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New Jersey Stage:
Daily Edition 06-12-23
Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.
theatre
"The Rose Tattoo" Onstage in Madison The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens their 2003 season with a classic from Tennessee Williams titled The Rose Tattoo. The production is an outstanding play to see due to several factors and the direction by Bonnie Monte. In her Director's Notes, Monte writes that she was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with Tennessee Williams in 1981 and 1982 shortly before he died. She writes, "He has influenced my life in the theatre more than any other playwright besides Shakespeare. The Rose Tattoo is Tennessee's homage to love and life, and this production is my grateful homage to him."
Vivid Stage presents Vivid Solos reading series in July (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage presents Vivid Solos, a play reading series, every Wednesday in July. The readings take place at 6:30pm on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Bring a comfy lawn chair and your favorite snack and enjoy a summer eve with them. The series includes works by Jerico Bleu, Steve Harper, Douglas McGrath, and Ian August.
New York Stage and Film announces Initial Casting for 2023 Summer Season New York Stage and Film, considered "one of the preeminent incubators for theater in the country," announced initial casting for the 2023 Summer Season July 14-August 6 at Marist College. Jo Bonney has signed on as director for Soft Target and Colette Robert joins the Paradise Ballroom creative team as director. The one man new play, Like They Do In The Movies, written and performed by Laurence Fishburne has shifted dates to August 5 and 6 due to a scheduling conflict.
Studio Players presents "The Real Thing" by Tom Stoppard (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Cue one passionate but never fully satisfying love affair between Henry and Annie. That's the premise behind The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard, which is being presented by Studio Players this June.
East Lynne Theater Company to Host Staged Reading of "Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country" to Honor Juneteenth (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) will host its first-ever Juneteenth event – a staged reading, titled "Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country" -- to honor the national holiday. A one-man show about acclaimed novelist and civil rights activist James Baldwin, the performance is pay-what-you-wish and will take place on Sunday, June 18, followed by an ice cream social at Fine Fellows Creamery. The event begins at 6:00pm.
music
Hudson West Fest and Hudson Theatre Works host Open Mic on June 21st (WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- Hudson West Fest, in partnership with Hudson Theatre Works, is hosting an Open Mic for acoustic singer-songwriters and Poetry/Spoken Word on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. It takes places at Hudson Theatre Works, located within the Wilson School, and runs from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
Sekond Skyn releases video for "My Head" Hard-hitting rock/metal band, Sekond Skyn, has released their single/video for "My Head". The video was shot and edited by Zack Miranowic.
The Suicide Disease releases "War" Grunge rock band The Suicide Disease have released their single "War" via Zodhiac Records, produced by KJ Strock (Machine Gun Kelly, Crown The Empire, Motionless in White, We Came as Romans) and Ricky Armellino of Ice Nine Kills.
Danny DeVito to narrate Matilda in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony, conducted by David Newman (NEWARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed actor, producer and director Danny DeVito, will join famed film composer David Newman and the New Jersey Symphony in a very special performance of Matilda in Concert at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Come see New Jersey native DeVito narrate the film, while Newman's enchanting score is performed live to picture!
Strawbs To Release New Album “The Magic Of It All” British music legends Strawbs will release their new album The Magic Of It All on July 14, 2023. Recorded in Cape Town, the album features David Cousins, Blue Weaver, and John Ford from classic 1970’s line up joined by some of the finest musicians and singers in South Africa.
Camp Punksylvania to Take Place September 1-3 in Scranton (SCRANTON, PA) -- Music, games, camping and more are coming to the Circle Drive-In Theater in Scranton, Pennsylvania this September. Camp Punksylvania, which is in its 3rd year, is back and bigger than ever with acts such as The Suicide Machines, Bad Cop Bad Cop, A Wilhelm Scream and with many others rounding out a hard hitting and exciting line-up.
Soraia releases "Every Motion" via Wicked Cool Records Philadelphia rock outfit Soraia has released the new standalone single "Every Motion" via Wicked Cool Records.
Violinist to Bring "The Judy Kang Experience" to NY and NJ this summer (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Canadian-born violinist and worldwide phenom Judy Kang will be playing with 'The Judy Kang Experience' at festivals and shows across New York and New Jersey this summer, including a performance in Princeton on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Kang will be accompanied by Dan Kassel on cello and Jake Valois on drums and guitar. The performances will include music from Lady Gaga to Metallica and feature Kang’s innovative cutting-edge style redefining expectations of a violin in concert.
Andy Frasco & The U.N. releases "Iowa Moon" Andy Frasco & The U.N. have released their deeply moving new single, "Iowa Moon," available now at all DSPs and streaming services. "Iowa Moon" heralds the upcoming arrival of Andy Frasco & The U.N.'s upcoming new album, L'Optimist, arriving via Fun Machine Records/Soundly Music on Friday, August 11. Pre-orders are available now.
