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
PHOTOS from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at State Theatre 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Every December, Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park moves from its home at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Edison and travels to State Theatre New Jersey, lock, stock, and camel, to do their annual production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This year, four performances took place from December 27-28, 2025 and photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place December 30 to January 5, 2025 
Here are previews of plays taking place from December 30 to January 5, 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.
Burlington County Footlighters presents "Calendar Girls" 
(CINNAMINSON, NJ) -- Burlington County Footlighters presents Calendar Girls by Tim Firth weekends from January 23 through February 7, 2026. It is based on the true story of eleven Women's Institute members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Merrily We Roll Along" 
(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Merrily We Roll Along weekends from January 16 through February 8, 2026. Sondheim's semi-autobiographical musical turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success. It is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.
Villagers Theatre presents "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" 
(SOMERSET, NJ) -- Villagers Theatre presents The Mystery of Edwin Drood across two weekends from January 16-25, 2026. Based on Charles Dickens' final unfinished novel, this hilarious whodunit by Rupert Holmes invites the audience to solve its mystery by choosing the identity of the murderer.
Haddonfield Plays and Players presents "Shrek, The Musical" 
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- Haddonfield Plays and Players presents Shrek, The Musical weekends from January 16-31, 2026. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film.
Somerset Valley Players presents "Drinking Habits" 
(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- Somerset Valley Players presents Drinking Habits by Tom Smith weekends from January 16 through February 1, 2026. Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Grease" 
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Grease weekends from January 9 through February 1, 2026. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates 50s high school, romance, and coming of age.
Bergen County Players presents "Seascape" by Edward Albee 
(ORADELL, NJ) -- Escape the cold and head to the sunny sand as Bergen County Players (BCP) raises the curtain on Seascape, which earned playwright Edward Albee his second Pulitzer Prize in 1975. The limited run of only five performances is directed by Dottie Fischer of Tenafly. The show runs from January 10-18, 2026 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.
music
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents James Maddock 
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents James Maddock on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. A rock & roll lifer, James has been carving his unique path since the 1980s, when the New York City based, British-born singer/songwriter kicked off his career with a raw, soulful voice; a storyteller's sense of narrative; and the ability to blur the lines between folk, classic pop, and rock.
Albert Music Hall presents its annual Winter Hootenanny in the Pines 
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will ring in the new year on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with its annual Winter Hootenanny in the Pines. The event marks the Hall's return from its winter break and promises an afternoon filled with live music and community, spanning genres of Folk, Country, Bluegrass, and Americana.
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 30 to January 5, 2025 
Here is a look at shows taking place from December 30 to January 5, 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.
comedy
Atlantic City Comedy Club hosts New Year's Eve show 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Still deciding on New Years Eve plans? The Atlantic City Comedy Club has a show featuring Rus Gutin, Gibran Saleem, Shivani Dave, and David James. Close out the year with some laughs on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 8:00pm.
Avenel PAC presents comedian John Poveromo 
(AVENEL, NJ) -- John Poveromo is a nationally touring comedian, writer, cartoonist, and the host of Dystopia Tonight. His unique blend of wit and insight has earned him recognition across multiple platforms and stages. He will perform at Avenel Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 8:00pm.
dance
Grand Kyiv Ballet to Perform "Swan Lake" at William Paterson University 
(WAYNE, NJ) -- William Paterson University hosts Grand Kyiv Ballet with their performance of Swan Lake on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Shea Center for Performing Arts. Swan Lake is a ballet masterpiece that tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. Showtime is 7:00pm.
community
Events This Week in New Jersey from December 30 to January 5, 2025 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from December 30-January 5, 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.
