Here are previews of plays taking place from July 8-14, 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.
Vivid Stage presents Summer Solos 2025 (SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage presents Summer Solos - their annual weekly reading series - Wednesdays throughout July on the lawn of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. The series will include works by Kevin Daly, Elizabeth Strout, Megan Gogerty, and Eric Coble.
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]" (MADISON, NJ) -- Starting as an act at Renaissance festivals, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] was designed by playwrights Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield to draw audiences back to the Bard's original texts. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present this play at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University from July 9–27, 2025 for the first time in nearly a decade-long hiatus.
OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents "A Broadway Tour of America" (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company will present "A Broadway Tour of America" July 10-13 and July 19-20, 2025 in the Black Box Theatre at the Grunin Center for the Arts. The show takes audiences on an unforgettable cross-country adventure, celebrating America's cultural landmarks through the magic of musical theater.
The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray" (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present the unstoppably joyous musical, Hairspray, over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, with musical direction by Lauryn Boyle and choreography by Samantha Amaral, the award-winning Broadway musical promises a fun-filled evening of laughter, energy and unforgettable dance numbers. Fawn Nocera Photography was on hand to take photos.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents the Timeless Musical, "The Wizard of Oz" (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, running from July 12-27, 2025. Step into the magical world of Oz featuring all the beloved moments and iconic songs of the classic MGM film.
Classic American Tales presents "Tales at the Dormer House" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 12 through October 16, 2025, Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents "Tales at the Dormer House" in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories by American authors. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will be inside. Cost is only $12.00, cash at the door, and guests at The Dormer House and children ages 12 and under are free.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park Unveils Lineup for 2025 Summer Season (EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park returns this summer to the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located at Roosevelt Park, presenting three popular Broadway musicals: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rent, and Grease.
East Lynne Theater Company presents Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) – now in its 45th year–will present its first show of the company's Mainstage Season, Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," from June 19 to July 12, 2025 with a special performance to honor Veterans on June 27. The heartwarming love story features Liz Mattera, an East Lynne veteran, as Louise, and New York-based actor Xander Furman as Jack, with Mark Edward Lang (ELTC's "Possessing Harriet") directing and lush period costumes by NYC designer Travis Chinick.
"Heathers, the Musical" returns to NYC this summer (NEW YORK, NY) -- Producers Bill Kenwright LTD., Paul Taylor-Mills and Jerry Goehring are pleased to announce that after smash hit runs in London and on tour throughout the UK, a new production of Heathers the Musical will make its eagerly awaited return to New York City in June.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" Returns to NYC for an Off-Broadway Run at The Gene Frankel Theatre (NEW YORK, NY) -- After a critically acclaimed run in 2022, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance returns to The Gene Frankel Theatre for a limited Off- Broadway run. Thomas R. Gordon, Artistic Director of The Onomatopoeia Theatre Company, directs the production. The revival runs June 26 to July 26, 2025.
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center presents Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" in Metuchen and Plainfield (METUCHEN, NJ) -- Not long after a revival of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town closed on Broadway, New Jersey audiences will have the chance to see the classic drama close to home. Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will present the classic play in both Metuchen and Plainfield in July. Directed by Dragonfly's Artistic Director Catherine LaMoreaux, Our Town invites audiences into the heart of small-town America through the everyday lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.
Cape May Stage presents "Love, Loss, & What I Wore" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore from July 5-11, 2025. Based on Ilene Beckerman's bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.
SoHo Playhouse presents Finalists for 2025 Lighthouse Series (NEW YORK, NY) -- SoHo Playhouse is thrilled to announce the six finalists for the 2025 Lighthouse Series, running July 6–20, 2025. The Final Round includes Brody Went Missing by Matt Stephens; How to Build a Gate by Electra Artemis; Golem Owned a Tropical Smoothie by Ethan Crystal and Garrett Poladian; The Ghost of Bob Dylan Shows One of Us Greatness by Annie Stein; Hungry Women by Melissa Maney; and Hot Pussy Time Machine by Alexander J. Daniels.