Music at the Mansion continues on June 25th (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- NiCori Studios & Productions announces the next installment of the long running Bloomfield series "Music at the Mansion(TM)" at the historic Thorne Mansion home of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Morristown on Sunday, June 25 at 3:00pm.
The "Hope Rises" Concert: Chris Pinnella LIVE! at the Grunin Center Music lovers stream into the Grunin Center auditorium in Toms River, NJ this Friday, June 2, 2023 evening for the third annual "Hope Rises" concert starring musician Chris Pinnella, former vocalist with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A fundraising event for Toms River's Hope Center, tonight's event features Pinnella performing the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.
The Princeton Festival Celebrates Juneteenth with Will Liverman and Free Community Events (PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Monday, June 19 at Morven Museum & Garden, the Princeton Festival caps a day of events celebrating Juneteenth with a special performance by GRAMMY Award-winning, Metropolitan Opera star Will Liverman. The baritone performs art songs set to texts by Laurence Hope, Langston Hughes, and Louise C. Wallace, with music by Black composers, including Damien Sneed, Margaret Bonds, and Florence Price, with pianist Kevin Miller. The event begins at 7:00pm.
Five Classic Rock Tribute Band Shows Coming to Axelrod PAC this summer (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center has got you "covered" this summer with five classic rock tribute bands that will take you back to some of the best music of the '60s, '70s and '80s. The lineup includes shows by Best of the Eagles, Tusk, The Weeklings, Troubadours, and Laurel Canyon.
Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Seconds" by Colossal Street Jam In support of their latest album, "No Way to Live," Red Bank rockers Colossal Street Jam have a hot new video for "Seconds," the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
comedy
Ocean Casino Resort presents Tracy Morgan (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Ocean Casino Resort presents comedian Tracy Morgan on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 9:00pm in Ovation Hall. Tracy Morgan is one of the most well-respected comedians and actors in his field. Known for starring on seven seasons of NBC's Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning 30 Rock, Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as "Tracy Jordan," the unpredictable star of "Liz Lemon's" (Fey) hit variety show, TGS with Tracy Jordan.
film
Golden Door International Film Festival takes place June 22-24 (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Golden Door International Film Festival is back for its 12th season of offering local, national and international independent filmmakers a forum for screening and premiering their work. This year's festival will run June 22-24, 2023. The grand opening takes place on Thursday, June 22 at 6:00pm with a block of short films, cocktail hour and red carpet celebration. The festival culminates with a red carpet awards ceremony at Art House Productions on June 24 at 6:00pm.
Adorable short A Thief screens at the 2023 New Jersey International Film Festival on Sunday, June 11! Steven Hedrick Jr.’s A Thief emphasizes the fear-inducing aspects of religion and reminds us why religious texts should not always be taken literally. An elementary-school-aged boy, played by the adorable Tucker Grumbles, learns in church that he must always keep watch over his relatives because when he is least expecting it, they will be taken to heaven. From that moment, he fears the deaths of his loved ones nearly every moment of every day. He believes that if he can keep expecting the moment his family members might be taken (the “now”), then they will not die. However, this “expecting” game very quickly becomes all-consuming.
Satire artist Joey Skaggs Oral History films screen at the 2023 New Jersey International Film Festival on Sunday, June 11 The 2023 New Jersey International Film Festival brings with it the seventh and eighth episodes in the ongoing oral history series: Joey Skaggs Satire and Art Activism, 1960s to the Present and Beyond, directed by Judy Drosd and Joey Skaggs.
Montclair Film's 2023 Emerging Filmmaker Competition Award Winners (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Montclair Film held the Awards Ceremony for its annual Emerging Filmmakers Competition. All the winning films were presented on the big screen at The Clairidge, and the filmmakers participated in a Q&A following their film. Executive Producer and Director Rasheed Daniels served as the emcee for the event. All the winners were then celebrated at a Red- Carpet Reception at Cinema505.
Insightful documentary on Dancer Margaret Beals World Premieres at the 2023 New Jersey International Film Festival on June 10! Dancing Without Steps: The Art of Improvisation with Margaret Beals by Adriana Davis and Margaret Beals. Join acclaimed dance innovator, Margaret Beals, in her exploration of the art of improvisation. In this short documentary, Ms. Beals demonstrates the power and authenticity of improvisation as performance and also as a tool of discovery for any creative endeavor. Throughout this film, audiences are offered glimpses of Ms. Beals’ extensive career in improvisational dance. One of the first solo dancers to perform whole concerts without steps, she started her early career in the free-wheeling atmosphere of the 1960's club and cabaret scene and continued her pioneering journey through five more decades. In this film, Ms. Beals draws from various artists to give fuller context to her thoughts on improvisation. Keith Jarrett, renowned jazz pianist, reveals insights into his own creative process. Meredith Monk, award-winning composer, singer and creator of music-theater-film works, gives an insightful introduction to this documentary as well. 2023; 25 min.
