Here are previews of plays taking place from February 6-13, 2024 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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The Growing Stage presents "Carmela Full of Wishes" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is thrilled to kick-off 2024 with Carmela Full of Wishes weekends from February 2-18, 2024. Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the book by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson, this production is directed by Danny Campos, veteran TGS performer and teaching artist. The play invites us to Carmela’s 7th birthday, and she’s finally old enough to accompany her big brother on his errands.
NJCU and WP programs present "Working, a Musical" (JERSEY CITY NJ) -- The New Jersey City University Department of Music, Dance and Theatre and WP Voice presents Working, a Musical with five performances from February 2-11, 2024 at Margaret Williams Theatre. Based on Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day, the Musical Working paints a vivid portrait of the workers that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the delivery man, the waitress, the mason, and the stay-at-home parent, just to name a few.
State Theatre New Jersey presents "The Cher Show" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the Tony® Award-winning musical, The Cher Show for four performances from February 9-11, 2024. The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony® Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical. Click here for a feature article on the production.
CDC Theatre presents "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" (CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 across three weekends from February 9-24, 2024. This is an ingenious and wildly comic romp by playwright John Bishop. Poking antic fun at the more ridiculous aspects of "show biz" and the corny thrillers of Hollywood's heyday, the play is a non-stop barrage of laughter as those assembled (or at least those who aren’t killed off) untangle the mystery of the "Stage Door Slasher."
Bridge Players Theatre Company Returns to Its Home Stage With "Be More Chill" (BURLINGTON CITY, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its long-awaited return to its home stage at Broad Street United Methodist Church.The first presentation in its regular space since February 2020 will be the exciting pop musical Be More Chill, across three weekends from February 9-24, 2024.
Kate Baldwin and Graham Rowat to Star in "Love Letters" at Skyline Theatre Company (BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company, a 21-year-old professional theatre company now calling Essex County its home, kicks off its second season in Bloomfield on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:00pm featuring Maplewood residents two-time TONY Award nominee Kate Baldwin and her real-life husband and Broadway star Graham Rowat co-starring in A.R. Gurney's delightful and touching Love Letters.
State Theatre New Jersey presents "Menopause The Musical 2" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change'® on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 8:00pm. Show tickets range from $29-$69. This is the sequel to long-running, international hit show Menopause The Musical®, a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived "The Change."
Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents "Rabbit Hole" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Rabbit Hole across two weekends (February 16-18, February 23-25). The play by David Lindsay-Abaire was the recipient of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. Performances take place in the Grunin Center for the Arts' Black Box Theater.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents "After Midnight" (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents After Midnight from January 31-February 25, 2024. Conceived by Jack Viertel (former Artistic Director of City Center Encores!), this Jazz Age rhythm and dance extravaganza is an electrifying musical revue that transports you to the Cotton Club of the Harlem Renaissance, an unparalleled time in New York City when jazz and swing were king. The production is co-directed by Dominique Kelley and Paper Mill Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director Jen Bender and choreographed by Kelley.
Centenary Stage Company's NEXTStage Repertory presents "Romeo and Juliet" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company’s NEXTStage Repertory presents William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, adapted by Stephen Michael Davis, across two weekends from February 1-11, 2024. Centenary University Theatre students bring Shakespeare's timeless tale of star-crossed lovers to life at Centenary Stage Company's Little Theatre.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "City of Angels" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents a three-weekend run of City of Angels, a musical with a book by Larry Gelbart, music by Cy Coleman, and lyrics by David Zippel. Get ready to enter the musical noir world of 1940s Los Angeles, where Stine, a writer of detective stories, struggles to adapt his crime novel into a workable screenplay and maintain his integrity in backstabbing Hollywood.
Two River Theater presents the World Premiere of "The Scarlet Letter" by Kate Hamill (RED BANK, NJ) -- A new year, and a world premiere! Riding the wave of its 30th anniversary season, set in motion by audience sensation Hair this past fall, Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for its second production of the season: the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter by Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice, Little Women), one of the American theater’s most widely produced contemporary playwrights, and directed by Shelley Butler (Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, A Doll’s House Part 2).
