Here are previews of plays taking place from December 5-11, 2023 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. Click on the title to go to the full preview. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.
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George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Having Our Say, the Tony Award-nominated play by Emily Mann (A Streetcar Named Desire, Anna and the Tropics). Having Our Say is adapted from the book by Sarah (Sadie) L. Delany & A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany with Amy Hill Hearth and is directed by Laiona Michelle (Her Portmanteau). The production begins previews Tuesday, November 28, 2023, with opening night set for Friday, December 1 for a limited run through Sunday, December 17, 2023.
The Growing Stage presents "Ella Enchanted" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey will present a holiday production of Ella Enchanted from December 1-17, 2023 on Saturdays and Sundays with a special opening night performance on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30pm. Written by Karen Zacarias with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, Ella Enchanted is adapted from the book by Gail Carson Levine and introduces us to Ella of Frell, who is given the "gift" of obedience by Lucinda, her misguided Fairy Godmother.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "ELF: The Musical" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents its holiday show, Elf: The Musical from December 2 through December 17, 2023. Based on the 2003 film, Elf: The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.
Moorestown Theater Company spreads holiday cheer with "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr." As December approaches, theaters across the country scramble to get their holiday programming together and ready for audiences. From classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol," to orchestral and choral performances, there's an event out there for anyone looking to spread some holiday cheer. This holiday season, the Moorestown Theater Company (MTC) in Burlington County will present "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr." and the acclaimed youth theater organization will do it all with a cast of elementary and middle school students — as well as a few ninth graders.
McCarter Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol" starring Joel McKinnon Miller (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, starring veteran stage and screen actor Joel McKinnon Miller (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Big Love) as Scrooge. For more than four decades, McCarter has welcomed more than a million audience members from across Central New Jersey and beyond to experience Charles Dickens' timeless classic. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present, and future with this family friendly production that runs December 6-24, 2023 in the Matthews Theatre.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "A Midwinter Night's Dream" (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will conclude their 61st season with a slightly altered version of Shakespeare's most popular comedy A Midwinter Night's Dream. "Re-seasoned" by Bonnie J. Monte and Joseph Discher, with direction by Brian B. Crowe, this production is rife with magical winter wonderment and fun for the whole family. This holiday season do not miss being transported into the dazzling and frosty world of Shakespeare's hilarious romantic comedy that is sure to warm the coldest hearts. This production will run December 6-31, 2023.
South Camden Theatre Company presents "Who's Holiday!" (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents Who's Holiday! across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023). This is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.
CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" (CRANFORD, NJ) -- We're off to see the Wizard! This December, the beloved tale of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, comes to CDC Theatre to enchant families during the holidays. CDC Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023).
Count Basie Center for the Arts presents "All Things Equal – The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" (RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents All Things Equal – The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Rupert Holmes on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:00pm. Over the course of ninety fascinating and often funny minutes, the play presents an intimate portrayal of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a true American original.
Lantern Theater Company presents "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Lantern Theater Company continues its 30th anniversary season with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage's dramatic gem, Crumbs from the Table of Joy. Director Bianca LaVerne Jones makes her Lantern Theater Company debut, leading a cast of Philadelphia theater artists that includes Monet Debose, Walter DeShields, Morgan Charéce Hall, Hillary Parker, and Brett Ashley Robinson. The production runs Thursday, November 9 through Sunday, December 10, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Theater, the Lantern's resident venue.
Cape May Stage presents "A Tuna Christmas" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents A Tuna Christmas from November 15 through December 30, 2023. Spend the holidays in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas! With twenty-two different characters, dozens of costume changes, and just two actors, this play is a fun-filled, satirical look inside the workings of a small town at Christmas.
Disney's "The Little Mermaid" Enters Final Week at Centenary Stage Company (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- This holiday season, Centenary Stage Company presents Disney's The Little Mermaid. The production is entering its final week of performances, but performances will continue to run until December 10 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Follow the journey of Ariel, a young mermaid with an unquenchable thirst for exploration and her quest to find true love, and where she truly belongs; in the sea she's always known or the mysterious land of the world above. Click here to see photos from the production.
Lewis Center for the Arts presents When Pages Breathe, a series of events highlighting oral interpretation of literary works (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater and Music Theater at Princeton University presents When Pages Breathe, a series of three events that highlight the oral interpretation of literary works. The series is conceived in collaboration with the Princeton University Library's current exhibition, In the Company of Good Books: Shakespeare to Morrison, and Lecturer in Theater Chesney Snow's fall course, "The Oral Interpretation of Toni and William."
Mile Square Theatre presents "The Christmas Tree Farm" (HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents the World Premiere of The Christmas Tree Farm by Adam Szymkowicz from November 30 through December 23, 2023. This is a heartwarming, bittersweet comedy about love and joy. Get a glimpse of your neighbors in a collection of delicious, bite-sized scenes including a breakup, a breakdown, a meet cute, four Santas, high school sweethearts, a film director and a group of carolers - all taking place at a Christmas Tree Farm! The production is directed by Rachel Dart.