Here is my interview with Dancing Without Steps: The Art of Improvisation with Margaret Beals Director Adriana Davis:
Healing Waters: A Captivating Journey Through Water and Womanhood Plays at the 2023 New Jersey International Film Festival on June 10 Healing Waters is a visually stunning and thought-provoking biopic documenting the life and career of renowned photographer Linda Troeller. Her work explores the spiritual properties of water and the intricate aspects of female sexuality. Directed by Derek Johnson, the film presents a mesmerizing narrative that gracefully blends elements of personal discovery, artistry, and feminism.
art
Music, Art, Sights, and Sea with Smooth Cruise New York (NEW YORK, NY) -- On June 22nd the Cornucopia Majesty sets sail in New York harbor for the return of the Smooth Cruise New York with performances by Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright. Added to the experience is a showing by Artist of the stars, noted painter Bernard Jackson.
poetry
Arts Council of Princeton & Trenton Curator present Story & Verse, Storytelling and Poetic Open Mic in Pettoranello Gardens (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) and Trenton Curator announce the return of the outdoor summer series of Story & Verse at Pettoranello Gardens. This poetic and storytelling open mic is free and open to all.
community
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage From June 4-10, 2023 Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from June 4-10, 2023. 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's top 15 includes articles from 8 counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, and Union).
Words and voices from a city's history, at Crane's house (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- They were the storytellers, poets, journalists, and social crusaders — some famous, some all but forgotten — whose connections to Asbury Park made a deep impression on their words and their works. On the evening of Wednesday, June 14, their voices will be heard anew, when a collective of contemporary authors, activists and artists, representing numerous aspects and eras of city life, celebrates a community's rich written legacy while sharing selections from their own body of work.
Photos from State Theatre New Jersey's Annual Benefit Gala at Suydam Farms (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On June 3, 2023, State Theatre New Jersey hosted Fête at the Farm, a Benefit Gala event to celebrate live performance, community, and history. The State Theatre Benefit Gala took place at the historic Suydam Farms in Somerset, NJ. Proceeds from the State Theatre New Jersey Gala help provide education and community engagement programs for children, families, and underserved residents and support the continued excellence of its world-class mainstage performances.
One Full Day, Two Spectacular Events In Long Valley: From Family Fun To A Sunset Soirée (LONG VALLEY, NJ) -- Norwescap's third annual NorwesFest on Saturday, June 24 will be, in baseball terminology, a day-night doubleheader!
Smithville Teen Set to Compete in National Scholarship Competition This Month (MOBILE, AL) -- Olivia Hughes of Smithville, NJ will travel to Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday, June 14, to participate in the 66th Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 22, 23, and 24 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Hughes is one of 50 representatives competing for $155,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023.
books
Days of Wakanda's Tananarive Due to Appear in Ocean County Library's Virtual Author Talk Series (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Award-winning writer-actor-producer Tananarive Due, a contributor to Black Panther: Days of Wakanda and Black Panther: Sins of the King, will appear in the Ocean County Library's Virtual Author Talk series on Wednesday, June 28. The event begins at 8:00pm.
radio
WBGO Celebrates African American Music Month with Launch of New Podcast - "Black House Black Joy" (NEWARK, NJ) -- WBGO is proud to honor African American Music Month with the launch of a new limited series podcast from WBGO Studios, Black House Black Joy. Hosted and produced by Jamara Wakefield, this podcast invites listeners to explore the rich history and evolution of the New Jersey House Music Community.
FEATURED EVENTS
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Mr. Ray to Perform Free Concert in Monroe Township
November 15, 2025
New Jersey Festival Orchestra Presents "Romance in the Mansion" – A Candlelight Evening of Music, Wine, and Elegance
November 15, 2025
The Dryden Ensemble presents "Daydreams (and Dictators)"
November 15, 2025
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents Ensemble Novo
November 15, 2025
The Theater Project presents a Staged Reading of "B.B'S"
November 15, 2025
East Lynne Theater Company presents Story of Local, Former U.S. Marshal
November 15, 2025
The Yard at Bally's AC presents The Amish Outlaws
November 15, 2025
Meet Loaf comes to The Strand on November 15th
November 15, 2025
2nd Annual NJ Wine Expo to Take Place November 15th
November 15, 2025
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents Tim Grill - "The Barely Can Stand-Up Comic"
November 15, 2025
