Here are previews of plays taking place from July 18-24, 2023 including a look at productions starting this week, those continuing this week, and those closing this week. 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.
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FEATURED EVENT PREVIEWS
PHOTOS from "The Sound of Music" at Algonquin Arts (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is currently presenting The Sound of Music weekends through July 30, 2023. Join Maria, Captain Von Trapp and his children in one of the most beloved musicals of all time. The production is directed and choreographed by Jessica O'Brien. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "The SpongeBob Musical" at Middletown Arts Center (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center make a splash this summer with The SpongeBob Musical, a stunning, all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show running over two weekends, July 14–16 and July 21–23. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. A delight for audiences young and old, The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and a book by Kyle Jarrow.
OCC Repertory Theatre Company Presents "Kiss Me, Kate" at Grunin Center (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company will present Kiss Me, Kate July 14-16 and 21-23 on the Main Stage at the Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the main campus of Ocean County College. The first Broadway show ever to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, Kiss Me, Kate tells the story of feuding former spouses forced to play opposite each other in a production of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Vivid Stage presents Vivid Solos reading series in July (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage presents Vivid Solos, a play reading series, every Wednesday in July. The readings take place at 6:30pm on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Bring a comfy lawn chair and your favorite snack and enjoy a summer eve with them. The series includes works by Jerico Bleu, Steve Harper, Douglas McGrath, and Ian August.
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself)" on the Outdoor Stage (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will re-open its ever-popular Outdoor Stage venue on July 5th with Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) by Donald Margulies. Since 2002, the company’s annual productions at this Greek-style amphitheater, located on the bucolic campus of Saint Elizabeth University, have provided thousands of people throughout the region with delightful productions under the stars. As always, this summer’s show is the perfect romp for all ages – from the youngest tots to venerable seniors. For another feature on this production, click here.
Premiere Stages presents "Satellites" by Erin Breznitsky - An Innovative Exploration of Time and Space (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the Premiere of Satellites by Erin Breznitsky from July 13-30 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Selected as the winner of the 2022 Premiere Play Festival, the first production of this new play will be one of Premiere's most ambitious to date, as a talented team of designers work with the director and cast to meld together projections, sound, lighting, scenic design and costumes to take audiences on a journey to space and back. For a review of the production, click here.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "And A Nightingale Sang..." (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its main stage season with C.P. Taylor's And a Nightingale Sang... from July 12-30, 2023. This endearing play about a working-class family in England during the Blitz of WWII is, at turns, hilarious, romantic, moving, and inspiring; a celebration of life in the midst of the destructive forces wreaking havoc in the world.
Plays opening this week
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - Chimera Productions presents "Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- New Jersey-based theater company Chimera Productions is proud to present its 15th production, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons by Sam Steiner on July 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2023. The play, presented in the intimate 60-seat theater inside Princeton’s Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, is a witty, satirical play that offers a constant balancing act between political parable and classic love story, with a dash of the absurd to keep you on your toes. It’s an insightful look into our modern lives and how a single word—or five—can change everything. Chimera Productions is returning to the stage with its first play since 2019.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 - Cape May Stage presents "Art" by Yasmina Reza (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning play Art opens at Cape May Stage on July 20th and runs through August 27, 2023 with shows Tuesday through Sunday nights at 8:00pm. Written by internationally acclaimed playwright Yasmina Reza and directed by Roy Steinberg, this comedic show is set in Paris and focuses on the meaning of art and friendship in a battle of wits and words.
Friday, July 21, 2023 - Triple Threat Workshop presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at The Levoy Theatre (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Triple Threat Workshop presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast July 21-23, 2023 at The Levoy Theatre, directed by Caitlin Geisser. This is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.
Saturday, July 22, 2023 - "Rock of Ages" Takes Center Stage at the Sieminski Theater (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Sieminski Theater and Centenary Stage Company present the 80's rock musical Rock of Ages, an exhilarating and unapologetic homage to the timeless classics of rock 'n' roll on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 23 at 2:30pm. The play takes place in 1987 and the fabled West Hollywood club the Bourbon Room is the seedy, sordid, vibrant heart of the Sunset Strip.
Saturday, July 22, 2023 - Staged Reading of "Smoke" by Zelda Patterson to Take Place in Jersey City (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center, in partnership with I Love Greenville, Jersey City Public Library, and Greenville Arts Crossroads will present a staged reading of Zelda Patterson's Smoke, directed by Ravin Patterson. Smoke will premiere at Jersey City Free Public Library/ Earl A. Morgan Branch (1841 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305) on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 2:00pm. Tickets are free and available at www.JCTCenter.org.
Plays ending this week
Brookdale Summer Shakespeare Ensemble presents "Much Ado About Nothing" (LINCROFT, NJ) -- In an era of rapidly changing cultural landscapes and evolving theatrical tastes, it is truly remarkable to witness an event that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences year after year. Such is the case with Brookdale Community College PAC's Summer Shakespeare performance, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this season. As we applaud this milestone, we must also recognize the invaluable contribution this free event has made in serving the community, fostering artistic appreciation, and keeping the spirit of Shakespeare alive.
PHOTOS from "Kinky Boots" at Pleasant Valley Productions (WEST ORANGE, NJ) — Pleasant Valley Productions presents Kinky Boots across two weekends (July 14-15 and July 20-22) at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center (OSPAC). Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London's Olivier Award for Best Musical. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Light Opera of New Jersey presents "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey continues its 27th Season of operetta and musical theatre with a production of 2014 Tony award-winning A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). The play is based on the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman. Performances take place July 15-16 and July 22-23.
