 68 presents "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" at NBPAC (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Theatre 68 presents I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) January 11-13, 2024 with performances each night at 8:00pm. Written by and Starring critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation. The production is directed by Tony Award-winning stage and television star, Joe Mantegna.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "DEATHtrap" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents DEATHtrap, a murder mystery by Ira Levin, from January 19-28, 2024. Sidney Bruhl would do anything to publish the next great play. He would even kill for it. This dark comedy, thriller will have audiences laughing one moment and screaming in terror the next as Sidney discovers he may not be the only murderer in the room.
Count Basie Center for the Arts presents "All Things Equal – The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents All Things Equal – The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Rupert Holmes on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:00pm. Over the course of ninety fascinating and often funny minutes, the play presents an intimate portrayal of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a true American original.
