By John Posada
originally published: 07/21/2025
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The inaugural Montclair Theater Festival: Once Upon a Stage took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Glenfield Park in the heart of Montclair's historic Fourth Ward. Brought to life by Vanguard Theater in partnership with the Essex County Board of Commissioners, this one-day celebration offered an unforgettable blend of live theater, interactive activities, family fun, and local flavor for people of all ages. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
"We envision the Montclair Theater Festival as a place where everyone belongs — where professional artists, emerging talent, and community members come together to share in the joy of creativity. It’s about celebrating the arts, activating our beautiful public spaces, and creating memories that reflect the vibrant diversity of Montclair." — Janeece Freeman Clark, Producing Artistic Director, Vanguard Theater Company
At the heart of the festival were two mainstage productions: the high-energy, family favorite Shrek the Musical and a magical, open-air performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Both productions feature a blend of professional actors and dedicated community performers, including but not limited to: Kyle Matthew Watkins (Shrek - Shrek), Dwayne Clark (Shrek - Donkey), Brittany Smithson (Shrek - Fiona), Lydia De Souza (Midsummer - Titania), Patrick Swailes Caldwell (Midsummer -Director/ Puck), Leonardo Gómez (Midsummer – Oberon), Marquise Neal (Midsummer - Demetrius).
In addition to these headlining shows, the festival highlighted performances from Vanguard’s past season selections, as well as other local arts organizations.
Performances included OffBook Productions (1776) and Chatham Community Players (Nine); StageWorks (Thirteen) , Villagers Theatre ( Anything Goes), Gas Lamp Players (Little Mermaid), Studio Players (Grimm Tales); Luna Stage ( Excerpts from the 25/26 Season); The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (Shakespeare’s Who’s On First); and Vanguard Theater’s Mainstage performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Performances continued with Bergen County Players (Beautiful); Pride Alliance of Passaic County (The Revision); The Barn Theatre (Bright Star); The Maplewood Strollers (Honeymoon in Vegas); Roundtable Theater Company (Parade); Aurway Repertory Theater (Red: The Musical); The Summit Playhouse (Fun Home); and NJSDA Improv Troupe. The festival concluded with Vanguard Theater’s Mainstage performance of Shrek The Musical.
Here are more photos from the festival.
The Montclair Theater Festival was made possible through the generous support of The Essex County Board Of Commissioners, as well as community partners and sponsors including (but not limited to): Papermill Playhouse, Montclair Cooperative School, and Park Street Automotive Inc.
Many of the theater companies had tables at the event where festival attendees could learn more about the theater groups and how to get involved with them. For a detailed directory of community theaters around the state, click here. For a detailed look at Equity theatres across New Jersey, click here.
Founded in 2015, Vanguard Theater Company is a unique 501(c)(3) organization committed to changing social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship.
Made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
ALL PHOTOS BY JOHN POSADA
About the author: John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
Montclair
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
Ritz Theatre Company presents 2026 One-Act Play Festival
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents their 2026 One-Act Play Festival from August 28-29. The festival features one-act comedies from practicing and promised playwrights from around the world!
George Street Playhouse presents "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares - a comedy show with original songs from August 26-30, 2026. Direct from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements comes this one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti.
Spring Lake Theatre Company presents "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre Company presents two performances of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret from August 29-30, 2026. This is a one-act play from the experiences of America's longest war, blending heartfelt storytelling with a unique cast of combat veterans and military family members.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Broadway Sings for Aaron Lazar on August 31
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In 2022, as the world was finally coming out of COVID-19, Aaron Lazar was invited to return to the stage to lead the cast of The Bridges of Madison County, playing opposite Kate Baldwin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal. Just days into rehearsal, Lazar received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. Thus began Lazar's "extraordinary" journey.
Light Opera of New Jersey to Hold Auditions for "Amahl and The Night Visitors"
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey will hold auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors, a heartwarming holiday opera, on August 27th and September 3rd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Callbacks will be on September 5th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Auditions will be in Basking Ridge. Registrants will be advised of exact location after registering. All roles are opened and paid.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis"
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- What happens when fantasy meets 50-something reality? Find out when Haddonfield Plays & Players presents Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis from September 4-6, 2026. This is a sharp-witted, satirical play written by Amy Ferris and adapted from her best-selling memoir.
Fifth Annual Broadway in the Park concert to Take Place September 7th
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- SOMA Stage presents the fifth annual Broadway in the Park concert on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood. This year's concert, Broadway in the Park: Let's Rock!, features Broadway's biggest rock and pop hits from the 1950s through today. Showtime is 4:30pm.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Lunar Eclipse" by Donald Margulies
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of Lunar Eclipse by Donald Margulies from August 27 through September 20, 2026. In the play, George has been waiting for this night – the seven stages of a lunar eclipse are viewable from the farm that he shares with his wife Em – and she decides to join him in taking in the view.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "A Doll's House, Part 2"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Fifteen years after leaving her family and stagnant marriage, Henrik Ibsen's Nora returns home in Lucas Hnath's A Doll's House Part 2. Nutley Little Theatre presents this sequel to Ibsen's classic play across three weekends from September 11-26, 2026.
Center Players to present "The Realistic Joneses" at the Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Center Players of Freehold will present The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno as its first Signature Series production of the 2026-27 season. Directed by Center Players’ Artistic Director Michael Tota, the production will run from October 2-4 at the Herbst Theatre at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, marking the first time Center Players has performed in the venue.