Heartwarming, Classic Musical "Meet Me in St. Louis" Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Celebrate a year of romance, opportunity, humor and heartbreak with the Smith family, culminating with a milestone, historic event when the Yardley Players present Meet Me in St. Louis, July 11-20, 2025 at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre.
Raconteur Radio presents Theatrical Adaptation of "The Hobbit" at Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch (BARNEGAT,NJ) -- Feel like taking a journey through Middle Earth? Raconteur Radio presents a special theatrical presentation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.
Centenary Stage presents Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company presents Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville from Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 20 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Featuring a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, this play combines tropical vibes and feel-good humor with a collection of the singer-songwriter’s most beloved hits.
Centenary Stage Company presents Jimmy Buffet's "Escape to Margaritaville" (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company kicks off SUMMERFEST 2025 with Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville, July 10-20 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy nominee Mike O'Malley, this production is jam-packed with the artist's most beloved classic tunes including "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Margaritaville," "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," "Fins," "Volcano," and many more.
Classic American Tales presents "The Specialist" and "The Wizard of Oz" this week (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- This week, Classic American Tales presents two different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and Rea's Farm.
Gateway Playhouse to Showcase a Weekend full of One Acts (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse will host "Party of One (Acts)" from July 11-13, 2025. The one-act plays are a series of vignettes taken from Tracy Wells' A Trip to the Moon, with each story set during the Summer of '69, specifically around the moon landing.
Speranza Theatre Company presents "Princess Pals" (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Speranza Theatre Company, joined by students from Speranza Studio's Summer Acting Intensive, presents its summer stage production, Princess Pals, from July 11-19, 2025 outdoors at the Museum of Jersey City History at The Apple Tree House. Written and directed by Nick Radu-Blackburn. Happily Ever was just the beginning... turns out "after" isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Bored after their fairy tale endings, princess-frenemies embark on a mischievous adventure. Can they put their differences aside to save their kingdoms, all while dealing with an unexpected twist?
Music Mountain Theatre presents the Broadway hit "The SpongeBob Musical" (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants of course! Now he's riding the wave to Music Mountain Theatre in this hilarious original musical, based on the TV series by Stephen Hillenburg. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble town, SpongeBob and his friends unite to save their undersea world. Plunge into this stunning show and discover how the power of optimism really can save the world!
The Summit Playhouse presents "Legally Blonde, The Musical" (SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse presents Legally Blonde, The Musical across two weekends from July 11-20, 2025. This is a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, the musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.
The Ritz Theatre Company presents "The Wizard of Oz" (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum weekends from July 11-27, 2025. Based upon the Classic Motion Picture, it was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company and features Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg.
Light Opera of New Jersey presents "The Pirates of Penzance" (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey presents The Pirates of Penzance at the Sieminski Theater July 12-13, 2025. They have assembled a brilliant cast ready to bring you a sensitive-yet-duty-bound pirate apprentice, a gaggle of gloriously melodramatic daughters, a Major-General who can out-patter anyone, and a police force whose bravery is inversely proportional to the size of their mustaches.
Montclair Township Declares 'Montclair Theater Day' Ahead of Vanguard Theater's Inaugural Festival (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Known for its vibrant and lively arts scene, the town of Montclair continues to find new and meaningful ways to celebrate creativity within its community. One of the town's newest initiatives includes the inaugural Montclair Theater Festival, presented by Vanguard Theater and The Essex County Board Of Commissioners. This eagerly anticipated event is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in Montclair's historic Fourth Ward.
WHATCo presents Free performances of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (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.
A New Musical, "Rocky Bumps," to Have Staged Reading in Haddonfield (HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- An original musical, Rocky Bumps, will hold a staged reading on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Haddonfield Theater Arts Center Studio. The musical is a coming-of-age tale steeped in romance, risk, and retro charm. The reading begins at at 2:00pm.
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody? at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm - A Broadway Tour of America at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm - The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm - A Broadway Tour of America at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm - The Wizard of Oz at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm - A Broadway Tour of America at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm - The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:30pm - A Broadway Tour of America at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm - The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray" at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown
Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm - A Broadway Tour of America at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River
Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 3:00pm - The Wizard of Oz at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan
Players Guild of Leonia to Hold Auditions for "Where The Time Goes" (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia will hold auditions for Where The Time Goes on Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm each night at their theater. This is a World Premiere musical featuring the iconic songs of The Baby Boomer Generation.
