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New Jersey Stage: Daily Edition 1-2-24

Published by New Jersey Stage

Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. It's been a bit light this holiday week, but here are articles from the past three days. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!

If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.


theatre

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025 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.



Playhouse 22 presents "American Son" - a Play that Raises Questions about Race, Parenting, and Justice




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(EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Start off the new year with American Son, a drama by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Mimi B. Francis at Playhouse 22 that runs weekends from January 3-12, 2025. A play about an estranged bi-racial couple that must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop incident. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what happened to their son.



North Star Theater Company presents "Little Women" at Dover Little Theatre in January

(DOVER, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company invites audiences to experience the enduring charm of Little Women by Kate Hamill, adapted from Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel. This heartfelt and dynamic production will run for two weekends, January 17-19, 2025 and January 24–26, 2025, at Dover Little Theatre.



music

A Tribute to Southside Johnny 

On December 20, 2024, Southside Johnny announced he was retiring from touring effective immediately.  His annual show for New Year's Eve was cancelled and fans around the world starting paying tribute to him and wondering what the future would hold for him and the Asbury Jukes.  New Jersey Stage wanted to pay tribute to him as well, so we reached out to fans in the "Jukebox: Southside Johnny fanzine" Facebook group, some musicians, and industry professionals for their thoughts.



The Newton Theatre presents Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening with Emerson Lake & Palmer

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Carl Palmer brings Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening with Emerson Lake & Palmer to The Newton Theatre on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 7:00pm. This is not a tribute act – this is the real thing.



Grammy Nominee Donald Vega 'Honored' That His All-Original, As I Travel, Is Up for Best Latin Jazz Album

Donald Vega is one of the most gifted pianists and composers on the jazz scene today, with a personality as effervescent as his playing. From his early roots in Nicaragua to mentorship by some of jazz's greatest stars, Vega continues to uphold the jazz tradition through his performances, recordings, and teaching. I caught up with him during a recent Zoom conversation. He was introspective, attentive, and entertaining. Vega is currently promoting two new recordings: All Is Merry and Bright (Imagery Records), a Christmas album, and the Grammy-nominated As I Travel (Imagery Records) , which features his original compositions.



This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here is a look at upcoming shows taking place from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.



Avenel PAC presents Willie Nile with opener James Mastro

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Woodbridge Township presents Willie Nile at The Avenel Performing Arts Center with support from Woodbridge Arts on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 7:30pm. James Mastro will open the night.



Albert Music Hall presents Winter Hootenanny in the Pines

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Albert Music Hall will kick off the new year with its Winter Hootenanny in the Pines. This event will mark the Hall's return from its winter break, offering an afternoon of live music and community spirit. Doors are at 1:00pm, showtime is 2:00pm.



comedy

bergenPAC presents Brett Goldstein: Second Best Night of Your Life – Live Special Taping

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Attention Ted Lasso fans! Brett Goldstein - the actor who played Roy Kent - will be performing two shows at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  Brett Goldstein: Second Best Night of Your Life – Live Special Taping will have sets at 7:00pm & 9:30pm.



 

communnity

Ocean County Library to Celebrate Centennial in 2025

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Get ready for fun and memorable moments throughout 2025 as the Ocean County Library marks its 100th birthday. Celebrations will unfold at all 21 branches and reading centers as they proceed toward September 19, 2025, the Library's centennial date.



Events This Week in New Jersey from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from December 31 to January 7, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. 


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network’s most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour will visit Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
The Freakin Rican Presents "Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two"

The Freakin Rican Presents "Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two"

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Freakin Rican presents Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two, the second installment of its cultural art exhibition celebrating Puerto Rican artists, storytelling, and community connection. The event takes place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at The Freakin Rican (468 Cedar Lane) in Teaneck.
Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the public to participate in the special 'Giant Puppets Workshop Series' led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts. The puppets created in the workshop series from August 14 through August 19, 2026 will be featured in a giant puppet parade marching down Main Street in Hackensack during Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival taking place on October 3rd to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

"Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy" to Celebrate Faith, History, Art, and Community

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones Tribute

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Jamaican Me Dancehall Night (21+)

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Tu Jhoom ~ Sufiyana Shaam by Hardik Tailor

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Mala Aria

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Annie, Jr.

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


UNLIMITED – Finding Your Voice

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ


UNLIMITED – Finding Your Voice

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ



 

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