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Garden State Film Festival: AL6 (Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds; Stronger Than You Think)

Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 2:30pm



Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds - Overcoming the Odds Wagner was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a condition where the umbilical cord gets wrapped around a limb of a developing fetus, causing it to be underdeveloped. Yet, from a young age, Wagner refused to let his condition stop him. Growing up in Baker, Florida, Wagner fell in love with the game of football, playing on both sides of the ball. it wasn’t until middle school, when he started to play at running back that he showed he could really dominate on the gridiron. In a four-year varsity career at Baker High School, he rushed for over 5842 yards and 66 touchdowns. As a junior, he made national headlines by breaking the state of Florida’s high school single-game rushing record that was set by Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry in 2012, rushing for 535 yards in just 25 carries. Saluki Football Despite rushing for over 1900 yards as a junior and over 2000 yards in his senior year, he had one offer to play Divison One football at Southern Illinois University. In the documentary, Wagner talks about his amazing journey to Division One football and the life lessons he has learned along the way. Directed by Ryan Sahlin, Chris Delany (00:08:15) Asbury Park Premiere

Stronger Than You Think - Against all odds, Ali Truwit survived. 
Just days after her college graduation, a snorkeling trip turned into a nightmare when the accomplished collegiate swimmer was attacked by a shark. The brutal encounter would test every ounce of her strength and will to live. Against staggering odds, Ali survived — but her life was forever altered. The loss of her leg marked not just a physical transformation, but an emotional reckoning. Faced with unimaginable trauma, Ali made a powerful choice: to reclaim her story and use her experience to inspire others. Leaning on the values that had always guided her, she set her sights on a nearly unthinkable goal — earning a spot on the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team... just one year after the attack. This film follows her extraordinary journey: through the pain of recovery, the battle to return to the water, the triumph of making Team USA, and ultimately, rising to the podium in Paris. It’s a story of survival, strength, and a young woman’s unbreakable spirit — a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets purpose. Directed by Janice C Molinari, Melissa Forman (01:39:22) East Coast Premiere




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UPCOMING EVENTS




 

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(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.



Paper

Paper Mill Playhouse presents "1776"

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical, from April 1 through May 2, 2026. It brings the story behind the creation of the Declaration of Independence to the stage with witty satire, compelling drama, and a thrilling score. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, 1776 follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and their fellow delegates as they navigate fiery debates, political tensions, and personal conflicts in their struggle to unite thirteen colonies.












LATEST COLUMNS


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Lighty's Corner: April 30, 2026

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The first thing you'll see upon entering the gallery at Deep Space (77 Cornelison St.) is the shadow-outline of a woman's leg. There it is, on a chartreuse background, sticking straight up in the air with a curvaceous bare foot inches from the ceiling. That's all of the subject of "Lemon Lime Toe of God" that the oil painter Delilah Ray Miske is willing to show us. The rest of the body, she implies, is splayed out on a bed. We know it's summer because the window is closed and the air conditioner is plugged in. There's a pretty good chance that the possessor of the leg is undressed. In one hand, she holds a cellphone, and she might be broadcasting something. On the wall, a small whip-like broomstick hangs. It could be the ride of a tiny witch. It could be the professional tool of a dominatrix.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas