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!
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theatre
Gateway Playhouse to Open Registration for Children's Summer Camp Program 
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Registration opens Sunday, February 1, 2026 for Gateway Playhouse's "Gateway to the Arts," the annual eight-week summer camp program for children ages 7 to 18. The educational program will take place at the Somers Point theater from June 22 to August 15.
This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place January 13-19, 2026 
Here are previews of plays taking place from January 13-19, 2026 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.
The National Tour of Chicago, the Musical comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center This Weekend 
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The National Tour of Chicago, the Musical comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with four performances from January 16-18, 2026. Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
CDC Theatre presents "It Shoulda Been You" 
(CRANFORD, NJ) -- CDC Theatre presents It Shoulda Been You across three weekends from February 13 to March 1, 2026. This is Broadway's wild musical farce with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and plenty of crazy twists and turns.
Avenel PAC presents "Death Do Us Part" 
(AVENEL, NJ) -- The Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Death Do Us Part from January 30-31, 2026 with performances at 6:00pm each night. Death Do Us Part is a wedding murder mystery by Tony Ardolino.
Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts presents "All Shook Up" 
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts presents All Shook Up from January 13-14, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm each night. This is a hilarious and heartfelt musical with an original book by Joe DiPietro, creator of the Tony Award®-winning musical Memphis.
music
This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 13-19, 2026 
Here is a look at shows taking place from January 13-19, 2026 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.
UCPAC presents Lez Zeppelin: The Song Remains The Same 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 21st 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- In honor of the 50th anniversary of the release of The Song Remains the Same, internationally acclaimed Lez Zeppelin — the all-female quartet known for delivering the most powerful and authentic Led Zeppelin experience and the only band personally endorsed by Jimmy Page himself — returns to Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) with a special concert celebrating the iconic 1976 film and its legendary soundtrack! The concert takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8:00pm.
comedy
Catch a Rising Star presents Kevin Dombrowski this weekend 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Catch a Rising Star presents Kevin Dombrowski on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026 with performances at 7:30pm each night. Kevin is a standup comedian that constantly finds himself in the wrong place at the right time for comedy.
The Concert Venue at Harrah's Atlantic City presents comedian Joe List on January 31st 
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Concert Venue at Harrahs Atlantic City presents comedian Joe List on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Known for his sharp wit and hilarious takes on everyday life, Joe brings his signature style to the stage for one unforgettable night.
film
New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2026 Preview 
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will take place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 23 and February 22, 2026. The Festival will be a hybrid one as it will be presented online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University.
New Jersey Film Festival Video Interview with John Decker 
Al Nigrin, Executive Director & Curator of the New Jersey Film Festival, sits down with John Decker, director of "Portrait of a Monastery," for a filmmaker interview. "Portrait of a Monastery" will be screened on January 24, 2026.
art
Gallery491 presents "Playing with Light and Color" by Bruce Rainier 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Gallery491 presents Playing with Light and Color, a vibrant and imaginative exhibition by artist Bruce Rainier. The exhibit runs from February 12 through April 24, 2026 at Gallery491 on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
community
Trenton Ironhawks To Bring ECHL Hockey Back To The City 
(TRENTON, NJ) -- After a two-month, name-the-team contest with more than 2,000 entries, the Trenton professional ECHL ice hockey team will be named the Trenton Ironhawks. The team begins ECHL play during the 2026-27 season at CURE Insurance Arena. Team President Bob Ohrablo announced the new name, logo and official team colors at CURE Insurance Arena on January 13th alongside Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, and many Trenton-area hockey fans who have already secured season ticket memberships.
Events This Week in New Jersey from January 13-19, 2026 
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from January 13-19, 2026 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.
