Here are previews of plays taking place from October 1-8, 2024 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.
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McCarter Theatre presents the World Premiere of "Empire Records: The Musical" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical based on the beloved 1990s cult-classic film. This dynamic adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film's screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is set to capture the hearts of audiences with dynamic and defiant characters, throwback nostalgia, and an electrifying soundtrack. Empire Records: The Musical is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner. It will run September 6 – October 6, 2024 in McCarter's Berlind Theatre. Click here for a review of the production.
George Street Playhouse presents Pulitzer Prize Finalist, "What the Constitution Means to Me" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse has announced the complete cast and creative team for its production of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama, What the Constitution Means to Me, written by Tony Award nominee Heidi Schreck (Uncle Vanya), and directed by Laiona Michelle (Little Girl Blue). What the Constitution Means to Me will begin previews on September 24, 2024, and open on September 27 for a limited run through October 13, 2024.
State Theatre New Jersey presents "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical" starring Jayne Elise (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey kicks off its 2024-25 Broadway series with four performances of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical from October 3-5, 2024. This musical reveals an uplifting comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n' Roll. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity.
Classic American Tales presents stories by Paley, Goyen, Baum, Hecht, Ade, and Wells (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Every Thursday at 4:00pm through October 10, 2024, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents readings of stories, plays, and poetry at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast, 800 Columbia Avenue in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Guests are also treated to lemonade and tasty treats. Cost is $12.00, cash or check at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Beauty and the Beast" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents a four-weekend run of Beauty and the Beast from September 13 to October 6, 2024. Beauty and the Beast tells the classic "tale as old as time" of a selfish prince turned into a beast, and the beautiful woman longing for adventure beyond her provincial town. This, the first of the full-length Disney stage musicals, is the twelfth mainstage show of MMT's 2024 season.
Bergen County Players presents "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, takes humor back to its roots, combining the time-tested 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville for an all-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (his first Tony Award-winning musical) and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, Forum kicks off BCP's 92nd season on Saturday, September 14 and will run through Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.
East Lynne Theater Company presents Samuel D. Hunter's "A Case for the Existence of God" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company will present Samuel D. Hunter's award-winning play A Case for the Existence of God from September 18 through October 12, 2024. Directed by East Lynne's Artistic Director Craig Fols, the play revolves around two men--one Black, one white; one gay, one straight; both single fathers of young daughters—who form an unlikely bond inside an office cubicle.
Chatham Players to Kick Off Their 103rd Season with "Sideways" (CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players will begin their 103rd season with the dramatic comedy, Sideways by Rex Pickett from September 20 to October 5, 2024 at The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave. Chatham. Christopher Peterson of South Orange is making his Chatham Playhouse Main Stage directorial debut.
Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Assassins" (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Assassins from September 20 through October 5, 2024. Assassins explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States. It features Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman.
Manhattan Theatre Club presents World Premiere of "Vladimir" by Erika Sheffer (NEW YORK, NY) -- Manhattan Theatre Club has announced full casting for the world premiere of Vladimir, written by Erika Sheffer (Russian Transport) and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan (MTC: Proof, Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes). Vladimir runs from September 24 to November 10, 2024 at New York City Center Stage I (131 West 55th Street).
Gateway Playhouse presents "Little Shop of Horrors" (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse will close its 2024 Mainstage Season with the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. It will run for two weekends, September 27-29 and October 4-6, 2024, and will be partially double cast.
Dunbar Repertory Company presents "And My Name Ain't Peaches" at Middletown Arts Center (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Dunbar Repertory Company at the Middletown Arts Center presents Lisa McCree's And My Name Ain’t Peaches, directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, Sr., over two weekends, September 27-29 and October 4-6, 2024. Through monologues, music, poetry and dance, playwright Lisa McCree takes a 30-year snapshot of the lives of 11 women from the inner city in her provocative comedy about self-acceptance in a world of rejection.
Two River Theater presents "American Mariachi" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for American Mariachi, a moving comedy full of humor, heart, and joyful live music, written by José Cruz González (If by Chance, The Extraordinary Ms. ZLuna Captures the World), directed by James Vásquez (Two River's smash hit Hair, Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), arrangements by Cynthia Reifler Flores (American Mariachi, Seabiscuit). The production runs from September 28 through October 20, 2024.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents "Jersey Boys" (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents Jersey Boys, the first show of Paper Mill's 2024-2025 season. Directed by Michael Bello (We Are the Tigers, associate director of The Who's Tommy and Jersey Boys UK/US tours and off-Broadway), Jersey Boys begins performances on Wednesday, October 2 ahead of a Sunday, October 6 opening night. The run continues through Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Paper Mill Playhouse.
