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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place June 4-11, 2024

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/04/2024

Here are previews of plays taking place from June 4-11, 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.

Send press releases to [email protected] to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Click here for more information on our event pages. Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Remember Jones & Gaby Albo Star in "Evita" at Axelrod PAC  (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) will present Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita for 16 performances from May 31 to June 16, 2024. Asbury Park-based rock and soul singer Remember Jones will star as Che and Gaby Albo, fresh off her starring role as Gloria Estefan in the National Tour of Broadway's On Your Feet, takes the title role of Eva Peron. The production is directed by José Zayas with choreography by Kelsey Burns and music direction by Michael Gilch, who will conduct the live 10-piece orchestra.

Pioneer Productions Brings Fresh Take to the Timeless Musical "Godspell"  (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is proud to present a bold and captivating production of the beloved musical Godspell across two weekends (June 14-16 and June 21-23, 2024) in Morristown. This masterful retelling of the original sensation Godspell from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the 2012 revival is injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder"  (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will open their 62nd season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder, marking the theatre's first musical in over a decade. Performances will run from May 15 through June 9, 2024 at FM Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.

Lantern Theater Company to Close 30th Anniversary Season with William Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors"  (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Lantern Theater Company will close its 30th anniversary season with The Comedy of Errors, part of the company's ongoing commitment to produce the timeless stories of William Shakespeare for both the general public and local school students. Lantern Artistic Director Charles McMahon directs an ensemble cast of Lantern veterans, including Morgan Charéce Hall, J Hernandez, Dave Johnson, Brian McCann, Lee Minora, Kishia Nixon, Matteo Scammell, and Zach Valdez. The Comedy of Errors runs Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, June 16, 2024, at St. Stephen's Theater in Center City Philadelphia.

Luna Stage presents "Queen of the Night"  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents Queen of the Night by travis tate, directed by Lucas Pinner, running Thursdays-Sundays May 16 to June 9, 2024. Billed as "a story of queerness, Blackness, masculinity and the challenges of camping with family," this honest, funny, heartwarming play explores themes of family, history, and reconciliation.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "Sweet Charity"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents Sweet Charity, the classic 1966 musical, weekends from May 24 to June 9, 2024. It is the seventh mainstage show of MMT's 2024 season.

Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Fences" by August Wilson  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Crossroads Theatre Company presents Fences by August Wilson from May 29 through June 9, 2024 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC). Experience the transformative power of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece, directed by Crossroad's Artistic Director, Ricardo Khan.

Surflight Theatre presents "Million Dollar Quartet"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre will open their 75th Season of Broadway at the Beach with Million Dollar Quartet from May 30 through June 16, 2024. If you grew up listening to any of the hitmakers that were discovered by Sam Phillips, you won't want to miss out on seeing Million Dollar Quartet - a musical based on the auspicious meeting between four of the greatest rockers of all time in 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis. The men were Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, and for one night only they jammed together.




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Gateway Playhouse presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"  (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - the first musical of its 2024 mainstage season - across two weekends, May 31 to June 2 and June 7-9. Joseph features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The production will be double cast at Gateway will performances are at 7:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with 2:00pm matinees on Sundays.

Kelsey Theatre presents "Bright Star" - the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell Musical  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Get ready for a captivating, toe-tapping journey through the American South when Maurer Productions OnStage presents the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell musical Bright Star May 31-June 9, 2024 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) West Windsor Campus.

Magnolia Productions and CHAOS Theatre Company present "Proof" by David Auburn  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions and CHAOS Theatre Company present Proof by David Auburn at New Jersey Repertory's Studio Theater across two weekends (May 31-June 2 and June 7-9, 2024). Proof was the winner of the 2001 Tony Award® for Best Play and Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Paper Mill Playhouse announces cast and creative for "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"  (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the full cast and creative team for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, featuring a book by Oscar, Emmy and Tony Award nominee Douglas McGrath and words and music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King and Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. Casey Hushion will helm the production, with choreography by Jennifer Werner and music direction by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett. Beautiful will play June 5 to July 3, 2024 at Paper Mill Playhouse.