Vanguard Theater presents "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- To kick off their third Mainstage season in Montclair, Vanguard Theater Company (VTC) presents the Tony Award-winning musical play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Vanguard Theater will be transformed into Emerson's, a seedy bar in South Philadelphia. Guests will be up close and personal, seated just a few short steps from the music and the history, to take in every word and note of this intimate portrait of the celebrated Lady Day. The production runs Thursdays through Sundays from November 30 through December 17, 2023.
Asbury Park Theater Company presents "Always... Patsy Cline" starring Sally Struthers and Carter Calvert (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) presents Ted Swindley's Always... Patsy Cline starring Emmy Award-winning actress Sally Struthers and Broadway's Carter Calvert for nine performances from December 1-10, 2023 at The Palaia Theater inside Jersey Shore Arts Center in the neighboring town of Ocean Grove.
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" The holiday production opens for six performances run starting December 1 at The Theater at WHATCo, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South, Harrison NJ.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "An American in Paris" (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays & Players presents An American in Paris, a Tony-winning Broadway musical, from December 1-16, 2023. This is the romantic, dance-filled story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and an indomitable European city... all set to the immortal score from George and Ira Gershwin. The production stars Monica Matteo in the role of Lise Bouvier, whose previous work at the theater includes Urinetown and Cabaret.
Hackensack Performing Arts Center presents "The Christmas Caper" (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) presents The Christmas Caper from December 1-3 and December 8-9, 2023. Written and composed by MaryAnn DiMaria and Nick Picciallo, The Christmas Caper is a two-act ninety-minute seasonal fantasy saga of Santa's stolen sleigh.
Ritz Theatre Company presents World Premiere of "Hollystalk" (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- This Christmas, The Ritz Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of its second-ever original holiday panto, Hollystalk (Or, How a Giant of a Mistake Became the Best Christmas Surprise!), a fast-paced and fun-filled musical romp inspired by Great Britain's beloved theatrical tradition of holiday pantomime. The show runs at The Ritz from December 1-17, 2023.
First Avenue Playhouse presents "A Christmas Chaos" (ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents A Christmas Chaos by Michael Wehrli in December. When the Royal Shakespeare Company doesn’t show up to perform their stirring rendition of a Christmas Carol it’s up to this intrepid band of hapless actors and technicians to put together their own production in less than seven hours.
Bergen County Players presents "A Christmas Carol, The Musical" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will ring in the holiday season with Broadway heavy-hitters Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens's musical adaptation of the timeless Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. Hailed as "soaring, delightful musical theatre with a treasure house of beautiful, evocative music" (Talkin' Broadway), A Christmas Carol, The Musical tells the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge through a lavish and thrilling score. Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics is by Lynn Ahrens, and book is by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent. Musical direction is by Steve Bell, with choreography by Elisabeth Julia. Direction is by Larry Landsman, director of BCP's last season hit Ragtime, The Musical. Performances run weekends from December 2-17, 2023.
Black Box presents a Reading of Edward Albee's "The Play About The Baby" (TEANECK, NJ) -- In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, the Black Box presents 2000's The Play About The Baby on December 6, 2023 as the next monthly staged reading in Edward Albee: From A To Zoo, An Exclusive Stage Reading Series of Edward Albee's Plays.
'Twas the Night Before...' by Cirque Du Soleil comes to Chicago and NY (NEW YORK, NY) -- Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) announced that the acclaimed family holiday theatrical – 'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil – is returning to both The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Chicago Theatre this holiday season. The holiday themed show will run concurrently at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Chicago Theatre for 28 performances each from December 7 through December 28.
Tony Award-winning Actor Bill Irwin to Perform "On Beckett" at Two River Theater (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater is proud to present Tony Award-winning actor and master clown Bill Irwin in his one-man show On Beckett, running December 7-10, 2023 on the Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz stage.
Studio Players presents "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play" (UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play across two weekends (December 8-10 and December 15-17, 2023). Adapted by Liz Zazzi from the Lux Radio Theater archives, the production is directed by Sharon Garry.
Kelsey Theatre Presents "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Santa will be arriving a little early this year when the holiday classic Twas the Night Before Christmas comes to life on the stage of Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre, December 8-10, 2023. The excitement and wonder of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus, made famous in Clement Moore's beloved poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas," is brought to life in a fun and enchanting musical perfect for even the entire family.
Dover Little Theatre Presents "Kinky Boots" (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning hit, Kinky Boots, weekends from December 8-30, 2023. This high-energy and heartwarming show is set to captivate audiences with its dazzling performances, fun music, and powerful messages of acceptance and self-discovery. The production is directed by Ruthanne and Larry Pelham.
