Here's a look at the original feature articles and columns published by New Jersey Stage from December 1 to December 31, 2022. In addition to these stories, we publish between 50-60 press releases during the week.
MUSIC FEATURES
Jazz at Clements Place: Lance Bryant's Big Band Swings Monthly on Mondays
by Bob McGee
After the pandemic subsided early this year, veteran tenor saxophonist Lance Bryant was trying to think of ways to create live performances resulting in gigs for many of the musicians who had lacked work during the shutdown. “I had been arranging for other bands for years,” he said. “In April of 2022, I started working on arrangements and various music I had, and I decided to create my own big band. I contacted many musicians I had worked with to see who might be available and who might be interested in working with me on the project. Once I had the musicians, I needed a venue to present the music.”
Sons of Serendip Bring "Christmas: Beyond the Lights" to South Orange Performing Arts Center
by Christopher Benincasa, JerseyArts.com
Classical crossover ensemble Sons of Serendip broke onto the scene in 2014 after competing on America’s Got Talent, and they’ve been going strong ever since. They’re currently touring the country spreading their signature style of holiday cheer and will perform at South Orange Performing Arts Center Dec. 7.
"So Hot She Melts the Paint Off the Wall!" Joan Osborne LIVE! at The Vogel
by Spotlight Central
Patrons sip drinks at tables inside Red Bank, NJ’s sparkling Vogel Theater this Thursday, November 17, 2022 evening as they ready themselves for a live performance by seven-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne.
Singer-songwriter and Guitarist Danielia Cotton Returns to the Hopewell Theater With Her “Home For The Holidays” Show Dec. 17
by Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Danielia Cotton is returning to her hometown of Hopewell, New Jersey for the holiday season with a concert at the Hopewell Theater Saturday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. With her big and bold vocals, Cotton has been compared to such iconic artists as Lenny Kravitz, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. She has carved out a niche in the music industry with her own unique soulful-rock sound and uncompromising artistry, having shared the stage with the likes of Robert Cray, Bon Jovi and Gregg Allman.
Photos from State Champs at Starland Ballroom
by Julie Hoffman
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- State Champs brought their tour to the Starland Ballroom on Wednesday, December 7th and photographer Julie Hoffman was on hand to take photos. Hunny, Between You & Me, and Save Face were also on the bill. Julie has photos from throughout the show.
Makin Waves with The Happy Fits: 2022 Makin Waves Band of the Year
by Bob Makin
Having toured Europe in support of their summer-released LP, “Under the Shade of Green,” and dropped several fantastic videos in support of it, Hunterdon County-based The Happy Fits are the 2022 Makin Waves Band of the Year.
State Theatre presents Salute to Vienna - New Year's Eve Concert
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The fully renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna – New Year's Eve Concert on Saturday, December 31 at 5:00pm. This annual State Theatre tradition features celebrated singers, dazzlingly costumed dancers, and a full symphony orchestra. Tickets range from $39-$125.
"On a Scale of 1 to 10, She’s a 1000!" Patti LaBelle LIVE! at STNJ
by Spotlight Central
Music lovers inside the historic State Theatre New Jersey auditorium in New Brunswick, NJ this Thursday, December 1, 2022 evening are ready to celebrate the season with the “Godmother of Soul,” Patti LaBelle.
PHOTOS from iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour in Philly
by Jennifer Petrics
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- More than 20 years ago, New York's Z100, the most listened to pop radio station in the country, introduced Jingle Ball—a holiday concert with the year's top artists performing their #1 hits. The show quickly became the most anticipated holiday tradition with tickets selling out in minutes. Jingle Ball has since grown into a globally-recognized phenomenon-now a sold-out multi-city national tour-and a must-stop appearance for the world's biggest artists to get face-to-face with thousands of their most passionate fans. The tour came to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadephia on December 12th and photographer Jennifer Petrics was on hand to take photos of the performers as they walked the red carpet.
