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Jersey Arts Podcast: Broadway's Back at the State Theatre: 'Dear Evan Hansen' Takes the Stage

By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 03/20/2025


The six-time Tony Award-winning show “Dear Evan Hansen” is bringing its North American Tour to the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. The show boasts music and lyrics by EGOT winners - that’s an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony - Benjamin Pasek and Justin Paul. “Dear Evan Hansen” offers a score that will have you whistling the tunes on your way out of the theater.

The show tackles some sensitive topics in a way that audiences have been connecting with deeply since its Broadway premiere in 2016. The musical focuses on lonely high school student, Evan Hansen, who always feels like he’s on the outside looking in. Evan finally gets what so many of us are searching for—the chance to fit in. What follows is a poignant, funny, and powerful musical about how even though it can be hard, we can find each other—and ourselves—along the way.

Gina Rodriguez and cast members Bre Cade and Caitlin Sams engage in an introspective discussion about what has been a groundbreaking and deeply touching musical.

Please note a Trigger Warning for today’s chat. Both this episode and the show itself will touch on child loss and death by suicide. Please listen with care.

Performances of "Dear Evan Hansen" at the State Theatre take place March 28-30, 2025.  Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. The State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Theater Festival takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm in Brookdale Park. Step into a day of theater magic, live performances, and community fun! Presented by Vanguard Theater, this vibrant one-day event features family-friendly shows like Suessical: The Musical and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, alongside performances from local artists, food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"

(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
Award-Winning "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut

Award-Winning "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut

(GARWOOD, NJ) -- Before taking their award-winning production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland this August, Cheese Platter Productions will present one final hometown performance, and one final opportunity for audiences to help send the company overseas.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th

The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

The Road Company presents "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition"

(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.

CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents Stages of Madness from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This a slightly unhinged night of original works by emerging and established playwrights.
Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents "New Voices of 2026: On Vacation"

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theater Conservatory presents New Voices of 2026: On Vacation at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University. This is a world-premiere, full-scale concert that takes audiences on a musical journey around the world. Three performances take place over July 31 and August 1, 2026.
Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents "Annie"

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

North Star Theater Company presents "The SpongeBob Musical"

(HAMBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company brings the colorful world of Bikini Bottom to the stage with Nickelodeon's The SpongeBob Musical, running July 30 through August 2, 2026 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's "Matilda Jr."

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre's summer program students present Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. from July 31 to August 2, 2026.  The summer program includes students aged 7-15.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Nawazuddin Siddiqui starring in NAQAAB

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Mala Aria

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Mala Aria

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Annie, Jr.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


Annie, Jr.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


UNLIMITED – Finding Your Voice

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ


UNLIMITED – Finding Your Voice

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ



 

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