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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place April 22-28, 2025

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 04/22/2025


Here are previews of plays taking place from April 22-28, 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. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.

Send press releases to [email protected] to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Pushcart Players to present Autism-Friendly Performance of "Velveteen Rabbit" at Paper Mill Playhouse  (MILLBURN, NJ) -- Pushcart Players, New Jersey's premier touring educational theater company, is proud to present a special Autism-Friendly performance of "Velveteen Rabbit" at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn on April 23, 2025 at 11:00am. This performance is designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone, but especially for families with young people on the Autism spectrum, as well as those with other developmental disabilities.

Ocean County College Repertory Theatre presents "Deathtrap"  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Prepare for an evening of suspense, wit, and shocking twists when the Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Ira Levin's Deathtrap in the Black Box Theater (Building 11B) at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts from April 25 through May 4, 2025.




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MPAC presents the Murder Mystery Comedy "CLUE"  (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from the fan-favorite film, comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) Friday-Sunday, April 25-27, 2025.

Avenel Performing Arts Center presents The Super 70’s Prom! Dinner Theater Show  (AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents The Super 70’s Prom! Dinner Theater Show from April 25-27, 2025. In this hilarious audience participation comedy, you will step back in time into a world of Bell Bottoms, Long Hair, Flower Power, & Groovy Tunes.

Vivid Stage to present Gemstones Episode 6  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center (120 Morris Avenue) in Summit, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. Coming up is the sixth episode of the original series, Gemstones, by Phoebe Farber. Episode 6 runs Saturday, April 26 at 8:00pm and Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00pm.

George Street Playhouse presents "The Shark is Broken" - a comedy about the making of "Jaws"  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents The Shark is Broken, written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon (Spy), from April 29 through May 18, 2025. Directed by Peter Flynn (Fiddler on the Roof), the cast includes Jason Babinsky (Network) as Roy Scheider, Jeffrey M. Bender (A Time to Kill) as Robert Shaw, and Max Wolkowitz (The Sabbath Girl: The Musical) as Richard Dreyfuss.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Bristol Riverside Theatre presents "In The Heights" by Lin-Manuel Miranda  (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- The electrifying rhythms of Washington Heights pulse through Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) as Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical, a genre-bending blend of hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and soul, In the Heights, takes the stage March 25 through April 27, 2025. BRT's production is directed by the visionary Carlos Armesto, returning to BRT following his sensory-driven production Odd Man Out in 2023. This season, Armesto brings the beloved hit musical set on the vibrant streets of New York to the stage. BRT co-producers Amy and Ken Kaissar present the first large-scale production since the newly renovated space reopened.

Two River Theater presents "¡VOS!"  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's season continues with ¡VOS!, a World Premiere debut by the powerful new voice, Christina Pumariega (Joan Dark), directed by Nicole A. Watson (Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls, Artistic Director of Playwrights Center in Minneapolis) is an exhilarating quest for justice, family and home. Performances will run in the Marion Huber Theater April 5-27, 2025.

NJ Rep presents "Comfort" by Neil LaBute  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) continues its 28th season with Neil LaBute's Comfort, directed by Evan Bergman. The production runs from April 17 to May 11, 2025, with opening on April 19, 2025, at NJ Rep's intimate theater in Long Branch. The new play follows the complicated, love-hate relationship between a mother and son as they barrel towards the unknown, battling over ownership of a treasured manuscript.

Music Mountain Theatre presents "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive weekends from April 18 through May 4, 2025. The play by Selina Fillinger is about a derogatory comment, a summit gone awry, an anal abscess - it's a bad day at the White House.

Centenary Stage Company's NEXTStage Repertory presents "Carrie: The Musical"  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's NEXTStage Repertory will end their 2025 season with Carrie: The Musical from April 24 through May 4, 2025. With book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic 1976 film), lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore, Carrie: the Musical, brings Stephen King's novel to the stage.

The Summit Playhouse presents "Fun Home"  (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse presents Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Jeanine Tesori, and Lisa Kron weekends from April 25 through May 10, 2025. In this groundbreaking and deeply personal musical, Alison Bechdel revisits her past to make sense of her father's secrets and her own journey to self-discovery.

MCCC Theatre and Dance Students present the Musical Comedy "Anything Goes"  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Get ready to hit the high seas with a cast of zany characters and toe-tapping tunes when the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Academic Theater and Dance program presents the musical comedy "Anything Goes," April 25 to May 4, 2025 at the Kelsey Theatre on the college's West Windsor Campus.

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "West Side Story"  (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents West Side Story weekends from April 25 through May 18, 2025. Step into the streets of New York City and experience the timeless tale of love, rivalry, and passion. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time.

LoMotion Live presents "The Devil and Daisy Dirt" - A Garden State Gothic Event  (BOONTON, NJ) -- LoMotion Live presents a brand-new theatrical experience, The Devil and Daisy Dirt, featuring live music, a life-sized puppet, and a deep dive into New Jersey's most intriguing lore. The performance takes place Saturday, April 26, 2025 at The Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Art House Productions presents 2025 INKubator New Play Festival  (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents the 2025 INKubator New Play Festival from April 28 - May 7. This year's playwrights are Phillip Gregory Burke, Sarah Cuneo, Molly Horan, Frank Murdocco, and M. D. Schaffer. Audiences who attend the festival will have the opportunity to participate in conversations with the writers, directors, and actors following each performance. All readings are free to attend, but advanced registration is required.

