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
George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch" on Thursday
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Good Witch Bad Witch on Thursday, June 25, 2026 with performances at 3:00pm & 7:30pm. Gravity-defying vocal acrobatics from Broadway's former Glinda and Elphaba as they sing hit songs of the stage.
Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.
Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O on Friday as part of the North to Shore Festival
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O - an evening of solo theatre performances rooted in culture and community on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Express Newark. The event is part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival.
"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Monty Python's Spamalot
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy, Monty Python's Spamalot, for four performances from June 27-28, 2026. First seen on Broadway in 2005, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony® Awards and won three, including Best Musical. It features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
The Premier Theatre Company presents "1776"
(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents the musical 1776 in the Rumson School District Auditorium from June 26-28, 2026. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
The Artist Collective Troupe presents "Once Upon A Mattress"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents "Beetlejuice, Jr."
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents Beetlejuice, Jr. with two casts from June 25-28, 2026. Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway show, Beetlejuice Jr. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, still grieving the loss of her mother, and obsessed with death.
OffBook Productions presents "Assassins the Musical" at HACPAC
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- OffBook Productions presents Assassins the Musical from June 25-28, 2026 at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). This is a dark and clever musical from Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and book written by John Weidman.
Ritz Theatre Cabaret Series presents "Dream On!"
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company continues its Cabaret Series with Dream On! on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Curated by Connor Twigg, this event features regional artists singing songs from their dream roles.
FEATURED EVENTS