Old Library Theatre presents "Marvin's Room" (FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department's resident theatre company, will present Marvin's Room – winner of the 1991-1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play - from December 8-10, 2023. Written by Scott McPherson, Marvin's Room takes its title from the space in which family patriarch Marvin Wakefield spends all the hours of his days now that he’s reached the end stages of his life's journey. He and his sister, Ruth, are tended to by his eldest daughter, Bessie. They’re the unchosen family who chose to remain together.
Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater & Music Theater presents "Gaucho: A New Musical" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater & Music Theater at Princeton University will present Gaucho: A New Musical, co-written by Princeton senior Aaron Ventresca, directed by Princeton alumnus and faculty member Nico Krell, and music directed by guest artist Gia Gan. Performances are on December 8 and 9 at 8:00pm and December 10 at 2:00pm in the Wallace Theater at the Lewis Arts complex on the Princeton campus. The show is free and open to the public; advance tickets are encouraged through University Ticketing.
Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents "Any Dream Will Do" – An Evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber (EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park will present an exciting new production this winter: Any Dream Will Do, a musical revue and tribute to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performances take place Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th at the intimate, indoor stage at Plays-in-the-Park in Edison.
Holiday Fairy Tale "Magic Flowers" Makes Its Annual Somers Point Return (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- "Magic Flowers," an award-winning play that has been produced nationwide and, more recently, become a local annual holiday classic, returns to Studio;Space in Somers Point for performances on Saturdays and Sundays December 9-10 and December 16-17. Short and sweet, "Magic Flowers" is a 30-minute one-act by award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt. This fairy tale quickly became an annual tradition for audiences in both Atlantic and Cape May counties.
The MAC Players to Hold Auditions for "Jesus Christ Superstar" (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center will hold auditions for the production of Jesus Christ Superstar on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5:00pm-10:00pm. The 1970 Broadway rock opera tells the story of the last week of Jesus' life through modern rock music and contemporary slang, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Wednesday, December 6 @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Wednesday @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Wednesday @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Thursday, December 7 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Thursday @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
Thursday @ 8:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Thursday @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Friday, December 8 @ 7:30pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Friday @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Friday @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
Friday @ 8:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Friday @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Friday @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Friday @ 8:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company, 400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
Saturday, December 9 @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
Saturday @ 2:00pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre
Saturday @ 2:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Saturday @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
Saturday @ 2:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre
Saturday @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Saturday @ 4:00pm - Ella Enchanted, the Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Saturday @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
Saturday @ 7:30pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre
Saturday @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Saturday @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
Saturday @ 8:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre
Saturday @ 8:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Saturday @ 8:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company 08104
Sunday, December 10 @ 11:30am - Disney’s Frozen Jr. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Sunday @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
Sunday @ 2:00pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Sunday @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 3 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
Sunday @ 2:00pm - CDC Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" at CDC Theatre
Sunday @ 2:00pm - Ella Enchanted, the Musical at The Historic Palace Theatre
Sunday @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Having Our Say" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
Sunday @ 2:00pm - Who's Holiday! at South Camden Theatre Company 08104
Sunday @ 3:00pm - Elf - The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre
Sunday @ 3:30pm - Disney’s Frozen Jr. at The Vogel
Sunday @ 7:30pm - A Midwinter Night's Dream at Shakespeare Theatre Of NJ - F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
Monday, December 11 @ 7:00pm - Disney’s Frozen Jr. at The Vogel
Vineyard Theatre partners with The League of Live Stream Theater for Worldwide Live Stream of "Scene Partners" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Sarah Stern, Artistic Director and Suzanne Appel, Managing Director of Vineyard Theatre, are excited to announce that, in partnership with The League Of Live Stream Theater (LOLST), the final four performances of Scene Partners will be streamed worldwide on December 15 at 7:00pm, December 16 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, and December 17 at 2:00pm. This is the first time that Vineyard Theatre has live streamed a current production on stage in their effort to continue to make theatre more accessible physically, geographically and financially to audiences.
Ocean Casino Resort presents "My Big Gay Italian Christmas" (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hold on to your cannoli's and get ready for a snowy ride! My Big Gay Italian Christmas by Anthony J. Wilkinson is coming to Ocean Casino Resort's Ovation Hall on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00pm.
Pushcart Players to present "Holiday Tales - A Season of Miracles" in Secaucus (SECAUCUS, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, New Jersey's Emmy-nominated and award-winning touring theater for young audiences presents "Holiday Tales - A Season of Miracles" at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center in Secaucus, NJ on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00pm. This show is a sparkling collection of holiday stories from different cultures.
Theatre 68 presents "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" at NBPAC (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Theatre 68 presents I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) January 11-13, 2024 with performances each night at 8:00pm. Written by and Starring critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation. The production is directed by Tony Award-winning stage and television star, Joe Mantegna.
