Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/17/2026
(NEW YORK, NY) -- The 2026 edition of the Chain Winter One-Act Festival takes place from February 5 through March 1, 2026, at Chain Theatre (312 West 36th Street, 3rd and 4th Floors, New York, NY). The festival has become one of the city's largest and most dynamic showcases for new work.
The festival is a carefully curated "mix-tape" of programming bringing together drama, comedy, and everything in between, welcoming Broadway actors, beloved television performers, and emerging voices to the same stage. The 2026 Winter Festival will feature more than 90 new plays and hundreds of artists, creating a vibrant playground for creativity that celebrates storytelling in all its forms. All non-union productions will be live-streamed and followed by a special moderated talkback with participating artists and Chain Theatre leadership.
Festival headliners and highlights include:
* The return of Jesse Eisenberg, who will direct the father-daughter duo Ralph Macchio* (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid, My Cousin Vinny) and Julia Macchio* (Cobra Kai, City on a Hill, Girl Most Likely) in Jeryl Brunner's SWEET TART with Anna Strout, Barbara Toy and Eisenberg producing
* Lyle Kessler's (Orphans) SH*T KICKERS, starring two-time Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee Carol Kane* (Taxi, Dog Day Afternoon) and Margaret Ladd*
* Academy Award-nominee and two-time Obie Award-winner José Rivera, who presents the World Premiere of LOOK WHAT CRASHED THROUGH THE PORTAL AND ENDED UP IN BROOKLYN
* Three-time Emmy Award-winner Jennifer Pepperman as writer/director of RAY
* The World Premiere of STALLED, directed by David Zayas Jr., written by and starring Diego Aguirre (Dexter: Resurrection, Monsterland), and also starring Joseph Russo (The Offer, Jersey Boys) and Jacob Lumet Cannavale (The Offer, The Mandalorian)
* THE OBLIQUE, written by Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, and director Christopher Goutman, and starring three-time Emmy Award-winner Cady McClain*
* The World Premiere of THE FUSION EXPERIMENT, written by John Arthur Long (SOVA Winner), directed by Chain Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski, and starring David Rey (I'm Okay, We're Okay) and Christina Elise Perry (Humpty Dumpty).
"We don't do safe—we do real," says Chain Theatre Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski. "This is where audiences and artists meet on equal ground to explore the world as it is, and imagine what it could be."
Tickets range from $24-$35, and are available at www.chaintheatre.org. Running Time: Curated program blocks run 60-80 minutes.
The festival boasts a technical team led by Dariel Garcia, with stage management by Megan-Sophie Gore
Chain Theatre always seeks to reflect and react to the world around us. Culturally. Politically. Socially. Audiences can find investment in the work at the Chain because it's about them, no matter the topic. It's a place where artists and audiences can expand their perspectives.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Ferrell Studios Community Theatre presents "Merrily We Roll Along"
(METUCHEN, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios Community Theatre, a nonprofit theatre organization serving Central New Jersey, announces its upcoming production of Merrily We Roll Along, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production will close the company's 2025-26 season, themed "Our Time," with five performances at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Auditorium in Metuchen, NJ from August 20-23, 2026.
Ritz Theatre Company presents 2026 One-Act Play Festival
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents their 2026 One-Act Play Festival from August 28-29. The festival features one-act comedies from practicing and promised playwrights from around the world!
Brundage Park Playhouse presents "Anything Goes"
(RANDOLPH, NJ) -- Brundage Park Playhouse presents Anything Goes across two weekends from August 21-30, 2026. Set sail aboard the S.S. America before the end of summer with a dazzling production of the classic musical comedy.
George Street Playhouse presents "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares - a comedy show with original songs from August 26-30, 2026. Direct from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements comes this one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti.
Spring Lake Theatre Company presents "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre Company presents two performances of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret from August 29-30, 2026. This is a one-act play from the experiences of America's longest war, blending heartfelt storytelling with a unique cast of combat veterans and military family members.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Broadway Sings for Aaron Lazar on August 31
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In 2022, as the world was finally coming out of COVID-19, Aaron Lazar was invited to return to the stage to lead the cast of The Bridges of Madison County, playing opposite Kate Baldwin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal. Just days into rehearsal, Lazar received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. Thus began Lazar's "extraordinary" journey.
Light Opera of New Jersey to Hold Auditions for "Amahl and The Night Visitors"
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey will hold auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors, a heartwarming holiday opera, on August 27th and September 3rd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Callbacks will be on September 5th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Auditions will be in Basking Ridge. Registrants will be advised of exact location after registering. All roles are opened and paid.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis"
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- What happens when fantasy meets 50-something reality? Find out when Haddonfield Plays & Players presents Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis from September 4-6, 2026. This is a sharp-witted, satirical play written by Amy Ferris and adapted from her best-selling memoir.
Fifth Annual Broadway in the Park concert to Take Place September 7th
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- SOMA Stage presents the fifth annual Broadway in the Park concert on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood. This year's concert, Broadway in the Park: Let's Rock!, features Broadway's biggest rock and pop hits from the 1950s through today. Showtime is 4:30pm.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Lunar Eclipse" by Donald Margulies
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of Lunar Eclipse by Donald Margulies from August 27 through September 20, 2026. In the play, George has been waiting for this night – the seven stages of a lunar eclipse are viewable from the farm that he shares with his wife Em – and she decides to join him in taking in the view.
FEATURED EVENTS
