Here is the morning update from New Jersey's arts newswire. We regularly publish between 8-15 new articles and news reports each day. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
If your arts organization sends out press releases, make sure you have [email protected] on your media list for coverage.
theatre
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place October 7-13, 2025 
Here are previews of plays taking place from October 7-13, 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.
Bergen County Players presents "The Game's Afoot: Or Holmes for the Holidays" 
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Bergen County Players is thrilled to continue its 93rd season with Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig's uproarious whodunnit The Game's Afoot: Or Holmes for the Holidays. The limited run opens October 25 and runs through November 15, 2025. It takes place Christmas Eve 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, invites his fellow Broadway cast members to his lavish Connecticut mansion for an elegant weekend of revelry.
The Village Playbox presents "SHOWPLACE - the story of Steel Pier" 
(HADDON HEIGHTS, NJ) — The Village Playbox presents a new original musical by local playwright Rob Kristie - SHOWPLACE - the story of Steel Pier across three weekends from November 6-22, 2025. This is a story about the iconic and legendary venue in Atlantic City, NJ. It contains both fictional and non-fictional characters and covers the period from 1925 to 1977.
The Theater Project's 2025 New Play Readings Series Continues on October 18th 
(CRANFORD, NJ) -- The Theater Project will continue its fall 2025 New Play Readings and discussion series on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Cranford Community Center's 110-seat theater. Admission is free, with no registration required. The reading begins at 2:00pm.
music
Grunin Center for the Arts presents the April May Webb Trio 
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grunin Center for the Arts presents the April May Webb Trio on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 3:00pm. Musician, Songwriter, Vocalist, and Educator April May Webb hails from Newton, Kansas. April May's musical approach is diversely influenced but is rooted in jazz.
Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour 2025 with Opener Humbird on Friday, December 12, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from October 7-13, 2025 
Here is a look at shows taking place from October 7-13, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
Tupelo Honey – A Tribute to Van Morrison Brings the Spirit of Celtic Soul to the Strand Center for the Arts on Saturday 
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the Strand Center for the Arts welcomes Tupelo Honey – A Tribute to Van Morrison, an unforgettable musical celebration that captures the soul, storytelling, and spirit of one of rock's greatest legends. Showtime is 8:00pm.
World Cafe's Sense of Place: Montreal series explores the Canadian city's rich musical present and celebrated past 
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- From Montreal's DIY, Indie Rock and Jazz scenes to acclaimed songwriters and producers, World Cafe's Sense of Place: Montreal series explores the Canadian city's rich musical present and celebrated past. Produced by WXPN and distributed by NPR, the nationally syndicated radio show airs on over 300 stations across the U.S. and streams online at NPR Music and XPN.org.
The Vogel presents The Smithereens with special guest vocalist John Cowsill 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents The Smithereens with special guest vocalist John Cowsill on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. Since their formation in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have earned a reputation as one of America's most enduring rock bands.
Concert Hall at Drew University hosts Sinatra, A Man & His Music 
(MADISON, NJ) -- Step into the golden era of jazz and swing on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The Concert Hall at Drew University, as two powerhouse performers—Michael Martocci and Brandon Tomasello—join forces with the acclaimed JTole Jazz Orchestra for an unforgettable night celebrating the timeless charm of Frank Sinatra and the bold brilliance of American jazz. Showtime is 7:30pm.
NJ Jazz Society Offers Daylong Visit to Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives in Corona, Queens, sustains and promotes the cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy of Louis Armstrong by preserving and interpreting his house and grounds, collecting and sharing archival materials that document Armstrong's life and legacy, developing programs for the public that educate and inspire, and engaging with contemporary artists to create performances and new works.
New Jersey Film Festival Cold Weather Company Interview 
Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey Film Festival, sits down with Brian Curry & Steve Shimchick of Cold Weather Company, who will be performing at the festival on October 10, for a band interview. Check it out:
The Bronx Wanderers LIVE! at the Grunin Center 
Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Bronx Wanderers at Grunin Center for the Arts on September 28, 2025.
film
"The Phantom of the Opera" to Screen in Allentown with Live Organ Accompaniment 
(ALLENTOWN, NJ) -- Are you looking for the ultimate Halloween experience? The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) will host a screening of the 1925 silent film classic "The Phantom of the Opera" with live organ accompaniment on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in the Allentown Methodist Church. A century after its original release, the mastery of the Phantom – played by Lon Chaney – is still the gold standard for Halloween fare. The event begins at 7:00pm. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person.
art
Trenton City Museum Announces Series of Exhibitions to Celebrate Mel Leipzig at 90 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie announces "Mel at 90," a series of exhibitions at the museum and invited partner sites to celebrate iconic artist Mel Leipzig's 90 years. Leipzig has been a mentor, teacher, catalyst, and keystone in the greater Trenton arts community since his arrival here in 1968. Leading off the series is "The Revival of Realism," which will be on view from October 24 through January 4, 2026.
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from October 7-13, 2025 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from October 7-13, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
Princeton Makes Hosts Art in the Courtyard Festival on Sunday 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Makes hosts the annual Art in the Courtyard Festival on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 11:00am to 5:00pm in the Courtyard of the Princeton Shopping Center. The festival features a curated selection of local artists, artisans and cultural institutions. The event is free and open to the public. The entire community is invited to enjoy a day of art, culture, and connection.
MPAC presents The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 8:00pm. Hosted by renowned cult interventionist Ashlen Hilliard, this gripping live show takes audiences deep inside the world of cults—how they form, why people join, and what it takes to break free.
State of the Arts at the New York Emmy Awards on Saturday 
The 2025 New York Emmy Awards nominations were announced in July, and the acclaimed arts and culture series State of the Arts, which has covered the arts in New Jersey since 1981, received four. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at a live, in-person gala at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan.
Cape May celebrates its Victorian era with tours and events during Victorian Weekend 
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May's 53rd annual Victorian Weekend, presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), celebrates the city's famous Victorian architecture and history with a holiday weekend of house tours, walking tours, a crafts and collectibles show, murder mystery dinner, a show especially for hat lovers, trolley tours and more, from Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13, 2025. Visit Victorian Cape May during this 53rd annual holiday weekend!
FEATURED EVENTS
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