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have shows for Christmas and New Year's
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have two holiday shows coming up to help you celebrate Christmas and the new year. "A Very Slambovian Christmas" takes place Friday, December 23rd at Sellersville Theater and "A Very Slambovian New Year’s Eve~Eve" takes place on Friday, December 30th at World Cafe Live.
PHOTOS from "The Wag's Christmas Spectacular" at The Strand
by John Posada
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- On Saturday, December 10, The Wag's Christmas Spectacular came to The Strand Theater in Lakewood. Steeped in the traditions of holiday TV shows of the past, The Wag brings back the memories of these specials while putting their own unique stamp on them. Their show has all of the holiday songs that you know and love, plus dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, along with some fun surprises - including a few original Christmas/Holiday songs! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
David Foster and Katharine McPhee LIVE! at MPAC
by Spotlight Central
Music lovers inside Morristown, NJ’s MPAC auditorium this Friday, December 2, 2022 evening excitedly await an intimate evening of music with songwriter/producer David Foster and his wife, singer/actress Katharine McPhee.
Chris Pinnella: Christmas in Red Bank comes to The Vogel on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- This Sunday December 18th, join powerhouse vocalist Chris Pinnella (formerly of Trans-Siberian Orchestra) along with his 15-Piece Orchestra as they play through all your favorite Holiday Hits and Christmas Classics! The evening will take place at The Vogel at the Count Basie Center for the Performing Arts and promises to be an unforgettable evening of music.
“She Sounds as Good in Person as She Does on Her Records! Martina McBride’s “Joy of Christmas” LIVE! at STNJ
by Spotlight Central
The glittering auditorium inside New Brunswick’s State Theatre New Jersey is bustling this Sunday, December 4, 2022 evening as patrons ready themselves for the start of Martina McBride’s 12th annual Joy of Christmas concert.
PHOTOS from "Joy to the World" by Monmouth Civic Chorus
by John Posada
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Monmouth Civic Chorus presented Joy to the World: Your Favorites from Handel's Messiah and the RJB Holiday Suite on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at The Count Basie Center for the Arts. The highly acclaimed annual performance of Artistic Director Dr. Ryan James Brandau's Suite is Monmouth County's can't-miss musical event of the holiday season. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Kean Stage Adds Shows by Cherish the Ladies and Ali Stroker
(UNION, NJ) -- Two new shows have been added to Kean Stage’s spring 2023 season at Kean University’s intimate Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside, NJ. Cherish the Ladies on March 3, 2023 and Ali Stroker on April 1, 2023.
Michael Bolton's "Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites" LIVE! at MPAC
by Spotlight Central
Christmas is in the air inside Morristown, NJ’s stunning MPAC auditorium this Wednesday December 7, 2022 as music lovers ready themselves for a Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites performance by singer/songwriter Michael Bolton.
24th Annual Makin Waves Awards
by Bob Makin
For 24 of Makin Waves’ 32 years of existence, the Makin Waves Awards have honored the New Jersey independent acts who have released the best material and made the most waves with it. Here once again is my Christmas gift to the New Jersey music scene: the 24th annual Makin Waves Awards.
"I Didn’t Want it to End!” Kenny G's “Miracles and Holiday Hits" Tour LIVE! at STNJ
by Spotlight Central
Christmas is in the air inside New Brunswick, NJ’s State Theatre New Jersey this Sunday, December 11, 2022 evening as music lovers of all ages ready themselves for a Miracles Holiday and Hits concert by saxophonist Kenny G.
Broadway stars and Dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem join NJ Festival Orchestra for New Year’s celebration
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- A Westfield tradition returns Saturday, December 31, with the New Jersey Festival Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve performance “Hats Off to Broadway” in the Westfield High School auditorium.