New Place Players to present "The Masque of Night" in Hopewell  (HOPEWELL, NJ) -- New Place Players will present a limited New Jersey engagement of critically acclaimed The Masque of Night, directed by Janina Picard and Craig Bacon, June 7-8, 2024 at the enchanting Hopewell Mountain Christian Church. This "innovative" Romeo and Juliet cabaret offers a unique and intimate experience for theater enthusiasts as the venue's interior balcony, grand piano, original bell, and seating for forty guests create an enchanting atmosphere that complements the magic of Shakespeare's timeless tale.

The Lord Stirling Theater Company presents "The Wisdom of Eve" - a tale of ambition, jealousy, and fame in New York's theater world  (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Lord Stirling Theater Company will present The Wisdom of Eve in the English Barn Theater at the Farmstead Arts Center across two weekends (June 7-9 and June 14-15, 2024). This is a tale of ambition, jealousy, and fame in New York's theater world.

Playhouse 22 presents Award-Winning Musical, 'Memphis'  (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Playhouse 22's 65th season closes this month with the musical Memphis which runs from June 7-23, 2024. From the underground dance clubs of 1950's Memphis, Tennessee, this is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.

Two River Theater presents August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean"  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, the seventh production in Two River Theater's commitment to stage all ten of Wilson's visionary epics in the American Century Cycle, directed by San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg (Appropriate, Trouble in Mind). The production runs June 8-30, 2024.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.




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Wednesday, June 5, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The Spongebob Musical at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Thursday, June 6, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Evita at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Thursday, June 6, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The Spongebob Musical at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Friday, June 7, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Evita at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Saturday, June 8, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Evita at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Saturday, June 8, 2024 @ 8:00pm - Evita at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Sunday, June 9, 2024 @ 1:00pm - bergenPAC's Performing Arts School presents Raise The Curtain at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Sunday, June 9, 2024 @ 2:30pm - Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty at Sieminski Theater, 8000 Fellowship Road, Basking Ridge

Sunday, June 9, 2024 @ 3:00pm - Evita at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Monday, June 10, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Annie Jr. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Annie Jr. at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

COMING SOON

Classic American Tales offers a free playwriting workshop in Cape May Court House  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Classic American Theater (CAT) is offering a Playwriting Workshop for free at The Cape May Court House Public Library (30 Mechanic Street) in Cape May Court House, NJ. The workshop, for ages 17 on up, is geared for those who have written plays, as well as those who have always wanted to try their hand at it. The workshop runs from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to hold "Revelry" Fundraiser featuring Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle in Concert  (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Revelry," an exclusive fundraising soirée and concert set to take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Mead Hall and The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. The evening festivities will include cocktails and gourmet grazing, a fabulous silent auction, and an intimate concert performance by Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle, performing some favorites from Broadway and beyond.

Do It Big Productions presents "Annie JR" at The Levoy Theatre  (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Do It Big Productions presents: Annie JR at The Levoy Theatre on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:00pm and Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2:00pm. The classic tale of everyone's favorite red-headed, tap-dancing orphan starring young, local talent. This performance is perfect for adults and young children alike due to its shortened runtime.

Pioneer Productions Brings Fresh Take to the Timeless Musical "Godspell"  (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is proud to present a bold and captivating production of the beloved musical Godspell across two weekends (June 14-16 and June 21-23, 2024) in Morristown. This masterful retelling of the original sensation Godspell from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the 2012 revival is injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements.

Jersey City Theater Center presents Voices International Theatre Festival  Jersey City Theater Center located at 165 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ (entrance from Barrow Street). 

A New Twist on Shakespeare Classic 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Kelsey Theatre June 14-23  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- It's a modern twist on an all-time classic comedy when Shakespeare 70 presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream June 14-23, 2024 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) West Windsor Campus. The generation gap, unrequited love, and marital misunderstandings have abounded throughout history, and so it is with this updated version of the Shakespeare classic.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey kicks off Outdoor Stage season with the comedy 'As You Like It'  (MADISON, NJ) -- Romance and laughter abound in Shakespeare's delightful comedy As You Like It, which kicks off the summer season at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The beloved play, one of the most popular in Shakespeare's canon, will be presented on the Outdoor Stage at St. Elizabeth University from June 19 - July 14, 2024.

