Here are previews of plays taking place from May 2-8 including a look at productions starting this week, those continuing this week, and those closing this week. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Be sure to send press releases for your plays to [email protected] to be included. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview.
FEATURED
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 @ 7:00pm - Vivid Stage presents Meet the Artist: New Play Readings "Grief at High Tide" at Summit Public Library, 75 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, May 4, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, May 4, 2023 @ 7:00pm - McCarter Live at the Library: How to Plan a Season with Sarah Rasmussen & Paula Abreu at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Thursday, May 4, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, May 5, 2023 @ 7:30pm - The Prom at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
Friday, May 5, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, May 5, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents: Guys and Dolls at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Friday, May 5, 2023 @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "In The Heights" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 2:00pm - MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 2:00pm - The Prom at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents: Guys and Dolls at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Hello Dolly! at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Blues for an Alabama Sky at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents: Guys and Dolls at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Short Shakespeare: Macbeth at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "In The Heights" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00pm - The Prom at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 2:00pm - Blues for an Alabama Sky at McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) - The Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Hello Dolly! at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Phoenix Productions Presents: Guys and Dolls at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 3:00pm - The Prom at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
Plays opening this week
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Centenary Stage Company to Hold Auditions for Next Stage Rep Productions of "Rock of Ages" and "Seussical the Musical" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company, a not-for-profit professional theater in NW NJ, will hold auditions for its Summer Stock Season. This summer CSC will present Rock of Ages and Seussical the Musical. Auditions will take place on May 4 and May 5 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Centenary Stage Company located at 715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown NJ.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Eagle Theatre presents "Water by the Spoonful" (HAMMONTON, NJ) -- The real and digital worlds collide this May 4-21 at Eagle Theatre with award-winning drama, Water by the Spoonful. The 2012 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is written by Philadelphia native, Quiara Alegría Hudes, known best for her work on the complete A Soldier's Fugue Trilogy, of which Water by the Spoonful is a part, and the book for the acclaimed musical In the Heights.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - NJRep to Present the World Premiere of "Our Shrinking, Shrinking World" (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company will present the World Premiere of Our Shrinking, Shrinking World by Richard Dresser from May 4-27, 2023. The production is directed by Joe Cacaci and stars Molly Carden, Kaileela Hobby, Kevin O'Rourke and Jeff Rubino.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Hudson Theatre Works presents "Shelley" by Joanne Hoersch (WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- Hudson Theatre Works presents Shelley by Joanne Hoersch from May 4-21, 2023 at Theatre at The Wilson School in Weehawken. Hudson Theatre Works continues its commitment to producing one new play a year. Coming from the company’s workshop, “Shelley” takes place in 1814.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of "Two Elizas" by Jenny Mercein (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage is thrilled to announce the World Premiere of Two Elizas, which will appear on Luna's MainStage for a two-week run May 4-14. Written and performed by Jenny Mercein, Two Elizas explores the true story of Jenny's ancestor, Eliza Mercein Barry, whose landmark 1847 U.S. Supreme Court case Barry v. Mercein established a woman's right to retain custody of her child. Jenny juxtaposes Eliza's story with her own complicated journey to motherhood, in a moving intergenerational reflection on resilience and women's rights.
Friday, May 5, 2023 - CDC Theatre presents "In The Heights" (CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents "In The Heights" by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Fridays and Saturdays, May 5-20 at CDC Theatre in Cranford, NJ. In the vibrant New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi and his friends dream, hope and work for a bright future.
Friday, May 5, 2023 - The Growing Stage presents "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong will present their final mainstage production of the 2022-2023 season, Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! from May 5-21. It is based on the book Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children with a script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton, lyrics by Mo Willems, music by Deborah Wicks La Puma and dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz. This production is under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, TGS's Director of Educational Programming with musical direction by Laura Petrie and choreography by Cari Sanchez.