2022 Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen
by Bob Makin
Every year since the early 1990s, the Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen has recognized the 12 NJ indie acts that have made the most waves. By “made the most waves,” I mean they toured extensively in support of a superior new LP or EP that was promoted with well-received singles and professionally made videos. Along the way, the garnered a bit of national press and maybe won an award or two. The Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. So here we go …
Makin Waves Top 10 2022 Jersey Indie Albums
by Bob Makin
Here’s a look at what I thought was the 10 best albums released in 2022 by independent New Jersey artists.
Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Independent Songs of 2022
by Bob Makin
Here’s a look at what I thought were the 10 best songs released in 2022 by independent New Jersey artists, plus an Apple Music playlist of the 25 songs that were considered for the list. The songs are 2022 singles and previously unreleased album tracks.
Catching Up With Ronnie Brandt
by Gary Wien
Ronnie Brandt is an Americana artist from the Jersey Shore who founded Childrens Educational Assemblies, an organization that lets him perform music and teach children about musical greats like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. He's famous for wearing a cowboy hat, but his roots in the Asbury Park scene go back further than most people realize. In this interview, we catch up with the Jersey Shore cowboy.
MUSIC COLUMNS
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/1/22
by Danny Coleman
“We’re from South Jersey but we're kind of all over the place," laughed vocalist Doug Goldspiel as he discussed the particulars of Huxley, past gigs as well as their new music. "We are mostly based out of the Williamstown area. I'm down in the Millville area actually but it's kind of just all over South Jersey. We're an active rock band, we have five members; myself who is the singer, we have our two guitarists, one is Chris Kelly, the other one is Mike Lamplugh; our bassist is Matt Williams and our drummer is Bill Finocchiaro or however you pronounce his last name; which is going to sound great (Laughs).”
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Solitary Waltz" by 00
by Bob Makin
Stoner-rock veteran George Pierro (Solarized, Maegashira) has a new project 00 (Double Zero) whose full-length debut album, “Volume,” on Bandcamp is a fundraiser for Forked River-based Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, where he is pictured with his children, “Brother” George and Anna. The epic six-song LP’s opening track, “Solitary Waltz,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/8/22
by Danny Coleman
"That was an incredible experience, we were over in Europe for three and one-half weeks in June and just the response we got from everybody was incredible. I mean, we played some amazing shows and amazing festivals. We did Download, we did Rock am Ring, we played Belsonic with Iron Maiden and Airbourne and Shinedown; I mean, we just had some incredible shows and the reception from the crowd was amazing." says Tempt front man and vocalist Zach Allen. "They were just ready to party; they were awesome and we had an awesome time; it was great to meet the other bands. We got to talk with some of the guys from Shinedown and Airbourne and just kind of sharing stories and everything; it was just a tremendous experience and so exciting. We can't wait to get back out there, as soon as we came back, we were like, alright; when are we getting back there? Because it was just a dream, it really was, it was a wonderful reception and everybody was really great to us; we cannot be happier with how it all turned out."
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Here We Come A-Wassailing" by Laurie Berkner Band feat. Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche
by Bob Makin
Princeton-raised kindie-rocker Laurie Berkner, center, is flanked by singer-songwriter Lucy Wainwright, left, and her legendary Jersey native mom, Suzzy Roche, during the recording of “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas,” her recently released second holiday outing. The vocal trio teamed on the carol “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/12/22
by Lazlo
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Tony Lio, Funny Fuel, Jason Didner, Samuel Vincent, Renee Maskin, tiyu (ft. eleanor forte), thin ear, Zachary West & The Good Grief, JEFFREY, Long Neck, and Omen and the Possum.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/15/22
by Danny Coleman
Charlie Thomas rose to prominence as a member of the fabulous vocal group The Drifters whose seemingly endless string of hits are still found on the airwaves today. So, it comes as no surprise that now in his eighth decade; Thomas has emerged with yet what's destined to become another classic called, "Be My Rock."
