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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays
July 29 to August 5, 2024

originally published: 07/29/2024


Here are previews of plays taking place from July 29 to August 5, 2024 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. 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. 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

BCCT presents Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr." at Grunin Center for the Arts  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- BCCT presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. from August 2-4, 2024 at the Grunin Center for the Arts. From classic literature to the Academy Award-winning film and Broadway musical, Ariel's undersea journey is a beautiful love story for the ages. Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends.

PHOTOS from "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" at Old Library Theatre  (FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department's resident theatre company, is presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella over two weekends, July 26 through August 4, 2024. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




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Cape May's East Lynne Theater Company Presents 'Dial M for Murder'  Do you like a good mystery? If so, mark your calendar for the East Lynne Theater Company's (ELTC) upcoming production of "Dial M for Murder," with 7:00 PM performances Wednesdays through Saturdays from August 1-31, 2024, at the company's current home at 500 Hughes Street in Cape May.

EVENT PREVIEWS

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.

Centenary Stage Company's Summer Musical Series Includes 'Grease' and 'I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change'  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- This summer, Centenary Stage Company presents the 2024 summer musical series featuring Grease and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Performances for Grease will run July 11–21 and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change will run August 1-11 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus in Hackettstown.

NJ Rep presents the World Premiere of "The Bookstore" by Michael Walek  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of The Bookstore by Michael Walek from July 11 through August 4, 2024. The play takes place in a small independent bookstore in New York City, like the ones we all love to frequent and are rapidly dying out. Carey, the owner, rolls up the grate, unlocks the front door, carries in boxes, turns on the heater, turns on the kettle, and turns on the lamps and her computer. And so her day begins.

Summer Heats Up at Cape May Stage with the New Jersey Professional Premiere of "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents the New Jersey professional premiere of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, a fast-paced, comedic, and modern reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth and sidekick. Written by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill, this lively production is set to open on July 17th and runs through August 25, 2024, with shows Tuesday through Sunday nights at 8:00pm.




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The Theater League of Clifton presents Madcap Whodunit "Murder on the Menu"  (CLIFTON, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present its second dinner/theater production of the season, "Murder on the Menu," beginning on Saturday, July 20, 7:30pm, at Mario's Restaurant (710 Van Houten Ave) in Clifton.

Chatham Playhouse to Host 30th Annual Jersey Voices: One-Act Festival  (CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players (CCP) will host its 30th annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival with six performances between July 26 and August 4, 2024. This year's production will include seven original short plays written by New Jersey playwrights. The evening of seven one-act plays enables writers to showcase original scripts while allowing directors and actors to experiment with new roles.

Dover Little Theatre presents "Pterodactyls"  (DOVER, NJ) -- Dover Little Theatre presents "Pterodactyls" by Nicky Silver across three weekends from July 26 to August 10, 2024. This is an absurdist black comedy about the demise of the Duncan family, and, by extension, the species.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "The King and I"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre (MMT) presents a four-weekend run of The King and I from July 26 – August 18, 2024. This is the classic musical from the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It is the tenth mainstage show of MMT's 2024 season.

Old Library Theatre presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella  (FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT), Fair Lawn Recreation Department's resident theatre company, will present Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella over two weekends, July 26 through August 4, 2024. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.

Triple Threat Workshop presents "Spring Awakening" at Eagle Theatre  (HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Triple Threat Workshop presents Spring Awakening from July 26 to August 4, 2024 at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening, with a stunning Broadway score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, explores the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood.

13th Annual Crossing Borders Festival Preview  (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 1 through Sunday, August 4 in Two River's Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz Theater. In its 13th year, the festival is the theater's annual joyful celebration of the power, diversity, creativity and talent of Latine theater artists. All festival events are free to the public.

Pebble Players presents first college age production with "Alice By Heart"  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Pebble Players launches its first college age production with limited performances opening August 1-4, 2024. From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Bergen County Players to Hold Auditions for "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"  (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP) is pleased to Bring on the Monsters! at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell with open auditions for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Theatre for Young Audiences Edition) on August 1st, 3rd, 6th and 8th, 2024. There are numerous opportunities for actors to shine in multiple roles in this 75-minute family-friendly rock musical.

NiCori Teen Performance Ensemble Brings Tony Award Winning "The Drowsy Chaperone" to Morris Plains  (MORRIS PLAINS, NJ) -- With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar The Drowsy Chaperone will be performed at the Red Oakes School with four performances from August 1-3, 2024. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.




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NJ Rep to Hold Auditions for 2025 Season  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company will hold auditions for their 2025 season on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6 for the 2025 season by appointment only. No walk-ins please. Auditions will be held at New Jersey Repertory Company’s West End Arts Center (132 West End Avenue) in Long Branch, NJ. Free parking and entrance to the building is in the parking lot off of Sairs Avenue.

Original Stories of Somers Point's Own Richard Somers and Legendary Figure Molly Pitcher to Come to Life at Studio;Space  (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- SPQR Stage Company, the Jersey Shore's "Original" theater company, will present a combined performance of two one-acts, "Molly Pitcher—Revolutionary Girl Power" and the world premiere of "Richard Somers—Anatomy of a Hero," both written and directed by Bill Sterritt, SPQR's artistic director. Performances will take place August 5-7, 2024 at Studio;Space in Somers Point. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.

