Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 05/11/2023
PHOTO BY JOHN POSADA(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Now everyone can afford to go to The Prom! See this six-time Tony-nominated musical at Axelrod Performing Arts Center for as low as $35, now through May 21. Or you can bring Mom on Sunday, May 14 for only $1. It doesn’t get any better!
WAIT! It does get better! For the first time ever, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center is offering same-day student rush tickets for only $15. This deal is available in-person only with a student ID.
Take advantage of their BOGO (buy one, get one free) ticket offer for all Wednesday and Thursday performances with code BOGOPROM.
The Axelrod PAC will hold a special Pride Night cocktail reception on Friday, May 12, in conjunction with Garden State Equality. Use special checkout code “PRIDE” and save $23 off your tickets for Pride Night. Limit is 4 tickets. The reception begins at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm.
On Saturday, May 20 after the 8:00pm performance, there will be a talkback with composer Matthew Sklar, who wrote the music for The Prom, Elf the Musical and The Wedding Singer.
The Prom traces the adventures of a quartet of Broadway has-beens who hop on a tour bus to infiltrate a small-town in Indiana with their New York City values. There, they meet high school student Emma Nolan, who has been banned from the school dance for wanting to attend with her girlfriend. The show stars Vicki Lewis (NBC’s NewsRadio and Broadway’s Chicago and Damn Yankees) and John Scherer (Broadway’s By Jeeves and Sunset Boulevard).
“I’ve been around a lot of people like Dee Dee and Barry, who lose complete touch with reality when the roles suddenly stop coming,” said Lewis. “They’re desperate and trying to keep appearances up.”
Lewis, who was recently nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for her role in the Off-Broadway musical Between the Lines, jumped at the chance to work with Scherer. The two have starred together in many shows, including “Gypsy,” “Anything Goes” and “Young Frankenstein.”
“John is one of my best friends,” said Lewis. “He makes me laugh harder than anyone. He’s astoundingly talented. He was born to play this part.”
The Prom also features an ensemble of local talent including Quincy Southerland of Eatontown, Sealth Grover of Atlantic Highlands, Matt Walsh of Freehold, Jillian Ann Lee of Avon, Laura Renee Mehl of North Middletown, Markos Eugenis of Ocean Township and Christie Dabreau of Farmingdale.
Frequently compared to "Hairspray" for its fun, upbeat score and life-affirming message, The Prom was a New York Times Critic’s Pick in 2018 when its theater reviewer proclaimed that the show “makes you believe in musical comedy again.”
As the only professional company on the Shore dedicated exclusively to musical theater, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center brings together Broadway professionals and top New Jersey talent. This new production of The Prom is the must-see event of the season!
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park, just five minutes from downtown Asbury Park, with plenty of free parking. Tickets are available at 732-531-9106 or online at www.axelrodartscenter.com.
EVENT PREVIEWS
George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch" on Thursday
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Good Witch Bad Witch on Thursday, June 25, 2026 with performances at 3:00pm & 7:30pm. Gravity-defying vocal acrobatics from Broadway's former Glinda and Elphaba as they sing hit songs of the stage.
Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.
Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O on Friday as part of the North to Shore Festival
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O - an evening of solo theatre performances rooted in culture and community on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Express Newark. The event is part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival.
"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Monty Python's Spamalot
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy, Monty Python's Spamalot, for four performances from June 27-28, 2026. First seen on Broadway in 2005, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony® Awards and won three, including Best Musical. It features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
The Premier Theatre Company presents "1776"
(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents the musical 1776 in the Rumson School District Auditorium from June 26-28, 2026. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
The Artist Collective Troupe presents "Once Upon A Mattress"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents "Beetlejuice, Jr."
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents Beetlejuice, Jr. with two casts from June 25-28, 2026. Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway show, Beetlejuice Jr. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, still grieving the loss of her mother, and obsessed with death.
OffBook Productions presents "Assassins the Musical" at HACPAC
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- OffBook Productions presents Assassins the Musical from June 25-28, 2026 at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). This is a dark and clever musical from Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and book written by John Weidman.
Ritz Theatre Cabaret Series presents "Dream On!"
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company continues its Cabaret Series with Dream On! on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Curated by Connor Twigg, this event features regional artists singing songs from their dream roles.
FEATURED EVENTS