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Sturdy Soul" by Helen O’Shea
by Bob Makin
Princeton-based Irish singer-songwriter Helen O’Shea’s latest single, “Sturdy Soul,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/19/22
by Lazlo
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Fueled by Women: A Benefit Compilation, Nikki & The Skyrockets, Weftin, and Audi Meae.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/22/22
by Danny Coleman
“Yes, it came out a bit ago and the title is “Red Light, Green Light,” it's just more like a visual aspect of it; it's not like it's the marquee song of the album. I had a concept for the cover and it just had a fun sound and It's 10-tracks; not an overwhelming amount of material but for me that was the perfect amount. The songs are all very fully realized and it felt like it had a great arc and cohesiveness to it; it has got some ballads and it's got a couple of funky tunes because I like that too.”
Makin Waves Song of the Year: “Even Now” by Alexander Simone & the WHODAT? Live Crew
by Bob Makin
Makin Waves Song of the Year: “Even Now” by Alexander Simone & the WHODAT? Live Crew
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/26/22
by Lazlo
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by OC Ripper, BreakTime, Dark Surfers, and Public Access.
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/29/22
by Danny Coleman
“Other than Postell, for the rest of us it's been 50 plus years of playing together and finally coming together as a band again was pretty cool; it's still pretty cool," laughed bassist Leland Sklar of The Immediate Family as he discussed their formation, longevity, writing style and upcoming show at the Count Basie Center/Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre in Red Bank, NJ on January 12, 2023.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Evolution" by Alex Tea
by Bob Makin
The aim of Alex Tea’s Jan. 17-bound LP, “Evolution,” is to see how the veteran Jersey City reggae artist has evolved throughout the course of several singles released since 2020.
THEATRE FEATURES
PHOTOS from "Elf Jr. The Musical" at BCCT
by John Posada
(MANAHAWKIN, NJ) -- Brick Children's Community Theatre (BCCT) is having audiences singing loud for all to hear this holiday season with Elf Jr., the musical adaptation of the classic Christmas film December 2, 3 and 4 at the Stafford Township Arts Center. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "A Tomato Can't Grow In The Bronx" at Chain Theatre
by John Posada
(NEW YORK, NY) -- A Tomato Can't Grow in the Bronx, an acclaimed drama by playwright/novelist Gary Morgenstein, opened at the Chain Theatre in New York City on Friday, December 2nd for a limited engagement through December 17th. The play premiered at Center Playhouse on South Street in downtown Freehold, NJ, in April, 2022. Center Players’ Artistic Director Bernice Garfield-Szita will once again direct the play, which was named “Best Original Play” at the 2022 Perry Awards by the NJ Association of Community Theaters (NJACT). Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe" at Pegasus
by John Posada
(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- Pegasus Theatre Company is presenting the New Jersey premiere of the feel-good, family-friendly, holly-jolly mystery Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe by Bill D’Agostino, running December 2-23 in Bordentown City. This is Pegasus Theatre Company’s first children’s production. A mystery mixed with comedy, Murray is an exciting story everyone in the family will enjoy. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
REVIEW: "Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol" at Mile Square Theatre
by Adam F. Cohen
Holiday theater offerings intended for families offer the awakening of future long-term theater lovers. An early holiday present awaits families at Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre in an exquisitely realized, vibrant production of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.
An Interview with Ashley Blanchet
by Flisadam Pointer
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse is presenting The Sound of Music now through Sunday, January 1, 2023. Celebrate the holidays with the heart-soaring melodies of The Sound of Music, including such beloved gems as "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." Rodgers and Hammerstein's final musical conjures an Austria replete with rolling hills, singing nuns, and a tender love story, set in the shadow of World War II.
