Here are previews of plays taking place from July 25-31, 2023 including a look at productions starting this week, those continuing this week, and those closing this week. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Click on the title to go to the full preview.
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FEATURED PREVIEWS
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.
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself)" on the Outdoor Stage (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will re-open its ever-popular Outdoor Stage venue on July 5th with Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) by Donald Margulies. Since 2002, the company’s annual productions at this Greek-style amphitheater, located on the bucolic campus of Saint Elizabeth University, have provided thousands of people throughout the region with delightful productions under the stars. As always, this summer’s show is the perfect romp for all ages – from the youngest tots to venerable seniors. Click here for a feature article on the play.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "And A Nightingale Sang..." (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its main stage season with C.P. Taylor's And a Nightingale Sang... from July 12-30, 2023. This endearing play about a working-class family in England during the Blitz of WWII is, at turns, hilarious, romantic, moving, and inspiring; a celebration of life in the midst of the destructive forces wreaking havoc in the world.
Premiere Stages presents "Satellites" by Erin Breznitsky - An Innovative Exploration of Time and Space (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University will present the Premiere of Satellites by Erin Breznitsky from July 13-30 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. Selected as the winner of the 2022 Premiere Play Festival, the first production of this new play will be one of Premiere's most ambitious to date, as a talented team of designers work with the director and cast to meld together projections, sound, lighting, scenic design and costumes to take audiences on a journey to space and back.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Sound of Music" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents The Sound of Music from July 15-30, 2023. Join Maria, Captain Von Trapp and his children in one of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music. This classic has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years, featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." The Sound of Music has won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. Click here to view photos from the production.
Plays opening this week
Thursday, July 27, 2023 - NJ Rep to Present World Premiere of "A Tailor Near Me" by Michael Tucker (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The New Jersey Repertory Company will present the world premiere of Michael Tucker's comedy A Tailor Near Me, directed by James Glossman. Starring Tony Nominee Richard Kind and James Pickens, Jr., this limited run will begin on July 27 in advance of its July 29 opening night and will run through August 27, 2023. In the play, a man goes to a tailor to have his suit pants let out because he's gained some weight since he last wore them. The tailor convinces him that what he really needs is a new suit, which leads to a negotiation, which leads to the making of a bespoke suit, which leads to alterations in both of their lives.
Thursday, July 27, 2023 - Centenary Stage Company presents "Seussical the Musical" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company opens their final Musical theatre event of their 2023 Summerfest, on Thursday July 27 with Seussical the Musical. Performances for Seussical will run July 27 – August 6 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical™, features a book and music by Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime).
Friday, July 28, 2023 - Award-Winning Playwright John Patrick Shanley to Workshop New Play at The Black Box (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Black Box continues to attract some of theatre's finest talents. Limited tickets are now available for a unique summer fundraiser: a staged-reading workshop presentation of a brand new play by Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer John Patrick Shanley, a comedic and poignant three-hander work-in-progress titled The Lost Years. Two special performances at The Black Box will be on Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th at 8:00pm, each followed by a conversation with Mr. Shanley and the creative team.
Friday, July 28, 2023 - The Black Box continues Edward Albee: From A to Zoo series with "The Man Who Had Three Arms" (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Black Box, Northern NJ's incubator for new and under produced works from world-class artists, in association with The Estate of Edward Albee, presents Edward Albee: From A To Zoo, An Exclusive Stage Reading Series of Edward Albee's Plays. Next up is The Man Who Had Three Arms (1981), which ran briefly on Broadway in 1983 but closed shortly after being unceremoniously lambasted in reviews. This led to Mr. Albee's reprieve from the NYC theater scene until he finally emerged with Three Tall Women, the play that earned his third Pulitzer, showing one can rise above the critics. Come see and judge for yourself on Monday, July 28th at 7:30pm at The Black Box, 8 East Palisade Avenue, 2nd Floor, between Van Brunt and Dean Streets in Englewood, NJ.
Friday, July 28, 2023 - Kelsey Theatre presents "Bye Bye Birdie" (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre presents the beloved musical, Bye Bye Birdie from July 28 through August 6, 2023. Audiences are invited to experience the infectious energy, catchy tunes, and hilarious antics of this timeless classic.
Friday, July 28, 2023 - The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret, an annual festival of songs and short plays (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret, its annual showcase of new work, July 28-30, 2023 at The Burgdorff Center. Audiences are invited to see a variety of short plays by members of the company's Playwrights Workshop whose work has been performed in Canada, Great Britain, New York and around the US. This year's event also includes three plays by high school/college playwrights, past honorees of The Theater Project’s annual Young Playwrights Competition. The Kabaret includes music performed by guest musicians, including playwright/recording artist Gail Lou.
Friday, July 28, 2023 - Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "We Will Rock You" (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has selected students to be a part of its prestigious Summer Musical Theater Conservatory for 2023. Members of the competitive Conservatory who earned coveted spots in the Senior (ages 15-18), Junior Plus (ages 13-14), and Junior (ages 10-12) companies are directed and choreographed by Paper Mill Playhouse's professional artistic staff in a fully produced, original concert titled We Will Rock You, a celebration of the sounds that revolutionized the Broadway musical. Performances take place July 28-29.
Monday, July 31, 2023 - The Theater Project presents "Black Lives/Blue Lives" (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Theater Project, a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for New Jersey artists, will be offering the thought-provoking interactive program, Black Lives/Blue Lives at 7:30pm, Monday and Tuesday, July 31 and August 1, 2023. Tickets for the performance and facilitated discussion are $20. Performances take place at the Burgdorff Center.
