(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents DRUM TAO - The Best on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7:30pm. DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional "Wadaiko" (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair.
Seen by 10 million spectators across the globe, DRUM TAO shows feature vibrant costumes, dramatic synchronized drumming and movement with a variety of traditional Japanese instruments, including flutes and harps, alongside the massive taiko drums. They have captivated audiences worldwide—selling out shows in 26 countries—garnering critical acclaim and accolades along the way.
DRUM TAO has a rich history of international spectators celebrating their groundbreaking performances. In 2016, their Off-Broadway debut in New York was sold out, earning high praise. A year later, they launched their long-running Tokyo show MANGEKYO, which went on to have over 500 performances. In 2020, they opened a stunning new permanent outdoor theater, TAO no Oka, nestled in the breathtaking Aso Kuju National Park. Continuing to innovate, they launched CLUB TAO in 2022, bringing their high-energy performances to Tokyo and Osaka's hottest nightclubs. Most recently, in 2024, DRUM TAO completed an ambitious 100-day tour across the United States and Canada.
Their achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award, the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Award, the Outstanding Cultural Achievement Award from Oita Prefecture, and the Cultural Creation Award from Taketa City.
Tickets start at $34 and are available for purchase online or by calling State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469). State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.
State Theatre New Jersey, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated its 100th Anniversary after major renovations in December 2021. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre's historic significance was honored when PBS featured it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey. Having played a significant role in revitalizing New Brunswick—crowned "Jersey's Best Destination of the Year" for 2025 by Jersey's Best magazine—State Theatre resides in the heart of the city's arts district.
Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six and a half million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have included high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Frampton, and Leanne Morgan. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.
State Theatre New Jersey's programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