Friday, May 5, 2023 - South Street Players presents "The Dining Room" by A.R. Gurney (SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- South Street Players presents The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney across two weekends (May 5-7 and May 12-14) at Wesley Hall in Spring Lake. The play is a comedy of manners, set in a single dining room where 18 scenes from different households overlap and intertwine.
Friday, May 5, 2023 - Vicki Lewis and John Scherer to Star in "The Prom" at Axelrod PAC (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center will mount New Jersey's first professional production of the Broadway musical, The Prom, beginning on May 5 and running through May 21. This new production is directed by Broadway actor and director Todd Buonopane (Broadway's Spelling Bee, Grease, Chicago and Cinderella) and choreographed by Brooke Engen (Hairspray the film) with music direction by Michael Gilch.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Molière in the Park to Present English Language World Premiere of Molière's "Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite" (BROOKLYN, NY) -- Molière in the Park, in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and LeFrak Center at Lakeside, will present the English language world premiere of Molière’s Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite, reconstructed by Georges Forestier, translated by Maya Slater, and directed by Molière in the Park’s Founding Artistic Director Lucie Tiberghien. Tartuffe Or The Hypocrite runs May 6-27, 2023 in a limited engagement at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center in Brooklyn.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - McCarter Theatre presents "Blues For An Alabama Sky" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre is delighted to welcome audiences to Pearl Cleage's love letter to friendship and the Harlem Renaissance, Blues For An Alabama Sky, on stage in the Berlind Theatre May 6-28. The play marks the McCarter directorial debut of Associate Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Algonquin Arts Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for "Hello Dolly!" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its spring musical, Hello Dolly! The show will run at Algonquin Arts Theatre from May 6-21. Jerry Herman's energetic musical is filled with charisma and with heart. Matchmaker Dolly Levi is a widow, a matchmaker, and also a professional meddler - but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is to find someone for herself.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - State Theatre New Jersey Presents "Madagascar The Musical" On May 6th (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The fully renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Madagascar the Musical on Saturday, May 6 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip-hop Hippo, and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical adventure. The family-friendly musical features new original music and a colorful cast of larger-than-life characters from the iconic film. Tickets range from $19-$79.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Bergen County Players presents "It Shoulda Been You" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, presents the funny, uplifting, musical It Shoulda Been You, weekends from May 6 to June 4, 2023. Under the direction of Dottie Fischer, It Shoulda Been You puts a modern spin on the traditional wedding comedy, proving that when it comes to wedding day insanity, it’s all relative.
Monday, May 8, 2023 - Art House Productions presents the 2023 INKubator New Play Festival (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents the 2023 INKubator New Play Festival from May 8-17. This year's playwrights are Micharne Cloughley, Amir-Gabriel Gad, Adin Lenahan, Iraisa Ann Reilly, Edwin Rivera-Arias, and Emmy Weissman. Audiences who attend the festival will have the opportunity to participate in conversations with the writers, directors, and actors following each performance. All readings are free to attend, but advanced registration is required.
Plays ending this week
Playhouse 22 presents "Superior Donuts" (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Called "a very entertaining comedy-drama with a whole lot of heart", Superior Donuts by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts is coming to Playhouse 22 on April 21 and runs weekends through May 7. Directed by Jon Heron, the play follows the relationship between despondent Arthur Przybyszewski, a former 1960s radical who owns a rundown donut shop in Chicago's Uptown, and Franco, his energetic but troubled young African American assistant, who wants to update the establishment with lively music and healthy menu options.
Yardley Players to Present "Hello, Dolly!" at Kelsey Theatre (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Yardley Players will celebrate the golden age of the American musical at Kelsey Theatre with the comedic masterpiece Hello, Dolly! The show runs weekends from Friday, April 28 through Sunday, May 7 with matinee and evening performances. Based on the Thornton Wilder play The Matchmaker, this is a must-see musical for the whole family that earned over ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score for authors Michael Stewart and Jerry Herman.
