Here are previews of plays taking place from September 26 to October 2, 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
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents The Pianist, a play with music, based on the memoir "The Pianist" by Wladyslaw Szpilman and directed and adapted for the stage by Emily Mann (Broadway: A Streetcar Named Desire, Having Our Say, Anna and the Tropics). The Pianist begins previews on September 26, with an official opening night set for September 29. The play runs through October 22. Click here for a feature article on the play.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Avenel Performing Arts Center presents "Thank You For Being So Dead" (AVENEL, NJ) -- The Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Thank You For Being So Dead, a murder mystery, from September 28-30, 2023. Miami, Miami... You've Got Murder! Eschewing the 55+ communities, four women move in together to eat cheesecake, reminisce about a town called St. Olaf and sit at a kitchen table that only seats three. But someone out there wants to tarnish these golden gals for good.
Friday, September 29, 2023 - MPAC to open 29th season with Hitting New Heights starring Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Munoz (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's 29th season officially begins on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 8:00pm with the Hitting New Heights, a celebration of Broadway, starring Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz two of Broadway's leading Hispanic performers. Tickets range from $39-$79.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Waiting for Godot" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its 2023 Main Stage season with Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Hailed "one of the true masterpieces of the century" by the New York Times, Godot has fascinated and infuriated audiences since it burst upon the world in 1953. This funny, cruel, moving, enigmatic metaphor is "theatre of the absurd" at its most breathtaking pinnacle. The production runs from September 13 – October 1, 2023.
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Alabama Story" (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents the New Jersey and Regional premiere of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones, weekends from September 15 through October 1, 2023. This is a play based on a true story about book banning, a librarian, a state senator, and black and white bunnies. The production is directed by Connie Norwood.
McCarter Theatre presents "Bulrusher" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center opens their 2023-2024 Theatre Series with Eisa Davis' Bulrusher, a transformational coming-of-age story filled to the brim with passion, humor, and even a touch of magic; on stage in the Berlind Theatre from September 13 – October 7, 2023. This is a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where the production will move after its run in Princeton. Click here for a feature article on the play.
Plays opening this week
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - The Black Box to present readings of Albee's "Listening" and "Counting the Ways" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, the Black Box announces Listening (1976) and Counting The Ways (1976) as the next monthly reading in Edward Albee: From A To Zoo, An Exclusive Stage Reading Series of Edward Albee's Plays.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Jersey City's Classical Theatre Company to Re-Launch as The Curtain with "Romeo & Juliet" (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Shakespeare@, Jersey City's premier classical theatre, announced they will re-launch as The Curtain, with an all-new production of William Shakespeare's classic Romeo & Juliet. Directed and Adapted by Sean Hagerty, The Curtain's Romeo & Juliet will play the Nimbus Arts Center (329 Warren Street), in downtown Jersey City just steps from the PATH train, with performances from September 28 through October 22, 2023.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Have a Swashbuckling Good Time at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ever wonder what it was like to be a real-life pirate in the 18th century? The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch will host American Historical Theatre as actor Jill Lawrence brings to life pirate Anne Bonny in an all-ages interactive show, "Swashbucklers and Sea Dogs," on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The event begins at 6:30pm.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - World premiere play "Child Support" explores emotional and financial repercussions of playing the 'child support game' (CAMDEN, NJ) -- Urgent, searing and wildly inventive, the world premiere of Child Support by Desi P. Shelton uses humor and hypertheatricality to examine single parenthood and financial responsibility from the points of view of everyone impacted by a broken system. A site-specific, immersive experience set in a typical Camden row house, the action is scored by composer Jamal P. Dickerson and features a live band under the eye of musical director JoJo Streater. Barrymore Award-winner Ozzie Jones directs for an October 13 opening, with performances running through October 28 at Camden Repertory Theatre. Public previews begin September 28.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Hudson Theatre Works presents a Workshop of "Dancing Lessons" by Mark St. Germain (WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- Hudson Theatre Works is starting its 2023-2024 season with a workshop of Mark St. Germain's, Dancing Lessons. Performances take place September 28th through October 1 at Theatre at the Wilson School. Entertaining and charming! The play introduces us to two highly offbeat characters, a Broadway dancer and a science professor coping with physical and emotional challenges as they forge an unexpected friendship in this heartfelt play.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Centenary Stage Company's Young Audience Series presents "A Year With Frog and Toad" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Young Audience Series returns for the 2023-2024 season with A Year with Frog and Toad September 28 through October 2. Performances will take place in the Little Theatre of the Centenary University campus located at 400 Jefferson St. Hackettstown, NJ. A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of two friends, the cheerful and popular Frog, and the rather grumpy Toad.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Two River Theater announces Cast and Creative for "Hair" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for their highly-anticipated production of the American Love-Rock Musical, Hair, directed by Craig Noel Award winner James Vásquez (Under a Baseball Sky, American Mariachi) and with original choreography by Mayte Natalio (Love in Hate Nation), running September 30 – October 22, 2023, kicking off the theater's 30th Anniversary Season.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - NJ Rep to Present the World Premiere of "Welcome To Matteson!" (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will close out its successful season with the World Premiere of Welcome To Matteson! written by Inda Craig-Galván and directed by Dawn Monique Williams. It will begin performances on September 28 before its opening night on Saturday, September 30, and run through October 29, 2023.
