Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/09/2024

(WEST HUDSON, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts and Theater Company (WHATCo) has announced the finalists for The 2024 One Act Play Festival which will be presented Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18. Nearly 1,000 playwrights from throughout the area submitted their original one act plays for consideration.
Following an extensive committee review, the following were selected:
* Choices by Constance G.J. Wagner; Directed by Beatriz Esteban-Messina
* The Meadow by Ryan Kaminski; Directed by Steven Jon Kaplan
*20 Magical Minutes of Darkness and Silence and Peace by Tara Meddaugh; Directed by Frankie Perez
* Bag of Bees by John Mabey; Directed by Joseph Jones
* Like Mom Used To Say by F.J Hartland; Directed by Holly Stefanik
* Gown by Robert Weibezahl; Directed by Karina Munoz
* The Experience by Clinton Festa; Directed by Bong Dizon
* What Happens in Pre-K, Stays in Pre-K: Unadulterated Classroom Conversations by Holly Stefanik; Directed by Christopher Reyes
* Unclaimed Baggage by Keith Whalen; Directed by Jessica Jones
Open auditions to cast each One Act will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at The Theater at WHATCo, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, S., Harrison, NJ. Free parking is available in the fenced in lot on Jersey Street.
For additional audition details, click here.
The mission of WHATCo is to be a cultural resource that will enrich and invigorate the West Hudson community as a whole while embracing, educating and entertaining people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Through a range of quality theatrical productions, they seek to stimulate, celebrate and enhance the understanding of theater while fostering and inspiring growth and creativity in their members. They strive to be a resource for both the residents and businesses of the greater West Hudson area and to enrich the cultural depth, education and vitality of the community at large.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Gas Lamp Teens present "Fame: The Musical"
(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Teens present Fame: The Musical on August 7-8, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School. Fame has inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame!
Gateway Playhouse presents "Crazy For You"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents the musical comedy Crazy For You with four performances from August 7-8, 2026. A city slicker falls for a hometown girl in this ebullient romantic comedy featuring cowboys, showgirls, high-energy production numbers, and a glorious score from George and Ira Gershwin.

Burlington County Footlighters Intern Co. presents "The Beggar's Opera"
(CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters Intern Co. presents The Beggar's Opera from August 5-8, 2026. A ragtag company of beggars in Victorian London tell the bitter tale of the predatory outlaw known as MacHeath. He secretly marries the daughter of an underworld boss, but is soon betrayed by his sinister in-laws and sent to prison.
Two River Theater presents ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents the 15th anniversary of ¡Festejo! Celebrating Latine Stories Onstage, from August 6–9, 2026. Curated by José Zayas, the annual festival, formerly known as Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras), will feature five new play readings by acclaimed and emerging Latine playwrights.

Cape May Stage presents a Staged Reading of "Appendage" by Derek Murphy
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a staged reading of Appendage by Derek Murphy on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. A darkly comic and psychologically sharp two-hander, Appendage by Derek Murphy explores grief, masculinity, and the messy ways we cope with loss. Admission is free.

Gateway Playhouse to Hold Open Auditions for "9 to 5: The Musical"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point is holding open auditions for their third MainStage production of the year, the incredibly fun 9 to 5: The Musical. Auditions will take place from 6:00pm-8:00pm Monday and Tuesday, August 10 and 11, 2026. All roles are open and any performance experience is welcomed (must be 16 or older).
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park to Host Auditions for "Curious George: The Golden Meatball" on August 12th
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park is holding auditions for its fall 2026 children's production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball on Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00pm at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located inside Roosevelt Park in Edison. Everyone's favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical.

Chimera Productions presents "Job" at Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- New Jersey-based theater company Chimera Productions will present its 17th production, Job by Max Wolf Friedlich, from August 13-15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night. The play, presented in the intimate 60-seat theater inside Princeton's Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, is a psychological thriller that offers a sharp, darkly funny, and unsettling examination of our addiction to work, the internet, the cost of modern life, and what we're willing to sacrifice to belong.
Masquerade Theatre presents "Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase"
(RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase with performances on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night.
Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents "The Wedding Singer"
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre's TeensVill program presents The Wedding Singer across two weekends from August 7-16, 2026. Based on the popular movie, the play takes place in New Jersey in 1985. A wannabe rock star (aka a professional wedding singer) is left at the altar and finally changes his tune.
FEATURED EVENTS
