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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place August 12-18, 2025

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 08/12/2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from August 12-18, 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

PHOTOS from "RENT" at Algonquin Arts Theatre  (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting RENT by Jonathan Larson from August 10–18, 2025. RENT is back in an all-new production, bringing its powerful story of love, friendship, and resilience to the Jersey Shore. With unforgettable songs like "Seasons of Love" and a message that resonates as strongly today as ever, this Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is the must-see event of the summer. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

PHOTOS from "Man of La Mancha" at Music Mountain Theatre  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is presenting 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. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.




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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.

"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.

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.

Surflight's Children's Theater presents "The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition"  (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight children's theater has been eagerly waiting to take you down to the Bikini Bottom in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. Performances take place July 23-27 & August 13-17, 2025 at 6:00pm each night.

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.

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.

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.

Classic American Tales presents stories about the Old West and Harlem and a lecture on Women in Theater  (CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From August 5-14, 2025, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents three different events in two different Cape May locations: The historic Dormer House B&B and The Cape May Public Library.

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.

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."

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.

The Streetcar Project presents "A Streetcar Named Desire" inside Asbury Park's Carousel House  (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Streetcar Project is bringing its much discussed and perpetually sold-out version of Tennessee Williams's landmark American play, A Streetcar Named Desire, to Asbury Park's historically haunted Carousel House from August 17-19, 2025. Performances are presented in association with the Asbury Book Cooperative.

EVENT LISTINGS

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

Friday, August 15, 2025 @ 8:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Saturday, August 16, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Saturday, August 16, 2025 @ 8:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Sunday, August 17, 2025 @ 3:00pm - Rent at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

COMING SOON

"Twist of Faith" to Debut at 2025 Dream Up Festival  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Twist Of Faith, an original comedy-drama with music, will make its debut at Theater for the New City as part of the 2025 Dream Up Festival. The production will run for five performances from August 24-31 in the Johnson Theater. Set over the course of a single Jewish Sabbath, Twist of Faith follows the unexpected encounter between two deeply different young men—a meeting that challenges both of their assumptions and forever changes the trajectory of their lives.

North Star Theater Company to Hold Auditions for "Dear Edwina, Jr."  (OGDENSBURG, NJ) -- North Star Theater Company is holding auditions for their Fall Musical, Dear Edwina Jr., Monday, August 25, 2025 at North Star Studio. The auditions are open to students in Grades 3–8.

Holmdel Theatre Company to Hold Auditions for "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B"  (HOLMDEL, NJ) -- On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Holmdel Theatre Company will hold auditions for their first full Main-Stage production since April 2024 — Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B by Kate Hamill. This is a sharp, sassy, modern twist on a classic mystery! The production will be directed by Tina Barone.

George Street Playhouse to Host One Night Performance of "My First Ex-Husband" Written and Starring Joy Behar  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse will host performances of My First Ex-Husband, written and performed by Joy Behar. Directed by Randal Myler, it will be presented on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Showtimes are 3:00pm & 7:30pm.

Ruth Stage presents "The Zoo Story" by Edward Albee - (OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ruth Stage presents Edward Albee's The Zoo Story at the historic Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove from September 4-6, 2025. This searing one-act revival stars three-time Emmy winner Christian Jules Le Blanc (The Young and the Restless) and acclaimed Off-Broadway actor Matt de Rogatis, best known for his explosive turn as Brick in Ruth Stage's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "A Good Farmer" by Sharyn Rothstein - (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company presents A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein weekends from September 5-21, 2025. This is a play about love, friendship, and finding the power to face what divides us.

The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Parade" - (PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Parade weekends from September 5-28, 2025. mid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the stirring Tony Award-winning musical explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. It features a book by Alfred Uhry and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents "Romeo & Juliet" - (MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents Romeo and Juliet from September 10 to October 5, 2025 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This is one of the most enduring and influential tragedies in Western literature. The play is a cautionary tale about the tragic consequences of young love trying to exist amidst a world entrenched in hatred.

NJ Rep to present World Premiere of "Can't Run Can't Dance" by Gregg Henry - (LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- New Jersey Repertory Company (NJRep) is proud to present the world premiere of Can’t Run Can't Dance, a wild new comedy by Gregg Henry - the prolific film and television actor best known for major roles in "Scandal," "Gilmore Girls," and Guardians of the Galaxy. This fresh theatrical caper, directed by Lisa James, will run from September 11 through October 5, 2025, with opening night set for Saturday, September 13 at 7:00pm.

The Ritz Theatre Company presents "Guys and Dolls" - (HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents Guys and Dolls weekends from September 12-28, 2025.  Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. It is often hailed as the perfect musical comedy.

Players Guild of Leonia presents "Red Speedo" to Open New Season - (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia is diving headfirst into their new season with Red Speedo, the razor-sharp, hilarious, and fast-paced play by acclaimed playwright Lucas Hnath (A Doll's House, Part 2). Performances will take place from September 12-28, 2025 at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater in Leonia, home of the Players Guild.

Two River Theater presents Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Links" - (RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents the world-premiere of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Links, stylishly reimagined by Tony Award® winning director Darko Tresnjak (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder). Featuring numerous Tony Award® winners and nominees, both on and off stage, the production will run in the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater from September 13 - October 5, 2025.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.

The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system. 
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough

(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Main Street Theatre Company presents "The Music Man JR."

(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents The Music Man JR. across two weekends from July 11-19, 2026. There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in this adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic.

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
Iron Mountain Stage Company presents "46 Plays For America

Iron Mountain Stage Company presents "46 Plays For America's First Ladies"

(RINGWOOD, NJ) -- Iron Mountain Stage Company presents 46 Plays For America's First Ladies from July 11-19, 2026. A biographical, meta-theatrical, genre-bending ride through race, gender, and everything else your history teacher never taught you about the founding of America.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Theater Project presents "Having Our Say" by Emily Mann

The Theater Project presents "Having Our Say" by Emily Mann

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 summer season will begin with a bang with a production of Having Our Say, Emily Mann’s 1995 Tony Award-nominated drama about "two 'maiden ladies' with century-old stories to tell", July 11-21, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theatre.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Shrek: The Musical

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


My Fair Lady

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


IHCA-NJ presents Natya Darpan 2026

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 12:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Shrek: The Musical

Sunday, July 12, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ



 

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