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
Cumberland Players 2026 Season Preview 
(VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players will celebrate its 80th year of bringing live theatre to the community in 2026. Their anniversary season includes productions of The Importance of Being Earnest; The Last Five Years; Reefer Madness, The Musical; Six: The Musical TEEN EDITION; A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS; and The Pillowman.
music
Starland Ballroom presents Cheap Trick on March 20th 
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock 'n' roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. James Hatem will open the night.
The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey presents "Shostakovich 5" on February 22nd 
(VOORHEES, NJ) -- The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey presents "Shostakovich 5" on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Eastern Regional High School. Dive deep into a realm where every musical note tells a story with "Shostakovich 5," a symphonic celebration that intertwines the bold with the ethereal. Showtime is 3:00pm.
Stangl Stage presents BStreetBand on Valentine's Day 
(FLEMINGTON, NJ) -- BStreetBand returns to Stangl Stage in the Historic Stangl Factory on Valentine's Day (Saturday, February 14, 2026). If you've never been to a show at the historic Stangl Pottery Factory, this is a perfect one to start with. It's the kind of night that has people on their feet, singing along, and yes, dancing in the dark.
Will Downing Bring His Romantic R&B to UCPAC on Valentines' Day 
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- On Valentine's Day, while couples scramble for dinner reservations and last-minute roses, Will Downing has a better plan. He'll be taking the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ, offering an evening of songs built on romance, memories, and that unmistakable sultry baritone that has soundtracked jazz-infused R&B songs about relationships for more than three decades. For the men unsure how to impress on February 14, he keeps it simple. "You don't gotta say nothing," he laughed. "Just sit there, nod your head, act like you like the guy on stage. Your lady will be happy." It's classic Will Downing - charming, self-aware, and conversational.
film
New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2026 Video Animation Panel 
Here is the New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2026 Video Animation Panel with Ball Lightning Director Catriona Trina Baker, Come Home Director Katelyn Park and Festival Director Al Nigrin.
community
Vanguard Theater Accepting Submissions For Illuminating New Voices 2026 
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater, a professional producing theater in Montclair, is accepting submissions for Illuminating New Voices - a curated weekend of new work presentations. The festival will take place May 1-3, 2026. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2026 at midnight.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2026 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards 
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, will be prioritizing nominations for historic works focusing on the period surrounding the American Revolutionary War.
Great Oaks Legacy Charter Opens Doors to Newark Families Through Free Coat Giveaway & Community Resource Fairs 
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is hosting a series of free Community Resource Fairs and Open Houses this winter and spring, welcoming Newark families and community members to access essential resources while learning more about the Great Oaks Legacy educational experience. These events are open to the entire community, regardless of enrollment status.
$2 Million Gift by Levine and Gormley Families to Create STEM Scholars Program at Stockton 
(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Stockton University in partnership with the Levine and Gormley Family Foundations has announced the launch of a new $2 million initiative to expand access to high-quality STEM education for Atlantic County students.
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage from January 25-31, 2026 
Here's a look at the top 15 most read articles published on New Jersey Stage from January 25-31, 2026. Each week we publish at least 70 articles, including original columns and features, promoting events and covering arts news taking place throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week's top 15 includes articles from 7 counties (Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, and Ocean).
Lewis Center for the Arts Events in February 2026 
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton University's programs in Creative Writing, Dance, Theater & Music Theater, Visual Arts and the interdisciplinary Atelier form the Lewis Center for the Arts. In February, events presented by the Center include theatre, books, film, dance, and art.