Bergen County Players presents "Pride and Prejudice" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Heed the invite from some of the most memorable characters in fiction! Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will open its first mainstage production of the new year with a comedic retelling of Jane Austen's great romantic tale Pride and Prejudice. Performances run weekends from February 3-24, 2024 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.
Out of the Box Theatrics to present reading of "Trash" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Out of the Box Theatrics has announced the first reading of the company's Building the Box series of new plays. OOTB will present a reading of Trash, a new play written by James Caverly and Andrew Morrill. The readings, which will be directed by Nathaniel P. Claridad, will be presented on Monday, February 5 at 7:00pm, Tuesday, February 6 at 1:00pm, and Thursday, February 8 at 7:00pm at 154 Christopher Street (formerly the New Ohio Theatre).
Passage Theatre Company presents World Premiere of "Ghetto Gods in Divineland" (TRENTON, NJ) -- In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Trenton's only professional theater company is paying homage to the Poor Righteous Teachers. Trenton's first superstar hip-hop group—the philosophers and messengers for good and for the 'hood—inspired Passage Theatre Company's upcoming show Ghetto Gods in Divineland, a brand-new play co-written by Richard Bradford and Anthony Martinez-Briggs and Directed by Ozzie Jones. The production runs from February 8-25, 2024.
Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of "RIFT or White Lies" (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents the World Premiere of RIFT or White Lies by Gabriel Jason Dean, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, from February 8-March 3, 2024. Two brothers--one a progressive novelist, the other a convicted murderer and high-ranking member of a white supremacist prison gang–are united through their traumatic childhood. Now adults, these men navigate the edges of their brotherly bond. Are they truly so different? Is it possible to love someone whose beliefs you hate? RIFT is a story of estrangement, ideological divide, and the fight to change one another.
Stockton's Dinner & Show Series Continues with Opera Production of "The Barber of Seville" (GALLOWAY, NJ) -- The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is set to present a full-scale, traditional Italian production of Rossini's "Il Barbiere Di Siviglia" ("The Barber of Seville") on the main stage of Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30pm.
Theater to Go presents "A Lovesong for Miss Lydia" (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- New Jersey playwrights will continue to take their place in the spotlight when Theater to Go presents "A Lovesong for Miss Lydia," written by the late Don Evans of Trenton, at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre, February 9-11, 2024.
The Levoy Theatre presents "Once On This Island" (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Once On This Island from February 9-11, 2024. The musical is based upon the novel "My Love, My Love" by Rosa Guy and features a Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens with Music by Stephen Flaherty. In the play, Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love.
Pushcart Players to present "Lift Every Voice: A Letter to the Editor" at Paper Mill Playhouse (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, New Jersey's Emmy-nominated and award-winning touring theatre for family audiences, will present "Lift Every Voice: A Letter to the Editor" on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Founded in 1974, Pushcart is celebrating 50 years of stirring up serious fun for young people nationwide.
Theater League of Clifton presents "A Tribute to Carol Burnett" (CLIFTON, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present its dinner/theater production of "A Tribute to Carol Burnett" beginning on Saturday, February 10, 7:30pm, at Mario's Restaurant, 710 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. The show will recreate favorite comedy skits from the popular Carol Burnett Show, which aired for 11 seasons (1967-1978) on the CBS television network and won numerous Emmy awards.
Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 8:00pm - The Cher Show at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Hilarious Whodunit Coming to CDC Theatre in Cranford at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "Be More Chill" at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 36 E Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The Cher Show at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Sunjata Kamalenya: The Story of the True Lion King of Africa at William Paterson University - Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 4:00pm - "Carmela Full of Wishes" at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Skyline Theatre Company presents "Love Letters" at Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 8:00pm - The Cher Show at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Hilarious Whodunit Coming to CDC Theatre in Cranford at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "Be More Chill" at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 36 E Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 1:00pm - The Cher Show at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 2:00pm - "Carmela Full of Wishes" at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "Be More Chill" at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 36 E Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
State Theatre New Jersey presents "Menopause The Musical 2" (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change'® on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 8:00pm. Show tickets range from $29-$69. This is the sequel to long-running, international hit show Menopause The Musical®, a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived "The Change."
