(SUMMIT, NJ) -- In response to the body blows pummeling arts organizations nationwide, The Theater Project will deliver a one-two punch with the premier New Jersey production of And in This Corner...  Cassius Clay, the centerpiece of its thirty-first summer season. Idris Goodwin's 2016 award-winning drama will run August 14–24, 2025 at the Oakes Center.

And in This Corner... Cassius Clay explores the early life and struggles of the boxer who became Muhammad Ali, the first athlete to be called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Goodwin wrote the play on commission from Stage One Family Theater in Louisville, Kentucky, in partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center. The Theater Project had been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for this production, which was subsequently withdrawn.

“Our 2025 summer season comes during a turbulent time for not-for-profit arts organizations,” said Mark Spina, The Theater Project’s artistic director. “Sadly, many theater companies across the country are canceling productions, a few are canceling seasons, and some have closed their doors. The Theater Project is determined to continue building on what we’ve been doing for decades: serving as mentors for aspiring playwrights and actors; conducting workshops; staging productions of new and exciting plays; and presenting staged readings of new work, where audiences have the opportunity to engage the playwrights in conversation.”

Lambert Tamin plays the young Muhammad Ali, photo by Idris Goodwin

Performances take place Thursday, August 14 & 21 at 10:00am; Friday/Saturday, August 15-16 & August 22-23 at 7:30pm; Sunday, August 17 & 24 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. An audio-description will be available on Friday, August 22 for low vision patrons.  The Oakes Center is located at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, New Jersey.

Lambert Tamin, a graduate of The Juilliard School and a Theater Project veteran, will appear in the title role. Tamin’s theatrical credits include Greek tragedy, Shakespeare, and cabaret. In addition, he has appeared on television and in independent films. Also in the cast: Emily Bonaria, Ethan Buchanan, Judah Gray, Gary Martins, Yinka Olagbegi. Ron Richardson, and Daaimah Talley.

Two additional shows round out the summer calendar: Kaleidoscope Kabaret and Broadway Jukebox.

Broadway Jukebox, featuring Alumni of Theater Project Jr., all young adults, will reunite to perform scenes and numbers from celebrated musicals. June 28–29 at The Jardine Academy (61 Myrtle Street) in Cranford.

Kaleidoscope Kabaret, an annual festival of songs and short plays from The Theater Company’s Playwriting Workshop and Young Playwrights Competition takes place August 1–3 at Oakes Center Theater.  Following each performance, audience members will be able to engage in conversation with the Kabaret playwrights.

The Theater Project’s summer season is made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Founded in 1994 and based in Union, The Theater Project introduces New Jersey audiences to new plays and supports rising playwrights and theater artists. It develops new audiences for theater by service to the community, providing programs for children, and using theater as a forum to address current issues.

​The Theater Project was founded in 1994. Under the leadership of Mark Spina, Artistic Director, we have provided well-rounded programs on a relatively small budget to audiences who relish and seek out stimulating, new theater.

Providing a forum to express ideas that spark the imagination, and challenge the mind is what we strive to do. Encouraging our audiences to think beyond the status quo and elevate the discourses around important contemporary issues is germane to their purpose.

Most importantly, our audience is willing to take a chance on a title or author they have never encountered before, knowing they will be engaged, challenged and entertained.