Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
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theatre
Playwright Sought for New Original Play "The Broadcast Frenzy Radio Show" exploring Historical and Cultural Impact of "War of the Worlds" 
West Windsor Arts, in collaboration with the Historical Society of West Windsor and author/historian A. Brad Schwartz ("Broadcast Hysteria"), seeks a qualified playwright to create an original, interactive, and thought-provoking play titled The Broadcast Frenzy Radio Show. This project will engage audiences with humor, participatory elements, and explore the historical and cultural impact of Orson Welles's 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds and its local and national legacy, all while drawing connections to contemporary issues of media influence and "fake news."
'Small' Brings Big Energy to George Street Playhouse 
When thinking about occupations kids say they want when they get older, a list comes to mind – doctor, superhero, firefighter, etc. But not many would find their passion at the horse racing track and say they want to become a jockey. In "Small," an autobiographical play written and performed by Robert "Bobby" Montano, the story follows Montano as he races and fulfills his dream on the horse racing tracks of Long Island, New York. It does not stop there, however. The 90-minute play is a story of love, loss and more as Montano grapples with some difficult life decisions.
Luna Stage presents "A Case for the Existence of God" 
(WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents the NY Drama Critics' Circle award-winner for Best Play, A Case for the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter from February 20 - March 16, 2025. Directed by Luna Artistic Director Ari Laura Kreith, this is a heartrending yet hopeful play about two men’s parallel desires to build a secure foundation for their families.
music
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...1/23/25 
"Yes sir," laughed Stephen Dees of Novo Combo. "The name of the record is "45 West 55th" and that's the address of Michael's apartment in New York City where I first met him and it all started from there. So, that's why we named it that; the album is kind of an anthology not unlike what the Beatles did; in fact, I kind of nicked the idea from them. We have songs that were unreleased demo songs from the first record and of course we recorded new songs as well. We've got five new recordings on the record and we decided that it was a nice way to reclaim our legacy."
Celebrating Black History Month: Tribute to Saxophonist/Composer Gigi Gryce in Madison 
(MADISON, NJ) -- Saxophonist Bruce Williams, who hails from Washington, D.C. and currently resides in Montclair, NJ, has made his presence known on the jazz scene by garnering critical attention with his own enthusiastically received CD releases, Brotherhood and Altoicity (Savant Records), and Private Thoughts (Passin' Thru Records).
State Theatre New Jersey presents Celia Vive - A Musical Tribute to Celia Cruz 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Celia Vive - A Musical Tribute to Celia Cruz performed by Lucrecia on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 8:00pm. This is a unique and unforgettable concert presentation featuring Spanish Cuban singer Lucrecia who pays tribute to the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz.
McCarter Theatre presents Jazz Visionary Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Seven-time Grammy nominee Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), a revolutionary force in jazz, will perform at McCarter Theatre Center on Thursday, February 13, 2025. A transformative artist in contemporary jazz, Chief Adjuah has been redefining the genre since 2002. He is known for his dynamic live performances that blend jazz, soul, funk, and African traditions, continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre. Showtime is 7:30pm.
David Wroe and New Jersey Festival Orchestra Celebrate the Musical Splendor of Turn-of-the-Century Vienna 
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO), under the baton of David you Wroe, invites you to step into the intoxicating musical world of turn-of-the-century Vienna.
film
Insightful documentary The Accidental Spy screens at the New Jersey Film Festival on February 1 
“Did you ever think, Blerim, that you were going to be a spy?”
“Never in my life.”
“So you didn’t train to be a spy?”
“No, never.”
“So it was just by accident?”
“By accident, yes.”
These are the opening words of The Accidental Spy - a documentary directed by Oscar-nominated, double EMMY and triple BAFTA-winning director and producer Anthony Wonke. Wonke has extensive experience working in the Middle East, having made several films in and about the region such as Syria: Children on the Frontline (2014) and The Battle for Marjah (2010). You can see his extensive experience in the way he sets up Blerim Skoro’s story - the main figure behind The Accidental Spy.
dance
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Welcomes the Lunar New Year of the Snake at NJPAC 
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake on Saturday and Sunday, February 1- 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. This annual family-friendly celebration is a highlight of NJPAC's winter season. It weaves together graceful movements and vibrant costumes to bring ancient traditions to life. Audiences will experience spellbinding performances featuring majestic dragons, dancing lions, elegant peacocks, stunning acrobats, twirling ribbons, and much more.
art
Intimate and Raw Creativity on View at ArtYard in Frenchtown 
A sketchbook, like a diary, is personal. It is usually not planned for public consumption. It's where the maker first brings to light ideas that come from deep inside. The self-edit function, the perfectionist, is turned off.
community
Exploring American Literature of the 1800s with Cape May Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer 
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May's Poet Laureate Sylvia Baer hosts three 1.5-hour interactive online seminars via Zoom this March that delve into American literature of the Victorian age. "The Concord Gang" on Monday, March 10, 2025 highlights Emerson, Thoreau and Alcott. "The Amherst Gang" on Monday, March 17, 2025 features Emily Dickinson and Helen Hunt Jackson. "The Fear Gang" on Monday, March 24, 2025 delves into Hawthorne, Poe and Melville.
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