Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/02/2025
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company is proud to announce a special initiative in support of our nation's heroes with its "Sponsor a Vet" program. For just $25, anyone can sponsor a U.S. military veteran to attend the Thursday, August 7, 2025, performance of "Every Brilliant Thing," a humorous and powerful play that sheds light on resilience, mental health and the extreme value of finding joy in life's small moments.
Written by Duncan Macmillan and starring world-renowned actor Rohan Tickell, “Every Brilliant Thing” is an immersive theatrical experience that balances humor while exploring depression through the eyes of a child growing into adulthood. The show runs through August 30.
Directed in-the-round, this is the first full production to take place in East Lynne’s new home, the stunning Clemans Theater for the Arts.
To sponsor a vet, go to TinyURL.com/vet-tix-25 to donate $25 to sponsor a seat for a veteran.
This special evening includes a free Talkback Thursday panel following the performance, hosted in partnership with the South Jersey Veterans Suicide Prevention Coalition. The post-show discussion will offer audiences — both veterans and civilians — a meaningful opportunity to engage in dialogue on “Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health & Vulnerability.”
"We believe in the healing power of theater," said East Lynne’s Executive Director Mark David Boberick. "By sponsoring a veteran to see this performance, we are honoring those who have served by making a difference — one brilliant moment at a time – and our audience members are helping us create a space for connection, understanding and healing."
A total of four Talkback Thursday panels will take place during the show’s run. Subsequent Talkback Thursdays will take place with the following organizations and topics:
* August 14: “Brilliant Things: Practicing Everyday Joy and Resilience” with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional
* August 21: “Mental Health in the Family: Listening, Loving, Supporting” with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
* August 28: “Creative Coping: The Arts and Mental Health” with Tara O'Keefe, MA, LCADC, RDT, CTP, Addictions Counselor Supervisor at Stockton University.
Audience attendance is optional.
“Every Brilliant Thing” runs 7:00pm Wednesdays to Saturdays through August 30. Tickets are $40 general admission, $35 seniors, $25 students and military. Shows will take place at the new Clemans Theater for the Arts, 717 Franklin St. For tickets and information, go to EastLynneTheater.org.
Founded in 1980, East Lynne Theater Company has been named by The New York Times as one of the Top 75 summer theaters in North America and recognized by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly as “one of the state’s most important cultural treasures.” In 2023, understanding that the American Theater is itself a growing work of art, East Lynne expanded its mission to “present and preserve America’s theatrical heritage” by including plays about America today.
As of 2025, East Lynne, which is currently housed in Cape May Presbyterian Church, continues to raise funds for its Capital Campaign to renovate its new home, the Clemans Theater for the Arts at Allen AME Church. As the company expands into the Clemans Theater, so does its calendar, which will offer year-round entertainment that includes plays and performances from worldwide writers, actors, musicians, and more.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