 

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Friday, April 25, 2025 @ 6:00pm - The Super 70’s Prom! Dinner Theater Show at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

Friday, April 25, 2025 @ 7:30pm - Deathtrap at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 6:00pm - The Super 70’s Prom! Dinner Theater Show at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 7:30pm - Deathtrap at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 8:00pm - Vivid Stage presents "Gemstones" by Phoebe Farber at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit

Sunday, April 27, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Deathtrap at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Sunday, April 27, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Vivid Stage presents "Gemstones" by Phoebe Farber at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit

Sunday, April 27, 2025 @ 3:00pm - The Super 70’s Prom! Dinner Theater Show at Avenel Performing Arts Center, 150 Avenel Street, Avenel

COMING SOON

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch to present WREP and 'theater of the imagination'   (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Return to the era when families gathered around the wireless set for "theater of the imagination." The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to host a live presentation by WREP – When Radio Entertained People on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Luna Stage presents "the ripple, the wave that carried me home"  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents "the ripple, the wave that carried me home" from May 1-25, 2025 on the MainStage. This is a story of racial justice, political legacy and family forgiveness by 2025 Steinberg Playwright Award winner and Tony nominee Christina Anderson.

CDC Theatre presents "Legally Blonde, The Musical"  (CRANFORD, NJ) -- Harvard's beloved blonde takes the stage at CDC Theatre in Cranford by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery! CDC Theatre presents Legally Blonde, The Musical weekends from May 2-18, 2025.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "How The Light Gets In" by E.M. Lewis  (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company celebrates 20 years of professional theatre in Camden with the regional premiere of How The Light Gets In by E.M. Lewis weekends from May 2-18, 2025. The play is about a travel writer who never travels. A Japanese architect who can't figure out how to build a simple tea house. A gifted tattoo artist who resists the power of his talents. And a homeless girl who lives under a weeping willow tree in the Japanese Garden.

E. M. Lewis Talks Life Updates and Inspirations as 'How The Light Gets In' Arrives at South Camden Theatre Company  Several years ago, I talked with playwright/teacher/librettist E.M Lewis when her play "Apple Season" was a 2019 selection for the National New Play Network's Rolling World Premier program. According to the NPNN website, "each Rolling World Premiere supports partnerships between three NNPN Member Theaters and a playwright as they work together to develop and produce three distinct productions of a previously unproduced play."

The Mo Willems Classic, "Knuffle Bunny" Arrives At The Growing Stage  (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is thrilled to present, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical weekends from May 2-18, 2025. Based on the book by Mo Willems and published by Hyperion Books for Children, the musical features a script and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Michael Silversher. It tells the story of Trixie, her father and her favorite stuffed bunny as they set off on a trip to the Laundromat.

Bergen County Players presents "A Little Night Music" by Stephen Sondheim  (ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will close its 92nd season with Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award-winning A Little Night Music at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from May 3 through June 1, 2025. With music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, lovers reunite, passions reignite, and new romances blossom in 1900s Sweden.

Youth Performers Take Flight in ShowKids Invitational Theatre's "Mary Poppins"  (GLEN GARDNER, NJ) -- ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT) brings the magic of Disney's "Mary Poppins" to the stage this May, featuring a double cast of talented young performers ages 7-18 at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner. The production includes six performances between May 3-11, 2025 with special aerial effects allowing the iconic nanny to truly take flight.

Roy's Hall presents The Devil and Daisy Dirt - A Garden State Gothic Event  (BLAIRSTOWN, NJ) -- The Devil and Daisy Dirt - A Garden State Gothic Event comes to Roy's Hall on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm. This production features live music, a life-sized puppet, and takes a deep dive into New Jersey's most intriguing lore. The cast includes Alex Dawson, Dan Diana, Arlan Feiles, and Jackie Fogel. This is one show you won't want to miss!

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "1776"  (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents its May musical, 1776. The show will run eight performances May 9-18, 2025. Witness the birth of a nation in 1776: a revolutionary musical experience! Join John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and other iconic figures as they draft the Declaration of Independence.

"Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies" premieres at The Puffin Cultural Forum in May  (TEANECK, NJ) -- Direct from its critically acclaimed off-Broadway run, Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies will have its Bergen County premiere at Puffin Cultural Forum with a special live talk-back following the performance on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00pm.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
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.

The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret

(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.

Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical"

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"

Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre (MST) is proud to present its first-ever Pre-Professional Theatre Program production, Urinetown: The Musical, book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann. The entire production is led by a team of professionals - the assistants and cast are all young artists ages 18 to 25, based in Hudson County and from across North and Central New Jersey. The production runs from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Country Gate Players presents "The Addams Family Musical" (Youth Production)

(BELVIDERE, NJ) -- Country Gate Players presents The Addams Family Musical (Youth Production) from July 24-26, 2026. This is the spectacular culminating production of their 2026 Summer Youth Performance Workshop.
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.
Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"

Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"

(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- The Woodbridge Community Players present 9 to 5, The Musical from July 23-26, 2026 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
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.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


My Fair Lady

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


My Fair Lady

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr."

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Mala Aria

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Mala Aria

Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ



 

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