Monday, July 31, 2023 - SPQR Stage Company presents "Modern Drama" by Somers Point playwright (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Modern Drama, an original play by Somers Point playwright Bill Sterritt, will be performed at Studio;Space in Somers Point Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:00pm from July 31 to August 2nd and August 7-9, 2023. Modern Drama is about newlyweds—Crocker Morton, a playwright, and his wife Hillary—on their honeymoon at an English estate, during which Hillary has an affair with the gardener. To get even, Crocker has an affair with the maid, who happens to be the gardener's wife. Crocker then writes about the incident in a play called "Mind Your Manners," which becomes a huge hit on Broadway and beyond.
Plays ending this week
First Avenue Playhouse presents "On Golden Pond" (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents On Golden Pond weekends throughout July with opening night on July 8, 2023. The play by Ernest Thompson is a classic and poignant family story that is both humorous and touching. Armand Marino directs the production.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Grease" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman is presenting the classic musical, Grease, weekends throughout July. The play takes place in 1959, and Rydell High School's senior class is in rare form. The too-cool-for-school "Burger Palace Boys" are stealing hub-caps and acting tough and their gum-snapping, chain-smoking "Pink Ladies" are looking hot in bobby sox and pedal pushers. The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this rollicking musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the fifties and a satire of high schoolers' age-old desire to be rebellious, provocative and rebellious.
Surflight Theatre presents "Something Rotten!" (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre continues their 2023 season with the hilarious musical comedy, Something Rotten! with performances from July 11-30. Welcome to the Renaissance and this outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce. Receiving 10 Tony Nominations, it was hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years." From the co-director of The Book of Mormon and the producer of Avenue Q comes something original...something fresh...Something Rotten!
Exit 82 Theatre presents "Rock of Ages" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Exit 82 Theatre presents Rock of Ages by Chris D'Arienzo weekends from July 14-30.It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip's last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Assassins" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Assassins weekends from July 14-30, 2023. Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman, based on an original concept by Charles Gilbert Jr. It combines Sondheim's signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation's culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it.
Plays continuing this week
Cape May Stage presents "Art" by Yasmina Reza (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning play Art opens at Cape May Stage on July 20th and runs through August 27, 2023 with shows Tuesday through Sunday nights at 8:00pm. Written by internationally acclaimed playwright Yasmina Reza and directed by Roy Steinberg, this comedic show is set in Paris and focuses on the meaning of art and friendship in a battle of wits and words.
FEATURED
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 @ 7:30pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Solos: Brisé by Ian August at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 @ 7:30pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Thursday, July 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Thursday, July 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Thursday, July 27, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 7:30pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Friday, July 28, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 2:00pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 2:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 7:00pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Saturday, July 29, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Sunday, July 30, 2023 @ 2:00pm - And A Nightingale Sang... at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday, July 30, 2023 @ 3:00pm - The Sound of Music at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Sunday, July 30, 2023 @ 3:00pm - Satellites at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Sunday, July 30, 2023 @ 4:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Sunday, July 30, 2023 @ 8:00pm - Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - Outdoor Stage, 2 Convent Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Plays coming soon
East Lynne Theater Co. presents "Driving Miss Daisy" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May's famed East Lynne Theater Company will present Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Driving Miss Daisy from August 2 to September 2, 2023. Driving Miss Daisy relays the story of Daisy Werthan, an elderly Southern Jewish woman, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Coleburn. When Miss Daisy crashes her car into a garage, her son Boolie hires Hoke to drive her wherever she needs to go. The duo forms an unlikely, decades-long friendship.
2023 Crossing Borders Festival at Two River Theater (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's highly acclaimed Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival of new plays by Latine playwrights is set to run Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6, 2023 in Two River's Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater. The festival will feature four dynamic readings, including A Thousand Maids by Tony Meneses, which will be a part of Two River's upcoming 30th anniversary season.
Alpha Arts Players at Sussex County Community College Presents a New Play, "And Every Creeping Thing" by New Jersey Playwright Eric Craft (NEWTON, NJ) -- It's the second day of creation, and the angels are hard at work creating plants, animals, fish, birds and . . . Insects. . . and every creeping thing. There's a problem with the food chain! How do the celestial beings solve this crisis before the seventh day?
The Off Broad Street Players to present "The Wedding Singer" (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Off Broad Street Players will present The Wedding Singer across two weekends in August (August 4-6 and August 10-13, 2023) at The Levoy Theatre. The play takes place in 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar.
Luna Stage's Teen Summer Conservatory presents "Middletown" by Will Eno (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage's Teen Summer Conservatory celebrates its fifth season this year. Over the course of four weeks, students engage in a conservatory-style training program culminating in a public performance on Luna's MainStage. The experience encourages teens to forge a meaningful connection to theatre and engage with the community. This year's conservatory production will be Middletown by Will Eno, running August 4-6, 2023.
Center Players to Present "A Black and White Cookie" (FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players will conclude its successful 2022-23 season with a Signature Series production of A Black and White Cookie, an insightful new play by playwright/novelist Gary Morgenstein. The comedic drama will run August 11-27, 2023 at Center Playhouse at 35 South Street in downtown Freehold, NJ.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Avenue Q" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents the musical, Avenue Q from August 12-20, 2023. Winner of the Tony Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, this laugh-out-loud musical - featuring actors and puppets - tells the story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood, which is a racy, adults-only cross between South Park and Sesame Street.
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