Jersey City Theater Center presents Escultores del Aire/Danza, Abend/Catalonia-USA/Costa Rica (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center presents the International Arts Exchange Project (IAEP) on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00pm as a part of the Voices International Theater Festival. This captivating cultural experience featuring Los Escultores del Aire/Danza, Abend/Catalonia-USA/Costa Rica transcends borders through the universal language of the arts. After the performances, the audience is invited to engage in a unique networking experience, fostering connections and conversations that go beyond geographical boundaries.
Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents "Rabbit Hole" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Rabbit Hole across two weekends (February 16-18, February 23-25). The play by David Lindsay-Abaire was the recipient of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. Performances take place in the Grunin Center for the Arts' Black Box Theater.
WHATCo presents Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" (HARRISON, NJ) -- West Hudson Arts & Theater Co (WHATCo) presents Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None with six performances across two weekends (February 16-18 and February 23-25) at The Theater at WHATCo (15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South) in Harrison. This play tells the story of 10 strangers who are summoned to a remote island and accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive.
October Ensemble presents Debut Production: "The Sweetest Crime: A Chocolate Covered Murder Mystery" (SURF CITY, NJ) -- October Ensemble presents their debut production, The Sweetest Crime: A Chocolate Covered Murder Mystery, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Surf City. This is a hilarious chocolate-themed murder mystery full of over-the-top characters, chocolate puns, saucy secrets, and an interactive performance to discover who the killer is! Performances take place at 2:00pm & 7:00pm.
Ocean County Library Toms River Branch to Present Guild Theatreworks in "Belles" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to present the Guild Theatreworks production of Mark Dunn's bittersweet dramatic comedy Belles in Mancini Hall on Wednesday, February 21. Showtime is 6:30pm. Considered Dunn's most popular play, Belles features six sisters who try bridge the distance between them via telephone through the course of a weekend and in the process come to terms with their fragmented family history.
Vivid Stage presents "Gone Missing" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage presents Gone Missing from February 22 through March 3, 2024 at the Oakes Center in Summit. Featuring a Book by Steve Cosson and Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman, this is a wry and whimsical documentary musical of loss devised from interviews with real-life New Yorkers by The Civilians, the acclaimed New York-based company.
Pushcart Players to present "Lift Every Voice: A Letter to the Editor" at The Levoy Theatre (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, New Jersey's Emmy-nominated and award-winning touring theatre for family audiences, will present "Lift Every Voice: A Letter to the Editor" on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the The Levoy Theatre in Millville. Founded in 1974, Pushcart is celebrating 50 years of stirring up serious fun for young people nationwide.
The Summit Playhouse presents "Agnes of God" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse presents Agnes of God by John Pielmeier. The production runs during the weekends from February 23- through March 9, 2024, at The Summit Playhouse. Summoned to a convent, Dr. Martha Livingstone, a court-appointed psychiatrist, must assess the sanity of a novice accused of murdering her newborn.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Misery" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Misery by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King. The show runs from February 24 through March 3, 2024. Made popular by the Kathy Bates, James Caan film, Misery becomes stranger than fiction when an acclaimed romance novelist wakes up in the home of his "Number One Fan."
NJRep presents the World Premiere of "ESSPY" (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJRep) will kick off its 27th season with the world premiere of Nandia Shenoy's ESSPY, directed by Peter J. Kuo, beginning February 22, with its opening night on February 24 and running through March 17, 2024. ESSPY is a comic-drama about a young medical student embarking on a journey he never expected.
RVCC Holocaust Institute presents a Staged Reading of Play Based on Experiences of Anne Frank, Martin Luther King, Jr. (BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Raritan Valley Community College will present a staged performance of Letters from Anne and Martin, Monday, February 26 at 10:00am. The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held in the Nash Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus. The performance may be attended in-person or watched virtually.
