New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Sunday, July 20, 2025 @ 2:00pm



Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present the unstoppably joyous musical, Hairspray, over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, with musical direction by Lauryn Boyle and choreography by Samantha Amaral, the award-winning Broadway musical promises a fun-filled evening of laughter, energy and unforgettable dance numbers.

Hairspray, based on the John Waters’ cult classic film, takes place in 1962 in Baltimore where the lovable, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!

Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan; Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.

The MAC Players production features Ava Klugewicz (Tracy Turnblad), Clint Gilfillan (Corny Collins), Jeff Parsons (Edna Turnblad), Kaitlyn Racioppi (Penny Pingleton), Amber Alena (Velma Von Tussle), Emerson Granata (Amber Von Tussle), Chase Haffner (Link Larkin), Gavin Bailey (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Brinala D. Wall (Little Inez), Daisha Davis (Motormouth Maybelle), Steve Bartlow (Wilbur Turnblad), Dana Trujillo (Prudy Pingleton) and John Maschio (Harriman E. Spritzer).

Performances take place Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at 7:00pm; Sunday, July 13 at 2:00pm; Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at 7:00pm; and Sunday, July 20 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $17.50–$32.50 ($5 student/senior discount) with reserved seating and are available for purchase online or by calling the MAC Box Office at 732-706-4100.

The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown Train Station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in the station-metered lot on weekday evenings after 6:00pm and on weekends.




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info

UPCOMING EVENTS




 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

(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.



Classic

Classic American Tales' presents Tales at the Dormer House every Thursday

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" by Emily Mann

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The reimagined East Lynne Theater Company opens its Season Forty-Six with the extraordinary, real-life story Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Emily Mann, running June 18 to July 19, 2026 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME in Cape May.



Princeton

Princeton Summer Theater presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Summer Theater's 2026 Children's Show is You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs weekends from June 20 to August 1, 2026. A beloved musical since its premiere in 1967, Clark Gesner brings Charles M. Schulz's "PEANUTS" characters to the stage. The musical ventures through the highs and lows of young life, from baseball and homework to young love and friendship. With an empathetic and whimsical eye, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us of the importance of connection and joy.



2026-27

2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.












LATEST COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Body Cast" by Tiny Cities

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Body Cast," the latest video from the North Jersey dynamic duo Tiny Cities.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/09/2026

"Very well; and you? We're hoping you can come to The Lizzie Rose on Friday July 31; come as our guest, come enjoy the racket, it's a wonderful room to play," laughed the always jovial Conrad Warre of the Boston based blues/rock band Bees Deluxe as he discussed that upcoming Tuckerton show, their stop at Jamey's House of Music, their upcoming new record, the International Blues Challenge and more.




Frank Hanavan: "Natural & Plus"

Frank Hanavan's Hoboken is wet. In his streetscapes, surfaces glisten. The sky is rarely glowering, but it does seem full; ready to have something to say, or wrapping up something that it is busy saying. The canopy of foliage that hangs over the streetcorners feels saturated with moisture. Even the shadows on the sidewalk are puddle blue. Businesses have their umbrellas open. A few people do, too.




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