Scott Ehrenpreis Shares His Inspiring Mental Health Journey in solo show, "Clowns Like Me"  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Mental illness is no laughing matter, but in the new solo show Clowns Like Me, audience members are encouraged to laugh, cry and enjoy the ride into the unknown. Clowns Like Me will have its New York Off-Broadway Premiere at the DR2 Theatre this summer. The witty, timely, and inspiring story is based on Sarasota actor and storyteller Scott Ehrenpreis’ true life struggles with mental illness and its stigmas. The play was written by Jason Cannon, who also directs. Previews begin on June 21, for a limited engagement through August 18, 2024. Opening night is slated for Sunday, June 30 at 6:30pm.




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Vivid Stage presents Banned in Boston: A Cabaret Fundraiser Showcasing Scenes and Songs from "Controversial" Plays  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage is presenting a cabaret as a fundraiser for the company on Friday, June 21, 2024. The Vivid Ensemble will perform scenes and songs from plays and musicals that have been banned, canceled or protested. The evening will include hors d'oeuvres, beverages and dessert. The party will be held at the Oakes Center (120 Morris Avenue) in Summit, from 7:00pm-9:30pm.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County and Thinkery & Verse present an original live production of Liberty Madness at State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a dynamic, magical stage play that tells the story of America’s haunted past.

Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "Game of Tiaras"

(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- Mainstage Center for the Arts presents Game of Tiaras on May 29-30, 2026 at Harmony Hall at Gloucester Township. Showtime is 7:00pm each night. Prepare for a hilarious royal showdown in Game of Tiaras!

MPAC presents Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Let it Go! Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s 2026 spring production of Disney's Frozen takes the stage for five performances May 29-31. The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Music Direction by Charles Santoro. The cast includes 50 young performers from throughout the region, representing seven New Jersey counties.

Brundage Park Playhouse to Hold Auditions for "Anything Goes"

(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical Anything Goes at the playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph. In-Person Audition Dates are on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 12:30pm-5:00pm and Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Virtual auditions are also accepted. Callbacks by invitation are on Saturday, June 6th from 12:00pm-5:00pm.

The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents "High School Musical 2 JR."

(BLACKWOOD, NJ) -- The Mainstage Center for the Arts presents High School Musical 2 JR. on June 4-5, 2026 in the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater. The Wildcats are back for an unforgettable summer at Lava Springs Country Club!

Gateway Playhouse presents "Guys And Dolls"

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Broadway's classic musical Guys and Dolls is primed to be a sure bet at Gateway Playhouse from May 28 to June 7, 2026. Filled with colorful characters, phenomenal dance numbers and cherished songs by Frank Loesser, the high-energy show follows the paths of smooth-talking gamblers, sassy showgirls and a very determined missionary as love and luck collide in the streets of New York City.

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making"

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents A Century on Stage: 100 Years in the Making from June 5-7, 2026. Join them for a once-in-a-century theatrical event as they celebrate 100 years of music, memories, and moments that have shaped The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Broadway in New York City, and American culture itself.
Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists for 2026 Play Festival

Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces Semi-Finalists for 2026 Play Festival

(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has announced the 2026 Premiere Play Festival Semi-Finalists. The Play Festival panel and literary staff reviewed 894 submissions, an increase of 89 submissions from the previous year, before choosing the 65 Semi-Finalists. An eclectic mix of plays, the Semi-Finalists explore a wide range of topics in a variety of genres.
Maurer Productions to Hold Auditions for "Midnight at the New Dawn" June 6-7

Maurer Productions to Hold Auditions for "Midnight at the New Dawn" June 6-7

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Maurer Productions OnStage and the newly formed Maurer TheaterWorks have announced a special co-production partnership — in association with Kelsey Theatre — for the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn. The ensemble comedy, written and directed by Dan Maurer, will hold open auditions on June 6-7, 2026.
Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2026 Rising Star Awards Nominees

(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the nominations for adjudicated production categories of the 31st Annual Rising Star Awards for Excellence in New Jersey High School Musical Theater. Often referred to as New Jersey's version of the Tony Awards for high school musical theater, the Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in performance, direction, design, choreography, music direction, and overall production.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


Mrs. Christie

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ


Dunbar Repertory Company presents "Seven Guitars"

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown, NJ


Crossroads Theatre Company presents "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead"

Sunday, May 24, 2026 @ 3:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Mrs. Christie

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ


Vivid Stage presents New Play Readings: "Harm Reduction" by Elizabeth Irwin

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Summit Community Center
Summit, NJ