EVENT LISTINGS

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

Friday, August 2, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The Little Mermaid, Jr. presented by BCCT at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Friday, August 2, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Girls Night: The Musical at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

Saturday, August 3, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The Little Mermaid, Jr. presented by BCCT at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, August 3, 2024 @ 7:00pm - The Little Mermaid, Jr. presented by BCCT at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Sunday, August 4, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The Little Mermaid, Jr. presented by BCCT at Grunin Center, 1 College Drive, Toms River

COMING SOON

Voorhees Theatre Company presents "Legally Blonde, The Musical"  (VOORHEES, NJ) -- Voorhees Theatre Company presents Legally Blonde, The Musical from August 8-10, 2024. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances- this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Light Opera of New Jersey presents "Seussical"  (WAYNE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey presents Seussical from August 9-11, 2024 at Rosen Performing Arts Center YMCA, in Wayne. Seussical is a fantastical magical, musical extravaganza! Step into the world of Dr. Seuss with LONJ's professionally staged production. This beloved show brings to life all your favorite characters from the iconic books, including the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and Gertrude McFuzz.

The Theater Project presents "The Interpreter" by Joseph Vitale  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Theater Project, a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for New Jersey artists, will present award-winning playwright Joseph Vitale's thought-provoking play, The Interpreter, August 15-25, 2024 at the Oakes Center.

Avenel Performing Arts Center presents "The Soapranos"  (AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents The Soapranos from August 16-18, 2024. Tony's retiring and Paulie Peanuts is throwing him a surprise party in this hilarious, interactive parody of the hit TV series.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Misfits Theatre Company presents a limited engagement of Murder Me Always, a rollicking comedy murder mystery written by Lee Mueller, directed by Dennis Connors, and stage managed by Angela Ronan. The production runs for two performances only (April 18-19, 2026) at Villas of Holmdel.
Fool Moon Theatre Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Drowsy Chaperone"

Fool Moon Theatre Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Drowsy Chaperone"

(MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company is holding open auditions for the five-time, Tony Award-winning meta-musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," a loving parody of the 1920s American musical comedy genre. Auditions will take place at the Margate Community Church (8900 Ventnor Avenue, Margate) on Saturday, April 18 from 11:00am to 2:00pm and Sunday, April 19 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
McCarter presents Steven Mackey

McCarter presents Steven Mackey's "Memoir"

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center, in partnership with the Department of Music at Princeton, is thrilled to present MEMOIR, a theatrical musical work by GRAMMY Award-winning composer and William Shubael Conant Professor of Music Steven Mackey, and director Mark DeChiazza. Performances take place at the Berlind Theatre on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm.
The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present "Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim"

The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present "Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim"

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Actors Studio of New Jersey and The Sieminski Theater present Finishing the Hat: The Music of Sondheim from April 18-19, 2026. This is a spectacular tribute to the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
Gateway Playhouse To Hold Auditions For The Classic Musical Comedy "Guys And Dolls" on April 18th and April 22nd

Gateway Playhouse To Hold Auditions For The Classic Musical Comedy "Guys And Dolls" on April 18th and April 22nd

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse will hold auditions for Frank Loesser's Tony Award-winning musical comedy Guys and Dolls on April 18 and April 22, 2026. Anyone age 16 and older, with any theatrical background or experience, is welcome to try out for this much-adored show. No appointments are necessary; all roles are open. Phil Pallitto, artistic director of the Gateway, will direct the musical.
Literature to Life Announces Second Series of Books Unite, Free Community Events in Paterson Supported by NJEDA A.R.T. Phase II Grant

Literature to Life Announces Second Series of Books Unite, Free Community Events in Paterson Supported by NJEDA A.R.T. Phase II Grant

(PATERSON, NJ) -- Literature to Life (LTL) has announced their second series of Books Unite: Literature to Life in Paterson, consisting of a book club, two live performances, and an interactive workshop all centered around The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg

Nutley Little Theatre to Hold Auditions for "Asuncion" by Jesse Eisenberg

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Nutley Little Theatre will hold auditions for Jesse Eisenberg's 2011 play Asuncion on Sunday, April 23 and Monday, April 24, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The production will be directed and produced by Craig Tiede.
Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season

Centenary Stage Company to Hold Non-Union Auditions for Nextstage Repertory Summer 2026 Season

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company is seeking non-equity singer/actors who are excellent movers/dancers for the 2026 NEXTStage Repertory 2026 Summer Season. The summer season includes The Wedding Singer and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever. Auditions will be held by appointment on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00am–4:00pm in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"

Bordentown Thespians present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical"

(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, will be presented on Saturday, April 25th at 2:00pm & 6:30pm at the Bordentown Performing Arts Center. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail.
Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley

Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "Crimes of the Heart"

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Magnolia Productions presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Crimes of the Heart across two weekends from April 17-25, 2026 at The Theater at the Navesink Library. The story follows the three MaGrath sisters as they reunite in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, following the shooting of Babe's husband.

 

MORE EVENTS

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