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New Release Review - "The Man In The White Van"

by Eric Hillis, TheMovieWaffler.com
published 2024-12-22

1970s-set thriller The Man in the White Van purports to be inspired by real-life events. Some reviews have suggested it draws on the crimes of serial killer Billy Mansfield, though the villain's identity remains ambiguous throughout the film (likely to leave things open for a possible sequel). I suspect if director Warren Skeels were honest, he would admit to his primary influence being John Carpenter's Halloween. Like that classic, Skeel's narrative feature debut takes place in the final days of October and is centred on a virginal teenage girl being stalked by an antagonist who seems to have randomly chosen her as his target (let's not forget the sister/brother stuff didn't pop up until Halloween II). As the title implies, the villain here spends most of his screen time unseen behind the wheel of a white van, and the stalking scenes recall the early segments of Halloween in which Michael Myers pursues Laurie Strode while commandeering a stolen station wagon. The van becomes something of a villain itself, like the eponymous Plymouth Fury of Carpenter's Christine, the truck from Spielberg's Duel, or the car from, well, The Car. Were it not for a series of flashbacks, we might wonder if there really is a human driver behind that foggy windscreen.



Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage From December 15-21, 2024

Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from December 15-21, 2024. Each week we publish about 70 articles, including several original columns and features, along with news releases for events happening throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth, Morris, Sussex, and Union).



Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Indie Albums

by Bob Makin
published 2024-12-22

Here are the top 10 albums by New Jersey indie artists for 2024, according to Makin Waves.



Family Worth Fighting For: TJ Klune's Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Discover the magic in family life with New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist TJ Klune. He'll take you inside the new installment of his "Cerulean Chronicles," Somewhere Beyond the Sea, during his Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The event begins at 7:00pm.








WBGO presents the return of the All That Jazz series to the Hamilton Stage with smooth jazz musicians Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- WBGO presents the return of the All That Jazz series to the Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center. This is a unique concert series showcasing some of the genre's most talented and respected performers via a partnership between UCPAC and Smooth Jazz NJ. On Friday, January 17, 2025, the series features smooth jazz musicians Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner. Showtime is 8:00pm.



The Summit Playhouse Is Accepting Directors' Submissions For 2025-26 MainStage Season

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse is now accepting directors' submissions for their 2025–26 MainStage Season - submissions are due January 15, 2025. Directors may submit one play or musical proposal for consideration.



New Shows Announced at The Sieminski Theater

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Sieminski Theater has announced Act 1 of their 2025 season featuring diverse shows that are sure to deliver something unforgettable for every theatergoer. Shows added include a tribute to CSN&Y, Puccini's Madama Butterfly, and performances by the New Jersey Festival Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players.



The Town Hall presents Judy Collins and Friends: 85 Years of Music and Protest

(NEW YORK, NY) -- The legendary Judy Collins will present a star-studded 85th birthday celebration Judy Collins and Friends: 85 Years of Music and Protest at The Town Hall on March 8, 2025. Directed by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Russ Titelman, Judy Collins will be joined onstage by her peers and some of the young talents she inspired and helped nurture. Showtime is 8:00pm.



New Jersey Youth Chorus To Hold Auditions in January 2025

(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Chorus, a program of Wharton Arts, will hold mid-year auditions in January 2025 for singers in grades 3-12. To register for an audition for one of its five auditioned ensembles, visit NJYC.org.







 

EVENT PREVIEWS

NJPAC

NJPAC presents a Spring Season of Jazz

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a Spring Season of Jazz with free monthly jazz jams at Clement's Place and two special concert events inside the Victoria Theater. This series, running from September through June, is co-presented by NJPAC's Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University–Newark's Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS). Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners' minds.



PBS'

PBS' Independent Lens Launches 20th Season of Free Pop-Up Screening Series in Teaneck and Nationwide

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The award-winning PBS documentary series, INDEPENDENT LENS, presents the launch of the upcoming season of Indie Lens Pop-Up in partnership with the Teaneck International Film Festival and the Puffin Cultural Forum. The season kicks-off on February 4, 2026 with The Librarians and continues through May. The series is free for all but sign up is required.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.



Megan

Megan Thee Stallion to make her Broadway debut in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical"

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Producers of the Tony Award®-winning, record-breaking Broadway hit Moulin Rouge! The Musical have announced that three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar and actress Megan Thee Stallion will make her Broadway debut in the production as "Zidler", impresario of the titular nightclub. Taking the stage for a strictly limited 8-week engagement, Megan will light up the Al Hirshfeld Theatre from Tuesday, March 24th to Sunday, May 17, 2026, promising an unmissable, moment in the show's legendary run.



Hunterdon

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents "Some Enchanted Evening"

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Some Enchanted Evening from April 7 through May 16, 2026. This is a celebration of songs that have become a part of our lives. We sing them in the shower and we sing them to entertain and amuse.












LATEST COLUMNS


Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/02/2026

Due to a death in the family, the "Sound Bites" weekly column has ben postponed for this week. However, the listings of live music and entertainment are enclosed; we shall return on Thursday May 7 which happens to be the same day as the monthly "Rock On Radio" Happy Hour at the Nottingham Tavern located at 9 Mercer Street in Hamilton Square, NJ with music by Carmen Marranco.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make It Happen" by Mike Chick

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Make It Happen" by Asbury Park Yawn Mower legend Mike Chick from "Congarts," his third solo album and second for Mint 400 Records.




Lighty's Corner: April 30, 2026

The second episode of Lighty’s Corner is live! This is a bi-weekly recorded radio show presenting new rock music from around the globe. Each of the 15 new tracks played were received via email within the last two weeks - a practice I hope to continue each time.








UPCOMING EVENTS