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!
If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.
theatre
Axelrod Performing Arts Center presents "Rock of Ages" 
(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The five-time Tony Award-nominated musical Rock of Ages storms into the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park, NJ for a limited two-week run from May 2-18, 2025 and brings along with it plenty of hairspray, spandex and glam rock! This jukebox musical celebrating the best of '80s rock, helmed by Emmy-nominated director and choreographer Lisa Stevens, features tunes from the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more!
Chatham Players presents "Home, I'm Darling" 
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Chatham Players presents Home, I'm Darling weekends from May 2-17, 2025. Every marriage needs a little fantasy to keep it sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, being a domestic goddess isn't as easy as it looks... This is Laura Wade's dark comedy about sex, cake and the quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.
The Road Company presents "Hairspray" 
(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents Hairspray from April 24 through May 10, 2025. You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl's inspiring dream to dance.
Studio Players presents a limited run of "The Laramie Project" 
(UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players presents a limited run of The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic. The production is directed by Thomas J. Donohue II and runs from May 1-4, 2025.
For the Whim Productions presents "Sense & Sensibility" 
(BRIDGETON, NJ) -- For the Whim Productions presents Sense & Sensibility weekends from May 9-17, 2025. Jane Austen's classic novel is brought to life in Kate Hamill's brilliantly funny, fast-paced stage adaptation, which utilizes a chorus of lively Gossips to enhance the sense of a socially stifling world, and encourages inventive choreography, bold characterization, and creative doubling to produce a fresh take on a well-beloved story.
The Village Playbox presents "Man of La Mancha" 
(HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Village Playbox presents Man of La Mancha weekends from May 2-17, 2025. This is one of the world's most popular musicals. Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century masterwork Don Quixote, it is set during the Spanish Inquisition.
Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Godspell" 
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Godspell from May 9-24, 2025. Godspell is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. The show is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with music mostly set to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end.
Masquerade Theatre presents "Once" 
(RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Once across three weekends from April 25 through May 11, 2025. On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story.
NJ Rep Looks at Family Relationships in 'Comfort' 
Relationships within families vary in scope and importance. But the influence that parents have on their children provide some of the most crucial ones. A new play running at New Jersey Repertory Company examines that issue in a show called Comfort. Written by Neil LaBute, the play focuses on the relationship between a mother and a son. In the process of examining that relationship, other issues arise including whether everyone should be a parent or not.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents Disney's "The Little Mermaid" 
(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Paper Mill Playhouse presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, from May 29 through June 29, 2025. The beloved musical is the final production of Paper Mill's 2024-2025 season. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright, The Little Mermaid is based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.
Burlington County Footlighters presents "Fiddler on the Roof" 
(CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters presents Fiddler on the Roof across three weekends from May 2-17, 2025. The classic musical is set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.
Wednesdays in May: Meet the Artist New Play Readings by Vivid Stage at the Summit Community Center 
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage will present its annual Meet the Artist new play reading series on Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 and 28. All readings will take place at the Summit Community Center (100 Morris Avenue) at 7:00pm. This year's readings include works by Joe Sutton, Nick Gandiello, David Lee White, and Laura Ekstrand.
music
Split Level Concerts Announces 2025-26 Season 
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its second season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater.
WXPN 24-Hour Song Challenge Returns Bigger Than Ever! 
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- The WXPN 24-Hour Song Challenge is back and bolder than ever. On May 31, 2025, Songwriters are invited to push their creative limits by crafting an original song in just 24 hours, inspired by a surprise prompt. Participants will write, record, and submit a performance video for a chance to win cash, gear, studio time—and a spot on stage at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.
Des & the Swagmatics releases "My Place"- a Funk-Fueled Disco Anthem Featuring, Gloria Gaynor's Horn Section 
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Des & the Swagmatics are back in a big way with their long-awaited new single, "My Place," via Telegraph Hill Records. A sultry, dancefloor-ready throwback infused with the spirit of classic disco and featuring live horns from Gloria Gaynor's legendary touring horn section, "My Place" captures the raw energy and undeniable groove of an era when funk and soul ruled the charts.
Monmouth University's Tuesday Night Record Club Celebrates 100th Album on May 6th 
(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University will celebrate the 100th episode of its popular Tuesday Night Record Club series on May 6, 2025 at 7:30pm with Michael Jackson's classic 1979 album, Off the Wall. Attendees can register today to join this free event either in-person at the University's Great Hall Auditorium on campus, or via Zoom.
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 4/28/25 
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Zachary West & The Good Grief; Roadside Graves; jpeck; Danello, The Sad Surfer; Monda; Cyborg Amok; Above the Moon; Arlan Feiles; and Ali Zanders. Plus a look back at "Up To Her Ears" by The Successful Failures.
film
State Theatre New Jersey presents Naruto: The Symphony Experience 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Naruto: The Symphony Experience on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00pm. For the first time ever, audiences will see a live orchestra perform the most iconic songs and themes from the Naruto animated series, live-to-picture. Tickets range from $39-$99.
art
Two Stockton University Students chosen to Have Artwork Displayed at Atlantic City International Airport 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Two seniors in Stockton University's Visual Arts program were recently selected out of dozens of entries to display their artwork in the Atlantic City International Airport terminal.
community
Wild West City to Open for the Season 
(BYRAM TWP, NJ) -- When you roam the main street of Wild West City and its replica of Dodge City of the 1880s, you never know who you will meet up with. It could be the Town Marshal, Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid or one of many other figures from the old west, good guys and bad.
FEATURED EVENTS
To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.
To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.
