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This Week in Comedy: May 19-25, 2026

Here's a look at comedy shows taking place across the state from May 19 to May 25, 2026. New Jersey Stage compiles this list from comedy clubs, casinos, and performing arts centers



Art House Productions presents the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions has announced the lineup for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival, taking place June 9–13. From more than 300 submissions, 40 stand-up comics from across the U.S. have been selected to perform in the festival's stand-up competition.



Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show at Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.



Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedian Jeff Allen

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents comedian Jeff Allen on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is part of his first "Final" Farewell Tour - the last tour until the next one.








Nationally Recognized Comedian Adam Sank presents "Bad Dates: A One-Man Show About Many Men" in Cape May on June 6th

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The new East Lynne Theater Company celebrates Pride Month with a raucous one-night-only stand-up comedy show starring nationally recognized veteran comic Adam Sank in his award-winning show "Bad Dates: A One-Man Show About Many Men," on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May. Showtime is 8:00pm.



Bananas Comedy Club presents Nick Smeriglio This Weekend

(RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- Bananas Comedy Club presents Nick Smeriglio on May 15-16, 2026 with two shows each night. Nick is a New York–based actor, stand-up comedian, content creator, and podcast producer known for grounded charisma and sharp comedic instincts across stage, screen, and digital platforms.



Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Sheba Mason this weekend

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Sheba Mason on May 15-16, 2026. Born into a theatrical family – Jackie Mason (comedian) and Ginger Reiter (playwright) – Sheba has been performing since the age of two as a stage prop in her mother's play where she sat in her high chair and drank from her bottle.



bergenPAC presents Tracy Morgan on June 19th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tracy Morgan on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tracy is one of the most well-respected comedians and actors in his field. He currently stars in the tv show CRUTCH.



Newark Culture Club to Host Shows for The 2026 North To Shore Festival

(NEWARK, NJ) -- North to Shore is a festival celebrating all the talent, diversity and creativity this great state has to offer. North to Shore will bring together over 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey-wide excellence, aligned with former Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy's vision for a celebration worthy of the Garden State's legacy in the arts and innovation. Two shows from this year's festival will be held at Newark Culture Club!







 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Princeton

Princeton Summer Theater Announces 2026 Season

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater has unveiled its 2026 subscription season which will run from June 11th to August 1st, featuring an exciting lineup of three mainstage pieces and a family-friendly musical. Productions include Barefoot in the Park, The 39 Steps, True West, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.



"Slanted

"Slanted Floors" returns to its Greenpoint Apartment

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Following critical acclaim and sold-out performances, Slanted Floors — hailed by the Daily Beast as "one of New York's most unique and exclusive pieces of theatre" — returns for a strictly limited five-week engagement in its original Greenpoint apartment setting. Performances will run May 26 through June 26, 2026, with 150 seats available.



Arden

Arden Theatre Company presents "Dear Evan Hansen"

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Arden Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, to the F. Otto Haas Stage this spring. Featuring a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the production is directed by Terrence J. Nolen and co-conceived by Jorge Cousineau and Nolen. Performances begin May 21, the show opens May 27, and runs through July 5, 2026.



Paper

Paper Mill Playhouse presents "West Side Story"

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents West Side Story, the final production of Paper Mill's 2025-2026 season, from May 28 through June 28, 2026. An enduring masterpiece based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, West Side Story reimagines Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York, where young lovers Tony and Maria dare to dream of a future together as rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks clash for control of the streets.



MPAC

MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.












LATEST COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/15/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Night Windows; Bionic Rhoda; The Mighty Alrighty; Danello, The Sad Surfer; Wiser Time; and Mars Kushi. Plus a look back at "Hot Town" by Chris Rockwell.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Under the Carousel" by Josh Herman

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Under the Carousel," the latest video from North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 06/11/2026

Due to a much needed vacation, this week's piece will be short and far more sweet than its creator but that being said, there are a few things of note those of you may wish to check out.








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