New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place July 29 to August 4, 2025

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/29/2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from July 29 to August 4, 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.

FEATURED EVENTS

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 to August 3, 2025 for the first time in nearly a decade-long hiatus.




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



 

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. Click here for a review of the production.

bergenPAC presents "Shrek, the Musical"  (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- This summer, the swamp hits the stage in the most unforgettable way! Join Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) for the smash-hit Broadway musical Shrek, presented July 31, August 2-3, 2025 — a show bursting with heart, humor, and high-energy performances by the rising stars of tomorrow from across New Jersey.

Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents National Theatre: Broadcast in HD - "A Streetcar Named Desire"  (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents the National Theatre: Broadcast in HD of A Streetcar Named Desire on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in the Pollak Theatre. From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014. Showtime is 7:30pm.

EVENT PREVIEWS

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.

"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.

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!

Without a Clue Productions presents "Mrs. Roper Romp" and "A Golden Girls Murder Mystery: A Family Affair" at Resorts Casino Hotel  (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Without a Cue Productions heads to the Jersey Shore this summer with two cult classics coming to Atlantic City. Come for the caftan muumuus and stay for the Janet and Jack Tripper cocktails, as Mrs. Roper Romp brings the wild 70s fun to Resorts Casino Hotel. Don your best Mrs. Roper costume (and red curly haired wig!) and win fun prizes as you play party games and dance to Yacht rock inspired by the iconic hit show Three's Company. From the 70s to the 80s and early 90s, get ready to celebrate your favorite Golden Girls.

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 Rep Presents the World Premiere of "How My Grandparents Fell In Love"  (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) presents the world premiere of How My Grandparents Fell in Love, a heartwarming and timely new musical by playwright Cary Gitter and composer Neil Berg, directed by NJ Rep Artistic Director SuzAnne Barabas. The production runs from July 17 through August 10, 2025.

Classic American Tales presents solo shows about Lincoln's assassination and Adam, "the first man," plus a workshop and lecture  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From July 24 through August 5, 2025, the nonprofit Classic American Tales (CAT) presents four different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and The Cape May Public Library.

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.

Challenge your inner sleuth in Cape May during "Clueless at the Physick Estate: Death of the Party"  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- When the guest of honor at the birthday party is found dead, everyone is suspect. Was it the daughter, the business partner, the maid, or someone else? Hear their stories and accusations and see if you can guess "whodunit" in the interactive murder mystery "Clueless at the Physick Estate: Death of the Party" this summer at the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Street) in Cape May, as this original mystery unfolds from room to room.

Surflight Theatre presents "West Side Story"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre presents the classic musical West Side Story from July 29 - August 17 2025. As many people know, West Side Story is a musical adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, set in 1950s New York City. The musical follows two groups: the Jets, and the Sharks, as they rival through racial injustice and territorial turmoil.

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents "Clue, the Musical"  (HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Clue, the Musical from July 29 - August 14, 2025. The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon.

Two River Theater Announces Lineup for Their 14th Annual Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's celebrated Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival of new plays by Latine playwrights will take place from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025 in the Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz Theater. Now in its 14th year, this annual event joyfully showcases the richness, diversity, creativity, and talent of Latine theater artists. All festival events are open and free to the public.

Renowned West End Actor, Rohan Tickell, to Star in "Every Brilliant Thing" at East Lynne Theater Company  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Acclaimed London-based actor Rohan Tickell is bringing his extraordinary talent to Cape May's award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company, to star in Duncan Macmillan's globally celebrated play Every Brilliant Thing, running July 31 to August 30, 2025 at the new Clemans Theater for the Arts.

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2025 presents "Nunsense II: The Second Coming"  (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2025 continues with Nunsense II: The Second Coming, running Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 10 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. This is the follow-up to Dan Goggin's original musical comedy Nunsense, continuing the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken.

The Artist Collective Troupe presents "The Trail to Oregon"  (POINT PLEASANT, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents The Trail to Oregon from August 1-2, 2025 at the Woman's Club of Point Pleasant.  Based on the nostalgic video game, the musical follows a dysfunctional all-American family on the ultimate road trip down the Oregon Trail.

The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret 2025 in Summit  (SUMMIT, NJ) -– Six playwrights. Fourteen actors. Three singers. A band.

