Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/08/2025
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is delighted to open the new year with one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the American stage, Same Time, Next Year, running for six performances only from January 17-25, 2026.
Relive the charm of the iconic 1978 film starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn in this heartfelt stage adaptation that has captivated audiences for decades. Same Time, Next Year follows the unexpected and enduring connection between Doris and George, who meet once a year for 25 years—sharing their triumphs, heartbreaks, personal growth, and the changing world around them. Filled with wit, tenderness, and laughter, this timeless two-hander remains as poignant and relatable today as when it first premiered.
"Our audiences are craving warmth, joy, and a reminder of the beautiful ways we connect with one another," said Pamela Ward, Executive Director of Algonquin Arts Theatre. "This delightful comedy is the perfect way to warm your heart this winter. Doris and George's story is funny, touching, and wonderfully human—exactly the kind of theatre experience we love bringing to our community."
The cast includes Michelle Conway (Doris) and Lex Friedman (George).
Tickets start at just $27 and are available now at www.algonquinarts.org, by calling 732-528-9211, or by visiting the Algonquin Arts Theatre Box Office (Monday–Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm) at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive in Manasquan, New Jersey.
Same Time, Next Year is directed by Derek Hulse, with a creative team that includes Jason Greenhouse (Scenic Design), Emily Davis (Costume Design), Roman Klima (Lighting Design), Jan Topoleski (Sound Design), and Joe Ficarra (Prop Design). Stage management is provided by Jade Rogers and Adam von Pier. This production of Same Time, Next Year is proudly sponsored by Shorehaven Wealth Partners.
Michelle Conway is thrilled to make her Algonquin debut! Recent credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet) and The Producers (Ulla). She was a featured soloist in Rent at the Count Basie Theatre and has appeared at New York City's iconic cabaret, Don't Tell Mama. Michelle studied Theatre and Television & Film at DeSales University and continues training with The Barrow Group in NYC.
Lex Friedman returns to the Algonquin stage, where previous favorite roles include Brian (Avenue Q), Paul (Misery), and Walter (Elf). He also performs comedic improv with ComedySportz in Ocean Grove. Beyond the stage, Lex runs the word-game website/app Lex.Games and writes and records music—both solo and with his son, under "Liam & Lex."
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance, and film.
Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages through instruction and through the unique conversation that exists between performer and audience.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the PNC Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, the Provident Bank Foundation, the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, and the generosity of businesses and patrons.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Chatham Community Players present a reading of "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players present a reading of Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. The play charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it.
Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a reading of What Would Meryl Do? by Neal Lerner on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a one-man comic whirlwind about a desperate man in a small upstate town who decides to teach a class on how to live like Meryl Streep — because why not? Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
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.
"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.
Center Players present "Love Letters" by A.R. Gurney
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players present Love Letters by A.R. Gurney with three performances from June 20-28, 2026. A Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama, Love Letters is about two lifelong friends and the letters they exchange, told with warmth, grace and heart.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