Surflight Theatre presents "Steel Magnolias" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling from October 2-6, 2024. In the play, Truvy Jones runs a successful beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies in the neighborhood have a standing Saturday appointment.
NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "Pen Pals" starring Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) by special arrangement with Lisa Dozier Shacket, will continue its 27th Season with an added special presentation of the world premiere of Pen Pals by Michael Griffo, directed by SuzAnne Barabas. Performances run from October 3 through October 20, 2024. The production stars Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar.
The Levoy Theatre presents "The Diary of Anne Frank" (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents The Diary of Anne Frank from October 3-6, 2024. The Diary of Anne Frank is one of the most famous and haunting stories to emerge from the 20th Century. The memoirs of this young Jewish girl, forced to hide for nearly two years to escape Nazi persecution, are an essential part of how we remember one of the darkest periods of our human history.
Mile Square Theatre presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by John Minigan will play a four-week limited engagement at Mile Square Theatre from October 3-20, 2024. This is the classic tale of Ichabod Crane, the lovelorn schoolmaster in a town on the Hudson River, who confronts a Headless Horseman on a shadowy night. The story is told by one man who embodies all the characters of Sleepy Hollow, including the lovely Katrina Von Tassel and the burly Brom Bones.
Full of Shampoo and Sass, "Steel Magnolias" Takes the Stage at Kelsey Theatre in October (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Shampoo, free advice, and witty repartee fills the air at Truvy's beauty salon when the Yardley Players present Steel Magnolias October 4-13, 2024 at the Kelsey Theatre on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College (MCCC). The play explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy's small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other's lives.
Centenary Stage Company presents "The Weir" by Conor McPherson (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will open their Professional Theatre Series for 2024-2025 with a production of Conor McPherson's The Weir, from October 4–20, 2024 in their Sitnik Theatre. The Weir is set in a bar in Sligo, Ireland, where local men swap spooky stories in an attempt to impress a young woman from Dublin who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house, and then she spins a yarn of her own.
Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater & Music Theater presents "A Thread of Golden Ashes" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University presents A Thread of Golden Ashes, a new play by Princeton senior Le'Naya Wilkerson from October 4-6, 2024. In the play, an Earthly family and fantasy kingdom collide to explore loss, family relationships, and how our lost loved ones might stay with us in surprising ways. The production is directed by senior Wasif Sami with lighting design by Wilkerson.
Musical by PHISH Frontman Trey Anastasio to play The Jersey Shore Arts Center (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- NENAproductions Theater Project is opening its 21st season at the Jersey Shore Arts Center as the theater company in residence with a show unlike any other, with the all-American musical Hands on a Hardbody. Based on the real-life documentary by the same name, this musical centers around a days-long endurance contest where one person will win a Nissan Hardbody pick-up truck by keeping a hand on it the longest.
Vanguard Theater presents "Cordially, Indisposed" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater presents Cordially, Indisposed by Doriane Swain across two weekends (October 4-5 and October 11-13, 2024). Come witness the remarkable fusion of science, alchemy, love, and madness. There will be laughter. There will be blood. There might be love... Or at least cake.
Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "James and the Giant Peach" (EDISON, NJ) -- This October, join Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park for a production of James and the Giant Peach, a children's musical based on Roald Dahl's classic book. Performances take place October 5-6; October 12-13; and October 19, 2024.
A One-Night-Only Play Reading of "Holiday" to Benefit The Acting Company (NEW YORK, NY) -- The Acting Company has announced additional casting for its upcoming, one-night-only benefit reading of Holiday, a new adaptation by Tony Award winning playwright Richard Greenberg, from the play by Philip Barry. Ella Beatty, Lilli Cooper, Hiram Delgado, Chris Perfetti, and John Slattery join previously announced Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet. Tony Award winner Robert Falls will direct the all-star cast in an evening presented by The Acting Company , by special arrangement with Eric Falkenstein. The special event will take place Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 7:00pm at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater (524 W 59th Street, at The John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York, NYC). All proceeds from the event will benefit The Acting Company.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, October 4, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, October 4, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, October 4, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 1:00pm - The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - Les Contes d’Hoffmann at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 7:30pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, October 5, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, October 6, 2024 @ 2:00pm - What the Constitution Means to Me at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, October 6, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Empire Records at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
"Duel Reality" by The 7 Fingers comes to McCarter Theatre (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Duel Reality, from Montreal's famed troupe The 7 Fingers, comes to McCarter Theatre October 9-13, 2024. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, two feuding families engage in a battle of skill, each competition more daring than the last — while a pair of star-crossed lovers struggles to escape the showdown.