Plays continuing this week
PHOTOS from "Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express" at Paper Mill Playhouse (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse is currently presenting Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express in a production directed by Casey Hushion. The show runs through Sunday, May 14, 2023. With a train full of suspects and an alibi for each one, it's the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot, n'est-ce pas? Adapted from Agatha Christie's masterpiece by two-time Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, Murder on the Orient Express is a funny, fast-paced thrill ride.
George Street Announces Cast and Creative for "Tales from the Guttenberg Bible" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse (GSP) has announced the full cast for the spring comedy event-- the world premiere of Tales from the Guttenberg Bible written by and starring Steve Guttenberg at the Arthur Laurents Theater at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Performances run April 25th to May 21st, 2023.
Mile Square Theatre presents "Balloonacy" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre will present their first Theatre for Family and Young Audiences Production since the pandemic shutdowns of 2023: BALLOONACY, directed by ANDREW BALDWIN. BALLOONACY will play a four-week limited engagement at Mile Square Theatre from Wednesday, April 26 through Sunday, May 21. Balloonacy is a wordless comedy about the power of friendship.
Nominees Announced for 2023 Basie Awards, Celebrating Monmouth County High School Theatre (RED BANK, NJ) -- Nominees have been announced for the 2023 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of America, taking place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
The Summit Playhouse presents "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stephens. The production runs during the weekends from April 28 through May 13, 2023 at The Summit Playhouse. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain, but is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog he sets out to identify the culprit, which leads to a journey that will change his life forever.
Luna Stage presents "The Ground on Which We Stand" (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents The Ground on Which We Stand, a multi-writer, site-specific performance exploring the history and impact of The James Howe House from 1780 to the present day. The Howe House is the first property in the Township of Montclair to be owned by an African American and formerly enslaved person, and has been the site of much current controversy. There will be two performances indoors at Luna Stage on April 30th. UPDATE: Unfortunately, the weather forecast for this Saturday predicts heavy rain all day. Because of this, Luna Stage is postponing the outdoor performances of "The Ground On Which We Stand" to Saturday, May 20th. All tickets for April 29th will be honored for May 20th for the same time slot they were issued. If you are unable to attend the performance on May 20th and would like to release your tickets, please call Luna Stage at (973) 395- 5551 ext 10.
Plays coming soon
The Maplewood Strollers presents the World Premiere of "La Belle et La Bete" (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers, the resident theater company of The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood, are thrilled to present an original world-premiere musical, La Belle et la Bete. Based on the original French fable of Beauty and the Beast, come and be transported to a magical and gripping realm of love and song! Performances take place May 11-14 and May 18-21, 2023.
The Black Box presents "Guilty Pleasures: An Unapologetic Comedy" by Ken Levine (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- With performances starting on May 11, Ken Levine's Guilty Pleasures: An Unapologetic Comedy premieres at The Black Box, located at 8 East Palisade Avenue between Van Brunt and Dean Streets in Englewood, NJ. Tickets are $35 ($30 for students and seniors), are on sale now at www.blackboxpac.com! The play runs May 11-28, 2023.
Tony Award Nominees to Provide Entertainment for Two River Theater Fundraising Gala on May 13th (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the entertainment lineup for their annual spring fundraising event on Saturday, May 13th, 2023. Three-time Tony Award nominee and Emmy nominee Kate Burton, Broadway's Eden Espinosa, three-time Tony nominee Christopher Fitzgerald, Barrymore Award winner and Drama Desk Award nominee Orville Mendoza, and Brazilian singer, actor, and songwriter Marina Pires will regale attendees with a fun-filled musical concert celebrating the announcement of Two River Theater's 30th Anniversary 2023/2024 season.
Short Shakespeare Is Long Hit To many people, the word Shakespeare causes severe nervousness, like a triple dose of the flu or advanced calculus.
A Work of Heart Productions presents "The Drowsy Chaperone" (MADISON, NJ) -- A Work of Heart Productions presents The Drowsy Chaperone, a love letter to musical theatre. Experience this campy comedy up close and personal in Historic Downtown Madison with live music and hand crafted mocktails! Ready for a night on the town? There will be three performances from May 19-20, 2023.
