Let the Sunshine In! "Hair" is coming to CDC Theatre in Cranford

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- The American classic rock-musical Hair, the final production of the 105th season at CDC Theatre, celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. To an infectiously energetic rock beat, the show wows audiences with songs like "Aquarius," "Good Morning, Starshine," "Hair," "I Got Life" and "Let The Sunshine In." Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains as relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.

Jersey Arts Podcast: Jonathan Larson's "Tick Tick... BOOM!" Rocks George Street Playhouse

by Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com - published 2024-04-11
Musical theater nerds can rejoice, George Street Playhouse is bringing back "Tick Tick... BOOM!," the posthumously produced musical by Jonathan Larson, best known for having written the widely known rock opera, "Rent."

PHOTOS from "A New Brain" at Old Library Theatre

by John Posada - published 2024-04-11
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT) is presenting the musical, A New Brain, over two weekends from April 12- 21, 2024. Created by Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn and playwright James Lapine, this is an unexpectedly funny show that gives a glimpse into the inner world of Gordon Michael Schwinn (played by Patrick Dwyer), a frustrated composer for a children's television show. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

From Maplewood to Broadway: An Exclusive Interview with Actor Mark Jacoby of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical

by Ilana Rapp - published 2024-04-10
We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on the immensely talented actor, Mark Jacoby, who is currently captivating audiences on Broadway in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Broadhurst Theatre, this musical extravaganza has been the talk of the town since its debut, and Marc's performance is a significant highlight. The show is closing June 30, 2024, so be sure to secure your tickets here!

PHOTOS from "Gun & Powder" at Paper Mill Playhouse

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting Gun & Powder through May 5, 2024. The new musical features book and lyrics by Angelica Chéri and music by Ross Baum. Directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher and music directed by Austin Cook, Gun & Powder is inspired by the true story of Mary (Renée) and Martha Clarke (LaFontaine), African American twin sisters who take extraordinary measures to settle their mother's sharecropper debt and save her home. Photographers Evan Zimmerman and Jeremy Daniel were on hand to take photos.

State Theatre New Jersey presents "The Kite Runner"

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Kite Runner, a play with music based on Khaled Hosseini's internationally best-selling novel for two performances on Friday, May 3 at 8:00pm and Saturday, May 4 at 8:00pm. Salar Nader, the renowned musician who dazzled audiences in the Broadway production, will reprise his role as tabla player for the tour.

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place April 9-16, 2024

Here are previews of plays taking place from April 9-16, 2024 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. Click on the title to go to the full preview. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.

Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "Once Upon a Mattress"

(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents Once Upon a Mattress across 3 weekends in May 2024. The popular play features Music by Mary Rogers; Lyrics by Marshall Barer, and Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise!

Pushcart Players Presents "Velveteen Rabbit" at Algonquin Arts Theatre

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, celebrating 50 years, presents "Velveteen Rabbit" at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10:00am & 11:45am. "Velveteen Rabbit" is based on the beloved children's book by Margery Williams, adapted for the stage by Pushcart Players' artistic director, Paul Whelihan. Choreography is by Stacie Gogo, music and lyrics are by NJ composer, Paul Farinella, and orchestrations are by Tony award-winner, Larry Hochman.