Photo by Brad Resnick
(OCEANPORT, NJ) -- On April 30, 2026, the award-winning Two River Theater held its 32nd Annual Gala at Park Loft on the Fort Monmouth campus in Oceanport. The celebration featured a dynamic program of special guest speakers, live performances, and a successful fundraising appeal to raise $320,000 in support of the theater's artistic and educational initiatives.
"At Two River, we are here to spark joy, create empathy, build community, and be the light," said Artistic Director Justin Waldman. "No one person can do this on their own. We need each other, and we are so grateful to the supporters who continue to show up and make this work possible."
The gala opened with remarks from the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone, Commissioner Deputy Director Dominick "Nick" DiRocco and Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, underscoring the importance of the arts in Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey. Board of Trustees President Edward J. McKenna, Jr. followed, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of longtime supporters, including the Huber family and the Stone Foundation.
Photo by Brad Resnick
Guests were treated to an exclusive sneak peek of the groundbreaking world premiere musical Elephant Shoes, a co-production between Two River and Deaf West Theatre. Performances featured cast members Daniel Durant (Spring Awakening, CODA), Taylor Iman Jones (Six, Head Over Heels), James Olivas (Evita, American Idiot), and Siena Rafter (Runaways, The Deep Blue Sea), performing selections under the direction of Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, Big River).
Elephant Shoes is a love letter to connection, longing, and the courage it takes to truly be understood. Blending spoken English, ASL, and projected text, the production is designed so Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing audiences can fully experience the story. Elephant Shoes runs at Two River from June 4–28, 2026.
Hosted on the campus of Fort Monmouth where Netflix's state-of-the-art production facility is currently under development, the evening celebrated more than three decades of Two River's artistic and community impact and included the presentation of the annual Community Spotlight Award to Monmouth University, honoring its longstanding partnership and contributions to the arts and education in New Jersey.
"Two River Theater would not exist as we know it today without Monmouth University," said Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen. "More than 30 years later, our collaboration has grown into something extraordinary, spanning programming, workforce development, and a shared commitment to the arts and education."
University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy accepted the award on behalf of the institution.
Photo by Brad Resnick
GALA COMMITTEE
Gala Chairs: Cathy Pugliese-Sivo & Thomas Sivo
Event Committee: Dr. Ann Bagchi, Marilyn & Robert Broege, Joanna Connelly, Kanesha Jones, Robin Klein, Molly Kroon Jakubecy, Joanna & Brian Leddin, John McEwen, Paula & Larry Metz, Magda & James Muka, Barbara Levy-Hollander & Joseph Hollander, JP Nicolaides & The Honorable Edward Zipprich, Sean O'Connell, Michael Parent, and Michelle Piazza.
Honorary Committee: Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners: Thomas A. Arnone, Director, Susan M. Kiley, Deputy Director, Dominick "Nick" DiRocco, Ross F. Licitra, and Erik Anderson.
For a full list of supporters please click here.
Monmouth University is the region's premier private coastal university offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in a dynamic and personalized learning environment. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University's magnificent coastal campus is approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention, and nationally ranked Division I athletics make this private university a great place to find your future.
Two River Theater's 2025/26 Season Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center.
Two River is funded in part by public support through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the State of New Jersey, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. Private support includes American Theatre Wing, Courtyard by Marriott, Edgerton Foundation, Grunin Foundation, Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Investors Foundation, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, MacMillan Family Foundation, Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation, Mary Owen Borden Foundation, Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel, Monmouth University, OceanFirst Foundation, Open Heart Yoga, The Shubert Foundation, The Stone Foundation of New Jersey, and Visiting Nurse Association of NJ Health Group, and other generous funders.
Award-winning Two River Theater, located in Red Bank, New Jersey, is where bold stories inspire imagination and connection. Each season, the theater produces a mix of new plays, reimagined classics, and musicals, along with new work development, education programs for young people, and community engagement events that bring people of all ages together.
Across its 80,000-square-foot campus, more than 20,000 students, families, and theater lovers experience Two River's acclaimed productions each year on its two stages: the 343-seat Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. The theater also houses state-of-the-art scenic, costume, and property shops.
Two River has launched productions that have reached international audiences, including Be More Chill by Tony Award®nominees Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz—the theater's first Broadway production—which went on to play in London's West End and Japan.
Recognized by USA TODAY as one of the "10 Great Places to See a Play," Two River is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.