Plays continuing this week
First Avenue Playhouse presents "On Golden Pond" (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents On Golden Pond weekends throughout July with opening night on July 8, 2023. The play by Ernest Thompson is a classic and poignant family story that is both humorous and touching. Armand Marino directs the production.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Grease" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman is presenting the classic musical, Grease, weekends throughout July. The play takes place in 1959, and Rydell High School's senior class is in rare form. The too-cool-for-school "Burger Palace Boys" are stealing hub-caps and acting tough and their gum-snapping, chain-smoking "Pink Ladies" are looking hot in bobby sox and pedal pushers. The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this rollicking musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the fifties and a satire of high schoolers' age-old desire to be rebellious, provocative and rebellious.
Surflight Theatre presents "Something Rotten!" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre continues their 2023 season with the hilarious musical comedy, Something Rotten! with performances from July 11-30. Welcome to the Renaissance and this outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce. Receiving 10 Tony Nominations, it was hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years." From the co-director of The Book of Mormon and the producer of Avenue Q comes something original...something fresh...Something Rotten!
Exit 82 Theatre presents "Rock of Ages" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Exit 82 Theatre presents Rock of Ages by Chris D'Arienzo weekends from July 14-30.It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip's last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Assassins" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Assassins weekends from July 14-30, 2023. Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman, based on an original concept by Charles Gilbert Jr. It combines Sondheim's signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation's culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it.
FEATURED EVENT LISTINGS
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 @ 7:30pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Solos: Everything's Fine by Douglas McGrath at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 @ 7:30pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Thursday, July 20, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Thursday, July 20, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Thursday, July 20, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 10:30am - Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Kids at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Mean Girls Jr. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm - The MAC Players present "The SpongeBob Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Phoenix Productions Presents:The Music Man at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Kiss Me, Kate at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 2:00pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents:The Music Man at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Kiss Me, Kate at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 2:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 2:00pm - The MAC Players present "The SpongeBob Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 7:00pm - The MAC Players present "The SpongeBob Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Phoenix Productions Presents:The Music Man at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Kiss Me, Kate at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm - A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents:The Music Man at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm - A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Kiss Me, Kate at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 2:00pm - The MAC Players present "The SpongeBob Musical" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 3:00pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 4:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 7:30pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday, July 23, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Plays coming soon
NJ Rep to Present World Premiere of "A Tailor Near Me" by Michael Tucker (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The New Jersey Repertory Company will present the world premiere of Michael Tucker's comedy A Tailor Near Me, directed by James Glossman. Starring Tony Nominee Richard Kind and James Pickens, Jr., this limited run will begin on July 27 in advance of its July 29 opening night and will run through August 27, 2023. In the play, a man goes to a tailor to have his suit pants let out because he's gained some weight since he last wore them. The tailor convinces him that what he really needs is a new suit, which leads to a negotiation, which leads to the making of a bespoke suit, which leads to alterations in both of their lives.
Award-Winning Playwright John Patrick Shanley to Workshop New Play at The Black Box (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Black Box continues to attract some of theatre's finest talents. Limited tickets are now available for a unique summer fundraiser: a staged-reading workshop presentation of a brand new play by Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer John Patrick Shanley, a comedic and poignant three-hander work-in-progress titled The Lost Years. Two special performances at The Black Box will be on Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th at 8:00pm, each followed by a conversation with Mr. Shanley and the creative team.
The Black Box continues Edward Albee: From A to Zoo series with "The Man Who Had Three Arms" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Black Box, Northern NJ's incubator for new and under produced works from world-class artists, in association with The Estate of Edward Albee, presents Edward Albee: From A To Zoo, An Exclusive Stage Reading Series of Edward Albee's Plays. Next up is The Man Who Had Three Arms (1981), which ran briefly on Broadway in 1983 but closed shortly after being unceremoniously lambasted in reviews. This led to Mr. Albee's reprieve from the NYC theater scene until he finally emerged with Three Tall Women, the play that earned his third Pulitzer, showing one can rise above the critics. Come see and judge for yourself on Monday, July 28th at 7:30pm at The Black Box, 8 East Palisade Avenue, 2nd Floor, between Van Brunt and Dean Streets in Englewood, NJ.
Kelsey Theatre presents "Bye Bye Birdie" (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre presents the beloved musical, Bye Bye Birdie from July 28 through August 6, 2023. Audiences are invited to experience the infectious energy, catchy tunes, and hilarious antics of this timeless classic.
The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret, an annual festival of songs and short plays (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret, its annual showcase of new work, July 28-30, 2023 at The Burgdorff Center. Audiences are invited to see a variety of short plays by members of the company's Playwrights Workshop whose work has been performed in Canada, Great Britain, New York and around the US. This year's event also includes three plays by high school/college playwrights, past honorees of The Theater Project’s annual Young Playwrights Competition. The Kabaret includes music performed by guest musicians, including playwright/recording artist Gail Lou.
2023 Crossing Borders Festival at Two River Theater (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's highly acclaimed Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival of new plays by Latine playwrights is set to run Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6, 2023 in Two River's Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater. The festival will feature four dynamic readings, including A Thousand Maids by Tony Meneses, which will be a part of Two River's upcoming 30th anniversary season.
The Off Broad Street Players to present "The Wedding Singer" (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Off Broad Street Players will present The Wedding Singer across two weekends in August (August 4-6 and August 10-13, 2023) at The Levoy Theatre. The play takes place in 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar.
