Here's a look at the top 10 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage during the week of April 24-30, 2022.  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 Top Ten includes articles covering five counties in New Jersey (Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union).   

1) Review of "The Wanderer" at Paper Mill Playhouse - Biographical jukebox musicals follow an established path – heroic artist is especially talented; challenged by demons (bad relationships or addiction); defy barriers and the adoring crowd stands soaking in hit from a bygone time.  Michael Wartella firmly joins the pantheon of supremely talented theatrical performers who embody a real-life rocker and slays with an iconic performance.  At the Paper Mill Playhouse, he owns the theater as doo wop/rocker Dion in a new production “The Wanderer.” 

2) Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2022-2023 Season - (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced its 2022-2023 season, including a gripping murder mystery, a Disney hero of mythic proportions, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved final musical, the Tony-nominated story of two Latin music icons, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that defined a generation.

3) NJPAC to Celebrate International Jazz Day with Free Performances by Over 100 Young Musicians - (NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will present a free musical celebration in honor of International Jazz Day on Saturday, April 30 at 5:00pm featuring performances by 100+ young New Jersey musicians with special guest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Co-produced by NJPAC, City Verses, and Jazz House Kids, this popular concert unites youth musicians from NJPAC’s City Verses jazz and poetry initiative, NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens ensembles featuring James Moody Jazz Orchestra and The George Wein Scholars Ensemble, JAZZ HOUSE Big Band, and local high schools. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Sheila Anderson aka “Queen of the Hang”, International Jazz Day in Newark highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe.

4) Skylark Fine Diner & Lounge is Latest Live Music & Entertainment Hub - (EDISON, NJ) -- Skylark Fine Diner & Lounge in Edison is the latest live music and entertainment hub to check out.  After making headlines a second time for hosting another episode of the Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this one-of-a-kind spot is kicking it up yet another notch with live music shows and events presented by Stage Stars Productions.

5) Passaic County Hosts Art in The Park this weekend - (HAWTHORNE, NJ) -- The County of Passaic will host Art in the Park on Saturday, April 30th from 11:00am – 7:00pm and Sunday, May 1st from 11:00am – 5:00pm at sprawling Goffle Brook Park in Hawthorne, New Jersey. This free two-day event will feature fun and engaging activities for the entire family.

6) Harpin' Help 2022 to Take Place April 24th - (LAKE COMO, NJ) -- Harpin' Help 2022 will take place Sunday, April 24th at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como.  Running from noon to 9:00pm, Harpin' Help is an an annual charity event organized by Sandy Mack, in conjunction with the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJB). The event benefits the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, The Reformation Community Food Pantry of West Long Branch, and JSJB. 

7) Monmouth County Park System In May - (LINCROFT, NJ) -- — Now that April showers have brought May flowers, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a county park.  From Mill Demonstrations to the Decoration Day Celebration, the Monmouth County Park System is bursting with activity.  Here’s a look at events in May.

8) Mother's Day Good Music Festival at Prudential Center features The Isley Brothers, Keith Sweat, Monica, and SWV - (NEWARK, NJ) -- SJ Presents The Mother’s Day Good Music Festival with multi-platinum and Grammy Award-Winning iconic performers The Isley Brothers, Keith Sweat, Monica, and SWV at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Friday, May 6 at 8:00pm. 

9) Stage Stars Productions Talks about their Rock & Roll Burlesque - Stage Stars Productions' Rock & Roll Burlesque Show has sold out Crossroads in Garwood, Long Branch Distillery in Long Branch, Stonewall Inn in NYC and more. The show will be at Big Lee's in NYC on May 13 and will return to Stonewall Inn in NYC on May 14. The following is a Q&A with the creator and producer of the show. 

10) Remember Jones to Perform "Bat Out Of Hell" Live at Axelrod PAC - (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will celebrate the sound of Meat Loaf and the music of Jim Steinman with three performances of Bat Out of Hell Live at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center from April 29 to May 1. Remember Jones will perform the entire classic album from 1977 and more with a 12-piece band and special guests that include Max Weinberg and Low Cut Connie.

Event previews are always one of the most popular areas of the website. Event previews get noticed when we first publish them and then get noticed again when they are brought back to the main area of the site the week the event takes place - sometimes even several months later.  Make sure your events get previewed by sending press releases to us at [email protected] - for even more promotion, check out our ad rates which run $50-$100 for an entire month of targeted advertising which includes events listed in our online calendar.