Here are previews of plays taking place from December 17-24, 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.
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George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" throughout December (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Gene & Gilda, written by Cary Gitter (The Steel Man), and directed by Joe Brancato (Daniel's Husband), from December 3-22, 2024. The cast includes Jordan Kai Burnett (Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live) and Jonathan Randell Silver (Virtuous Life of Joseph Andrews), who are reprising their roles from the original Penguin Rep Theater production as Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder respectively. Click here for a review of the play.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas across three weekends from December 7-21, 2024. The musical features Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and is based upon the classic Paramount Pictures film. It was written For the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.
The Growing Stage Kicks Off The Holidays With "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is thrilled to bring back the holiday classic, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer with performances weekends from December 6-22, 2024. Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks) and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic/puppet by Brandon Kirkham. It has a Script Adaptation by Robert Penola and Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks.
Joel McKinnon Miller stars as Scrooge in McCarter's "A Christmas Carol" (PRINCETON, NJ) -- Get ready to be transported to 19th-century London for McCarter Theatre Center's annual production of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol. Led by veteran stage and screen actor Joel McKinnon Miller as Ebenezer Scrooge, the show runs from December 10-29, 2024, in the Matthews Theatre.
Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents "Broadway for the Holidays 4" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Broadway for the Holidays 4 across two weekends in the Black Box Theater at Grunin Center for the Arts. Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Broadway for the Holidays 4! Returning by popular demand, this festive extravaganza brings the magic of Broadway to the holiday season like never before.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical from November 27 to December 29, 2024. Based on the classic 1954 holiday film, it is a Technicolor Broadway musical extravaganza. The production is directed by Paper Mill's Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. Click here for photos from the production.
"ANNIE" returns to New York City for the First Time in a Decade (NEW YORK, NY) -- Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America recently announced full casting for the limited engagement of iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE at The Theater at Madison Square Garden which runs from December 4, 2024 through January 5, 2025. This run marks the return of ANNIE to New York City for the first time in a decade.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "A Christmas Carol" (MADISON, NJ) -- Gather the family and rediscover the joy and magic of Charles Dickens' classic tale this holiday season as A Christmas Carol returns to the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). This production plays at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from December 4-29, 2024.
Vanguard Theater presents "Tuck Everlasting" (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- This holiday season, Vanguard Theater invites audiences to experience Tuck Everlasting, a poignant and thought-provoking tale that delves into the fragility, beauty, and complexity of life. Directed by Vanguard Theater’s Founding Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark, this production runs from December 5–22, 2024. Click here for photos from the production.
Jersey Arts TV: Small but Mighty Cast of 'A Christmas Carol' Entertains Audiences at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ 'Tis the season for festive holiday outings and lucky for us the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has risen to the occasion with their take on "A Christmas Carol."
Masquerade Theatre presents "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" (RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown from weekends from December 6-21, 2024. Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship.
Bergen County Players presents "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Theatre for Young Audiences Edition), an "electrifying" (Newsday) musical adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel written by Rick Riordan, with a limited holiday run at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from December 7-22, 2024.
Luna Stage's "Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library" Gets A New 5 Week Run Off Broadway (NEW YORK, NY) -- Congrats to Luna Stage! Due to critical acclaim and an incredible run of sold out performances at 59E59 Theaters, Luna Stage's New York premiere of Jenny Lyn Bader's Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, directed by Ari Laura Kreith, is extending and moving to Off-Broadway's WP Theater for a limited five-week engagement, December 10, 2024 – January 12, 2025.
Gateway Playhouse To Celebrate The Holidays with Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will bring everyone's favorite holiday classic, Irving Berlin's White Christmas - based on the famed Hollywood movie musical of the same name—to life from December 13-15 and December 20-22, 2024.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Irving Berlin's Holiday INN" (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Irving Berlin's Holiday INN across two weekends from December 13-22, 2024. This musical tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut... but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance.
Celebrate the Holidays at Playhouse 22 with "Winter Wonderettes" (EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- "Winter Wonderettes", a musical by Roger Bean, runs at Playhouse 22 across two weekends (December 13-22, 2024). The sequel to the theater's 2022 production of "The Marvelous Wonderettes" featuring four women singing great '60s versions of holiday classics such as "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock," "Run, Rudolph, Run," and "Winter Wonderland."
The Ma'ayanot H.S. Drama Society & Black Box Studios presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (TEANECK, NJ) -- The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from December 19-22, 2024 at the Ma'ayanot Performing Arts Center. The musical has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents "Beetlejuice JR" (FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- It's Showtime! The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage when Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Beetlejuice JR. from December 20-22, 2024 at Fair Lawn Community Center. Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway musical, Beetlejuice JR. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, who is grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with death.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Count Basie Center's Turner Academy of the Arts Presents Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 @ 7:00pm - Count Basie Center's Turner Academy of the Arts Presents Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm - Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm - The Growing Stage presents "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 2:00pm - Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 4:00pm - The Growing Stage presents "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 7:30pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 1:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 2:00pm - The Growing Stage presents "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 2:00pm - George Street Playhouse presents "Gene & Gilda" at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Monday, December 23, 2024 @ 5:30pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 @ 12:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 @ 4:00pm - A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater), 91 University Place, Princeton
Middlesex County Plays-In-The-Park presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at State Theatre New Jersey (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County Plays-In-The-Park presents their annual production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoast at State Theatre December 28-29, 2024. This beloved musical brings the Bible story of Joseph to life with unforgettable music, drama, and a touch of Elvis-inspired flair.
Algonquin Arts Theatre Announces Casting and Creative Team for "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents its January musical, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown from January 18-26, 2025. Rediscover the magic of childhood with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally and the rest of the gang. The musical brings to life the timeless stories that have captured the hearts of audiences for generations.
Murder Mystery Co. presents "Till Death Do Us Part: Murder Mystery Dessert Theater" at Brookdale PAC (LINCROFT, NJ) -- Brookdale Community College is set to host an unforgettable evening of mystery, mayhem, and merriment as the Murder Mystery Co. presents Till Death Do Us Part: Murder Mystery Dessert Theater on February 7, 2025 at 8:00pm. This thrilling event invites guests to indulge in delightful desserts, sip coffee or tea, and immerse themselves in an intriguing whodunnit.
Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents A Bronx Tale: The One Man Show starring Chazz Palminteri (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University's Center for the Arts presents A Bronx Tale: The One Man Show starring Chazz Palminteri on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in the Pollak Theatre. Showtime is 8:00pm.
NJPAC presents Insidious "The Further You Fear" Reimagined as an Immersive Stage Show (NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the most successful horror film franchises of all time is being reimagined as an immersive theatrical stage experience. Insidious: The Further You Fear comes to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:30pm.
