originally published: 02/23/2026
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) has announced the appointment of Susan Speidel as the company's first Youth in Arts Director. This landmark position was established through the generous support of LONJ Trustee Shari Loe.
The Youth in Arts Director (YIAD) will play a vital role in advancing LONJ’s mission to make the arts accessible, inclusive, and relevant to young audiences.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Susan Speidel to our leadership team as the first Youth in Arts Director for Light Opera of New Jersey," said Jason Tramm, Executive Director of LONJ. "Susan’s unparalleled pedigree in arts education makes her the ideal leader to bridge professional performance with youth engagement. With the support of Shari Loe, this role allows us to deepen our commitment to the next generation."
Ms. Speidel brings a wealth of experience to LONJ, having served as the first Director of Education at the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse. There, she created the Rising Star Awards, the Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory, and the Adopt-A-School Project.
“I am honored to step into this new role at Light Opera of New Jersey—a company I have long admired as both a performer and an educator. LONJ has established a foundation for recognizing and training young singers through its Stars of Tomorrow Vocal Competition and other programs. My goal is to build on that foundation, not only expanding young singers' knowledge of operetta and musical theatre repertoire, but also providing them with meaningful training and performance experiences. I'm delighted to be working with LONJ's leadership to plan inclusive programs that will inspire and transform these young performers as artists and as individuals,” said Susan Speidel.
Her extensive background also includes:
*Morristown Beard School: Served as Chair of the Performing Arts Department (2007–2019), directing over 35 productions.
* Higher Education: Currently teaches for the Department of Theatre at Kean University and serves as a Lecturer for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University.
* Academic Credentials: Holds master’s degrees from Kean and NYU and a doctorate from Drew University.
Acclaimed Performance Career and Recognition - An accomplished performer, Ms. Speidel has appeared in LONJ’s productions of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Ragtime. She has also been a soloist with the Indianapolis, Seattle, and Portland Symphonies.
Her contributions to the arts have earned her the NJ Governor’s Award for Theatre Education and induction into the NJACT Hall of Fame.
Strategic Vision for Youth Engagement
In this capacity, Ms. Speidel will be responsible for:
* Designing and managing school and youth-based engagement programs.
* Cultivating partnerships with youth leaders and educators across the region.
* Ensuring young audiences experience the transformative power of LONJ's artistic programming.
* Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate the program’s impact for community stakeholders and funders.
* Establishment of the LONJ Youth Ensemble designed for young singers and actors to develop their skills in a professional-level environment
Light Opera of New Jersey is a premier regional theater company dedicated to bringing high-quality operetta, opera, and musical theater to the community while fostering the development of emerging artists and engaging young audiences through innovative outreach.
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EVENT PREVIEWS
Berlin Under A presents "Roots Rock Women" on April 16th
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Berlin Under A presents "Roots Rock Women" on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The lineup includes Debra Devi, Faith NYC, Stephanie Marie & The Double-Knit Players. Doors are at 5:30pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Over the course of her twenty five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as "one of the most innovative songwriters working today" (Chicago Tribune).
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the ultimate ABBA tribute, touring through North America for the past 20 years. The audience and the press all agree that "This is the closest to ABBA you'll ever get!"
Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen on April 16th
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen, a new live music concert series featuring none other than the college's own music program graduates performing original music and classics. Held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the college's Ciccone Theater, the inaugural installment will showcase the program's success at producing top notch musicians across a variety of genres from classical and jazz to R&B, pop and rock.
WilloLand Duo performs on April 16 as part of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Series
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:15pm, Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will present the WilloLand Duo. The performers, Kevin Willois, flute and Patricia Tupta Landy, piano, are members of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.
MPAC presents Patti LaBelle on April 17th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class.
Killer Queen to Perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Killer Queen, the award-winning UK-based Queen Tribute featuring the incredible Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The group's ambitious twelve-week 2026 US Tour runs from April 16 to October 23.
Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades. A limited number of tickets remain for the show.
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Two women plus ten instruments equal one good time when the award-winning duo of Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon take the stage. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
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