PHOTOS from "The Land of Forgotten Toys" at Growing Stage
by John Posada
(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is celebrateing the holidays with The Land of Forgotten Toys weekends through December 18, 2022. This charming tale follows Grace, a brilliant young woman with big dreams and a passion for astronomy, who is stuck at a dead-end job at a toy store three days before Christmas. When she is transported to the Land of Forgotten Toys, everything changes. Christmas is in trouble—and it’s up to Grace and her rag-tag crew of forgotten and broken toys to save it! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Miracle on 34th Street" at Stone Church Players
by John Posada
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Stone Church Players presented “Miracle on 34th Street” for their annual radio play December 3-4, 2022 at All Saints’ Memorial Church. Directed by Lindsay Abbot of Rumson and Caitlin Martin of Highlands, the event featured Musical Director Mike Kabash of Rumson on piano and the cast included 10 wonderfully talented actors who have all performed in past SCP productions. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "A Christmas Story: The Musical" at Algonquin
by John Posada
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is currently presenting its holiday show, A Christmas Story: The Musical weekends to December 18th. From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, A Christmas Story: The Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
PHOTOS from "Miracle on 34th Street" at Studio Players
by John Posada
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players is currently presenting Miracle on 34th Street from December 9-18. Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies and based upon the beloved Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. The script and story are exactly as you remember it. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Broadway Bound" by Neil Simon
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Broadway Bound by Neil Simon from January 20 through January 29. This is the poignant and funny conclusion of the semi-autobiographical Eugene trilogy following Brighton Beach Memoirs (2020) and Biloxi Blues (2021).
PHOTOS from "The House of Blue Leaves" at Old Library Theatre
by John Posada
(FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre is presenting The House of Blue Leaves by John Guare from December 9-11. In this play, the lives of a Queens, New York, family get turned upside down as Pope Paul VI visits New York City. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
REVIEW: "The Sound of Music" at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Adam F. Cohen
An enduring, Tony Award-winning classic, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein III’s The Sound of Music is a ubiquitous, stalwart musical theatre crowd-pleaser given an enthralling new production at Paper Mill Playhouse.
Erika Henningsen talks about "Joy: The Musical"
by Charles Paolino
It’s a universal experience: You look at a gadget you’ve just used—a corkscrew, a wine opener, a cup holder—and you say, “I wonder who thought of this?”
PHOTOS from "God of Carnage" at Nutley Little Theatre
by John Posada
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre is currently presenting their "holiday" production, God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton begins its run Friday, December 9, 2022 through Saturday, December 17, 2022. A traditional holiday story it isn't, but the setting takes place in December at the Brooklyn, NY apartment of Michael and Veronica Novak. The theatre is transformed for the actual holidays while the show keeps you involved with the meeting between the two sets of parents. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Shakespeare's Twelfth Night Is A Good Night
by Bruce Chadwick
I went to see William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night on Saturday, the tenth day of December. Maybe that was an omen.
PHOTOS from "Elf the Musical" at CDC Theatre
by John Posada
(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre is presenting Elf the Musical weekends from December 9-18. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Director Mark Hoebee Gives Classic Theater Production, 'The Sound Of Music,' A Fresh Face Lift For NJ Showing
by Flisadam Pointer
The holiday season is officially underway. Families around the globe are beginning to make travel arrangements for their much-needed reunions, dusting off old recipe books to impress house guests, and scrapping together money for last-minute gift exchanges. In the musical theater world, there’s an urgent demand for cozy productions to match the festive energy in the air. Several productions, including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and Fiddler On The Roof, have become synonymous with the holiday season. Still, none have quite had the crossover success as The Sound of Music.
PHOTOS from "White Christmas" at Surflight Theatre
by John Posada
(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is presenting Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the festive and beloved musical through December 18th. With spectacular tap dancing and a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean”, "Count Your Blessings" and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical perfect to bring joy in the Holiday Season. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
A Homecoming at Crossroads Theatre Company
by Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com
Crossroads Theatre Company's upcoming production of Chicken & Biscuits Dec. 21-31 at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center as is about coming home. The play itself is a comedy about a family reuniting and will run over the holidays as many people head home to celebrate and hopefully catch some theater with family and friends. It is also a homecoming of sorts to returning Artistic Director Ricardo Kahn, who co-founded Crossroads Theatre Company in 1978, returned in 2020, and is working with director Lynda Gravátt, one of his early collaborators.