Cape May Stage presents "Sexy Laundry" (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Sexy Laundry by Michele Riml from July 16 through August 24, 2025. The relatable storyline follows Alice and Henry, a long-married couple, attempting to reignite the spark in their relationship by escaping to a trendy hotel with a copy of the book Sex for Dummies in hand.
NJ Playwright Duo to Receive NYC Premiere of New Historical Satire, "Sacco & Vanzetti are Dead" (NEW YORK, NY) -- Wayne natives Joey DeFilippis and Matthew Ferrara take to the page and stage with their latest endeavor: a satirical retelling of the historic trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants caught in the web of prejudice and political persecution during America's first "Red Scare". Sacco & Vanzetti are Dead will receive its New York City premiere this July at The American Theatre of Actors. DeFilippis and Ferrara conceived and wrote the play, and will also star as the titular characters.
Premiere Stages presents "The Mallard" by Vincent Delaney (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages at Kean University presents the premiere production of The Mallard by Vincent Delaney from July 17-August 3, 2025 in Kean University's Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. The Mallard was the winner of the 2024 Premiere Play Festival. Directed by Premiere Stages Producing Artistic Director John J. Wooten, the cast features Eddie Gouveia Blackman, Susan Ferrara, Jennifer Leigh Houston, Victoria Pollack and Woodrow Proctor.
Asbury Park to Host 1st Annual ACT OUT, DIVA! New Play Festival (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Bailey Dumlao and Matthew Yee have announced the first annual ACT OUT, DIVA! New Play Festival featuring five new plays presented as readings from July 17-20, 2025. Matthew Yee is one of the featured playwrights and Bailey Dumlao directs all five pieces.
Fool Moon Theatre presents Stephen Schwartz's Classic Musical "Pippin" (MARGATE, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents Stephen Schwartz’s classic musical Pippin across two weekends (July 18-20 and July 25-27, 2025) at Margate Community Church. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. It's South Jersey's must-see show for summer 2025.
LoMotion Live presents "The Diary of Anne Frank" (BOONTON, NJ) -- LoMotion Live is proud to present The Diary of Anne Frank, a play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, based on the book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. The production runs from July 18-26, 2025 at The Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
"RIFT" Returns To Luna For Two Nights Only Before International Debut At Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage's commissioned World Premiere play RIFT is headed to the Edinburgh Fringe for a four-week run at Traverse Theatre this August. On July 18-19, 2025 at 8:00pm each night, the powerful and timely new play returns to Luna for two benefit performances to support the company's travel to Scotland.
Disney's "The Lion King, Jr" comes to Jersey Shore Arts Center (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company is excited to showcase the students of their camp program with a full, family-friendly production of Disney's The Lion King, Jr. for three performances at Ocean Grove’s Jersey Shore Arts Center, July 18-20, 2025.
Two River Theater Announces "Be More Chill" 10th Anniversary Concerts (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater is proud to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the World Premiere of Be More Chill, the hit Broadway musical, with two nights of concerts on July 24-25, 2025 at 8:00pm. With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, book by Joe Tracz, and based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, Be More Chill was originally commissioned and produced by Two River, directed by Stephen Brackett and choreographed by Chase Brock, on their Red Bank stage in 2015, and ran on Broadway in 2019.
Bell Theater presents "Steel Magnolias" with Broadway Star-Filled Cast (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- A beloved celebration of friendship and community, Steel Magnolias has become an American cultural classic on stage and screen. Robert Harling's original play comes to Bell Theater at Bell Works this summer with a starry cast of Broadway icons, including Charlotte D'Amboise, Amy Spanger, Nancy Opel, and Kathy Fitzgerald. This production of Steel Magnolias runs at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel from July 25 through August 10, 2025.
Chatham Playhouse to Host 31st Annual Jersey Voices: One-Act Festival (CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players (CCP) will host its 31st annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival with six performances between July 25 and August 3, 2025. This year's production will include eight original short plays written by New Jersey playwrights.
