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.

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.