'Twelfth Night' Shines Brightly at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
by Karen Nowosad
You can always count on The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to deliver an exceptional production for the December Holiday Season. This year is no exception as they present one of Shakespeare’s comedies, Twelfth Night. The play provides a delightful visit to the theater as a strong acting ensemble provides many funny scenes, some touching moments, and original music using Shakespeare’s own words.
"A Christmas Carol" Returns -- Happily So
by Bruce Chadwick
Charles Dickens' rich and marvelous holiday story, A Christmas Carol, for so long a vital part of the New Jersey holiday entertainment scene, is back after its/our long battle with Covid. It opened last weekend after its Covid hiatus at the McCarter Theater in Princeton and is once again a big, bright blue box of a Christmas present for all, wrapped in a colorful red ribbon and dripping in good will and cheer.
PHOTOS from "A Christmas Carol" by Phoenix Productions
by John Posada
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions is presenting A Christmas Carol at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. There are two performances left: Tuesday, December 27 at 12:00pm & 4:00pm. These shows were rescheduled from November. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
'Joy' the Musical that Inspires as it Entertains
by Karen Nowosad
A new show called Joy is a musical enjoying a premiere run at George Street Playhouse. The show is about Joy Mangano, known to the world as an entrepreneur who invented the Miracle Mop. Although she continues to be a major success, it was a rough road getting there. With a book by Ken Davenport, Mangano’s inspiring story unfolds through good storytelling, an original score and a fine cast.
FILM FEATURES
The ShowRoom Cinema Talks About Changing Its Business Model For 2023 and Beyond
by Gary Wien
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — It’s no secret that Covid drastically affected the arts. Shows were cancelled, theatres went dark, and livestreams became the norm. Movie theaters may have been affected the most and many are still struggling to survive. The ShowRoom Cinema in Asbury Park is one that never fully recovered and has decided to change its business model.
Basie Center Cinemas Unveils "Film Club" Slate; Holiday Break Titles To Feature Cult Classics
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Basie Center Cinemas, the independent movie house located on White Street in downtown Red Bank, has announced a slate of cult classic films to kick off its new Basie Center Cinemas ‘Film Club’ series.
PHOTOS from the 17th Annual Teaneck International Film Festival
(TEANECK, NJ) -- The 17th annual Teaneck International Film Festival took place November 13-20, 2022 with both virtual and in-person screenings. More than 15 years ago, a small group of dedicated volunteers with the support of the nonprofit organization Puffin Foundation, Ltd., set out to create an event that would present a collection of compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts from a variety of cultures that would lead audiences to question, debate, and become caring and involved citizens who recognize the need to institute positive change.
Spring 2023 New Jersey Film Festival Preview
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The 41st Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will take place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 27-February 19, 2023. The Festival will be a hybrid one as they will be presenting it online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. From documentaries to shorts to narrative and experimental films, the festival has something for everyone. Here is a preview of the festival.
COMEDY FEATURES
Caroline Rhea on the Art of Stand-up Comedy
by Maddie Orton, JerseyArts.com
Comedian Caroline Rhea is back on tour for the first time in years, and she's got plenty of material! Most recognized for her work as Hilda Spellman on the hit TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Rhea is also known and loved for The Caroline Rhea Show, as a voice on Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb, her recurring spots on Hollywood Squares and The Match Game, A Very Sordid Wedding, A Mrs. Miracle Christmas, and her many stand-up specials.
