New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

WHATCo presents Free performances of Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/06/2025

Christopher Tully, as Prospero, conjures the magical storm. Photo by Amanda Castro-Conroy

(KEARNY, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) is bringing the Bard back to West Hudson this summer! William Shakespeare's The Tempest will be performed in Arlington Depot Park in Kearny on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 7:00pm and in East Newark's new Riverfront Park on Sunday, July 20 at 6:00pm. Both performances are free of charge.

“Be sure to bring a picnic blanket, lawn chairs, and get ready for another unforgettable evening of Shakespeare, right here in our West Hudson community!” said WHATCo president Brandi-Leigh Miller. “We are also grateful to our community partner the Spanish Pavillion for providing our cast with a comfortable and spacious regular rehearsal space. Michael Fernandez and his team have been incredibly generous to us,” she added.

The Tempest is directed by Matt Masiello; with Script Consultants Elizabeth Meisenzal and Emily Schepker. Producers are Amanda Castro-Conroy and Brandi-Leigh Miller; Stage Manager is Emily Schepker; Assistant Stage Managers are Nilanthi Sangarabalan and Chelsea Lennon; Inclusion Coordinator is Joseph Jones; Costume Designer is Samantha Egge; Costume Assistant is Marilyn Gates; Set Design by Brian Sullivan and Mike Raysor; Properties by Ash Nichols. Original music composed by Alexander Matthew.

The cast includes Christopher Tully, Scout Graham, Joseph Jones, Jackie Wilberton, Tom Murtagh, Jessica Jones, Dylan Catania, Amanda Regan, Tess Nunan, John Jesse Jeffords, Maggie Madere, Darell A. Richardson, Tate Olitt, Sarah Bergin, Carlos Caban De Jesus, Ash Nichols, Nick Maes, Ed Shea, Amanda Castro-Conroy and Anthony Cornatzer.

These West Hudson performances are made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Additional performances at HACPAC

In a collaboration with the Teaneck New Theatre (TNT), and Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), WHATCO will also be presenting free performances of The Tempest at the HACPAC Atlantic Street Park (102 State Street) in Hackensack on Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23 @ 7:30pm.

There are no rain dates for either the Kearny, East Newark or Hackensack performances. 

Visit www.whatconj.org and www.go-tnt.org and follow WHATCo and TNT on Instagram and Facebook for updated information.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



EVENT PREVIEWS

(FRENCHTOWN, NJ) -- ArtYard presents a performance of You, Me and the Algorithmic Sea on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a sharp, funny, and slightly unnerving live performance from NYC duo Xn0rmL, poet Mark Svenvold and musician/producer Ted Sabety.
The Montclair Theater Festival takes place on Saturday

The Montclair Theater Festival takes place on Saturday

(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.

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


Vivid Stage Summer Solos: "Maker of Worlds" by Wendy Schmidt

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 23, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Mala Aria

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Annie, Jr.

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info