Plays ending this week
PHOTOS from "Sunset Boulevard" at Music Mountain Theatre (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is currently presenting Sunset Boulevard weekends through October 1st. The musical is based on the film and screenplay by Billy Wilder and features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a libretto by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. This is the twelfth mainstage show of MMT's 2023 season. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
MCCC's Kelsey Theatre to open season with "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" [CUTLINE FOR PHOTO: Jennifer Fischer of Hamilton, N.J., as Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor, N.J., campus.]
WHATCo to present "Othello" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in September (WEST HUDSON, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) is bringing the Bard to West Hudson this September! Performances of Othello will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24 at 7:30pm, while performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30 at 8:00pm. All performances take place at the WHATCo The Theater at WHATCo, 15 Frank E Rodgers S, Harrison, NJ.
Plays continuing this week
Classic American Tales presents "Tales at the Dormer House" in the fall (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Listen to stories by Chester Himes, O. Henry, Katherine Anne Porter, and other well-known American authors while taking in the breeze on the porch of an historic bed and breakfast, drinking lemonade, and enjoying homemade desserts. It's all part of Classic American Tales' (CAT) popular "Tales at the Dormer House" in Cape May, NJ, every Thursday at 4:00pm from September 14 – October 12, 2023.
East Lynne Theater Company presents "Love Letters" with a Rotating Cast of Couples with a Connection (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Before East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) revs up its fall lineup, the curtain prepares to close on its summer 2023 Mainstage Season with a six-week run of A. R. Gurney's "Love Letters"– but with a twist. From September 6 to October 14, the play will be performed by a real-life couple with a connection each of the six weeks: three married couples, an engaged duo, and two pairs who share a romantic past.
Bergen County Players to Open Season with "Rent" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will open its 91st season on September 9 with Jonathan Larson's RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical that shaped a generation of audiences. Performances begin Saturday, September 9 and will run weekends through Saturday, October 14 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm.
Cape May Stage presents "The Garbologists" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle from September 13 to October 22, 2023. Directed by Roy Steinberg, this is an unconventional buddy comedy play that follows two sanitation workers in the cab of a New York City garbage truck. Tasked with picking up what the world has discarded, they learn there's more that binds them than just picking up the trash.
The Black Box to present Sam Shepard plays, including U.S. Premiere of "Little Ocean" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Black Box - NJ's incubator for new and under-produced works by world-class artists - is proud to present Sam Shepard's groundbreaking plays Action, The Unseen Hand, and the U.S. premiere of the unpublished Little Ocean, running from September 21 through October 8. For this 2023-24 Season opening fundraiser, limited tickets for 10 shows only are now on sale for performances on the 2nd floor of 8 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood, NJ.
The Barn Theatre presents "Suite Surrender" (MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre in Montville, NJ kicks off their 96th Season with the rib tickling, side splitting comedic farce Suite Surrender, written by Michael McKeever and directed by Todd Mills of Boonton, running weekends from September 22 to October 8, 2023. The setting is 1942 at the Palm Beach Royale, where we meet two of Hollywood's most famous Diva's Claudia McFadden played by Montclair's Jessi Baden and Athena Sinclair played by Montclair's Rachelle Rennagel.
Unpublished Sam Shepard Play "Little Ocean" Starts U.S. Premiere With "Action" and "The Unseen Hand" at The Black Box (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- In association with the Estate of Sam Shepard, The Black Box - NJ's incubator for new and under-produced works by world-class artists - is proud to present Shepard's groundbreaking plays Action, The Unseen Hand, and the U.S. premiere of the unpublished Little Ocean, starting next week on September 21 through October 8, 2023 for ten shows only!
