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"The Broadway Lecture Series" features Jennifer Holliday, Kerry Butler, Eden Espinosa, and Jelani Remy

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 02/28/2023


(POMPTON LAKES, NJ) -- They say “All The World Is A Stage.” Well, for Host & Creator Robert Bannon that is true. Robert, a Jersey based performer, came up with “The Broadway Lecture Series” while watching an episode of “Inside The Actor’s Studio.” Upcoming shows feature Jelani Remy, Jennifer Holliday, Kerry Butler, and Eden Espinosa.

“There is such a demand for quality advice and such a curiosity of what life is like on Broadway, but there is no easy, affordable, accessible way for theatre fans and aspiring theatre performers to get the information, so “The Broadway Lecture Series” was born. It debuted last year at Montclair State University with Tony Winning Star of “MJ” Myles Frost. The chat moderated by Bannon allowed Myles to tell his story, share his advice, take questions, and meet and greet the fans in attendance. 

The new season, just announced and currently on-sale, will move to Stageworks at Studio 2-3-7 in Pompton Lakes, NJ. This Non-Profit Community Theatre is home to full staged productions, classes, camp, and more. According to Bannon, it just seemed like the perfect place to hold these conversations and encourage the next generation of performers and fans! Tickets are on sale at www.stageworksnj.org.

Jelani Remy - From Eddie Kendricks in the Tony Award® winning production of “Ain’t Too Proud” to Simba in “The Lion King” for an epic run, Jelani is one of the most popular and charismatic young actors on Broadway. A Jersey Native Jelani joins the series March 11th at 3:00pm.

Ms. Jennifer Holliday - “And I am telling you, you do not want to miss this!” Grammy/Tony Winning Superstar Jennifer Holliday makes her Broadway Lecture Series debut to talk about her iconic run as Effie in “Dreamgirls.” She has sold millions of records, performed for Presidents and Royalty, and is a Broadway Icon! Do not miss the chance to hear her story and meet her! April 15th at 7:00pm.

Kerry Butler - From “Beetlejuice” to “Xanadu” to “Hairspray” is there anything Kerry Butler can not do! Fresh off the stage of “Beetlejuice” Kerry will be giving advice on how to do it all! She sings, acts, dances, and does it all with ease! Hear how she started her career that led her to a Tony Nomination and how she became one of Broadway’s Biggest Stars!

Eden Espinosa - The Iconic Voice that is Eden joins The Broadway Lecture Series! She made a splash as Elphaba in “Wicked,” was in the final Broadway Cast of “Rent,” and tore down the roof in “Bklyn.” Before she returns to her jaw dropping performance in the new, soon to be classic “Lempicka” catch her inspiring story of her climb to one of the most iconic voices on stage.  

The lecture series is an interactive chat about what it takes to make it to the bright lights of the stage. Questions from the audience will be collected to make this a truly interactive experience. Packages are available for all four events at a discounted rate!

This not to be missed conversation, will be followed by a VIP Meet & Greet for a limited amount of tickets. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap a picture with Jelani. VIP tickets also include seats in the first few rows of the auditorium.  

The Broadway Lecture Series is created by Unfinished Business LLC. and Actor/Singer/Talk Show Host Robert Bannon. Robert is the creator & host of “The Roundtable” as well as its sister programs “Quarantine, Cabaret, & Cocktail,” & “The Broadway Lecture Series.” He has interviewed everyone from Chita Rivera to Perez Hilton, Heather Headley to Bianca Del Rio and more. The debut Lecture featured Tony Award Winner Myles Frost who spoke to a sold out crowd about his time in “MJ”.

More Lecture Broadway guests are to be announced. This program will happen numerous times throughout the year to bring the Best of Broadway to the students, the community, and theater fans alike. 

For More Information & For Tickets: www.BroadwayLectureSeries.com




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.

CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "New Voices of 2026: On Vacation"

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

(HAMBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company brings the colorful world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical, running July 30 through August 2, 2026 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's "Matilda Jr."

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. from July 31 to August 2, 2026.  The summer program includes students aged 7-15.
Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd

Playwright Tom Cavanaugh Launches The Book Writers Group with Staged Reading Showcase on August 2nd

(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.

Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "Guys and Dolls"

(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents Guys and Dolls from July 29-August 8, 2026 with performances at 8:00pm. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. The production is directed by Matt Muccigrossi.
Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? "

Magnolia Productions presents "Are The Bennet Girls Ok? "

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Are The Bennet Girls Ok? across two weekends from July 31 to August 8, 2026 at The Theater at The Navesink Library. This is an adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Emily Breeze.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "The Call List" by Brian James Pollak

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore

Thursday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


NYC Musical Marathon & Jack Dallas presents 1756 - Making America

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Divinity Hall @ Centennial AME Zion Church
5 Lewis Place, Closter, NJ


Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


A Dance with Death: A 1950's Prom Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ



 

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