DANCE FEATURES
The Hip Hop Nutcracker Celebrates Its 10th Season at NJPAC Featuring Spectacular Hip-hop Dancers and The Rap King of Christmas Kurtis Blow
by Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th season at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), with two stunning performances taking place Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet reimagined and remixed as a holiday dance spectacle features hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, who performs as the master of ceremonies at the show’s opening, pumping up the crowd and motivating them with an audience calland-response. Highly regarded as one of hip-hop’s founding fathers, Blow is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label in 1979. A cast of a dozen all-star dancers will display supercharged hip-hop choreography alongside an onstage DJ and an electric violinist who turns the beloved classical Nutcracker score on its head, according to the show’s organizers.
bergenPAC Students To Dance at Carnegie Hall in ‘A Night of Inspiration’
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Dance students from the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC will take the stage at Carnegie Hall as part of 'A Night of Inspiration.' The event features a mix of music, dance, and spoken word performances from diverse traditions. The production will be held Saturday, December 10 at 8:00pm in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium and is led by acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew, and co-produced with his wife and business partner Vivian Scott Chew, a global music marketing executive.
PHOTOS from "The Nutcracker Rocks" at Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater
by John Posada
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) is presenting The Nutcracker Rocks through December 11th. The Nutcracker ROCKS follows a bored, teen Clara, who must endure her family's posh holiday party on the Upper East Side until her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives. Uncle Drosselmeyer shakes things up at the distinguished Manhattan party when he shows up transporting Clara to a magic land - the Jersey Shore - where the traditional Land of Sweets is instead a candy shop in Asbury Park. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
MPAC presents New Jersey Ballet's "Nutcracker"
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- New Jersey Ballet's presentation of the holiday favorite Nutcracker comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center for 11 performances beginning Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm and ending on Tuesday, December 27 at 1:00pm. New Jersey Symphony will provide live orchestral accompaniment. Tickets range from $35-$75. Daniel Ulbricht, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, will perform as a special guest dancer for the December 16 and December 22 performances as Cavalier.
New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker Is the Best Ever
by Bruce Chadwick
The New Jersey Ballet’s production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, now running at Morristown’s Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, is the VERY BEST Nutcracker staged by that dance company I have seen in nearly thirty years.
PHOTOS from Atlantic City Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at The Strand
by John Posada
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Atlantic City Ballet brought their production of The Nutcracker to The Strand in Lakewood on Sunday, December 18th. It was their final production of the holiday classic for the year following a run of performances at Stockton and their home at Caesars in Atlantic City. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
COMMUNITY FEATURES
NJPAC’s Kwanzaa Festival Celebrates Unity and Culture With Arts and New Community Partners
by Laurie Granieri, JerseyArts.com
When Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center opens its doors on Dec. 17 for the annual Kwanzaa Festival and Marketplace, the gathering will mark a kind of homecoming.
State Theatre presents Dragons and Mythical Beasts
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The fully renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Dragons and Mythical Beasts on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm. The Olivier Award-nominated show comes to the U.S. direct from the West End. Tickets range from $19-$54.
January Events at Mayo Performing Arts Center
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- After a terrific December of holiday-related concerts and events, Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) returns to regular programming in January, kicking off the year the always popular STOMP, and featuring comedy, ballroom dance, classic hits and more.
bergenPAC Unveils New Lobby with Dedication Ceremony
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center's Chair of The Board of Trustees, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, announced the naming of the renovated bergenPAC lobby with a dedication ceremony held on Saturday, December 17, honoring Eileen K. Murray, to dedicate its newly renovated lobby in honor of her parents with the unveiling of the Bridget H. and James P. Murray Lobby.
First Night Morris County Offers an Arts-Oriented, Family-Friendly New Year's Eve
by Laurie Granieri, JerseyArts.com
When Morristown ushered in its First Night festivities back in 1992, Jane Kurek was a mom to two young children, helping the Arts Council of the Morris Area (now Morris Arts) launch a different kind of New Year’s Eve celebration.
2022 Year End Review: NJ Stage Breaks Records For Unique Visitors & Number Of Stories
2022 was a very good year for New Jersey Stage. We finished the year with 700,000 unique visitors; a new high for us as we move towards the million mark. That number is important because we are a regional website covering the arts. There are many websites covering the arts on a national and international level, but only a few for New Jersey. We put a spotlight on the Garden State with arguably the best audience in the area.
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