Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 02/22/2025
Backwards Forwards Back at United Solo
(NEW YORK, NY) -- United Solo's Spring 2025 Festival brings a lineup of dynamic performances from around the world to Theatre Row, running from March 18 through April 20.
“As we enter a time of global transformation, creators are more determined than ever to share their stories with audiences,” says Omar Sangare, Founder and Artistic Director of United Solo. “In challenging times, we turn to artists to speak out and bring us together—to provide comfort, clarity, and inspiration. This season’s performers continue our vision, sharing their narratives with courage and creativity.”
The festival explores a wide range of themes through diverse voices and perspectives, including celebrity culture, personal identity, human values, feminism, global traditions, and the challenges posed by entitlement, abuse, and political unrest.
Among the festival highlights are international reimagining of classic works:
* South Korea’s Jiyoung Choi presents “Cordelia: Sword of the Wind,” a retelling of “King Lear” through the eyes of Cordelia, blending Shakespearean drama with dance.
* Nepal’s Rajkumar Pudasaini explores the poetry of Bihupi Serchan in “Galat Lagccha Malai Mero Desh Ko Itihas.”
* Persian actress Shadi Yazdani performs “Yocasta,” written by Mohammad Reza Ghodsev, offering a fresh perspective on the Oedipus myth through a female lens.
The festival also features deeply personal and socially relevant narratives:
* San Francisco native Sheherazaad, whose work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, The New York Times, and Vogue, presents “The Adat,” a musical exploration of diaspora and alienation within the Bay Area’s Sikh community.
* Foreign policy expert Bill Hartung, dubbed the "Rodney Dangerfield of Foreign Policy," humorously examines his double life in “I Get No Respect: My Life as a Failed Foreign Policy Pundit.”
* Jacquline Goldfinger’s “Backwards, Forwards, Back,” performed by actor and veteran L. James, explores the emotional and psychological impact of PTSD.
* Other notable performances include Thomas Ellenson’s “Well, Life Sucks,” a deeply personal reflection on navigating life and pursuing an acting career while living with cerebral palsy.
For fans of The Moth Story Hour, multi-award-winning storyteller Flora Le embarks on a motorcycle journey through Vietnam to uncover her late father’s past in “Sadec 1965: A Love Story.” NAACP Image Award recipient Rochée Jefferey delivers a compelling take on internet harassment in “The Troll.” Acclaimed Czech-Canadian artist Lenka Lichtenberg brings to life her grandmother’s poetry, written in a concentration camp during World War II.
Continuing our United Solo tradition, the festival will feature a celebratory concert on Saturday, March 22, starring Vice Artistic Director Wendy-Lane Bailey and directed by festival founder Omar Sangare, paying tribute to the artists who make United Solo possible. The festival concludes on April 20 with the Closing Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of festival participants.
“Theatre has become a platform for unity, perseverance, and peace,” concludes Omar Sangare, a passionate advocate for human rights and artistic expression. “Join us, regardless of agendas—we are here to create a space where human values can be preserved.”
For tickets and more information, click here.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Masquerade Theatre presents "Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase"
(RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase with performances on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night.
Asbury Park Theater Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Wolves" by Sarah DeLappe
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) has announced that its first mainstage production under newly appointed Producing Artistic Director Nate Patten will be The Wolves, Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize finalist play that has captivated audiences across the country with its sharp wit, emotional honesty, and unforgettable portrait of young women finding their voices.
Ferrell Studios Community Theatre presents "Merrily We Roll Along"
(METUCHEN, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios Community Theatre, a nonprofit theatre organization serving Central New Jersey, announces its upcoming production of Merrily We Roll Along, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production will close the company's 2025-26 season, themed "Our Time," with five performances at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Auditorium in Metuchen, NJ from August 20-23, 2026.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Rogue Shakespeare with "The Merry Wives of Windsor"
(MADISON, NJ) -- This August, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) invites audiences to experience Shakespeare the way it was meant to be — immediate and gloriously bold — with Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor, running August 14-23, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "Pippin"
(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents the musical, Pippin, across two weekends from August 15-23, 2026. There's magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Ritz Theatre Company presents 2026 One-Act Play Festival
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents their 2026 One-Act Play Festival from August 28-29. The festival features one-act comedies from practicing and promised playwrights from around the world!
First Avenue Playhouse presents "Cocktail Hour Confessions"
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- First Avenue Playhouse presents Cocktail Hour Confessions by Jared Kelner across two weekends from August 14-29, 2026. During the cocktail hour of an interracial wedding, family secrets and hidden prejudices surface.
Brundage Park Playhouse presents "Anything Goes"
(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse presents Anything Goes across two weekends from August 21-30, 2026. Set sail aboard the S.S. America before the end of summer with a dazzling production of the classic musical comedy.
Theater League of Clifton presents "The Altos" - an Interactive Dinner Theater Comedy Mystery
(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Theater League of Clifton will present "The Altos," an interactive dinner theater comic mystery by David Landau, for three weekends in August 2026. Meet the crime family that inspired it all: the Altos! (like 'The Sopranos', only lower!) The first week of performances take place The Village Inn in Wayne and the last weeks at Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria in Clifton.
McCarter Theatre presents the Octopus Theatricals Production of "All The Devils Are Here"
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre presents the Octopus Theatricals Production of All The Devils Are Here from August 19-30, 2026. Learn how Shakespeare invented the villain in a play created and performed by Patrick Page. The production is directed by Simon Godwin.
FEATURED EVENTS