FEATURED
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 10:30am - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Bulrusher at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 6:00pm - Thank You For Being So Dead Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Bulrusher at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 6:00pm - Thank You For Being So Dead Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Bulrusher at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - South Camden Theatre Company presents "Alabama Story" at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Bulrusher at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 6:00pm - Thank You For Being So Dead Murder Mystery at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Bulrusher at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 8:00pm - South Camden Theatre Company presents "Alabama Story" at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Sunday, October 1, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday, October 1, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "The Pianist" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sunday, October 1, 2023 @ 2:00pm - South Camden Theatre Company presents "Alabama Story" at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Plays coming soon
Vivid Stage presents the World Premiere of "Grief at High Tide" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, will present the world premiere of Grief at High Tide by Richard Willett from October 5-15, 2023. When struggling New York photographer Jennifer Evers tells her husband Christopher that the photo she took of him by his mother's deathbed — the one he never gave her permission to take and asked her not to show anyone — was secretly entered in a very prestigious competition, it doesn’t go well. To try to investigate the role that art plays in real-life relationships, Jennifer goes out on assignment to California, to create a piece on a Pulitzer Prize−winning photograph, Grief at High Tide, which changed the lives of everyone involved.
Maurer Productions OnStage to Present "Matilda the Musical" at Kelsey Theatre (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Now in its 20th year, Maurer Productions OnStage will bring Roald Dahl's Tony Award-winning "Matilda the Musical" to the stage of Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre from October 6-15, 2023 on MCCC's West Windsor campus. Prepare to be spellbound as you join Matilda, a brilliant little girl with a big heart and even bigger dreams, on her extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Packed with laughter, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable songs, this spectacular musical adaptation brings Dahl's beloved classic to life like never before.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Puffs" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. Aspire Performing Arts Company will present Puffs, Or: Seven Increasing Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, October 6-7, 2023 at Theater 180 in Montclair.
Studio Players to Present "King Charles III" (UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- In 2015, playwright Mike Bartlett wrote of an imagined future where Queen Elizabeth dies and Prince Charles ascends the throne. Studio Players presents his play, King Charles III, across three weekends from October 6-21, 2023 at Studio Playhouse. The production is directed by Emily Miller.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" Tickets start at just $26 and may be purchased at www.algonquinarts.org, by calling 732-528-9211 or by visiting the Algonquin Arts Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10AM-4PM located at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, New Jersey.
Dunbar Repertory Company presents the Sweet Potato Reading Series featuring "Repurchased" (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Dunbar Repertory Company presents the acclaimed Sweet Potato Pie Reading Series featuring author Rhonda Williams and her novel, Repurchased. This special book-reading and Q&A session directed by Mark Antonio Henderson takes place on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Middletown Arts Center. A book-signing period follows the presentation and copies of Repurchased will be available for purchase.
Paper Mill Playhouse announces Cast and Creative for "The Great Gatsby" (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the complete cast and creative team for its world-premiere production of The Great Gatsby, based on the iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The highly anticipated production will play October 12-November 12, 2023 at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn). Opening night is Sunday, October 22.
CDC Theatre to Open Season with "Head Over Heels" (CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre in Cranford will open their 105th season with Head Over Heels from October 13-28, 2023. This is the bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Avenue Q and Spring Awakening. This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980's all-female rock band The Go-Go's, including the hit songs, "We Got the Beat," "Our Lips Are Sealed," "Vacation," Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth" and "Mad About You."
Center Players to Open Season with "Steel Magnolias" (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players will begin its 2023-24 season with a Signature Series production of the enduringly popular Steel Magnolias. The comedic drama will run weekends from October 13 to November 5, 2023 at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street in downtown Freehold.
The Summit Playhouse presents "The Minutes" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse presents The Minutes by Tracy Letts from October 13-28, 2023. This scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power, from the author of August: Osage County, exposes the ugliness behind some of our most closely-held American narratives while asking each of us what we would do to keep from becoming history's losers.
The Hardy Boys Kicks Off The Growing Stage's 42nd Season (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is thrilled to present the first show of their 42nd Season, The Hardy Boys In The Mystery Of The Haunted House. Based on The Hardy Boys novel "The House on the Cliff" by Franklin W. Dixon and adaptation by Jon Klein, this production runs October 13-29, 2023 with performances on Saturdays at 4:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm and a special opening night performance on Friday, October 13th at 7:30pm. This production is directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, Founder and Executive Director of The Growing Stage.
LoMotion Live presents Tenderly: The Songs of Rosemary Clooney (BOONTON, NJ) -- LoMotion Live is excited to open their season with the cabaret, Tenderly: The Songs of Rosemary Clooney with Susan Speidel and Joseph Regan on Sunday, October 15 at The Parsippany Arts Center. The American singer and actress came to prominence in the early 1950s with the song "Come On-a My House", followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me", "Mambo Italiano", "Tenderly", "Half as Much", "Hey There", "This Ole House".