Timeless Story of Bravery and Honor, "The Ballad of Mulan," Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- An original theatrical adaptation celebrating the courage, intelligence, and determination of one of China's most beloved heroines comes to life when the Huaxia Chinese School at Plainsboro brings "The Ballad of Mulan" to the stage of Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre, August 1-3, 2025.

Spotlight Players presents "Freaky Friday: The Musical"  (MATAWAN, NJ) -- What if you could spend just one day in someone else's shoes... and that someone happened to be your teenage daughter? Or your high-strung mom? That's the hilarious and heartwarming premise behind Freaky Friday: The Musical, coming to the Spotlight Players stage August 1–10, 2025 at the Presbyterian Church of Matawan.

Phoenix Productions presents "Legally Blonde, The Musical"  (RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presents Legally Blonde, The Musical from August 1-3, 2025 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. 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.

Gateway Playhouse presents Destination American - A Coast-To-Coast musical tribute on Saturday  (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Destination American - A Coast-To-Coast musical tribute on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Performances take place at 1:00pm & 6:00pm.

The 7th Annual Rogue Theater Festival to Present 37 New Productions  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Rogue Theatre Festival (RTF) returns with a bold and eclectic lineup for their 7th annual celebration of new works. This year, the festival will showcase 37 original plays and musicals, including fully staged productions, short plays, staged readings, and digital streaming performances. The Flea Theatre in Tribeca hosts this year's festival with performances running August 4-10, 2025 running in association with Abingdon Theatre Company. Staged Readings will be performed in The Pete theatre, series of Shorts and Fully Staged productions will take place in The Siggy at The Flea.

The First Annual Gene Frankel Theatre Festival to take Place August 4-17  (NEW YORK, NY) -- The inaugural Gene Frankel Theatre Festival will light up NoHo with a festival of new theatrical works. Running from August 4–17, 2025, the two-week festival will showcase an exciting lineup of 25 one-acts and short plays, selected from over 100 submissions. Performances run nightly and on the weekends at the historic Gene Frankel Theatre which has been featuring groundbreaking new work for over seven decades. All featured plays are New York premieres, with many also making their world debut.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Auditions for "The Shark Is Broken" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 @ 6:30pm - Vivid Summer Solos: Side Effects May Include... at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Auditions for "The Shark Is Broken" at CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford

Thursday, July 31, 2025 @ 1:00pm - The Mallard at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Thursday, July 31, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Shrek, The Musical at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Friday, August 1, 2025 @ 7:30pm - The Mallard at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ 3:00pm - The Mallard at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ 3:00pm - Shrek, The Musical at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ 7:30pm - The Mallard at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Sunday, August 3, 2025 @ 3:00pm - The Mallard at Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union

Sunday, August 3, 2025 @ 3:00pm - Shrek, The Musical at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

COMING SOON

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch to present 'WREP – When Radio Entertained People'  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Return to the era when families gathered around the wireless set for "theater of the imagination." The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to host a live presentation by WREP – When Radio Entertained People on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Teaneck New Theatre presents "The Comedy of Errors"  (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Teaneck New Theatre presents The Comedy of Errors as part of Hackensack's Shakespeare in the Park series.  Performances take place on August 6 & 13, 2025 in Atlantic Street Park. Admission is free.

Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents National Theatre: Broadcast in HD - "A Streetcar Named Desire"  (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University Center for the Arts presents the National Theatre: Broadcast in HD of A Streetcar Named Desire on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in the Pollak Theatre. From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Levoy Theatre presents "Hairspray, The Broadway Musical"  (MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Hairspray, The Broadway Musical weekends from August 8-17, 2025. The musical takes place in Baltimore. It's 1962 and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show."

Music Mountain Theatre presents "Man of La Mancha"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Man of La Mancha weekends from August 8-24, 2025. One of the world's most popular musicals, it was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century masterwork Don Quixote and set during the Spanish Inquisition.

Main Street Theatre Company presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar"  (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar across two weekends (August 9-10 and August 16-17, 2025). A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.

The Theater Project presents "And in This Corner... Cassius Clay"  (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.

Spring Lake Theatre presents "The Sound of Music"  (SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre presents The Sound of Music from August 14-24, 2025. This beloveded musical that tells the inspiring story of Maria, a spirited young woman studying to become a nun in Austria during the late 1930s.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(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

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"

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

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

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.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


All The Devils Are Here

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


11 Days The Story of Operation Pineapple Express

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


George Street Playhouse presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


All The Devils Are Here

Thursday, August 27, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


All The Devils Are Here

Thursday, August 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ



 

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