Jamie Ballard and Aria Shahghasemi to Star in "Macbeth" at The Curtain (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Curtain, Jersey City's premier classical theatre, announced that renowned West End and Royal Shakespeare Company actor Jamie Ballard ('Harry Potter' in ...The Cursed Child on the West End) will make his American stage debut as 'Macbeth' alongside Aria Shahghasemi (Broadway's Prayer for the French Republic, The CW's "Legacies") as 'Macduff' in an all new adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, this Halloween season at Nimbus Arts Center (329 Warren Street).
Theater Q Asbury to Debut in October with "Zanna Don't - The Reboot!" (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Theater Q Asbury, New Jersey's new LGBTQ+ focused theater company, will make its debut this October with Zanna Don't – The Reboot! running from October 10-13, 2024 at the House of Independents in Asbury Park. This fresh take on the 2003 Off-Broadway musical is directed by its original creator, Freehold native Tim Acito, and promises to bring audiences a joyous, funny, thought-provoking celebration which manages to be timely and vintage at the same time.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from October 11-20, 2024. Get ready for a musical extravaganza that will dazzle your senses and ignite your imagination. This is a vibrant and joyous spectacle that brings the tale of Joseph and his brothers on their rollicking adventure, filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists.
Magnolia Productions presents "Night Watch" by Lucille Fletcher (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions, a new Monmouth County theater group, is launching their first full season. After the debut production of David Auburn's Proof last June, for which the company received three New Jersey Association of Community Theater Perry Award nominations, they are back with a full season's offering.
Vivid Stage presents "A Very Spooky Special" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. This season, the company will present thirty performances of different kinds, in locations all over the region. Next up is A Very Spooky Special, a Halloween variety show, on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 8:00pm.
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "Macbeth" on the Main Stage for the first time in two decades (MADISON, NJ) -- When three mysterious strangers confront a noble general on a barren heath, the fate of a nation is changed forever. Ambition, power, and madness drive Shakespeare's thrilling masterpiece, Macbeth, appearing this fall on the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) for the first time in two decades. The strictly limited run plays at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from October 16 through November 17, 2024.
OCC Repertory Theatre presents "Madness, Murder, and Mayhem" ...from the dark recesses of Shakespeare's mind (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ocean County College Repertory Theater Company presents Madness, Murder, and Mayhem... from the dark recesses of Shakespeare's mind across two weekends (October 18-20 and October 25-27, 2024) at Grunin Center's Black Box Theater.
Art House Productions Presents "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions in collaboration with Half-Light Productions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Rajiv Joseph's compelling play, "Gruesome Playground Injuries," directed by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens. In a time when empathy and understanding are more crucial than ever, this play seeks to foster connection and dialogue. Performances run weekends from October 18 to November 10, 2024.
October Ensemble presents "TWISTED: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier" (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- October Ensemble presents TWISTED: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier across two weekends (October 18-20 and October 25-27, 2024) at the Jersey Shore Arts Center's Café Theatre. Hop on your flying carpet, because this musical parody retells the classic tale of Aladdin... from the villain’s point of view! This is an R Rated "Magical Kingdom" musical parody!
Luna Stage presents the NY premiere of "Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Luna Stage proudly presents the New York premiere of Jenny Lyn Bader's Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, running Off-Broadway October 18 – November 10, 2024 for 25 performances in a limited engagement at 59E59 Theaters, Theater B, located at 59 East 59th Street in New York City. Previews begin October 18 for an October 24 opening.
Bell Theater presents "Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies" starring Jessica Sherr (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as actress and playwright Jessica Sherr channels one of the greatest stars of our time with her one-woman show, Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies, at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Masquerade Theatre presents Heros & Villains Showcase (RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Heros & Villains Showcase on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Sneaking into the spooky season, the showcase theme is here to save the day! But perhaps some performers have other schemes to play... Performances take place at 2:00pm and 8:00pm.
